Genius Clothing Storage Solutions For Bedrooms Without Closets

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Clothes storage is a glaring challenge in a bedroom without a closet. While this type of setup might not seem ideal, you can still create a beautiful and practical place to store your outfits. In the end, you might not even miss having a closet at all! Ahead, are some clothing storage solutions for bedrooms lacking closet space. Many of these ideas on this list are also great for if you have built-in storage, but want to add more room for your garments.

These solutions take advantage of areas all around your bedroom, so you might actually utilize your space better than if you had a closet. From affordable and renter-friendly under-bed storage to aesthetic and permanent built-ins, there's a solution for any home. Combined with some hacks that will make your bedroom more organized and some creative ways to utilize empty floor and corner space, your room can be tidier than ever. Keep reading to find the right storage option for your closet-less room. 

It's an obvious solution, but these purpose-built clothes storage units have endured for good reason: They're stylish and useful. Choose dressers with pull-out drawers for clothes you can fold. Otherwise, opt for a wardrobe or armoire if you need hanging space. The terms "wardrobe" and "armoire" are often used interchangeably and either can come in all sorts of designs: small, large, hanging-space only, or with a mix of hanging space and shelving. Some retailers use "armoire" to describe pieces with a more ornate and vintage look, so it's worth searching this term if that's your style. One smart idea is to mount a clothing rod over a dresser, like in this TikTok from @kochubeiiiiiii. This setup creates a clothes storage area that resembles a walk-in closet layout, just on a bedroom wall rather than its own small room.

Just like any other major piece of furniture, you can find dressers and wardrobes in all sorts of designs to suit any home decor style. The Signature Design by Ashley Realyn French Country Chest of Drawers is an example of a dresser perfect for traditional or French country bedrooms, with its ornate details and antique hardware. On the other hand, the IKEA NORDKISA open wardrobe is quite minimalist, made out of light bamboo fashioned into an angular open wardrobe design that suits contemporary and Scandinavian spaces. Or, an option in-between in style is the West Elm Gemini 6-Drawer Dresser, a dresser with a rich and cozy look ideal for mid-century and eclectic bedrooms. In short, if you haven't found a dresser you love, keep looking, because there's a dizzying amount of variety out there.

If you can mount shelves or racks to your bedroom wall, you'll have a lot more options, many very aesthetically pleasing. A open closet system or a wardrobe wall is essentially a closet without doors, so you can have all the functions of a built-in, but on display. Open closet systems tend to be easier and cheaper to install than traditional closed closets. They aren't lacking in function either; they can include hanging rods, shelves, cubbies, and drawers to store coats, pants, shoes, and more. You should be able to find a layout that works for your storage needs. Available in a variety of sizes, these systems can help you take advantage of vertical space better than a dresser or wardrobe.

The open nature of these closets can be a pro and a con. They're very easy to access, and when styled nicely, can be an aesthetic addition to your walls. With your favorite outfits displayed, this type of storage can make your bedroom look like a boutique. But if you tend to keep a messy closet, you might prefer having doors to cover it. Open closet systems tend to be simple in style since their design is quite basic. For an industrial look, the Dr. Iron Pipe Clothing Rack is a great option. IKEA is popular for its modular and customizable open wardrobe systems. One great example is this BOAXEL wardrobe combination, which includes shelves, hanging rods, mesh baskets, and shoe shelving, too; it might even be more functional than some closets.

If you can't put holes in your wall, there are still great options beyond dressers and basic shelves. Clothing racks are an obvious choice. Not only can they look stylish, but many also have built-in shelving for items you don't want to hang. Baskets and bins can add even more utility and organization, so your clothing rack can be just as functional as a built-in closet. Plus, clothing racks are excellent for frequent movers; they're usually made of a few pieces and are simple to assemble and disassemble. Consider a rolling rack if daily movability is a must, like if you're in a tight space and need to move the rack often to access other items.

Freestanding closet systems, also called portable closets, can be a step up from a basic clothing rack in terms of size and function. These can have a similar layout to open closet systems, with a hanging rod plus extra accessories like shelves, baskets, and cubbies. Some are also highly adjustable so you can fit them to your space and storage needs. Many are open, but you can find products with a fabric or plastic cover, which can protect your clothes from dirt, dust, and prying eyes. Since they're freestanding, they'll be less sturdy and stable than their wall-mounted counterparts though, so you'll need to pay attention to the weight limit of rods and shelves.

The Brabantia Linn Clothes Rack is an example of a rack with a stellar design. It's made of sturdy metal but has a stylish bamboo rod. The two shelves along the bottom section are height-adjustable. If you need more space, consider a freestanding closet system, like the Vipek V5 Portable Closet. This larger option has plenty of clothing rod, shelving, and shoe rack sections, many adjustable. It's also possible to buy this rack with a fabric cover (the Vipek V5 Covered Clothes Rack). Lastly, metal products are common, but if you don't love the look, you can find wood and bamboo racks. The Ufine Bamboo Garment Rack has a more natural and warm look to it, a good alternative if metal won't work with your decor style.

No closet? No problem. You can create one. It takes some effort, but you can build your own built-in unit. There are DIY project ideas out there, including this PAX hack from @east_shore_home, which allows you to create the closet of your dreams with a few tools. They don't require a separate closet room or nook. As long as you have the empty area, you can craft your own closet against a wall. Best of all, if you DIY it from scratch, it's bespoke, so you can customize it to fit your space and needs.

IKEA wardrobes are a popular choice for this type of project because they have the perfect skeleton. Choose an option that includes sides and the ability to mount a door. Then, you just need to figure out installing the trim around the unit. The PAX wardrobe is a good place to start your shopping, but you can also browse IKEA's range of fitted wardrobes for inspiration (there are several door options to choose from to match your style).

Whether you already have an empty bookshelf or you're looking for a budget-friendly closet alternative, this is a creative way to turn affordable bookshelves into open closet storage. The ample shelving of a bookcase provides plenty of surface area to store and organize folded items — even better if the shelves are height-adjustable to take full advantage of the space. Move shelves close together to create shoe storage that doesn't waste vertical area, or move them farther apart to make room for taller pieces like boots and bags. If you remove a few shelves altogether, you can also add a closet rod, creating hanger storage, just like in a traditional built-in closet.

One draw of this type of DIY closet alternative is its affordability. In this video from @isabellaakwalker, they break down the materials and process to create the closet. They use the Room Essentials 5 Shelf Bookcase from Target. Each tall shelf costs $40, which is cheaper than most wardrobes of a similar size. Another suitable option is the ever-popular BILLY bookcase from IKEA (it has more shelves and other layout options if you want a more customizable design). There is an important factor to remember when choosing your bookshelves though: depth. Consider the standard depths for different types of closets. If you're going to add a hanging rod, most closets are at least 24 inches deep to comfortably fit hangers. Both of the products above fit the bill and have highly height-adjustable shelves so you can alter them to your needs. Just add a tension rod like the ZipGlo Tension Curtain Rod (or a regular rod, if you don't mind drilling some holes) and you have a fabulous closet alternative.

A ceiling-mounted clothing rod is both space-saving and aesthetic. It looks like something out of a boutique store and is not often seen in homes, so it's one way to distinguish your space from the rest. This type of rack can really suit minimalist rooms, especially if you choose a simple metal rod. You can get creative with this setup. There are ways to make it look more boho, like by suspending a wooden rod with leather straps or rope. This video from @laurenjgreen shows how to make some with jute rope and a foraged branch. Another alternative is to use lengths of chain to suspend a metal coat rod for an edgier industrial vibe. A ceiling-mounted clothing rod will function just like a coat rack, but it won't take up any floor space, so you can fit a dresser or shelves underneath. It doesn't even any wall space, perfect for if you want to utilize that area for hooks or hanging decor.

The Pamo Clothes Rail has an industrial design. It's also possible to buy hanging straps that you can attach to your own rod (so you can choose its material), like these Leather Clothes Rail Straps on Etsy. If you're really after a unique look, consider the Roberope, a clothes hanger that looks more like a piece of modern art than a rack for clothing storage.

Don't waste the space under your bed. Make use of it with the right under-bed storage. While many people view the spot as an area for storing off-season clothes and other less-used items, it doesn't have to be. You really should take advantage of this spacious area for day-to-day clothes if you don't have a closet. Under-bed storage containers with wheels make it easier to access the bins, a necessity when you're using them on a daily basis. They can have decorative designs too, so they look nicer than totes. If you want to hide them altogether, though, you can also make your under-bed storage more discreet with some simple tricks. Now, there are some caveats to this type of clothes storage system. There is no way to install a hanging rod under a bed, so it's only suitable for foldable clothing. Since it's low down, it also requires crouching down for access, which may pose a challenge for those with mobility constraints.

The Phinox Under Bed Storage Containers are made of metal and have a decorative front. With a mesh design, this type of wheeled basket is excellent for items that could do with some airflow, like shoes. Or, you can find an even more stylish wood option that looks more similar to a drawer. The Muse Home Inc Solid Wood Under Bed Drawer is made of solid wood with a teak finish that gives it a warm and rustic look. Lastly, if you have old drawers on hand, you can even DIY your own under-bed storage. 

If sliding bins or drawers feel like a hassle (you have to pull them out and tuck them back in every time you need something), a bed with a lift mechanism is a fabulous alternative. These have an integrated system that makes it possible for a single person to pull up the entire mattress — a hydraulic system or springs do most of the heavy lifting with a pull of the handle. A style like this is an excellent choice if you really want a bed with covered sides. It lets you get the look, while still letting you store items underneath. Like a dresser, this storage solution is ideal for folded clothes, shoes, and accessories. It won't be suitable for anything you need to hang, but is a good partner to a coat rack.

The IKEA MALM Storage Bed is the model shown in the TikTok above. This line is one of the brand's best selling series, and this bed is very highly rated. It has a no-frills and minimalist look that's characteristic of IKEA and makes it possible to integrate into most rooms. So if you're moving into a closet-less bedroom and in need of a new bed, this space-saving option might be perfect.

If your dresser drawers always get messy and you're simply sick of folding clothes, consider a cube storage system for your clothing. This clothes storage idea uses the common cube shelf that many people have owned at one time or another. The IKEA KALLAX shelf is an example, but other brands sell similar styles too. It uses bin inserts to hide the mess of unfolded clothes. This is a great system for closet-less bedrooms if you don't want to bother keeping drawers tidy. Instead, each bin is its own category (for example, one for shirts, one for shorts, one for socks, and so on), so you can toss items in without organizing them. Now, there is the potential for wrinkles, so adults may prefer this idea for garments where creases don't matter, such as pajamas and underwear. It also may appeal for children's clothes storage and makes it possible for little ones to put their clothes away independently. Pair the cubby shelves with a clothing rack or rod to create a simple closet system.

Cubby shelves are a good choice here since their smaller openings really help with organization. They also fit a range of baskets and cube bins, which are crucial to holding and hiding your clothing items. The ClosetMaid 9 Cube Open Bookcase is an extra affordable pick if the IKEA shelf is out of budget. You can choose from a variety of bins to decorate your cubbies, and they'll influence its overall style. Amazon Basics Collapsible Fabric Storage Cubes are the basic choice that suits any room because of its simplicity. Woven baskets like the Best Choice Products Hyacinth Baskets look more natural and high-end, if you're willing to invest in the upgrade.

Another option to add both storage and organization is wire storage units. These tend to have a smaller footprint than a dresser or cube shelves, so they're ideal if you're tight on space. Some have wheels too; choose one of these if you need a unit that's easy to move out of the way. Besides a small footprint, these carts have a few other benefits for storing clothes. They make it easy to see everything, unlike drawers, which keep things hidden. They also allow for excellent airflow, a benefit in humid rooms. Their compact size means they're best suited for organizing smaller items, like shirts, workout gear, and socks, though you can fill the bins with larger items.

In the TikTok above, they use the Brightroom 4 Drawer Metal Storage Organizer, a smart-looking and spacious wire organizer. The IKEA JONAXEL Storage combination is another great pick for this task that's slightly smaller (and a bit more affordable too). Plain wire carts aren't the only choice, either. The Mind Reader Cart with Drawers has a wood top if you want a more elevated look.