10 Clever Alternatives to Wardrobes and Cupboards
Don't like the idea of a bulky, freestanding wardrobe? Be inspired by these solutions
Susannah Hutchison
20 June 2017
Houzz Contributor
Having the space to accommodate a large wardrobe can actually be a mixed blessing. All that room to store clothes, but no incentive to get rid of those ill-advised purchases you just never wear. When this happens, it can feel like having to venture into Narnia every time you want to retrieve that perfect grey jumper you know is lurking in there. So, whether you’re keen to pare back on clutter and get rid of the wardrobe altogether or simply don’t have the space for one (or are in need of a temporary solution to store your clothes), check out these ideas.
1. Veer off the rails
A bog-standard chrome or plastic clothes rail isn’t going to get any hearts racing, but an injection of colour can make all the difference. Any Barbie connotations from this pink are countered by the contrasting serious style of the vintage anatomical print and the room’s minimalist scheme.
A quick guide to storage solutions for all rooms
A bog-standard chrome or plastic clothes rail isn’t going to get any hearts racing, but an injection of colour can make all the difference. Any Barbie connotations from this pink are countered by the contrasting serious style of the vintage anatomical print and the room’s minimalist scheme.
A quick guide to storage solutions for all rooms
2. Build around the bed
In an odd-shaped room, utilise all the awkward angles and build in storage that celebrates, rather than disguises, the room’s uniqueness. This headboard-cum-shelf-cum-wardrobe makes the most of every last nook and cranny. Little details, such as the matching set of white clothes hangers, keep it looking neat and tidy.
Browse through some creative over-the-bed storage
In an odd-shaped room, utilise all the awkward angles and build in storage that celebrates, rather than disguises, the room’s uniqueness. This headboard-cum-shelf-cum-wardrobe makes the most of every last nook and cranny. Little details, such as the matching set of white clothes hangers, keep it looking neat and tidy.
Browse through some creative over-the-bed storage
3. Free the floor
It’s amazing how much difference raising furniture up off the floor makes. This room would be overwhelmed by freestanding full-length wardrobes, but these wall-mounted cupboards provide ample storage without eating into precious floor space.
It’s amazing how much difference raising furniture up off the floor makes. This room would be overwhelmed by freestanding full-length wardrobes, but these wall-mounted cupboards provide ample storage without eating into precious floor space.
4. Go low
Most loft conversions don’t have room for a full-on wardrobe, but since you’re starting from scratch you can have bespoke storage like this fitted one. The low-hanging rail is a clever touch, and the shelving complete with lighting creates a real design statement.
Most loft conversions don’t have room for a full-on wardrobe, but since you’re starting from scratch you can have bespoke storage like this fitted one. The low-hanging rail is a clever touch, and the shelving complete with lighting creates a real design statement.
5. Peg it
Ideal in a guest room where less hanging space is required, a simple peg rail offers a smart, space-saving solution. Painting it the same colour as the walls allows the rail to blend in. Pick a rail with a shelf and guests can store there shoes there.
Ideal in a guest room where less hanging space is required, a simple peg rail offers a smart, space-saving solution. Painting it the same colour as the walls allows the rail to blend in. Pick a rail with a shelf and guests can store there shoes there.
6. Front up
More formal than a peg rail, less bulky than a wardrobe, this customised shelf, rail and peg hanging system is a blend of all three. Dedication to the neat cause would be required to keep this option looking its best, but its minimalist vibe would encourage a ruthless approach to wardrobe management, which can only be a good thing. You can also team it with supplementary storage – a streamlined set of drawers or a chest at the end of the bed. And you can store out-of-season pieces in under-bed boxes.
More formal than a peg rail, less bulky than a wardrobe, this customised shelf, rail and peg hanging system is a blend of all three. Dedication to the neat cause would be required to keep this option looking its best, but its minimalist vibe would encourage a ruthless approach to wardrobe management, which can only be a good thing. You can also team it with supplementary storage – a streamlined set of drawers or a chest at the end of the bed. And you can store out-of-season pieces in under-bed boxes.
7. Meet halfway
Now here’s a clever idea. Rather than having a ‘conventional’ wall dividing up the space between a bedroom and an en suite, go for a half wall that also incorporates a wardrobe. Neither space will feel hemmed in, both will have valuable privacy and the cherry on top is the huge amount of storage space this neat solution provides.
Now here’s a clever idea. Rather than having a ‘conventional’ wall dividing up the space between a bedroom and an en suite, go for a half wall that also incorporates a wardrobe. Neither space will feel hemmed in, both will have valuable privacy and the cherry on top is the huge amount of storage space this neat solution provides.
8. Get arty
For those that favour a truly pared-back aesthetic (and who have a wardrobe to match), this wooden branch hanging from strings is a striking alternative to a more traditional clothes rail. The addition of hooks for bags and accessories is a neat idea, too. For a true rustic look, you could hang the branch from a sturdy rope or use steel wire for a sleeker feel – just make sure to fix your choice of rope to a ceiling joist.
For those that favour a truly pared-back aesthetic (and who have a wardrobe to match), this wooden branch hanging from strings is a striking alternative to a more traditional clothes rail. The addition of hooks for bags and accessories is a neat idea, too. For a true rustic look, you could hang the branch from a sturdy rope or use steel wire for a sleeker feel – just make sure to fix your choice of rope to a ceiling joist.
9. Remember the kids
Rather than trying to shoehorn a conventional wardrobe into an alcove in your child’s room or investing in a built-in one, install a series of hooks instead (there are so many designs available). This works particularly well in a child’s bedroom as the clothes are obviously smaller (and no doubt cuter, too), plus fledgling fashionistas will be able to pick the day’s outfit without even having to prise open a wardrobe door.
Look at some out-of-the-box shelves for children’s bedroom
Rather than trying to shoehorn a conventional wardrobe into an alcove in your child’s room or investing in a built-in one, install a series of hooks instead (there are so many designs available). This works particularly well in a child’s bedroom as the clothes are obviously smaller (and no doubt cuter, too), plus fledgling fashionistas will be able to pick the day’s outfit without even having to prise open a wardrobe door.
Look at some out-of-the-box shelves for children’s bedroom
10. Let it all hang out
Warning: This may not be for everyone, but why not turn favourite pieces of clothing into decoration? Here it’s been done on a grand scale, but this would work just as well with only a few well-loved pieces out on display. And if there’s no room in your bedroom for your work of art, move it to your living space, as the owner of this eclectic apartment has done.
Read more:
Boxed in: 11 of the Globe’s Most Creative Storage Solutions
Tell us:
Have you swapped the wardrobe for something more creative? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Warning: This may not be for everyone, but why not turn favourite pieces of clothing into decoration? Here it’s been done on a grand scale, but this would work just as well with only a few well-loved pieces out on display. And if there’s no room in your bedroom for your work of art, move it to your living space, as the owner of this eclectic apartment has done.
Read more:
Boxed in: 11 of the Globe’s Most Creative Storage Solutions
Tell us:
Have you swapped the wardrobe for something more creative? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
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