9 Genius Clothes Storage Hacks You Will Love
Make your wardrobe work harder with these clever ways to store your clothes, shoes and accessories
Laura Gaskill
25 August 2018
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
Whether yours is spacious or practically pocket size, the wardrobe is a space that can nearly always use some improvement. Here are tips for adjusting the layout, choosing the right wardrobe components and finding extra space.
Hardworking space: The wardrobe
The challenge: When the wardrobe is working well, it makes getting ready (and getting on with your day) a breeze; when it’s not, mornings can become a hassle. These ideas can help you find the right storage and organising plan for your space.
Good to know: It helps to measure your stuff before investing in a storage system. That way you can be sure you’re getting exactly the right storage for your wardrobe.
Hardworking space: The wardrobe
The challenge: When the wardrobe is working well, it makes getting ready (and getting on with your day) a breeze; when it’s not, mornings can become a hassle. These ideas can help you find the right storage and organising plan for your space.
Good to know: It helps to measure your stuff before investing in a storage system. That way you can be sure you’re getting exactly the right storage for your wardrobe.
Design idea
Double up on hanging rods and make room for narrow shelving.
Why
Having enough room to hang your crisp shirts is a must, but using a sliver of extra wardrobe space for a tall, narrow shelving unit can be worth sacrificing a bit of hanging space. Shoes, jeans and jumpers can all fit on shelves 30 to 40cm wide (measure your belongings to see what size you need).
Double up on hanging rods and make room for narrow shelving.
Why
Having enough room to hang your crisp shirts is a must, but using a sliver of extra wardrobe space for a tall, narrow shelving unit can be worth sacrificing a bit of hanging space. Shoes, jeans and jumpers can all fit on shelves 30 to 40cm wide (measure your belongings to see what size you need).
DIY idea
Bookcase as closet storage.
Why
A simple bookcase with adjustable shelves is often just the right size for holding shoes, boots, bags and more.
Extras
To use your bookcase as storage for jumpers, add shelf dividers to keep piles from toppling over. If you keep your shoes in their boxes, label the outside with a photo of the shoes so you can tell what’s what at a glance.
Check out these ideas to store shoes
Bookcase as closet storage.
Why
A simple bookcase with adjustable shelves is often just the right size for holding shoes, boots, bags and more.
Extras
To use your bookcase as storage for jumpers, add shelf dividers to keep piles from toppling over. If you keep your shoes in their boxes, label the outside with a photo of the shoes so you can tell what’s what at a glance.
Check out these ideas to store shoes
Design idea
Wardrobe behind the bed.
Why
Get more function out of a spacious master bedroom by using free space for a dresser and wardrobe. Positioned in the same zone, these pieces act like a dressing room, with everything you need to get ready in one place.
How
Position the master bed in the centre of the room instead of on a wall to allow room for a dressing area behind the bed. This works best with a large (king-size) bed with a solid bed head, as shown here. Place your dresser behind the bed head, facing the closet or a freestanding wardrobe.
Layout tip
This arrangement works well only in large bedrooms. Once everything is positioned, you should have 90-120cm (or more) between the dresser and closet doors.
Wardrobe behind the bed.
Why
Get more function out of a spacious master bedroom by using free space for a dresser and wardrobe. Positioned in the same zone, these pieces act like a dressing room, with everything you need to get ready in one place.
How
Position the master bed in the centre of the room instead of on a wall to allow room for a dressing area behind the bed. This works best with a large (king-size) bed with a solid bed head, as shown here. Place your dresser behind the bed head, facing the closet or a freestanding wardrobe.
Layout tip
This arrangement works well only in large bedrooms. Once everything is positioned, you should have 90-120cm (or more) between the dresser and closet doors.
Design idea
Sliding shoe shelves.
Why
This smart space saver can pack dozens of pairs of shoes into a relatively small space.
How
Many cabinets and closet systems can be customised with sliding shelves. If you already have a closet system, purchase components from the same manufacturer to ensure that they fit. If you are creating a wardrobe from scratch, work with a wardrobe designer to get exactly the shoe storage you need.
Planning tips
Note the measurements of the shoe shelves you will be purchasing, and tape out the dimensions on your floor. Then fill the space with shoes you want to store. This will allow you to know precisely how many pairs each shelf will fit. Pay attention to the height of the shoes you want to store, too. Flats and sneakers can go on shelves positioned closer together; heels and boots need more space.
Sliding shoe shelves.
Why
This smart space saver can pack dozens of pairs of shoes into a relatively small space.
How
Many cabinets and closet systems can be customised with sliding shelves. If you already have a closet system, purchase components from the same manufacturer to ensure that they fit. If you are creating a wardrobe from scratch, work with a wardrobe designer to get exactly the shoe storage you need.
Planning tips
Note the measurements of the shoe shelves you will be purchasing, and tape out the dimensions on your floor. Then fill the space with shoes you want to store. This will allow you to know precisely how many pairs each shelf will fit. Pay attention to the height of the shoes you want to store, too. Flats and sneakers can go on shelves positioned closer together; heels and boots need more space.
Small-wardrobe tips
Make the most of a small, shallow wardrobe by outfitting it with components that make sense. Instead of one long hanging rod, go with a pair of shorter valet rods to hang clothes boutique-style. Fill in all the extra space above and below the rods with shelving for shoes, accessories and jumpers, and install hooks under the shelves to hold bags or scarves.
Make the most of a small, shallow wardrobe by outfitting it with components that make sense. Instead of one long hanging rod, go with a pair of shorter valet rods to hang clothes boutique-style. Fill in all the extra space above and below the rods with shelving for shoes, accessories and jumpers, and install hooks under the shelves to hold bags or scarves.
Design idea
Pull-out accessory cabinet.
Why
Sneak a lot of storage into a sliver of space with a slim pull-out wardrobe component for shoes, bags and more.
How
This is best worked into a larger wardrobe design plan. Look for pull-out shelving in a ready-made wardrobe system, or work with your wardrobe designer to create the perfect slide-out shoe shelf for you.
Planning tip
Take the time to measure your shoes, bags and anything else you hope to store before choosing a piece like this; it won’t do you much good if your favourite shoes are too big to fit inside!
Take a look at these stunning wardrobe & almirah design ideas
Pull-out accessory cabinet.
Why
Sneak a lot of storage into a sliver of space with a slim pull-out wardrobe component for shoes, bags and more.
How
This is best worked into a larger wardrobe design plan. Look for pull-out shelving in a ready-made wardrobe system, or work with your wardrobe designer to create the perfect slide-out shoe shelf for you.
Planning tip
Take the time to measure your shoes, bags and anything else you hope to store before choosing a piece like this; it won’t do you much good if your favourite shoes are too big to fit inside!
Take a look at these stunning wardrobe & almirah design ideas
DIY project
Make your own scrap-timber wardrobe components.
Why
Handy folks can save cash by building their own shelving and hanging rods. Doing it yourself also will allow you to customise the pieces to fit your space perfectly.
How
Use scrap timber and simple brackets to create shelves to store clothes, shoes and accessories. To make a hanging rod, drill a hole near each end of a timber pole. Thread rope through each hole and knot it securely before attaching to the ceiling; an improperly tied knot, an insecure connection or too much weight on the rod can cause it to fall. If you’re at all unsure, get a handyperson to install it for you.
Make your own scrap-timber wardrobe components.
Why
Handy folks can save cash by building their own shelving and hanging rods. Doing it yourself also will allow you to customise the pieces to fit your space perfectly.
How
Use scrap timber and simple brackets to create shelves to store clothes, shoes and accessories. To make a hanging rod, drill a hole near each end of a timber pole. Thread rope through each hole and knot it securely before attaching to the ceiling; an improperly tied knot, an insecure connection or too much weight on the rod can cause it to fall. If you’re at all unsure, get a handyperson to install it for you.
Design idea
Ceiling-mounted curtain track.
Why
Hide a wall of clothing storage with the sweep of a curtain; a great solution for studio apartments and other small spaces.
How
Hang ceiling-mounted curtain tracks along the length of your wardrobe storage wall.
Planning tip
Measure carefully before ordering curtains to ensure they are long enough to reach from ceiling to floor – you can always have them hemmed a bit shorter, but if they are too short, there’s not much you can do.
Ceiling-mounted curtain track.
Why
Hide a wall of clothing storage with the sweep of a curtain; a great solution for studio apartments and other small spaces.
How
Hang ceiling-mounted curtain tracks along the length of your wardrobe storage wall.
Planning tip
Measure carefully before ordering curtains to ensure they are long enough to reach from ceiling to floor – you can always have them hemmed a bit shorter, but if they are too short, there’s not much you can do.
Design idea
Outfit a spare room as a dressing room.
Why
If you’re short on wardrobe space but lucky enough to have a spare room, turning it into a spacious walk-in wardrobe and dressing area can make getting ready a pleasure. Using wardrobe components that can be removed will give you the flexibility to use the room for another purpose (guest room, nursery, office) down the road.
How
Dresser drawers and shelving hold folded clothes and shoes, while storage above hanging rods holds items used less frequently.
Wondering what else you can do with a spare room?
Outfit a spare room as a dressing room.
Why
If you’re short on wardrobe space but lucky enough to have a spare room, turning it into a spacious walk-in wardrobe and dressing area can make getting ready a pleasure. Using wardrobe components that can be removed will give you the flexibility to use the room for another purpose (guest room, nursery, office) down the road.
How
Dresser drawers and shelving hold folded clothes and shoes, while storage above hanging rods holds items used less frequently.
Wondering what else you can do with a spare room?
Design quandary: Open or closed storage?
If your wardrobe is visible from the master bedroom, consider going with closed storage. An open wardrobe can be less-than-restful to look at when you’re trying to unwind. A few doors with mirrors will save you from needing to hang a full-length mirror elsewhere. If you have a walk-in wardrobe, you may want to leave off the doors. It will cut costs and allow you to see your wardrobe at a glance.
If your wardrobe is visible from the master bedroom, consider going with closed storage. An open wardrobe can be less-than-restful to look at when you’re trying to unwind. A few doors with mirrors will save you from needing to hang a full-length mirror elsewhere. If you have a walk-in wardrobe, you may want to leave off the doors. It will cut costs and allow you to see your wardrobe at a glance.
Design idea
Open hanging and accessory storage space in the bedroom.
Why
Supplement limited (read: overstuffed) wardrobe space with a hanging rod, a bench and woven bins for accessory storage in the bedroom. Give outfits for the upcoming week room to breathe and keep favourite shoes and accessories close at hand with this set-up.
How
Install a ready-made hanging clothes rod or create your own using plumbing pipe and fittings from the hardware store. A bench positioned beneath the hanging rod (purchased or made to fit) can be a perch for putting on shoes or can act as a shelf. Tuck a few baskets beneath the bench to hold accessories or jumpers.
Clutter-busting tip
This setup runs the risk of looking messy if you store too many clothes on the rack. Instead of thinking of this as a second wardrobe, treat it as a weekly display area where you can keep your current seasonal favourites within reach and come up with new outfit combinations. Pay attention to what you bring into this zone; things that don’t make the cut could be items to consider culling.
Read more:
Experts Tips on How to Organise a Wardrobe Perfectly
Tell us:
Have you come up with a novel way to store your clothes? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
Open hanging and accessory storage space in the bedroom.
Why
Supplement limited (read: overstuffed) wardrobe space with a hanging rod, a bench and woven bins for accessory storage in the bedroom. Give outfits for the upcoming week room to breathe and keep favourite shoes and accessories close at hand with this set-up.
How
Install a ready-made hanging clothes rod or create your own using plumbing pipe and fittings from the hardware store. A bench positioned beneath the hanging rod (purchased or made to fit) can be a perch for putting on shoes or can act as a shelf. Tuck a few baskets beneath the bench to hold accessories or jumpers.
Clutter-busting tip
This setup runs the risk of looking messy if you store too many clothes on the rack. Instead of thinking of this as a second wardrobe, treat it as a weekly display area where you can keep your current seasonal favourites within reach and come up with new outfit combinations. Pay attention to what you bring into this zone; things that don’t make the cut could be items to consider culling.
Read more:
Experts Tips on How to Organise a Wardrobe Perfectly
Tell us:
Have you come up with a novel way to store your clothes? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
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I have a couple of white Ikea bookshelves which I might want to insert into a walk-in closet. Actually we have 2 small walk-in closets in our master bedroom. The hanging rods are on both sides of the closets so the far wall can hold a bookshelf. But in my walk-in closet I have already laid a shelf across the far wall, resting on the shelves over the hanging rods. This doesn't leave enough height for the bookshelf I want to put in. Ì added a short tower of wire cubes (which are a real PITA to install and keep from collapsing) for shoe and purse storage. Need to rethink this setup. I do declutter my closet regularly (meaning I get rid of clothes and shoes that don't fit) but still could do with more decluttering. I just reorganized sweaters and summer tops and the conclusion is that I have way too many of them LOL But I still need to decide which bring joy and which bring boredom.
Ì can still add a bookshelf in my husband's walk-in closet though. On it, but right after I declutter his clothing which spans decades and several sizes. He's thinner now due to health issues (under control,mercifully) and he also doesn't need as many suits and blazers as when he used to go to work. I have to get rid of some of his old old shoes too, let him wear the new ones I've been buying for years and he didn't even wear them once. I urge him to wear a new pair if we get dressed up to go out and he marvels at where that came from. In the closet of course, right in front of his eyes actually but he's blind to everything he's not familiar with. I know he's even got pants and shirts with tags still on. The question is would they still fit.....
Yep, got a job there. I have to be quick and discreet about it because he doesn't like to throw anything away while at the same time complaining that most clothes are too big. Go figure ...
Es ist mir ein Rätsel - warum Menschen Ihr Schuhe im Kleiderschrank stellen - der Geruch von Fußschweiß möchte ich nicht in meinen Klamotten habe!