Whether you're a bit of a clothes hoarder or are more of a capsule wardrobe lover, we all need some fabulous clothes storage ideas. It can be daunting, but by investing in good storage solutions you can get even the smallest bedroom wardrobe space organized so all your clothes are folded or hanging neatly ready for your use. Clothes storage is one of those things that should be simple, yet it's so easy to let too many clothes get the best of you.
Tired of not being able to see your pretty armchair due to so many clothes being hung over it? Or, need more precise closet organization ideas to perfect the look of your bedroom space? Whether you're working with a small or awkward space, we've got some tricks up our sleeve to inspire you to spend a few hours giving your bedroom a revamp and rejuvenate your current clothes storage.
Don't miss our clothes storage bags shopping edit, to help hide away your seasonal clothes in style.
Clothes storage ideas
It's time to get creative with your bedroom storage ideas, namely for clothes because that space behind the door, underneath your bed and the corner space that's not currently being used will actually help you get you super organized in no time...
1. Love a rail? Opt for one that’s multifaceted
We love a clothes rail here at Real Homes, they’re super versatile and are great for modern schemes – the downside is that you do need to keep your clothes looking spick and span as they’re on view. If you're trying to recreate the most gorgeous bedroom ideas, choosing a rail that has a mirror and a shelving section is definitely worth investing in. It will give you more options and make you feel like you're out shopping somewhere very stylish, every morning.
2. The 50:50 look – for those who love a bit of both
There are advantages and disadvantages for having our clothes on show, it all depends on personal preference, but one idea is to have a bit of both. You could use doors to hide your hanging rails and keep the other side open for your folded bits.
Boxes are a great option for accessories like belts, scarves and hats as well as underwear. If you’re good at folding, have a section for them in the middle of the unit to break up the boxes.
3. Utilize every inch of space if your bedroom is small
If you can’t afford a bed that comes complete with built-in storage – you know the type that lifts up the whole bed – don’t worry, you can still use the space. Under bed storage comes in a myriad of versions, from a simple zip up storage bag to a slimline basket.
Or, opt for a purpose built wooden drawer on wheels – super handy and they look great if your bed is crafted from wood.
4. Maximize storage with a fitted solution
We asked Rachal Hutcheson, Retail Manager at Sharps for her advice on investing in the best built-in wardrobe ideas:
‘Small or awkward spaces often need intelligent solutions to make the most of them so consider curved corner rails, pull out trouser rails, pull down hanging rails to ensure your wardrobe is as efficient as it can be. It's important to take a wardrobe’s doors into consideration to ensure they are easily opened.'
'If a bed is in close proximity to the wardrobe opt for sliding doors to provide a sleek, effective alternative, whilst mirrored styles will help to make a space look bigger.’
5. Combine both hanging and folded pieces on one rail
When you’re trying to fit all of your clothes into one space you need nifty clothes storage ideas to help you! We love these hanging rail storage solutions, they enable you to keep your favourite pieces together. Fold sweaters, scarves and trousers and keep the hanging rail for things like shirts and suits that prefer to be hung.
6. Streamlined and behind closed doors
If you’re a minimalist and love to keep your clothes and accessories hidden away, then opt for a modern wardrobe that’s uber sleek. We love this idea by GoModern that has a small hanging rail on view next to a curvy mirror.
You could hang tomorrow’s clothes on it for ease so you can beat the morning rush.
7. Add clothes storage above the door
If you are working with a small bedroom and you’re tight on storage space, make use of every spare nook and cranny. The gap above your bedroom door is ideal for squeezing in a few more shelves for hats, handbags, or even bathroom linens.
Handmade in Cue & Co of London’s workshop, this clever fitted storage combination would work in any home with a reasonably high ceiling.
8. Mix pegs and racks for shoes and small items
Your walls are valuable clothes storage space. Pegs and clothes storage racks are perfect for storing grabbable items like scarves, hats and bags.
The sleek Scandi Garment Rail from John Lewis is both practical and stylish.
9. Use multi-tasking clothes storage for kids' bedrooms
Children’s rooms are especially mess-prone, so any furniture item that serves two or three purposes is a winner. A stool that doubles as a side table with room inside to stash clutter is a must – and the design is adorable. The Storie stool from Olli Ella works equally well as kids' clothing storage or kids' book storage. It doubles up as a seat, too.
10. Don't neglect the potential of ceiling clothes storage
We’ve covered walls and doorframes, but what about your ceilings? Hanging rails are ideal for storing clothes when wall space is limited. Meet all your clothes storage hanger needs at Rack Buddy.
11. Put your clothes away in storage baskets
The old basket at the end of the bed: a classic. And for good reason – a traditional wicker basket is just the thing for storing pyjamas, bedsheets and towels. Find more clothes' storage containers in our buyer's guide.
A range of good-looking storage baskets is available from The White Company.
12. Choose a bed with storage for clothes
Plenty of beds come with storage for clothes now, so why would you have one without? In bedrooms lacking storage space, those storage beds or storage headboards with those extra drawers are very handy for keeping socks, tights, pjs and that spare dressing gown out of sight. It also means you can avoid the need for clothes storage plastic drawers or under-bed clothes storage boxes.
13. Keep your clothes storage tidy with curtains
While open wardrobes are convenient, they can look messy. A nifty and affordable fix is a curtain. Easier to open than a sliding wardrobe door, a curtain conceals unsightly mismatched clothes hangers, gym bags and any other items you don't want on display. Find more walk-in wardrobe and dressing room ideas in our guide.
Find more clothes storage at Ikea.
14. Invest in a modular clothes storage system
Opt for a flexible clothes storage system that you can adapt according to your needs, by adding hooks and rails as required. Metal is considerably more flexible than wood.
The String Shelving System is perfect for contemporary bedrooms and is available at Skandium.
15. Keep easily lost items in a suitcase
Sunglasses, jewelry and other accessories often get jumbled up and forgotten about – keep all these items together in a brightly-coloured suitcase that you can keep on top of your wardrobe. Find more dedicated jewelry storage ideas that will do for all sorts of small accessories.
16. Get creative with DIY clothing storage
An imaginative and super-attractive storage aid: the humble branch. A beautiful rail made from birch is a lovely way to display your prettiest tops. Make your own or get a ready-made birch rail at Etsy.
17. Go for open clothes storage to create a feature
You have all those lovely clothes, why hide them away? Get your best ones out on show in an open wardrobe. Pick colours that match your room and make your clothes storage into a feature. This set up is from Ikea and you can really personalise it with different storage compartments too.
18. Save floor space with a freestanding clothes rail
A simple garment rail is hard to beat. Light, portable, and easy to fit into the corner of a room, it's also perfect for carting out when guests need to hang their coats somewhere. This Garment Rack from West Elm is convenient and stylish, and will add a touch of Scandi chic to your bedroom.
19. Use storage bins in kids' rooms
If there’s any part of your home in which to embrace playful storage, it’s the kid’s bedroom. Have fun with alternatives to baskets, such as storage jars and clothes storage bins. This kind of container can make great clothes storage for babies – use it to put away small miscellaneous items like bibs, booties, hats and scratch mitts.
20. Maximise door storage space
Pegboard is a useful material in any room. Fixed to your wardrobe door, it’s handy for jewellery, shoes, glasses and bags. Wall clothes storage options are available at Ikea.
21. Use storage bags in children's bedrooms
Accessible clothes storage containers make clearing up your kid’s room (relatively) fast and easy. These coordinating clothes storage bags and laundry bins from H&M will come in useful for anything from toys to dirty laundry.
22. Display your clothes and shoes in a glass cabinet
Give your clothes and accessories special treatment by showing them off in beautifully-lit glass cabinets. Smallbone of Devizes have some beautiful examples of bespoke cabinetry from real homes, such as this stunning dressing room.
23. Pair an ottoman with a storage bed
Throw those bedspreads, cushions and non-seasonal bedding into an ottoman, which will fit snugly at the foot of the bed. While an obvious place for linens, ottomans are equally useful for stashing away belts, weekend bags and shoes. The Blanket Box from Angel & Boho is roomy and gorgeous.
24. Don't forget the good old wardrobe
Sometimes you can’t beat a good old-fashioned wardrobe. Opt for one with a drawer at the bottom and shelf at the top for foldable items or added storage baskets. Find classic wardrobes ideal for all bedrooms, including kids' bedrooms, at Cuckooland.
25. A two-pronged approach
Save yourself precious space by sleeping bunk-style, with the lower half of your bed cleverly utilised as a wardrobe, complete with rail and hanging drawers. Find the best kids' bunk beds and the best kids' beds (including one that looks like a treehouse) in our buyer's guides.
Shop Ikea for clever bed-storage-combos.
26. Choose a classic chest for foldable clothes
Keep it simple with a 50s-style streamlined chest, which will happily accommodate your folded sweaters, shirts, trousers and pjs. The Mid-century 5 Drawer Chest of Drawers from West Elm is perfect for squeezing into a tight corner.
What is the most efficient way to store clothes?
The first port of call is to organize your clothes, by that, we mean have a little clear out—do you need all of them? Go through them all, we know it’s an effort, but we promise it’s worthwhile! Make two piles, one for keeping, one for the charity shop.
Once you’ve been through this stage look to see what needs hanging up. Suits, shirts and trousers are better hung, tops and sweaters can be folded. This will give you an idea of how much hanging and shelving space you need. Then, start storing your clothes neatly and remember you can use storage boxes for underwear and accessories.
How can I store my clothes cheaply?
There are clothes storage ideas for those on a budget, for example, Ikea always has great solutions that are great value. But it’s also about being clever and thinking ‘outside of the box’—literally.
Baskets and boxes are fabulous low budget ideas, look for clothes storage ideas that have double uses like hanging rails that come with shelving and racks that fit over doors for scarves and belts.