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Closet for small rooms


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

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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

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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 Tim 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

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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

10 smart designs for bedrooms |

(Image credit: Roundhouse)

Small closets are a possibility – especially if they are fitted out cleverly to cope with all your clothing storage needs. They can transform how adult bedrooms function, and help children keep their bedrooms neat and their clothes in good order, too.

We've sourced our favorite small closet designs to show that your bedroom ideas don't actually need huge square footage – just clever tricks to maximize the limited space you have. 

Small closet ideas

If you are looking for small closet ideas that are ideal for a smaller space, this is a great place to start. We’ve put together our top closet ideas, small walk-in closets and walk-in closets to inspire your bedroom remodel.

1. Glass fronted doors help light to flow

(Image credit: Future)

'Solid doors can feel a little heavy on the eye in a small space closet, so opt for glass-fronted instead' says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living. 'They'll reflect the light perfectly – even more so if you paint the frames white, the downside of course is having to keep organizing a small closet to perfection with clothes hung on stylish hangers.'

2. Make the most of alcoves

(Image credit: Roundhouse)

Warm, elegant neutrals are a favorite at the moment, and when paired with antiqued brass hardware they exude a sense of calm and restfulness. Mixing these with timbers, hessians and natural fabrics around the space brings a feeling airy opulence. 

'In our bespoke Design Collection, we have seen a rise in contemporary shaker styles which have an elegance to them without being too fussy and add texture to a space,' says Alice Hood, senior design consultant, Roundhouse .

3. Illuminate a small closet 

(Image credit: Gunter & Co )

Good closet lighting ideas are essential, especially in small bedrooms. The key to a well lit closet – or wardrobe – is to introduce multiple layers that integrate both ambient, decorative and task lighting seamlessly.

'Small closets will need extra lighting, especially when natural light is tricky to harness – this is where LEDs come in,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens. 'You can have fun with them to give a theatrical feel, and papering the inside of your closet is worth considering too, make a design feature of them when the rest of your scheme is plain. '

4. Utilize every inch of bedroom space

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

'When space is tight, it pays to consider where you can 'make' some,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living. 'In this case, the space has come from each side of the doorway to the ensuite and it gives this room two matching closets that have been custom built to fit.'

5. Share closet space with a mini home office

(Image credit: Humbert & Poyet)

'Sharing two elements can be worthwhile as you can see here with this compact closet office idea that's designed within the small closet space,' says Lucy Searle, editor in chief, Homes & Gardens. 'It's a great option and you can use the desk as a dressing table in the mornings – double use design is key and thoroughly useful in rooms that are on the small side.'

6. Make the most of space behind the bed

(Image credit: Neatsmith)

'While some homes can’t accommodate taking a whole room to create a new walk-in wardrobe, clients are becoming more and more creative with the spaces in their homes,' says Phillip Nagel, director at Neatsmith . 'Opt for open shelving (no doors required) and definitely include LED lighting – as well as being practical, they will make even the smallest space feel special.'

7. Choose beautifully textured doors 

(Image credit: Project by House of Grey / photograph by Michael Sinclair)

'Incorporate your closet doors within your design scheme – making a feature of your doors can work well if they're made from the same wood that's used elsewhere, like the shelving in this space,' says Andrea Childs, editor, Country Homes & Interiors. 'It will make them feel more cohesive and therefore they'll blend in better with space is tight.'

8. Choose a flexible freestanding closet

(Image credit: Neptune)

'Freestanding closets have their place, and look best in older properties as the detailing can mimic architectural elements in a room,' says Andrea Childs, editor, Country Homes & Interiors. 'Another benefit is that if you move house you can take it with you, something that can't happen if you have a custom-built closet. '

9. Custom built beauty inside and out

(Image credit: Roundhouse)

'Fitted cabinetry used to be simply about hidden storage, however, now there are so many options to compartmentalize and light the internal space that joy can be found inside,' says Alice Hood, senior design consultant, Roundhouse . 'TV shows like ‘Getting Organized with The Home Edit’ and Marie Kondo’s ‘Tidying Up’ have shown us what pleasure can be found in organization, and whether it is watches, woolly knits, or wooden beaded necklaces, I have found that most people have an area of their closet that excites them and is to be showcased.'

10. Double the size of your small space closet

(Image credit: ZuluFish)

‘Create the illusion of more space with small closets with the clever use of mirrors, which not only serve a practical dressing room addition, but will help to fill the space with additional natural light,' says Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish .

'Opting for a foxed mirror will give a timeless feel of glamour, especially when combined with a softer, muted palette of materials such as the soft pink of the bespoke wardrobe rooms and timber floor in this closet. A serene palette such as this is a brilliant combination for creating a harmonious backdrop to the many colors and patterns revealed once the doors are opened.’

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.

Choosing a closet for a small bedroom

Apartments with a small area are in demand, especially in metropolitan areas. The bedrooms in them have cramped space. It can be difficult to create a harmonious, uncluttered interior in a room using a spacious closet. Our recommendations for choosing furniture will help make the room cozy.

Classic wardrobes with hinged doors are not suitable for small rooms. Their main disadvantage is the doors with handles that open into the room. For the effective operation of this furniture, free space is required, which is already small. nine0003

Wardrobes-compartments have become a godsend for small bedrooms: built-in, cabinet, rectangular or corner. This type of furniture is compact in size with maximum capacity. Sliding systems do not clutter up the room, reliably protecting things from dust. Dressing rooms have a number of advantages:

The shape of the closet

The choice of the shape of the dressing room in the bedroom is influenced by the configuration of the room, the location of the front door. If there is a small niche or a dead end inside a long room, a rectangular built-in product, mounted from wall to wall, is an excellent option. It is better to make furniture from wood, light-colored chipboard according to individual measurements to order. Such a model often has only a facade. The elements of the body are the floor, walls, ceiling. Therefore, it cannot be dismantled in order to install in another room. A semi-built-in wardrobe is indispensable in a bedroom without niches. Its side part can be decorated with functional open or closed shelves. nine0003

Corner-type furniture will help to free the room from unnecessary items as much as possible. There are several variations of product design:

L-shaped corner wardrobes make full use of the space in the corner, providing easy access to the contents. Furniture does not change the geometry of the room, it uses the usually empty space in it. It frees the residential center of the room from bulky pedestals, chests of drawers. The advantage of such products is conciseness, spaciousness. nine0003

Radius sliding wardrobes compare favorably with the presence of semicircular doors. There are models with curved or concave doors. Furniture can be installed both in the corner and next to the wall. The internal space is divided into compartments with different depths, allowing you to conveniently store things of different sizes. The combination of curved segments with concave or straight ones gives the interior an individuality.

Trapezoidal wardrobes are often difficult to install, but they are the most spacious. Products have one main compartment, two side. They are placed in the corner next to the room doors. Their shape corrects the geometry of the room, focusing on the center. Symmetry is visually emphasized by the side shelves. nine0003

Triangular corner wardrobes - universal interior items. They maximize the space of the corner, despite the not very convenient triangular shelves.

Design Tricks

In tiny bedrooms, a dressing room is often placed around the window. The window sill space and the depth of the cabinet are successfully used to install a desktop, a sofa overlooking the street. Closed shelves are hung above the window for storing hats and other small accessories.

Wardrobe in a small bedroom should be in light colors. To visually expand the space of the room, it is better to order doors with sections made of a solid mirror or a glossy surface. The combination of gloss with frosted glass looks original, refreshing the interior. nine0003

Choose a closet in a small room

A dressing room in a small bedroom seems like an inappropriate luxury, but everything changes if you approach the issue wisely.

Contents

Types of cabinets for small rooms

Corner cabinets

Corner cabinets are an excellent solution in a small room. Due to the design, they do not take up much space, but they turn out to be very roomy inside. The main thing is to think over the functional content and make sure that it is convenient to reach things in the depth of the cabinet.

Wardrobes

Another great way to build a closet into a small room is a closet. It is convenient because you can choose the depth yourself. The doors roll on rails with the help of wheels, so the nearby furniture will not interfere with looking inside. The width of the door must be from 80 cm.

Built-in cabinets are made to order, which means that all your wishes for internal equipment will be taken into account. Usable storage area starts from the floor and ends with the ceiling. But there is also a minus: this closet fell into place forever. To change it, you will have to break it, and also repair the room. nine0003

Cabinet cabinets can also be made to order, but in terms of capacity they are much inferior to built-in cabinets. But their indisputable advantage is their mobility. Such a closet can be rearranged to another place, room, or taken with you when moving.

Cabinet filling

Even small cabinets can hold a lot of things if you choose the right stuffing. It is better to leave the height of the compartment with a barbell at 170 cm, so all dresses and men's coats will fit exactly. nine0003

It is better to put 130 cm into the trouser compartment immediately.

Organize a large shelf upstairs to store blankets and pillows, and store bags and suitcases just under the ceiling.

Below, in a separate niche, seasonal shoes are conveniently located, while underwear and tights can be stored in narrow drawers at arm level.

Take care of the shelves for clothes that tend to stretch. Feel free to use plastic containers, small baskets, storage boxes. nine0003

Modular wardrobe systems. In a furniture store you can buy ready-made or order an individual wardrobe system. It is convenient because all the content is not strictly fixed. This makes it possible to optimize and customize the storage system. The package usually includes multi-level rods with clothes hangers, baskets for bedding and bed linen, shoe boxes, linen boxes, shelving, storage systems for ties and scarves. nine0003

Important: Do you want to use your cabinet as long as possible? No plastic fasteners! Only metal - only hardcore.

Tip . Regardless of what and how you fill the closet, experts recommend installing at least one element - a shelf or a bar for hangers made of natural beech. The smell of this tree will scare away pests, and moths will not threaten your fur coats.

Cabinet exterior

To make the closet look light and not clutter up the bedroom, choose light colors, it is best to match the material to the color of the walls. You can look at the dim ornament.

Mirrors built into the doors will also help to expand the space, and you will see yourself in full growth.

Beware of massive details or bright spots: they will overload the room.

If the closet is next to the door, then you can continue the ensemble with shallow mezzanines above the entrance. The main task is to fit the dressing room organically. It should match the design of the room. nine0003

Use MDF for facades, it will last longer and look much better than chipboard.

You can make a sandblasted pattern on the mirrors

Placing a dressing room

If you settled on the option of a corner cabinet, then the question “where to put it” does not arise: we send it to any free corner. But let's dwell on the shapes:

If you prefer a wardrobe, then consider the options: