Armoires have a very distinctive look and function to them; as grand furniture pieces, armoires can sometimes be conceived as just an intimidating, oversized cabinet. On the contrary, armoires can be a wonderful addition to your home for a number of reasons: they provide an abundance of storage space, are usually cable and TV ready, and because they're such solid pieces, they can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Generally armoires are seen in living rooms where they're used for storing the television and entertainment equipment. Ventilation for the most part wouldn't be a problem and there's usually a removable panel or holes for the cables to go through. Storing all your movies and video games wouldn't be a problem because of the extra shelves and drawers included with most armoires, making this a kid-friendly furniture item. This same piece of furniture can even store your blankets, linens, clothing and other personal effects, making it an ideal alternative to a wardrobe or closet. By hiding everything in plain sight, keeping your personal effects organized will be a piece of cake.

One thing to consider about armoires is the doors. Wrap-around doors that are double-hinged swing out to 270 degrees, which should prompt you to place the armoire in an area that permits the wide swing. Other armoires that come with doors that slide into the armoire itself are an excellent alternative if you're short on space. However, the downside is that with doors that slide inward, you lose a bit of interior space.

Because armoires are anchored pieces of furniture, they don't normally get worn down and can last for many years. Usually turning into antique family heirloom pieces, future generations will appreciate their armoire for its utilitarian design, abundance of storage space, along with the stories and memories their armoire holds.