A dresser is a large and wide piece of furniture that is typically used for storing clothing in a bedroom. While a dresser might be one of the most important pieces of furniture in a bedroom, some might argue that a dresser can often be too big, bulky, or unnecessary in a particular space.
And with modern, newer pieces of storage solutions, a dresser may not be needed to store clothes or personal items. So, if you desire a more open space, or if your personal style or bedroom restricts a dresser, check out these DIY dresser alternatives that you can use for a clutter-free, modern (and even minimalistic) space.
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Why Use An Alternative To A Dresser?
Dressers are the traditional way of storing clothes in a bedroom. A dresser is a great way to keep your clothes and personal items organized. However, dressers can be bulky furniture pieces, sometimes taking up much unnecessary space in a small bedroom. Replacing a dresser and finding alternative storage solutions can instantly give your space more room, making it appear bigger, more modern, and clutter-free.
So if you want to substitute your dresser for a more functional trendier option, check out the best alternatives for a dresser to help you maximize and elevate your space.
DIY Dresser Alternatives
1. Garment Rack
Garment racks are great dresser alternatives to traditional dressers in the bedroom. Using a garment rack lets you see exactly what you have available to wear, which ultimately helps to speed up the process of getting dressed. Garment racks can also save you a lot of space, whether in the main bedroom or guest bedroom.
Garment racks can double as a decor statement piece in your bedroom, making for a modern and more minimalistic look. It does, however, place your clothing on full display, so you may have to ensure that you keep it nice and tidy.
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2. Decorative Baskets
Using a decorative basket is a great space-saving dresser alternative. From wicker baskets to woven baskets, baskets are great storage solutions that can help to maximize space and reduce visual clutter. Baskets allow you to put things away that you would otherwise leave exposed due to their open nature and easy accessibility.
You can practically store them anywhere in the closet or on the floor next to the bed. Baskets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are usually inexpensive. Baskets are great for organizing, highly functional, and visually stunning. As a statement piece, they can add a lot of character, warmth, and a cozy vibe to your small space.
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3. Floating Shelves
Open floating shelves are a great dresser alternative that helps to maximize your vertical space and save valuable floor space in your bedroom. A floating shelf is also quite trendy, making things more easily accessible in your bedroom. You can fold your sweaters or tops nicely and stack them or simply display some of your prettiest items on the wall mounted open shelves.
4. Wall Mounted Coat Rack
A stylish wall mounted coat rack is a great alternative to a dresser. With this multipurpose rack, you can easily hang your clothes and accessories, such as a hat or scarf. Wall racks tap into wall space that would otherwise go unused. Wall mounted hook racks are typically sold with 3-5 assembled hooks allowing you to choose the desired number of hooks, or you can DIY your own wall mounted coat rack with infinite hooks.
5. Individual Decorative Hooks
Instead of a wall mounted coat rack, you can opt for individual decorative wall hooks that you can strategically place around your room as minimalist dresser alternatives. This is especially great if you want to save space in a small room. Wall hooks add to the room’s wall decor and are great for hanging your clothes and other accessories.
6. Bedside Table with Drawers
A bedside table with drawers is multifunctional. It doubles as a bedside table to house your bedside lamp, phone, alarm clocks, and other nightstand duties while also serving as a dresser alternative storage solution. You can find a bedside table with storage drawers that is aesthetically pleasing, blending seamlessly with your home decor. This bedroom furniture is a practical storage unit for a small room with limited space.
7. Trunk
Trunks are very tasteful vintage storage units that make your space trendy. This vintage piece has evolved over the years and is an excellent option for storing your favorite clothes or accessories. Whether your style is contemporary, vintage, or rustic, there are storage trunks to fit your personal style. Place them at the foot of the bed or as a side table to store items that you don’t want to take up space in your closets.
8. Upholstered Bench
This one is my favorite alternative to dressers. An upholstered bench with a flip up top is a chic and modern storage idea. Place this storage bench at the side of the bed or foot of your bed for maximum space efficiency. Storage benches double as a place to store folded clothing, blankets, pillows, and sheets while also being a place where you can sit, relax and get ready.
9. Blanket Ladder
A blanket ladder is a super trendy statement piece that has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. A blanket ladder is an alternate way to display your beautiful cozy blankets, throw blankets, and quilts. It makes such an adorable and cute room decor accent piece for the bedroom. It also helps fill up any blank wall space in the room.
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10. Closet Hanging Shelves
A closet organizer can help to divide storage space into compartments that fit your specific needs in the wardrobe. It is a great alternative to a dresser. Closet hanging shelves takes up vertical space in a closet allowing for an organized closet with plenty of storage space, hanging space, and shelving space. They are typically constructed from canvas or lightweight materials and are easy to install. Just affix them to the closet rod, and you will instantly have extra space to store your stuff.
11. Storage Bed with Under the Bed Drawers
A modern bed with under the bed drawers are excellent dresser alternatives as this gives you ample storage space that neatly tucks away. This dresser alternative utilizes floor space most effectively and makes good use of the empty space under the mattress.
This type of bedroom furniture is especially great for a small bedroom because it will give you so much more square footage in your bedroom without the need for a traditional dresser. Opt for one with pull drawers that pull out seamlessly, where you can store clothes, sheets, and blankets.
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12. Headboard with Storage
This is the by far one of the most clever dresser alternatives, making more storage space in your bedroom. This type of headboard has built in storage that is excellent for hiding visual clutter and conveniently holding evening essentials nearby. So go ahead and stash your books, notepad, bedding, night clothes, bed linens, and other knick knacks in the headboard storage space.
13. Above the Bed Storage
Try adding shelves above the bed for additional storage space. Shelving units above beds have a dual purpose in that they can be for storing clothes as well as a decorative focal point in a bedroom. It’s an excellent alternative to dressers that can make your room appear smaller.
14. Bookshelf
If you want more long vertical shelf space, then consider a bookshelf as a dresser alternatives. Bookshelves are not only made for books, but they are great for storing folded clothes as well. This is the perfect solution for a bedroom with very limited closet space.
15. Under the Bed Storage
If your bed doesn’t already have built in storage then opt to store clothes and other items under the bed using plastic containers or plastic bins. Go for bins that have a rolling feature so that you can easily slide the bins from under the bed when ready to access and use them. Under the bed storage is great for storing small items and bulky items.
16. Cubes
Cube storage is efficient and modern. This type of storage can hold everything from books to clothing. Cubes allow for more flexibility when it comes to growing storage demands. They are extremely versatile and can provide even greater access to your folded clothes than traditional dresser drawers.
Some cubes are stackable and movable, allowing you to start small and keep adding over time to create an even grander storage center with cubbies. The best part is that they are very affordable and inexpensive dresser alternatives.
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I hope you have found this list helpful. While not all of these dresser alternatives and storage options will work for your space, hopefully, one might. This extensive list of dresser alternatives will provide the best space optimization and the perfect storage method for your everyday bedroom needs.
Do you have dresser alternatives not listed here? Please leave a comment below letting us know what your think.
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