Alternatives for a classic wardrobe or armoire

Lily Cichanowicz Lily Cichanowicz
Moderne Möbel, Wagner Möbel Manufaktur Wagner Möbel Manufaktur Modern dressing room
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As regal as they may be, classic wardrobes and armoires are quite bulky. Space is a precious commodity these days, and such a large storage device just isn’t right for everyone. Another reason that an armoire may not be the most functional piece for storing your clothes is that it necessarily doesn’t offer proper drawers and shelves for smaller items. With sucks, undergarments, hats, bags, shoes and jewellry, specified places for such items is a must. Luckily, there are plenty of other alternatives available for those who seek an option for organising their clothing that is more tailored to their specific needs. This list will help get you started on deciphering which storage mechanism is best fitted to your specific spatial constraints and unique personal preferences. Many of these ideas can be used in conjunction with one another as well.

Concise storage with a clothes rail

Bring out your inner fashionista with the help of a clothing rail. We often see such implements used at boutiques and clothing shops. Incorporating one into your interior will give it the same fashionable flair. They work well in minimalist and industrial styles, but they come in many different varieties to match any interior. Plus, the clothes rail allows you to show off your favourite pieces, and makes it easier to find them when the time comes. Many clothing rails come with wheels at the bottom so they are easy to manoeuvre as well. We love this clothing rail by Raskl. Design Studio & Workshop because it also has a small shelf at the bottom for storing shoes, something that can be a difficult task in itself. Additionally, clothing rails are smaller in stature than a classic wardrobe so you don’t have to occupy any more space than necessary in order to successfully organise your clothes.

Hanging from the ceiling

A variation on the clothing rail is to suspend a bar from the ceiling for hanging clothing. To do this, attach each end of the bar to a piece of rope or a chain and attach the other end to hooks on the ceiling. This way no floor space is occupied and instead can be used for something else. This DIY set-up is an innovative alternative for those facing space constraints or if you’re just looking to add some originality to your bedroom. Alternatively, hanging a single chain from the ceiling can serve as a neat place for you to put hangers with scarves or other small accessories. Of course, with either option it is important to be mindful of the amount of clothing you plan on adding to the bar because weight is an important concern here. If the bar becomes too heavy the hooks might get yanked from the ceiling.

Chest of drawers

Another tried and true mechanism for storing your clothes in the absence of a wardrobe is a chest of drawers. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. Therefore, a chest of drawers is bound to work in just about any bedroom or closet. They are also naturally inclined toward better organisation because each drawer can be allocated to a specific set of neatly folded articles of clothing. If you’re worried about smaller accessories getting los in drawers, there are drawer dividers made for this exact purpose, too. An additional perk of the chest of drawers is that you can add décor at the top like the books and plant we see in this example. If you’re looking to add a chest of drawers to your bedroom but are strapped for cash, flea markets and antique shops often have some beautiful pieces to choose from.

Store bulky items in boxes

Clyde storage box Loaf Scandinavian style living room Storage

It is common for our clothing collections to get bogged down with bulkier items. Extra towels, linens, and off-season items add up and cloud the more relevant items. For better organisation it can be useful to keep these extra items out of the way. Perhaps you have a clothing rail for the essentials but have been wondering what to do with the other things that come in handy often enough that you keep them around, but are certainly not every day elements of your wardrobe. A large box or trunk can do wonders for storing such items while also adding decorative value. They are traditional pieces that make a great addition to a bedroom when situated at the foot of the bed or against a wall. They also provide extra seating in your bedroom. We love this rustic wooden box because it is large enough to store several articles of clothing, and it adds to the soft tones present in this interior.

under the bed

If you don’t have a lot of space to work with or a trunk is not your style, there is another alternative for housing off-season clothing and other bulky items. Keeping these things below the bed will make them accessible yet out of the way. This bed is situated on a raised platform, which is certainly idea for under the bed storage. Still, many of us may not have this option inside of our own bedrooms. Luckily, there are many plastic and containers available for storing clothing. Using a flat, wide container under a more conventional bed might work better in your bedroom. There are also bedframes with built-in drawers, which keep clothing stored under the bed even more handy. If you’re looking for a place to keep extra bed linens, there are also beds made with space beneath the mattress.

Maximising vertical space with some shelves

Like clothing rails, shelves allow you to locate articles of clothing more easily due to the greater visibility they provide. Another benefit is that they take advantage of vertical space. Thus, shelves are ideal for tight quarters. Though this lovely walk-in closet covered wall-to-wall in shelves may be a more extreme example, it demonstrates the many shapes and sizes your shelving unit can take. To maximise space install a floating shelf with hooks underneath for clothing. Shelves can be an excellent means of displaying bags while also keeping them out of the way. While we are on the subject of shelving, a shoe rack works as a smaller shelving unit for stowing multiple sets of shoes. It’s a must-have in any home.

If you enjoyed this Ideabook, check out these tips for banishing the clutter from your home. Happy decorating! 

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