The Outdated Trend That Is Taking Up Way Too Much Space In Your Bedroom

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There's a monster in your bedroom. No, it's not under the bed or even in the closet. It's probably pressed up against a wall, a hulking shadow in the night. It can't hurt you, though. It can't move. This terrifying creature is none other than the large, freestanding wardrobe that is taking up way too much space in your bedroom. Freestanding wardrobes, armoires, dressers, and other bulky storage furniture have long been popular for rooms that lack closet space or other storage options. But there are better solutions for maximizing clothes storage.

The bulky freestanding wardrobe in your bedroom can easily be replaced with other storage solutions, even if you don't have a closet embedded into the wall. From both custom and DIY built-ins to multifunctional furniture, there are plenty of ways to update your room with better storage in mind. There's no excuse not to get rid of that outdated oversized storage furniture. First, consider your bedroom's square footage, layout, furniture, and décor. You're trying to save space, not use it up, so consider what other pieces of furniture you may be able to do without. Enormous dresser, we're looking at you. You can also test out some expert tips to make a small bedroom feel more spacious, like mounting your curtain rod right below the ceiling and installing flush-mount ceiling lights.

When considering what to replace your big storage pieces with, think about utility. What do you need to store? Are most of your clothes on hangers or folded? Are you using your freestanding wardrobe to house shoes or accessories? Answering these questions will help you decide on the alternative storage solution that's right for you.

If you have the budget and the floor space, a custom open-shelf built-in along one wall could be a great option. But custom wardrobes can cost between $1,500 and $8,000, depending on size, so you may want to go the DIY route if you're pinching pennies. You can personalize the IKEA BOAXEL open storage system, choosing the colors you prefer and features you need. An IRONCK Garment Rack with Shelves, Four Drawers, and Eight Hooks costs around $185. A simple combination of garment racks and cube storage is a space-saving alternative to a wardrobe, too.

An ingenious way to save space and rid your room of hefty storage furniture is to invest in multifunctional furniture. A storage trunk that doubles as a bench at the end of your bed is very chic. There are endless bed designs that incorporate storage into the frame, from simple pull-out drawers to a mattress that lifts up on a hydraulic mechanism, revealing a storage area beneath. You can also look underneath your bed for a solution. If you're on an efficiency kick, here's a hack that'll make your bedroom more organized than ever. Purchase a set of shallow storage bins on wheels and roll them under the bed. Roll them out when you need to access their contents.