Having adequate and organized storage for clothes is an essential part of keeping your bedroom tidy. While a dresser is a common choice, there are many other options that can work just as well for storing folded clothing, accessories, shoes, and more. Here are some of the top alternatives to consider if you’re looking to store clothes without a traditional dresser.
Armoires
Armoires are a great dresser alternative if you want substantial enclosed storage. They are typically larger in size than a dresser and feature two doors that open to reveal shelves, rods, drawers, and hanging space inside. The enclosed storage helps keep clothing and accessories concealed and free of dust. Many armoires offer versatile storage with adjustable shelves and removable drawers. They can hold a lot of clothing and are ideal for storing coats, shirts, sweaters, pants, dresses, and suites. The advantages of armoires include:
- Enclosed storage keeps items protected and hidden
- Spacious interior with shelves, rods, and drawers
- Large storage capacity
- Tall design with hanging space
- Versatile storage options
Armoires are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles to match any bedroom décor. They provide enclosed storage like a closet or wardrobe. Just be sure to measure your space carefully, since they have a larger footprint than a dresser.
Wardrobes
Free-standing wardrobes that don’t need to be mounted to the wall are another dresser alternative that offer enclosed storage. Wardrobes are typically taller than armoires and provide hanging space for dresses, shirts, coats and other garments on a rod or rails. Many also have shelves above and drawers or shelves below the hanging space. The main benefits of free-standing wardrobes include:
- Provide both hanging and shelf storage
- Keep clothing tidy and protected behind doors
- Offer a lot of storage capacity in a small footprint
- Tall design with room for hanging long garments
Look for wardrobes with adjustable shelves and interior storage options like drawers or trays that can be customized to your needs. Full-length mirrors are also a nice feature in wardrobes. Measure the height of your ceiling to ensure there is enough room for a tall wardrobe.
Storage Ottomans
Storage ottomans are a clever option for adding extra storage while saving space. They provide a comfortable seat just like a regular ottoman but open up to reveal interior storage for clothing, blankets, shoes, accessories, toys, and more. Some key advantages include:
- Doubles as seating and storage
- Ideal for small rooms and apartments
- Provides hidden storage with a lid
- Comes in many shapes, sizes and materials
Look for storage ottomans with removable fabric liners to hold clothes, as well as those made of durable materials like leather or microfiber. Make sure to test the stability and weight capacity if you plan to use it for seating. Storage ottomans with tray tops and compartments are great for organizing smaller clothing items and accessories.
Dressers
Traditional dressers and chests of drawers are still a solid choice for clothing storage in bedrooms. The vertical stacked drawers provide plenty of room for folded garments, undergarments, socks, accessories, and more. Dressers are typically shorter than wardrobes, allowing them to fit well in small bedrooms. Benefits of dressers include:
- Typically takes up less floor space than a wardrobe
- Drawers keep clothing organized and concealed
- Variety of sizes and drawer configurations
- Can double as a TV stand or workspace
- Sturdy design supports display items like lamps
Look for a dresser made of durable wood like oak or maple. Drawer glides should slide smoothly. Measure the area where you want to place the dresser and make sure to leave room for opening the drawers. Opt for wider dressers with larger drawer capacity if you need substantial storage.
Closet Organization Systems
Creating an organized closet storage system is a great way to maximize your existing closet space instead of using a dresser. Some affordable ways to upgrade closet storage include:
- Shelving – Shelves above the hanging rod provide space for folded clothing, shoes and accessories. Make sure shelves are securely mounted.
- Hanging rods – Install a double rod to double hanging capacity. Have rods at different lengths for long/short garments.
- Drawers – Stackable plastic drawers and wire baskets fit on the closet floor for undergarment and accessory storage.
- Cubbies – Mount square fabric cubbies on the wall above the rod for folded clothing.
- Shoe storage – Use over-the-rod shoe racks or hanging shoe shelves for footwear storage.
A well-organized closet can hold just as much as a dresser. Make sure to measure first and install sturdy storage options that maximize the available space. Use dividers, shelves and baskets to neatly store and partition clothing.
Chest of Drawers
Chests of drawers provide enclosed drawer storage like a dresser without taking up as much floor space. They tend to be shorter in height with anywhere from three to six stacked drawers. Key benefits include:
- More compact storage option
- Drawers keep items concealed and organized
- Typically fits well in small bedrooms
- Affordable option
- Variety of sizes and styles
Look for chests of drawers made from solid wood for the most durability. Drawers on wood glides should open smoothly. Place in a spot with adequate clearance space to open the drawers without obstruction. Measure first to ensure a chest will fit where you want to place it.
Under-Bed Storage
The space under beds often goes unused even though it can provide substantial out-of-sight storage. Under-bed storage options allow you to utilize this space for clothing, bedding, shoes, seasonal items, and more. Some good under-bed storage solutions include:
- Underbed bins – Plastic bins on rollers with lids easily slide in and out when you lift the bed skirt.
- Underbed drawers – Drawers mounted on rollers provide enclosed storage that pulls out from under the bed frame.
- Underbed trunks – Locking trunks can hold clothing and keep valuables secure. Look for cedar-lined options for moisture protection.
Make sure your bed frame elevation provides sufficient height for under-bed bins to slide in and out easily. Measure first to ensure the bins or drawers will actually fit the available space underneath.
Over-Door Hanging
Hanging storage over your door is a great space-saving solution for small bedrooms and apartments. You can hang storage organizers, shoe racks, and garment bags over your door to gain hanging space. Some good over-door options include:
- Hanging organizers – Fabric cubbies, shelves, and pockets allow you to neatly hang folded clothing, accessories, shoes, etc. Can hang over closet or bedroom doors.
- Shoe organizers – Clear vinyl pockets let you hang multiple pairs of shoes over the door tidy and dirt-free.
- Garment bags – Canvas garment bags hang over the door and provide covered hanging space for coats, dresses, and delicate clothing.
Look for over-door hanging storage made of durable materials that securely attach over the door without damaging it. Make sure it doesn’t obstruct door operation or removal. Over-door hanging is ideal for small storage needs where floor space is limited.
Shelving Units
Free-standing shelving units provide a basic storage solution for clothing and accessories. While they don’t offer the enclosed storage of a dresser, they take up very little floor space and can easily be customized to your needs. Benefits include:
- Ideal for small bedrooms and apartments
- Takes up very little floor space
- Easy to customize with baskets and dividers
- typically affordable option
Target shelving units made of powder-coated steel for durability and stability. Adjustable shelves allow you to accommodate different item sizes. Place baskets, dividers and organizers on shelves to neatly store folded clothing and accessories. Just keep in mind that open shelving provides minimal dust protection.
Pattern Storage
PATRICIAN STORAGE is known for providing smart storage solutions tailored to your space and needs. We offer multiple product lines with unique benefits to provide ideal clothing storage alternatives to traditional dressers:
- MODULAR CLOSETS – Customizable modular closets with adjustable shelves, drawers, rods and accessories fit perfectly in any bedroom. Keep clothing organized and accessible.
- WALL UNITS – Wall-mounted cabinets with doors securely store clothing, TVs, collections, books, and more while saving floor space.
- CUBBIE SYSTEMS – Geometric cubbie shelves neatly store kids’ clothes, books, toys, craft supplies, sport equipment, and more.
- GARAGE CABINETS – Floor-to-ceiling garage cabinets with doors keep tools, sporting goods, seasonal items and clothing organized and protected.
Our storage experts can help select the right storage solutions for your needs. Contact us today for a free design consultation!
Rolling Storage Carts
Rolling storage carts provide a portable storage solution that can easily be moved room to room as needed. They come in various sizes with drawers, shelves, and hanging rods to store clothing and accessories. Key benefits include:
- Rolling base makes them easy to transport
- Provide storage and can double as a closet
- Ideal for small spaces and portability
- Comes in various configurations
- Offers enclosed storage with doors and drawers
Look for rolling carts with smooth-gliding drawers, durable casters, and removable parts that allow for customization. They can serve as a temporary closet or additional storage in small bedrooms and apartments. Just be careful not to overload the drawers which can make them unstable.
Hall Trees
Hall trees, also known as entryway furniture, provide a practical storage solution for entryways and mudrooms. They offer storage for outerwear, footwear, bags, hats, scarves, and umbrellas near your home’s entrance. Benefits include:
- Convenient drop zone to store items near entrance
- Typically offers open hanging space
- Many include shelves, drawers, and hooks
- Compact footprint to fit small spaces
Look for sturdy hall trees made from solid wood. Storage features like drawers, cabinets, and shelves should be adequate for your family’s needs. Styles with an upholstered bench allow you to sit while removing shoes. Place your hall tree in an entryway or mudroom close to the exterior door.
Garment Racks
Free standing garment racks provide temporary hanging storage anywhere in your home. They can be folded up and transported easily. Key benefits include:
- Lightweight and portable
- Offer double hanging storage capacity
- Enables hanging clothing in spaces without closets
- Affordable and easy to assemble
- Fold up for storage when not in use
Look for commercial-grade garment racks with swivel wheels and adjustable height settings. Make sure the rack you choose is rated to handle the weight of your clothing. Position it in an area with adequate space to move clothes along the hanging rods. Fold and store it away when you don’t need the extra hanging capacity.
Storage Benches
Storage benches provide hidden storage under the seat, making them a functional and space-saving option. They work well at the end of beds, in entryways, or anywhere you need extra seating and storage. Benefits include:
- Provides seating and hidden storage
- Ideal at the end of beds, in entryways, or hallways
- Lid lifts up for access to storage
- Fits well in small spaces
- Variety of styles to match décor
Look for solid wood storage benches with stable bases and material-lined interior storage. Make sure the bench is rated to handle your weight if you plan to use it for seating. Storage benches are ideal for storing linens, bedding, clothing, shoes, books, or toys.
Conclusion
Dressers provide convenient clothing storage, but taking time to explore other options can lead you to solutions that maximize your space and suit your needs. Armoires, wardrobes, ottomans, chests of drawers, under-bed storage, over-door hanging options, shelving units, storage carts, and benches can all provide practical alternatives to traditional dressers.
Consider your bedroom size, layout, and existing storage when choosing a dresser alternative. Opt for solutions that offer the features you need like drawers, shelves, rods, and doors while fitting well in your available space. Proper measurement is key before purchasing storage furniture and organizers. With some creativity, you can find the perfect clothing storage options to suit your lifestyle.