Is It a Highboy or a Chiffonier? Antique Furniture Terms Made Simple

Let’s be honest — collecting antiques is exciting. The stories, the style, the charm... It's all part of the magic.

But let’s also admit something else: sometimes, we have no idea what we’ve just brought home.

Take that “dresser” in your bedroom. Is it a highboy? A chiffonier? Maybe a chest of drawers?
Why is it so confusing? Well, welcome to the wonderfully puzzling world of antique furniture terminology.

Buffet vs Sideboard – Are They Different?

Before we dig into the bedroom debate, let’s start with something that confuses everyone: the buffet and the sideboard.

You've probably heard the terms used interchangeably — and for good reason. They're pretty much the same thing.

Technically, the French say a buffet is a small sideboard for storing dishes. And yes, sometimes a sideboard might look a bit larger. But in the end, both are there to store things below and display or serve food on top.

Some have mirrored backs. Others don’t. Some have open shelving, others are solid and simple. No hard rules here.

Now Back to That Bedroom Piece…

You walk into your room and stare at the tall piece holding your socks.
“Wait... is this a highboy? Or is it a ? Or just a fancy chest of drawers?”

Well, here’s the deal:

  • A chiffonier is tall and narrow.

  • A highboy is tall too, but it usually stands on legs and has two sections.

  • Both are types of chests of drawers.

So… you’re probably right, whatever you call it. Confused? You're not alone.

What About Armoires and Wardrobes?

Let’s move over to the closet corner.
You might be asking: “Do I have an armoire or a wardrobe?”

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Both have doors.
  • Both have rods for hanging clothes.
  • But armoires tend to be larger and more decorative.
  • Wardrobes are usually sleeker and simpler.

There’s also a style of English wardrobes made especially for gentlemen.
One side for hanging suits. The other with neat little labeled drawers.
Not super fancy — but charming and still affordable today.

So… What’s the Right Name?

At the end of the day, furniture terms overlap.
One seller might call it a sideboard. Another might say buffet. Someone else will throw in “credenza” just to make it fun.

But here’s the truth: what you call it doesn’t matter nearly as much as how it makes you feel.

If you love it, the name, label, or even the price tag fades into the background.
That piece becomes part of your home, your story. And that’s what makes antiques special.

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