Storage Systems for Wardrobes: Optimal Solutions

Today we will look at their features and find out how to properly store clothes in one place and save space.

Types of Ready-Made Wardrobe Systems

Today on the market, you can find ready-made storage systems, which are divided into several types.

• Panel Systems

This is a modular construction consisting of sections with walls on three sides: top, bottom, and sides. These sections are usually placed along the wall and are connected to each other. Panel systems are usually made to order according to individual dimensions. The material is most often particle board (ДСП). Among the advantages of this type of wardrobe are affordable price and aesthetic appearance.

Design: Elite Housing Studio of Alexander Akimenkov

• Panel Systems

Panel systems got their name because they represent fixed structures with various storage elements on them. The panel is mounted to the wall, and then the storage elements are attached to it (the panel). Usually, panel systems do not have dividers or a floor and ceiling. By the way, in addition to storage function, such systems can also be useful for hiding visible wall defects — all of them will be hidden behind the panel. Another important advantage is that all wardrobe elements can be rearranged and combined with each other.

Design: Alexey Kovyazin

• Scaffold Systems

Scaffold systems are a structure made of posts, usually mounted between two walls or a wall and floor. The basis of this wardrobe is guide rails to which all necessary holders are attached (the number depends on the number of storage elements). Scaffold systems can be easily assembled by yourself, and their advantage is also good air circulation for clothes.

• Mesh Systems

Mesh wardrobes are a universal type. Essentially, they represent structures made of load-bearing rails attached horizontally to the wall, and then guide rails are mounted to them. The shape and length depend on customer preferences. Despite the apparent fragility, the structure is stable and can withstand up to 300 kg.

Design: Marina Sarkisyan

Wardrobe Filling Options

By filling we mean the elements on which clothes will be folded or hung. It is necessary to carefully plan the number of these elements, as storage systems allow keeping a home in perfect order, storing clothes in one place and not searching for the desired item for a long time, and at the same time not placing bulky wardrobes along the wall that steal square meters.

So, what designers recommend filling wardrobes with:

• shelves;
• bookcases;
• baskets;
• drawers;
• hangers;
• dress forms (furniture lifts for clothes).

Their quantity depends on the needs of the household, how many people live in the apartment, how preferred to store clothes: folded on shelves or vertically on hangers, and the choice again depends on whether the clothes wrinkle easily. Designers recommend planning various options, providing sufficient number of open shelves for stacks of clothes, sliding shelves for shoes, rails for hangers (at least winter coats and suits must be stored this way, which is always more convenient).

Today, thanks to the abundance of offers in stores, even in a simple IKEA, you can plan a convenient system where everything necessary will fit. It is also possible to equip ironing boards-transformers, mirrors — this is convenient and allows preparing clothes for 'outfit' immediately.

Useful tip from designers: when planning the arrangement of things, it is worth considering how to use space as efficiently as possible, and this helps combined filling elements.

Design: OM Design

Open and Closed Storage Systems

Storage systems are also classified into closed and open groups. Closed ones are usually made from wall panels with laminated materials (plastic, mirror). Thanks to the panel that covers the wall, you can hide minor defects in it. Doors close the clothes, and this also has an advantage — you can hide minor disorder.

Design: Milla Titova

Designers recommend making closed systems in hallways with mirror doors — this will also visually expand the room.

Open systems are made without doors, and there is a certain charm in this, as comfort is created precisely with the help of things and trinkets. Many think that open storage systems suit only spacious rooms, but they are wrong — an open shelf in a small apartment can serve as a zoning method, thus easily turning one room into two: for example, a guest reception area and a bedroom with a proper bed.

Design: ZE-MOOV HOME Studio

Constructor

A storage system constructor for wardrobes is a distinctive feature of modern systems. They got this name because they can be easily assembled like a constructor into a single complex. Many choose this method because they can independently vary the number of needed shelves, drawers, hooks, and other elements.

Considering individual family needs, you can also vary the height of shelves in such storage systems for wardrobes. For example, to hang adult clothes, it is more logical to place the rail higher than for children's items. All of this can be taken into account if you choose a constructor.

Design: ArtMonopolia Studio

If you choose mesh baskets for storage systems of the constructor type, you can see the contents without looking inside, which is very convenient, as many people don't remember exactly where a certain item is.

Useful tip from the designer: plan lighting inside the system in advance, optimal solutions are ceiling lights with downward-facing illumination on shelves.

Design: Katuhhha Design Studio

Wardrobe Ergonomics

Storage systems for wardrobes are themselves ergonomic, as their compactness allows replacing a full-sized clothing wardrobe, but according to designers, even more universal they can be made with the right approach to system planning.

First, it is advisable to buy such systems based on the number of family members to accommodate all their things. Second, to utilize as much useful space as possible, it is worth paying attention to sliding systems, various types of drawers, brackets, hooks, rail systems, and small cabinets. Some items from the wardrobe, for example, undergarments, are preferred to be stored hidden, so it is better to choose sliding drawers or shelves with doors for them, while for shoes, transparent baskets are often better to easily find the desired pair among the collection.

Third, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the system, its strength. A good construction can withstand a load up to 300 kg, which is correct as it should accommodate all clothes, including heavy outerwear.

Design: Olga Zaretskikh

Shoe Storage

Separate point is to highlight how to properly store shoes and what space to provide in the storage system for them. Today, manufacturers offer several types of structures for this purpose.

• Bookcases

Bookcases are convenient, practical, and affordable. Bookcases can be made from different materials and placed across the entire width or just a part of it, depending on the design.

Design: Alexander Shibayev, Alexandra Averkina

• Shelves

Shelves are good at the task of storing shoes, and using shelf storage makes it easy to find the right pair. Shelves come with different 'functionality', for example, stationary and sliding ones, also there are special holders for shelves that allow changing their height and placing any footwear, including boots.

• Shoe Rack

A separate storage system for shoes — or a shoe rack. Specialized models exist where you can fit quite a large amount of footwear, but this option is suitable for a separate wardrobe room or hallway.

Recommendations from Stella Balakhnina, Image Maker

• Mesh Drawers

Sliding mesh drawers are transparent from all sides. A very convenient option for choosing the right pair, as you can see what is inside, but it may be inconvenient to store a lot of shoes in them.

• Boxes

There is also an option to keep shoes in perforated boxes on separate free shelves — this can be convenient.

Design: Eugenia Ermolaeva

Storage systems for wardrobes are very convenient and modern, much better than standard clothing wardrobes. Designers love this approach even for small apartments to not clutter precious square meters. Today, manufacturers offer a large number of options, different in price and design, even in popular markets like IKEA, you can find suitable variants.

On the cover is a design project by Marsel Kadirov.