Bedroom storage ideas for clothing
22 Genius Storage Tricks for Small Bedrooms Without Closets
Ngoc Minh Ngo
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Hang Extra Hooks
We spot several great small-space tips in this bedroom designed by David Kaihoi: 1) Mirror the inside of your closet doors. 2) Add hooks to the interior side of the doors for extra items and outfit planning. 3) Use bins to stay organized. Pro tip: If you don't need hooks for outfit planning, hang a dirty laundry bag there! It will take up less space than a structured hamper.
NC
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Keep Shoes Up High
If you have an amazing shoe and accessory collection, why not flaunt it? Keeping your shoes on shelves in an armoire, tall dresser, or built-in cabinet will also make it easier to pick out your outfit since they'll be at eye level. In this dressing room designed by Aerin Lauder, the wallpaper is as dazzling as the shoe collection. "My grandmother had the same wallpaper in her office," she shares.
Corinne Mathern Design
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Work Around Awkward Angles
If you don't have a closet, but you do have a clothing collection, stay organized and polished with custom wall built-ins that store everything behind closed doors. In this bedroom design by Corinne Mathern, the built-ins provide extensive storage and accommodate the irregular ceiling structure. They're also less deep than your typical dresser and armoire—a win for small bedrooms.
Shawn Henderson
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Optimize a Corner
Don't have a closet? Wardrobes work just as well and can make a design statement in your room. This stunning piece will have you admiring it every time you pass by. If you have an awkward and empty corner, invest in a great dresser or armoire that can bring it to life while also giving you an extra place to store all your items. This texture-rich corner in a small bedroom designed by Shawn Henderson can hold intimates and more.
Brie Williams
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Make It Feel Like a Boudoir
Designer Ariene Bethea's bedroom features a fun bedspread and wild Etsy bolsters. The mannequin and mirror give it a swanky dressing room vibe. Plan out and display outfits with a mannequin or use it as a makeshift coat rack.
It's a pretty way to stay organized in an open space like a bedroom when your closet is too small. A vintage or antique-inspired option is the way to go.
Shapeless Studio
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Install Touch-Latch Doors
Flush with the walls, this closet disappears into the primary bedroom designed by Shapeless Studio, providing plenty of clothing storage without infringing upon the living space physically or visually. If you don't have the option of pulling out the power drills for custom builds, you can still utilize your wall with rods and floating shelves.
James Merrell
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Use the Back of Your Door
Don't worry, your hat addiction is in good hands. A series of hooks can turn an empty wall space or the back of a door into the perfect place for storing your caps, sunhats, and beanies, as Kate Reid proves in this cozy bedroom.
Anna Spiro Design
8 of 22
Line Your Cabinets With Fabric
If your storage includes glass or wire doors, line them with a pretty fabric.
This will hide all your stored clothing and add a little style to your bedroom and keep it from looking too crowded with clothing. You can use velcro to fasten the fabric if you don't know how to sew. We love the tight print designer Anna Spiro chose here to complement the cream paint and brass hardware.
Julian Wass
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Distract With Beautiful Patterns
A floral fabric brightens up this open bedroom closet designed by Gary McBournie, which he upholstered for a soft effect. The adjacent primary bedroom features curtains in the same fabric for a cohesive whole.
Robert Peterson
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Create Privacy With Barn Doors
Alison Victoria created a 360-degree rotating closet system with Closet Works that features a hidden full-length mirror and ample storage for shoes. Sourced from the Corbel, French doors that date back to the 1800s close off the modern space, which opens right up into the bedroom.
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
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Dress Up Enclosures
Add some fancy ornamentations to your existing doors or built-in enclosures to give them a more polished look, like faux moldings and chic cabinet pulls.
Use this stylish and sophisticated bedroom designed by Tamsin Johnson Interiors as a model.
Fantastic Frank
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Use a Coat Rack
It helps to buy hangers specific to the item to maximize what little space you do have. Pants, for example, can easily slide on and off of pants hangers thanks to their open-ended design. And you'll be able to fit more into your closet since they hang flat against each other. But when you truly have no space for bulkier items like coats, keep a coat rack in the corner of your bedroom so it looks organized even if it has to be out in the open.
Leanne Ford Interiors
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Remove the Doors
Leanne Ford decided to remove the doors from this closet to make the bedroom feel large and more open. Plus, it probably motivates the occupant to stay organized since it's all out in the open. Doubling up your closet space is as easy as hanging up another bar. Speaking of which, choose a system that also includes hooks for maximum versatility.
You can double up the number of clothes you store in your closet by adding a second level with a rod.
Shari Francis
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Use Up Every Last Inch of Space
Store all unseasonal items either under the bed or in hard-to-reach spots in your closet. This bedroom designed by Shari Francis has bonus storage space above the closet, which may not be convenient for everyday items but is perfect for extra suitcases or outerwear. And, if you don't have any more closet space to speak of, consider storing out-of-season items under the bed in boxes or invest in a savvy bed with a built-in platform that sits under the mattress for storage.
NC
15 of 22
Build Into the Walls of a Connected Hallway
"Because my bedroom, bath, and closet are in the attic of my house, space is at a premium," says designer Time Clarke. And that didn't stop him from making it work. "I utilized the angled areas under the eaves and installed hanging bars and pullout shelves. It's all perfectly hidden behind tongue-and-groove paneling with invisible touch-latch doors.
I sleep in my closet!" If you need to cram bulky things like sweaters and jeans in there, too, vacuum bags will become your best friend.
Thomas Loof
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Get Creative With Furniture
This genius small space solution gets a lot done while taking up as little of the floor as possible. Juan Carretero flanked the bed with two custom, ceiling-high armoires that function as closets, and the niche beneath the built-in sconce functions as a bedside table. Another similar clever solution? A storage bench or trunk at the end of the bed for more clothes that doubles as seating.
Kevin Scott
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Install Layered Shelving
Layer one wall with shelving, or make one row stretch along the perimeter of the bedroom. You can use it to store everything from books to accessories, blankets, purses, shoes, and more. Designed by Studio DIIA, the exposed shelf above the bed houses books, the upper cabinets corral linens, and the closet across from the bed stores clothing.
This is especially smart if you have high ceilings and can afford to use more of your vertical space without eating into useable floor room.
Closet Stalker/The Krazy Coupon Lady
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Hang Pants on S-Hooks
Save shelf space by hanging your pants with belt loops on S-hooks. This way, you can easily make them more compact. Bonus: You can see them all much better when you're choosing which pair to wear.
SHOP HOOKS containerstore.com
Decor 8
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Similarly, You Can Go Behind Your Bed
Ready for storage and style? In this all-white room, the colorful hanging clothes almost act as a headboard.
See more at Decor 8.
SHOP SHELVES homedepot.com
IKEA
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Use a Clothing Rack
The best thing about this organizer is that your clothes will be on display at all times, so you'll learn quickly which items you love and which ones you can toss or donate.
BUY NOW Turbo Clothing Rack, $50
The Container Store
21 of 22
Hang Shoes on the Door
Use the door to your bedroom to store shoes. If you don't have a ton of shoes, the empty slots can store sweaters and other clothes.
BUY NOW Over the Door Shoe Rack, $40
The Lily Pad Cottage
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Use Your Bed Frame
Brown wicker baskets snuggled into this bed frame are perfect for storing shoes and sweaters. Plus, a cozy white blanket could almost conceal this storage spot entirely.
See more at The Lily Pad Cottage.
SHOP BASKETS potterybarn.com
12 ways to stash what you wear neatly |
(Image credit: Future)
Clever clothes storage ideas can stretch your closet space and make it work miles more efficiently. After all, there’s nothing worse than trying to find a favorite sweater or pair of shoes when you’re hurrying to get ready in the morning and are up against the clock.
Clothing storage ideas are key to organizing a bedroom, and by re-jigging the space and re-homing those garments and shoes that you no longer need, you will discover that it's not only easier to find what you need fast, but it will also emerge from the closet uncreased and unscathed.
So, whatever your bedroom storage ideas, these ideas for storing clothes will transform your space.
Clothes storage ideas
Ideas for storing clothes really start with closet organization ideas, since more space doesn't necessarily mean more storage.
‘Getting the configuration right is what makes or breaks a closet and its functionality,’ says Rachal Hutcheson, National Retail Manager at Sharps . ‘A sensible place to start is by assessing your clothing storage needs. We all organize differently, so think about the volume of clothes and shoes that you have, whether you might need storage areas for bedding and towels and how much space you might need in the future.’
Whether you’re hankering after a walk-in closet, his and hers dressing rooms, or ways to optimize your existing design, these are the clothes storage ideas to get started with.
1. Opt for fitted furniture to maximize space
(Image credit: Go Modern Furniture)
While a freestanding closet or antique armoire can add character to a bedroom, fitted clothes storage ideas offer a bespoke solution that can be tailored to better suit the space and size requirements. Built-in closets work well in period properties, where awkward corners, nooks and alcoves can be a problem, as they can be designed to fit the exact contours of a room to ensure space isn’t wasted.
However, when it comes to organizing clothes, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And a built-in closet can offer tailored clothes storage inside to suit specific needs. Where single rails were once the norm, a combination of interior storage with rails, shelves and drawers can offer a more practical mix.
‘Once you have considered the capacity, start to think broadly about the design element of the interior fit out and what you might like to include,’ continues bedroom storage expert Rachal Hutcheson.
‘There are many options for personalizing a fitted wardrobe, to ensure it works perfectly for your lifestyle, for example combining hanging rails with pigeonhole shelving. Internal drawers and shoe storage will help keep you organized whilst allowing easy access to the clothes you need, when you need them.’ Consider, too, whether you want space in which to organize jewelry and organize makeup.
2. Find a smart solution for tricky spaces
(Image credit: Sharps)
Use space efficiently in period properties where sloping ceilings or awkward under-eaves spaces rule out full-height furniture. Cubbyhole shelving can be configured to run floor-to-ceiling to maximum the full height of the room, with angled doors that slide smoothly in and out. This solution can be particularly useful for bulky sweaters or shoe storage ideas.
‘Many of us have lots of shoes and bags to store. If they are housed in their boxes or bags, and stored two or three deep, it’s difficult to see what you have at a glance.
Installing open storage is far more practical,’ adds Rachel Hutcheson.
3. Stack knitwear for easier access
(Image credit: The Container Store)
Shelves at the top of closets are a great way of utilizing space above clothes rails that might otherwise be wasted. Use shelves to store bulky items like sweaters and chunky knitwear that might get snagged or stretched if hung on a hanger. Thicker items fold easily and won’t crease or lose their shape when stacked in a pile and are easier to access than if tucked away in drawers.
If your closet doesn’t have built-in bedroom organizers, create your own dividers by buying plastic versions off-the-peg that simply slot in on top of shelves. Aim for shorter piles stacked well, rather than too-high piles that might topple.
4. Take the time to fold clothes neatly
(Image credit: The Container Store)
Clothing storage can be rethought entirely – instead of stacking, think: filing. According to storage guru Marie Kondo , ‘by neatly folding your clothes, you can solve almost every problem related to storage.
’
The KonMari method suggests that instead of folding clothes and stacking them on top of each other, by arranging them so that they stand vertically, you save space and it actually becomes much easier to find what you’re looking for. 'The act of folding is far more than making clothes compact for storage,' says Kondo. 'It is an act of caring, an expression of love and appreciation for the way these clothes support your lifestyle.'
Once clothes have been carefully folded, Kondo also advises using drawer dividers and boxes to keep things neatly in their place.
5. Indulge in a dedicated dressing room
(Image credit: Neville Johnson)
If you have the luxury of a little extra space, then a separate dressing room is ideal for exploiting a plethora of clothes storage ideas. A long narrow, room makes the perfect space, so consider turning a room into a walk-in closet or guest bedroom into a dressing room if they are seldom used.
Create a feeling of spaciousness by opting for sleek built-ins along one wall only, which will give plenty of space for doors opening – or consider space-saving sliding doors.
Mirrored doors and glossy light-reflective surfaces will bounce light around the space and help make it feel roomier – plus mirrors will come in useful too when trying on outfits.
'A bespoke furniture company will usually be able to create a dressing room or walk-in wardrobe from any practical size available, but a room width or depth of at least 1.3 m is a sensible minimum to have in mind,' says Simon Tcherniak, senior designer at Neville Johnson . 'To hang clothes without restrictions you really need a depth of 650mm, plus space to walk in.'
6. Access all areas
(Image credit: Future/Matthew Williams)
Consider partitioning off part of an upstairs landing to create a separate dressing room or small walk-in closet. Make the most of ceiling height with built-in joinery extending cupboard or shelves from floor to ceiling to enjoy the maximum amount of storage. Glass doors keep the look light and airy and create a sense of space while also allowing you to see the contents at a glance.
‘Where possible, think about adding a ladder for access,’ recommends Annie Ebenston, designer at Blakes London . ‘Ladders work particularly well in period conversions, why waste all that high-level storage potential when you can design in a ladder? And aside from the obvious practical benefits they add character and a focal point to the room.’
7. Double-up and squeeze more in
(Image credit: Go Modern Furniture)
‘The most important thing to do when planning clothing storage ideas is to look at everything you own – clothes, shoes and accessories – and work out what storage you need,’ says designer Nathalie de Leval . ‘Thinking about how you store clothes – whether you prefer hanging or folding – helps define what you need.’
If you don’t have very many full-length dresses or coats, instead of wasting space with a single full-height clothes rail, consider making a swap. Two double-height rails will allow you to fit more shorter items in, such as skirts, shirts and trousers.
Or try a combination of different height hanging rails so that all bases are covered.
Note how here, efficient closet lighting ideas can help you identify various clothing storage options and find what you need quickly.
8. Plan the perfect walk-in
(Image credit: Neville Johnson)
A walk-in closet can feel every bit as luxurious as a dressing room, but with clever ideas for storing clothes it can be created using a little less space. Unlike a dedicated dressing room, a walk-in closet is often a smaller area adjoining or partitioned-off from the main bedroom and tends to be kitted out with open clothes storage rather than fitted cupboards.
Corners can present a challenge when you’re configuring a built-in arrangement, but instead of leaving the space as an empty void, consider corner-shaped units that fit snugly into an angled recess to take advantage of the awkward space while still providing ample storage.
‘Walk-in wardrobes are a good choice for those looking to display certain items of clothing, accessories, or shoes,’ says Simon Tcherniak at Neville Johnson.
‘This more glamorous option elevates your day-to-day routine into something more special and meaningful.
‘Consider ingenious and space-saving storage solutions, such as roll-out shoe trays that make footwear easy to view and sort, or adjustable clothes hanging racks and rails, which are a must if you want to future-proof your storage requirements.’
9. Find a place for all your clothes storage needs
(Image credit: Future/Mark Bolton)
Kit out a walk-in closet with floor to ceiling clothes storage to maximize every inch of space. Combine full length and double hanging rails, slide-out shoe racks and pigeon-hole storage for folded shirts and sweaters. Leave overhead storage for out-of-season items that you don’t need to access as frequently.
‘We ask our clients to do a big clear out and count every piece in their wardrobes,’ says Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co . ‘We then have a great basis to work out what takes priority in your wardrobe – is it shelving, hanging space, or the shoe collection that are the key drivers? Measuring arm spans establishes how much hanging space can be included.
For instance, shirts with double cuffs need a lot more hanging space than a lady’s row of skirts.’
10. Save space with slimline shoe storage
(Image credit: Boca do Loca)
In tighter spaces, such as corridors or upstairs landings, built-ins allow you to squeeze in valuable extra clothes storage ideas. Shallow niches are ideal for shoe storage and won’t impact the floor space too much. Consider glass doors that will help create a sense of spaciousness, as well as protecting footwear from dust. Slanted shelves require less interior space, with shoes angled so you can identify favourites more easily.
11. Create a DIY clothing storage system
(Image credit: Elfa)
If you are wondering how much fitted wardrobes cost to install – and perhaps wanting to spend your budget elsewhere, there is an alternative to a bespoke walk-in wardrobe: creating your own using off-the-peg fixtures and fittings. Use a modular storage system, such as Elfa ’s, which consists of various components, ranging from a basic framework, to add-on rails, shelves, drawers and baskets that can be configured to create a tailored arrangement.
The system can be used open-plan in a walk-in space, or positioned inside existing closets if space allows. Systems like this are fully adjustable too and can be re-worked and re-positioned should needs change at a later date.
12. Let there be light
(Image credit: Ham Interiors)
Lighting is often a forgotten element when planning clothes storage, but incorporating some form of illumination will make closet interiors or walk-in spaces infinitely more usable.
Consider strategic placement of downlighters along the top perimeter of cabinets to highlight the interior or try recessed spots to brighten the baseline. LED strip lights are an easy alternative and can be affixed along shelves, behind doors and above rails, or consider running strip lights vertically so that they illuminate the entire length of hanging garments.
How do you store clothes in a small space?
To store clothes in a small space because you’re organizing a small bedroom, or organizing a small closet (or maybe both), go bespoke.
‘Fitted closets are the perfect solution for individuals looking to store lots of clothing items, without dominating too much space in the bedroom,’ says Simon Tcherniak at Neville Johnson. ‘The big advantage of fitted is of course that they can fill the space and cope with any idiosyncrasies. Your designer can measure exactly how much space you need for clothing rails and shelving.’
‘Made to measure designs drive innovation,’ says Rachal Hutcheson at Sharps. ‘Small or awkward spaces often need intelligent solutions to make the most of them so consider curved corner rails, pull out trouser rails and pull-down hanging rails to ensure your wardrobe is as efficient as it can be.
‘Bespoke designs ensure every last inch of space behind the doors is used, from wall to wall and right up to your ceiling, even those awkward corners and nooks which are presented by high or sloping ceilings and alcoves. A bespoke design will offer, on average, 40 per cent more space than ordinary fitted wardrobe designs.
’
What is the most efficient way to store clothes?
Streamlining your closet so that it isn’t crammed with too many clothes is the easiest way to make it work more efficiently. According to the 80/20 rule, the average person only wears 20 per cent of their clothes 80 per cent of the time, so that means an awful lot of clothes that aren’t being worn, taking up the majority of closet space and decluttering is essential.
Try this trick that professional organizers recommend if you find it a struggle deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. At the beginning of each season, turn all of the hangers in your wardrobe backward. Then turn each hanger forward as you wear, launder and return the item to the wardrobe. At the end of the season, take the clothes off whichever hangers are still backward and donate them to free up closet space.
Lisa is a freelance journalist who has written about interiors for more than 25 years and has worked on all the major homes titles, primarily Ideal Home, but also including Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors, Style at Home, Livingetc, Woman & Home, Easy Gardens and Good Homes magazines.
Lisa writes about interior design and decor ideas for Homes & Gardens.
Bedroom storage: ideas and solutions
TipsRooms
Headboard storage
Free space around the bed can (and should!) be used to its maximum functionality. For example, equip spacious and stylish storage systems at the head for every taste - from open shelves to tall floor-to-ceiling cabinets.
Apartment in Moscow. Project by Tatyana Kazantseva.
- Photo
- Anton Likhtarovich Style: Alexandra Pylenkova
Project by Ilona Menshakova, Sisters’ Design. To hide the protruding load-bearing column, the designer designed a wooden headboard with shelves and cabinets.
Bed on the podium
As an option, you can place the bed on the podium, and in it you can make either an extra bed (option for the guest bedroom) or large storage boxes.
Project by Alexey Shibaev and Alexandra Averkina, Zeworkroom studio. The bed is located on the podium in a niche around which the storage system is arranged. For more headboard storage inspiration, click here.
The apartment of Svetlana Nesterushkina, architect and creator of the Roushk jewelry brand, in Moscow.
Narrow pencil case
Is the bedroom too small and there is no room for a full dressing room? You can put a narrow long wardrobe at the head of the bed, a “pencil case” for clothes, and put small things that you don’t use too often on the upper shelves. The combination of closed modules with open shelves will visually lighten the design, and it will not psychologically put pressure on you when you lie on the bed.
Two-room apartment in a new building, designed by designer Olga Shapovalova. In the bedroom, on both sides of the bed, there are narrow wardrobes up to the very ceiling, manufactured by Exclusive Furniture.
Full Wall Built-in Wardrobes
Built-in storage is one of the most common bedroom storage solutions.
It is good because it allows you to order cabinets for the size and configuration of the room. Located along the wall on the side or opposite the bed, they do not “eat up” the space, but thanks to their laconic design and neutral shades, they can become completely invisible. This option is equally well suited for both owners of large bedrooms and small rooms (and in the second case, it is more preferable, since it allows you to save useful square centimeters as much as possible).
Project by Petr Yushin.
Project by Poco Design.
Wardrobe with mirrored doors
To visually enlarge the space of a small bedroom, use good old mirrors. For example, cabinet doors can be made mirrored - so the space will appear larger and brighter.
Project by Dmitry Dubrovsky.
Wardrobe behind a curtain
An original technique for the bedroom - a wardrobe behind a curtain. This solution looks “softer”, more dynamic and visually lighter than cabinets with blind doors.
Apartment in Moscow. Designed by Anna Evdokimova.
- Photo
- Anton Likhtarovich. STYLE: Alexandra Pylenkova
Apartment in St. Petersburg. Project of ToTaste studio.
- Photo
- Sergey Krasyuk
A complete walk-in closet
In a large bedroom, it is better to equip a full walk-in closet with wardrobes and a compact “island” for storing shoes, bags, hats and accessories.
Apartment in Moscow. Project by Anastasia Semenova.
- Photo
- Mikhail Loskutov. STYLE: Kira Prokhorova
Tags
- bedroom
9 ways to organize storage space in a small bedroom - INMYROOM
Guide
Where to put all the necessary things if you are limited in space? Learning from the designers
Built-in furniture, niches, folding wardrobes and a coffee table chest - we have collected 9 interesting ideas for organizing space in the bedroom.
1. Bed with storage system
In the project of a small loft by designer Diana Ponomareva, the dressing room took over the task of storing most of the things, but in each room unexpected opportunities were found to hide small objects or clothes from prying eyes. In the bedroom, for example, the bed is raised to the podium, which contains roomy drawers.
Design: Diana Ponomareva
VIEW FULL PROJECT
2. Built-in furniture to the ceiling
In the sleeping area in a small space, the designers of Cubiq Studio placed a spacious storage system that does not visually overload the interior - built-in wardrobes to the ceiling, painted in the color of the walls.
Design: Cubiq Studio
VIEW FULL PROJECT
3. Niche as an alternative to bedside tables
Instead of bulky bedside tables, designer Diana Maltseva designed a niche that she styled as an open storage system.
Design: Diana Maltseva
VIEW FULL PROJECT
4. Folding built-in wardrobe
Place a cozy bedroom with a wardrobe on 18 squares? It is easy if you replace a traditional wardrobe with a built-in model with facades that fold like an accordion.
Design: Dmitry Dubrovsky, KYD BURO
VIEW FULL PROJECT
5. Dressing room with open storage systems
Almost half of this bedroom is occupied by a dressing room with open storage system. At any time, it will be possible to hang facades so that the cabinets merge with the walls.
Design: Natalia Liventsova
VIEW FULL PROJECT
6. Floor hanger
In this kopeck piece in Kyiv, designer Maya Baklan suggested using a floor hanger to store clothes. It takes up little space and can always be rearranged.
Design: Maya Baklan
VIEW FULL PROJECT
7.
