The Best IKEA Options For A Small Dresser For Your Closet

Just because you're pressed for space doesn't meant that you can't find a way to give your closet an organized makeover. While a walk-in closet is a commonly coveted luxury, it's not practical for everyone. Sometimes you have to work with the space you've got and make the most of a small closet with your organization techniques and products. Although furniture and organizational tools can definitely get pricey, one of the best places to look for quality options at a great price is IKEA. 

Making the most of a small closet can be challenging, but one of the best options is to add a dresser. Though you may initially think to place it outside your closet, the smarter option may actually be to keep it concealed. Not only does this give you space to store items, but it also provides a surface where you can place baskets, bins, or other storage containers. While it is tempting to opt for something cheaper like a set of plastic drawers, IKEA dressers made from hard material like wood can hold more weight, probably last longer, and are also much more aesthetic. Plus, keeping your clutter hidden by opaque drawer fronts gives you the option of a quick, last minute clean-up. With a few benefits in mind — versatility, small size, and additional storage options — we've chosen three of the best IKEA options for a small dresser in your closet.

While IKEA's MALM 2-drawer chest is often used as a nightstand, it can actually be the perfect size for tiny closets. Though it may be small, this tiny model makes good use of the space with large, deep drawers. Its design is also great for shallow closets — it's only 18 inches deep and doesn't have any hardware that sticks out and takes up space. Instead, it has a divot in the top of the drawers that allows you to easily grab them and pull them out. They also open and close smoothly, so you don't have to worry about them getting stuck. 

Although these aren't specifically designed to be stackable, they can definitely work that way should you need them to, as the measurements are equal on the top and bottom base. They can also be placed next to each other to create a larger surface for other bins, or you can keep them low enough to sit below hanging items. The best part of these drawers is their versatility, so even if you move and no longer need them in your closet, there's a good chance you will hold on to them to use somewhere else. There are also tons of affordable hacks to instantly elevate your IKEA MALM dresser.

The ALEX drawer set is not only one of IKEA's most easy to pronounce, but if you followed any beauty YouTubers from the 2010's till now, there's a good chance that you're already familiar with this young-adult furniture staple. While the model may have a larger fan base with the younger generation, it's actually an excellent little dresser — especially when you're tight on space and money. Like the MALM design, it has no handles or hardware, so you're optimizing your space without taking up any unnecessary room. 

This particular unit has five drawers, two smaller on top and three larger below. If you're looking for something a bit different, there are a ton of variations to choose from — taller models with more drawers, wider models with larger drawers, and even models with wheels that make it a breeze to move in and out of your closet. Because the design is so basic and the options expansive, you can make a small closet customized to your needs. Plus, this is another model that moves with you and can easily be rearranged as your needs change. 

Some of IKEA's most underrated buys are their solid wood furniture pieces. They're sturdy, sound, and can be however way you like without having to do any of the prep work. The RAST 3-drawer chest is made from a light pine, which looks stunning on its own, but you can stain or paint it should you prefer a finished look. These drawers are particularly great for shallow closets as they are just under a foot wide but almost over 20 inches across — a good amount of storage space while still maintaining a slim profile. 

Like the MALM, this model can also make a great nightstand, and using it as such (especially when painted to coordinate with the aesthetic of your room) can be a great way to get some extra sneaky storage in outside of your closet without opting for a big bulky dresser or wardrobe. Plus using them as nightstands gives them a dual purpose, which is a must-have to make the most of small spaces.