12 Ideas for a Bedroom with No Closet

By Geoff McKinnen Certified Sleep Coach

Last Updated On May 22nd, 2024
12 Ideas for a Bedroom with No Closet

Key Takeaways

  • Maximize Vertical Space: Use tall furniture like wardrobes or dressers to make the most of your bedroom’s vertical space.
  • Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in furniture pieces that serve dual purposes, such as beds with built-in storage or ottomans with hidden compartments.
  • Creative Storage Solutions: Think outside the box by using under-bed storage, behind-the-door organizers, and wall-mounted racks to maximize storage potential.

Invest in a Bed with Built-In Storage

If you have the budget, consider upgrading to a bed frame with built-in storage. Some options are perfect for hiding away seasonal items, while other frames are excellent for miscellanous items you want to display or keep close to hand.

Platform Beds with Drawers

Platform beds with built-in drawers beneath the sleeping surface offer a practical solution for increasing your storage space in a small bedroom. These versatile bed frames allow you to neatly tuck away folded clothing, extra linens, and other items you want to keep organized and out of sight, freeing up valuable floor space.

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Bookcase Bed Frames

Bookcase bed frames are multifunctional frames that feature built-in shelving in the headboard. Some models also feature pull-out drawers along the sides.

These frames provide ample space for storing books in the bedroom, along with decorative items, miscellaneous small essentials like hand lotion, or even folded clothing.

The shelves can be used to display your favorite novels, framed photos, or potted bedroom plants, adding a personal touch to your bedroom. You can place a shelf at the end of the bed where you might install a footboard, maximizing its storage capabilities.

Ottoman Beds

Ottoman beds are a stylish and practical choice for closet-less bedrooms. These beds feature a hinged base that lifts up to reveal a spacious storage compartment beneath the mattress.

This hidden storage area is perfect for keeping extra bedding, seasonal clothing, or other bulky items neatly tucked away and out of sight. Ottoman beds come in a variety of styles and upholstery options, allowing you to choose a design that complements your bedroom’s aesthetic.

Use Underbed Storage

Even if you don’t have a frame with built-in storage, you can use the area under the bed. It’s the perfect spot to store items you don’t use daily. Invest in storage containers, bins, or specialized under-bed drawers to neatly tuck away out-of-season clothing, extra linens, or other items you want to keep out of sight.

If you need more space, consider a set of bed risers to give you a few more inches of vertical space.

Storage at the Foot of the Bed

Functional furniture with built-in storage at the foot of the bed can be a game-changer. These versatile pieces not only provide additional storage space but also add style and functionality to your bedroom.

Storage Bench

A storage bench placed at the foot of your bed is a practical and stylish solution for a closet-less bedroom. These benches typically feature a hinged seat that lifts up to reveal a spacious compartment, perfect for storing extra bedding, pillows, or out-of-season clothing.

Many storage benches come with a cushioned top, providing a comfortable spot to sit while getting dressed or putting on shoes.

Trunk or Foot Locker

For a more traditional look, consider using a trunk or foot locker at the end of your bed. These classic storage pieces offer ample space for storing bulky items, such as blankets, sweaters, or even books. Trunks and foot lockers come in a variety of materials, from wood to metal, and can add a touch of vintage charm to your bedroom decor.

Hope Chest

A hope chest, also known as a dowry chest, is another attractive storage option for the foot of your bed. Traditionally used to store linens, clothing, and other household items, a hope chest can be repurposed to provide additional storage space in a bedroom without a closet.

These chests often feature intricate carvings or painted designs, making them a beautiful and functional addition to your bedroom furniture.

Storage Ottoman

A storage ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that can serve multiple purposes in a closet-less bedroom. Not only can it provide a place to sit or rest your feet, but it also offers hidden storage space for bedding, clothing, or other items you want to keep out of sight.

Many storage ottomans come with a removable lid or a hinged top for easy access to the storage compartment.

Have a Dresser, Armoire, or Wardrobe

These classic pieces of furniture not only serve a practical purpose but can also add character and style to your bedroom’s decor.

Dressers

When selecting a dresser for your closet-less bedroom, opt for a tall model that maximizes the available vertical space. Tall dressers with multiple drawers can accommodate a significant portion of your clothing storage needs, allowing you to neatly organize and store folded items like sweaters, t-shirts, and pants.

Armoires

For a touch of vintage charm, consider an antique armoire for your bedroom. These classic pieces of furniture often feature both hanging space and shelves, providing ample storage for your clothing, accessories, and other personal items.

The unique character and craftsmanship of a vintage armoire can add a timeless elegance to your bedroom.

Wardrobes

A freestanding wardrobe is a practical and stylish solution for bedrooms without built-in closets. These versatile pieces come in a variety of sizes and designs, from sleek and minimalist to more ornate and traditional.

Many wardrobes feature a combination of hanging rods, shelves, and drawers, allowing you to customize your storage to suit your specific needs. Some wardrobes even come with additional features like built-in mirrors, lighting, or locks, enhancing both functionality and convenience.

Create a Makeshift Closet Area

If your bedroom lacks a dedicated closet, you can create a makeshift closet area using clever space-saving solutions. Adding curtain dividers or room dividers can carve out a semi-private dressing space or storage zone within your bedroom.

Curtain Dividers

Curtain dividers are an easy and affordable way to section off a portion of your bedroom and establish a makeshift closet area. Simply install a tension rod or mount curtain rods on the ceiling or walls, then hang a set of curtains to create a designated dressing or storage space.

This flexible solution allows you to customize the size and placement to suit your bedroom’s layout and needs.

Room Dividers or Screens

Another option for creating a makeshift closet area is to utilize room dividers or folding screens. These versatile pieces can be moved around and adjusted as needed, allowing you to carve out a semi-private space for your clothing and personal items.

Room dividers come in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to rustic and vintage, so you can choose an option that complements the overall aesthetic of your bedroom.

Get Creative with Clothing Racks

If you lack closet space in your bedroom, consider investing in clothing racks to keep your garments organized and easily accessible. These versatile storage solutions can help you make the most of your limited space.

Freestanding Garment Racks

Freestanding garment racks are a great option for bedrooms with no closet. These racks can be placed in various locations within your bedroom, providing a convenient way to hang your clothes, shirts, dresses, and jackets. Freestanding racks are flexible and can be moved around as needed, allowing you to optimize your available floor space.

You can go for a larger rack that is essentially two poles with a bar strung between them, or go for a more compact coat rack. Some freestanding coat racks come with additional features like umbrella holders or storage shelves for hats and scarves.

Wall-Mounted Clothing Racks

Also known as hanging racks, these use wall-mounted bars or hooks to keep your clothes organized and easily accessible. Some are bars that stick out from the wall, while other designs run horizontally across it. These racks can be customized to fit your specific needs and allow you to neatly organize and display your wardrobe.

For those who want to maximize vertical space, wall-mounted clothing racks are an excellent choice. Wall-mounted racks are perfect for hanging items you want to keep visible and readily available, such as shirts, dresses, and jackets.

If you keep shoes in the bedroom, you can also use a hanging shoe rack to store your footwear while saving valuable floor space.

Consider investing in additional clothes storage solutions like under-bed drawers or garment racks to accommodate seasonal items or expand your wardrobe storage capacity.

Maximize Wall Space with Shelves

One of the best ways to maximize storage in a bedroom with no closet is by utilizing the wall space. Shelves are a versatile and stylish solution, allowing you to create custom storage that fits your needs and decor. When installing shelves, ensure they are sturdy enough to support the weight of your items.

Traditional Bookcases

A traditional bookcase is a classic storage solution that can be used for more than just books. In a bedroom without a closet, a bookcase can provide ample space for storing folded clothing, shoes, accessories, and decorative items.

Look for bookcases with adjustable shelves to accommodate items of various sizes and heights. You can also use decorative boxes or baskets on the shelves to keep smaller items organized and out of sight.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves can help you make the most of your wall space, creating ample storage for your clothes, accessories, and decorative items. You can wall mount them wherever you wish, allowing you to create traditional and uniform designs or a more radical freeform arrangement.

Choose decorative shelves that not only provide functional storage but also complement the overall aesthetic of your bedroom. Arrange the shelves strategically to display your favorite decor pieces, store folded clothes, and organize accessories.

Wall Cabinets

Unlike open shelves, wall cabinets have small doors in front of their shelves to offer concealed storage, allowing you to keep your belongings neatly tucked away and out of sight. Some models also use glass doors to allow you to display cherished items while protecting them from dust.

You can opt for sleek, modern cabinets with minimalist hardware or choose more traditional designs with decorative molding and handles. Some wall cabinets even feature mirrored doors, which can help make your bedroom feel more spacious and bright.

Rolling Carts for Flexible Storage

Rolling carts, also known as utility carts, are a fantastic addition to a closet-less bedroom. These carts typically feature multiple shelves or drawers, or even a wire mesh basket.

The mobility of these carts allows you to easily move them around your room, making it simple to access your belongings or tuck them away when not in use. You can use them for folded clothes, accessories, or even books and electronics

Look for rolling carts with sturdy construction and smooth-rolling wheels to ensure durability and ease of use. Some carts even come with removable or adjustable shelves, allowing you to customize the storage space to fit your specific needs.

Fill Up a Nightstand

When shopping for a nightstand for your closet-less bedroom, opt for a design that offers built-in storage solutions. Look for nightstands with drawers, shelves, or a combination of both to maximize your storage capacity. Some nightstands even feature hidden storage compartments, such as a pull-out tray or a cabinet with a door, providing additional space for items you want to keep out of sight.

To make the most of your nightstand storage, it’s important to keep it organized and clutter-free. Start by identifying your nightstand essentials – the items you need to have within arm’s reach while in bed. These may include:

  1. A lamp for reading or ambient bedroom lighting
  2. A phone charger or charging station (though make sure you stop using the phone before bed)
  3. A small tray or catch-all dish to dump loose change and keep you from sleeping with jewelry
  4. A notepad and pen for journaling before bed (jotting down late-night ideas or to-do lists)

Don’t forget about the space beneath your nightstand – this area can be used for additional storage, especially if your nightstand doesn’t have built-in drawers or shelves. Consider placing a small basket, bin, or storage box under your nightstand to store extra blankets, pillows, or out-of-season clothing.

Be sure you review your nightstand regularly, though. Clutter easily accumulates, and many have things to get rid of in the bedroom.

Take Advantage of Behind-the-Door Space

Often, you overlook space behind your door when considering storage solutions. By adding hanging organizers and hooks, you can use your bedroom door keep your room organized and clutter-free.

Over-the-Door Hanging Organizers

These organizers typically feature multiple pockets and compartments, perfect for storing smaller items like shoes, accessories, toiletries, or even folded clothing. Look for organizers made from durable materials that complement your bedroom’s decor.

Behind-the-Door Hooks and Racks

Hooks or racks on the back of your bedroom door can create additional hanging space for items like robes, jackets, bags, or even towels. You can opt for individual hooks or a full-length rack, depending on your storage needs and the weight of the items you plan to hang.

Use Wall-Mounted Racks and Hooks

Wall-mounted racks can be used to neatly display items like scarves, belts, or even small garments. Strategically placed hooks can also be used to hang bags, hats, robes, or other items you want to keep within easy reach.

Hang necklaces, earrings, and bracelets on decorative hooks, and use racks to display your collection of scarves, belts, and other small items.

Get Organized with Baskets and Bins

Embrace the use of baskets and bins to keep your bedroom organized. Color-coded storage bins can help you categorize and neatly store items, while woven baskets add a touch of style and texture to your space.

Use these versatile storage solutions to corral smaller items like socks, accessories, or even out-of-season clothes. Strategically placed baskets and bins kept out in the open or under the bed can help you maintain a tidy and visually appealing bedroom, even without a traditional closet.

Color-Coded Storage Bins

Assign specific colored bins for different categories, such as socks, t-shirts, or accessories, and label them accordingly. This simple system will make it easy to find what you need and maintain a sense of order in your space.

Woven Baskets for Style

Add a touch of style and texture to your bedroom with these versatile baskets can be used. Arrange the baskets on shelves, atop dressers, or in corners to store a variety of items, from small clothing accessories to extra linens and towels

FAQs

How to organize a small bedroom without a closet?

The trick to organize a small bedroom that doesn’t have a closet is to maximize your storage space elsewhere. Typically in our experience, this involves utilizing vertical space with tall bookshelves, wall-mounted shelves, or hanging organizers.

Invest in furniture that doubles as storage, such as a bed with built-in drawers or a storage ottoman. Use under-bed storage containers to keep items out of sight and maximize floor space.

Where to put clothes without a closet?

Without a closet, you can put your clothes in a freestanding wardrobe or armoire, which provides both storage and a decorative element to your bedroom.

Alternatively, install a clothing rack or use a combination of dressers and chests of drawers to store folded items. Over-the-door organizers and hooks can also be used to hang clothing and accessories.

Can you have a bedroom with no closet?

Yes, in most states, it is legal to have a bedroom without a closet. While some local building codes may require a closet for a room to be considered a bedroom, this is not a universal rule.

Practically speaking, you can also make a room without a closet work as a bedroom by getting creative with storage solutions.

How do you store a lot of stuff in a small bedroom?

To store a lot of stuff in a small bedroom, use a combination of storage solutions. Utilize vertical space by installing shelves or hanging organizers on the walls. Invest in multi-functional furniture, such as a storage bed or a desk with built-in drawers.

Use vacuum storage bags to compress bulky items like bedding or seasonal clothing, and store them under the bed or in a storage ottoman (or if you have one, in an ottoman bed).

How to decorate a bedroom with no wall space?

When decorating a bedroom with limited wall space, focus on creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Use a statement piece, such as a bold headboard or a large piece of artwork, to draw the eye and create a focal point.

Incorporate decorative elements through your bedding, throw pillows, and curtains. Use a cohesive color scheme and add texture through rugs, blankets, and other soft furnishings to create a visually appealing space without relying on wall decor.

Conclusion

Living in a bedroom without a closet doesn’t have to be a challenge. From investing in multi-purpose furniture to using vertical space, there are countless ways to make the most of your space.

We suggest a mix of open and closed storage, so you can keep belongings accessible or stored away as needed. Don’t forget to use often-overlooked spaces, such as the area behind your door or under your bed, to store items out of sight.

Remember, the key to successfully living in a bedroom without a closet is to be creative, efficient, and intentional with your storage solutions. By embracing these ideas and adapting them to your specific needs and style preferences, you can transform your bedroom environment into a beautiful and functional oasis that you’ll love spending time in.


About the author

Geoff McKinnen is a writer focusing mainly on the healthcare industry and has written articles on everything from foods to help you lose weight to the connection between Alzheimer’s and sleep. Geoff’s passionate about helping readers improve their well-being to lead happier lives. Outside of work, Geoff enjoys cycling and hiking and believes that by leading a healthy lifestyle, he can help others do the same.

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