You may or may not have a wardrobe depending on the size of your apartment (or big enough ones to stow away your seasonal wardrobe). But don't worry, we've got some creative ideas for how to store your clothes without a wardrobe.
1. Buy or DIY a clothing rack (or a few)
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Anyone for a capsule wardrobe? This minimalist trend of using clothing racks isn't just a way to save money and be more selective with your purchases; it's also a way to save space.
Not ready to reduce your clothing consumption? Buy some under-the-bed storage containers, hang your favourite items, and store the rest. Then, rotate your capsule seasonally (or weekly). It's entirely up to you. It's like having a storefront right in your apartment! The best part is that it is completely modular.
Aside from that, you don't have to have just one. Build or buy multiple racks and place them along the walls or side by side for an open wardrobe look. Pick up some colourful and eye-catching hangers to make it even more appealing, and you're good to go.
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2. Hang your clothes and curtain them off
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Install drapes to conceal hanging rods or clothing racks if you prefer not to see your clothes all the time. You can put storage containers on the floor, hang your clothes, and store your shoes in a little shelf without anyone seeing. It's as simple as that!
3. Use a utility shelf or bookshelf and add storage baskets
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Jumia shelving is your best buddy. It's affordable, easy to assemble, and highly DIY-able (so you can upgrade the shelves to your liking with paint or curtains). Pick up some storage baskets from Jumia and use them to keep socks and underwear, t-shirts, PJs, and smaller stuff organised.
You may also use different colours for different types of stuff - shirts, jeans, sweaters - and for garments that need to hang, try adding hooks to the extremities of the unit or leaving a gap between two shelves and adding a bar in between for hanging space.
The same can be said for ancient (or modern) bookcases. It's easy and entertaining to change a bookshelf into a wardrobe, whether you thrift one, find one sitting on a curb (bonus! ), or already have one. Check out this post for more fantastic ideas.
4. Turn a wall or corner into a built-in wardrobe
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You can install wall wardrobe systems from Konga, Jumia, or Amazon. Go open wardrobe style with your organiser, or hang a curtain in front of it to offer your items some solitude. And, let's be honest, you should always keep any mess at bay when visitors are coming around.
It's essential to keep open wardrobe systems neat and decluttered. So, whether you keep stuff you don't wear much beneath your bed or buy nice storage boxes, remember to keep it neat!
5. Stack up some wooden crates or boxes
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Anyone interested in vintage wooden crates? Yes! These are adorable, always in style, and look great if you like the rustic glam theme. Stack wooden boxes (as shown in the photo above) with folded up jeans, sweaters, and t-shirts, and place storage baskets inside for small items like socks.
If you need more hanging space, make two stacks and fasten a rod at the top to keep your nicer clothes wrinkle-free. A fantastic DIY wardrobe hack.
6. Hang unique wall hooks
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There are lots of different types of hooks that can turn your walls into a wardrobe.
- "Valet hooks" are what you'd normally find in a store while shopping - they just straight out from the wall and you hang items against them so that only the first piece of clothing appears.
- Upside-down shelf brackets – what a hack! Apartment Therapy hangs Jumia shelf brackets upside-down and hangs clothes from them. How cool is that? Check these out on Amazon.
- Coat hooks are great for hanging tank tops, belts, and scarves, but who says you can't hang shirts and pants from them as well? You may hang your favourite clothes from coat hooks just as effortlessly as a clothing rod if you put them on hangers.
7. Make room for a wardrobe
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If you don't have a closet, having one in your bedroom is a perfect solution. This functional, streamlined piece of furniture has two doors to keep everything hidden, is often tall and narrow to save room, and includes drawers and a hanging rod. They can be quite wide, requiring you to clear a wall (and possibly fasten it to said wall) - but your clothing will be nice and orderly, so it's worth it.
8. Install floating shelves or clothes racks
If you don't have a closet, having one in your bedroom is ideal. This efficient, sleek piece of furniture has two doors to conceal everything, is often tall and slender to save space, and has drawers and a hanging rod. They can be rather wide, requiring you to clear a wall (and possibly secure it to said wall) - but your clothing will be neat and tidy as a result, so it's worth it.
9. Find your perfect armoire or dresser
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In addition to the chic sounding name, armoires typically has lots of storage space and doesn't take up a lot of room. Similar to a wardrobe, this is generally a more ornate, solid wood, pricier investment piece that will keep clothes hidden and organized with drawers and hanging space. They’re a great clothing storage solution if you don’t have a wardrobe – and a total showstopper in your apartment.
Another option would be to get a dresser (or two) and organize the drawers to fit your needs. The best part is, dressers of all shapes and sizes can be found while thrifting – and with a coat or two of paint and some new hardware, they’ll look good as new!
9. Find your perfect armoire or dresser
image: pexel.com
Aside from the stylish name, armoires often have a lot of storage capacity and don't take up a lot of space. Like a wardrobe, this is a more ornate, solid wood, higher-priced investment piece that will keep clothes hidden and organised with drawers and hanging space. They're a terrific solution for garment storage if you don't have a closet - and a total eye-catcher in your apartment.
Another alternative is to purchase a dresser (or two) and organise the drawers to your specifications. The best part is that dressers of various shapes and sizes can be obtained thrifting, and with a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware, they'll look as good as new!
10. Mix it up
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Let's face it: some of us simply have too many clothes! If you don't have a wardrobe, you'll need to declutter (and donate some of it), but if you're not ready to part ways, try a mix-and-match solution with all of the above for a DIY wardrobe that's uniquely yours. Before purchasing and installing a wall wardrobe, look for creative hangers and brightly coloured storage bins, read reviews, and have fun with it!
