There are various factors you may keep in mind when choosing an antique wardrobe, including the size of the item, finish, condition, and overall appearance. The features which are most important will largely depend on your personal taste and preferences. If you have a specific use for your wardrobe in mind, or a particular area of your home in which to put it, you may have additional style and size restraints if you do not want to make additional changes to your home's décor.
One important factor you will likely need to consider when choosing an antique wardrobe is price. Antiques can be costly, although this will depend on the size and condition of the items you purchase. If you have a limited budget, it is a good idea to figure out exactly how much you can spend and only view items which fit within that price range. Do this by narrowing online searches based on price, or asking salespeople in your local store to show you items which fall within your specific range.
Antiques which are in excellent or nearly new condition are often very expensive, although other factors, such as materials and scarcity of a particular item, may also impact the price. You may be able to find a worn antique and to fix up yourself in order to save money, although any changes made to an antique piece usually affects the value if you intend to resell.
Another factor you may consider is the size of the antique wardrobe you want to get. If you have a particular function it will be used for, this should be kept in mind as you look as various options. For instance, if you have to fit clothing, coats, or other items then you may want to gather the intended items to be stored to determine how large of an antique wardrobe you will need. The size of your home is also a factor.
The materials your antique wardrobe is made of should also be taken into account, since some are more durable and able to withstand heavy use than others. If you will be using your wardrobe daily as a storage unit, you should choose one made from sturdy materials like hardwoods. Reinforce any hinges or hardware which have become damaged or worn over time.
Finally, your antique wardrobe will likely need to match your existing décor, although this is entirely up to you. Many wood stains and finish options coordinate with a wide range of styles. You may also wish to alter your current home décor to match the wardrobe if you find an item you really like which doesn't match you existing design.