What can replace a traditional wardrobe? Practical solutions.

A spacious wardrobe, while very practical, isn't always practical in contemporary interior design. The reason? A small apartment, a poorly organized interior, different aesthetic preferences, or even a desire to refresh the decor and create more storage space. So, if you're looking for a functional and modern home that's easy to keep organized, explore interesting ideas for replacing a classic wardrobe. Here are a few proven suggestions!

Open wardrobe

More and more people are opting for open wardrobes with dedicated areas for storing clothes, clothes on hangers, shoes, handbags, and small household appliances. The advantage of this solution is undoubtedly that everything is within sight (and reach). Open shelves, clothes rails, drawers, various organizers, baskets, and containers simplify storage. Other advantages? Primarily, excellent ventilation, easy access, and the flexibility of such a system. An open wardrobe is a solution tailored to the user's individual needs, the number of items, and the specifics of the room. The disadvantages? Everything remains in plain sight, so it's important to keep it tidy. Dust accumulating on uncovered shelves can also be a nuisance.

Where can an open wardrobe work?

It can be installed in a bedroom against one wall or in a corner. A functional solution is to place an open wardrobe behind the bed. To achieve this, a light partition (e.g., made of plasterboard) is placed behind the headboard. Shelves, rails, and various types of storage units can be installed on the other side of the wall. Similarly, you can create an open or semi-open wardrobe in any other room, utilizing unused alcoves or sloped ceilings.

A system of chests of drawers, shelves, and hanging rails

A traditional wardrobe can be successfully replaced by a furniture system that includes elements such as:

• underwear chest
• a hanging clothes rail attached to the wall, ceiling or sides of furniture
• shelves with compartments
• wall shelves
• wall-mounted and/or floor-standing cabinets
• panels with clothes hangers
• drawers, storage containers.

You can buy a ready-made wardrobe (such as the CREON model with plenty of space and a seat) or create your own.

During the design phase, consider all your storage needs. Do you have a large collection of dresses, jackets, shirts, and elegant suits? Opt for two or even three clothes rails. Neatly arrange your shoes in designated compartments. You can get a textile shoe organizer. Organize small accessories, underwear, ties, jewelry, etc. in dresser drawers. Place elegant clothes for special occasions in dust-proof covers. Sort everyday clothes, T-shirts, sweaters, and pants according to their purpose, by color, or another key that facilitates the quick creation of casual outfits.

How to cover an open wardrobe in a bedroom, hall or other room?

• Decorative sliding doors or panels (e.g. accordion doors, which save space)
• Elegant curtains (a quick and cheap solution that creates a cozy effect)
• Partial glazing with impressive LED lighting (ideal option for a modern arrangement).

Storage in a small apartment

A practical alternative to a large wardrobe can be smaller chests of drawers, tailored to the interior style. Take the cozy COZY model in an oiled oak shade, for example. This simple, highly adjustable piece will look great in interiors inspired by Scandinavian, Japandi, boho, eco, or minimal aesthetics. It will also complement a decor with a rustic flair. The COZY collection offers more beautiful furniture for the bedroom, living room, or hallway . This chest of drawers will hold a multitude of items, accessories, lingerie, and more.

Another functional option is the modern CUBE wardrobe, which will work well not only in the hallway. This piece offers a system of partially hidden shelves and storage compartments, as well as a rail for hanging clothes. It doesn't take up much space, and its unique design complements many interior design trends. The CUBE model is available in several color options.

Built-in wardrobe – a recipe for order in your home

Built-in wardrobes are a great option for challenging spaces, such as those with sloped ceilings, narrow recesses, wall offsets, or other structural elements that prevent the installation of a traditional wardrobe. You can opt for a custom-made wardrobe or build shelves into the wall. Modular, expandable shelving is a convenient solution. You can find a wide selection of models in various sizes, colors, and shapes at Furnitop.co.uk. For example, the MALTIS model suits almost any interior. It offers plenty of space for clothes, shoes, and other small items. If you're looking for storage and want to visually separate one space from another, choose an open (openwork) shelving unit, such as the extendable KARL model.

Other storage furniture – benches, chests, seats, beds with storage

This type of furniture is also great for storing things. An upholstered bench with a storage unit placed in the bedroom will hold blankets, throws, and bedding. It will also complement the decor of a hallway or even a living room, serving as a seat. In a small space, a bed or sofa with storage will work well. You can store duvets, pillows, and home textiles in it.

Smart storage – functionality and aesthetics

Furniture that serves as an alternative to a classic multi-door wardrobe should perfectly complement the interior design, both in terms of size, color, and style. A white, beige, cashmere, or mirrored chest of drawers will look great in a small living room, visually enlarging the space. For example, the RING model, with its simple, geometric shape and tall metal legs, features an interesting decorative element, while the light color adds a touch of lightness to the interior.

Cashmere-colored furniture is a design hit this season. One of our suggestions is the stylish CANTARE chest of drawers, with rounded edges, tall legs, and above-average storage capacity. They can accommodate a multitude of items and will also be a beautiful addition to a living room, bedroom, or hallway.

In the bedroom, shelving units are perfect for storing clothes, accessories, and small knick-knacks. The MODUGNO model offers open shelves and cabinets. It features a push-to-open mechanism. The elegant cashmere shade perfectly complements gold accents, making it a perfect choice for a glamorous interior. For lovers of soft loft designs, we recommend the tall ALSTREMO shelving unit with black accents and a soft-close mechanism.

Freestanding hangers

A free-standing or wall-mounted coat rack is a useful addition to any hallway or dressing room. This type of equipment is lightweight, fits almost anywhere, and doesn't take up much space. It's perfect for storing frequently used clothing, jackets, coats, handbags, hats, etc. A coat rack is perfect not only for entryways, but can also be placed in the bedroom or even the bathroom.

Open wardrobes to the wardrobe

In contemporary interior design, open wardrobes are increasingly replacing the traditional closed model. In our store, you'll find ready-made models in a variety of styles and sizes. Explore the modern MERV collection. Customize your wardrobe configuration to your needs. Choose the number of rails, shelves, and pull-out drawers. Equip the piece with practical LED lighting. Open wardrobes with shelves offer a wealth of design possibilities. They can be covered at any time with dedicated sliding doors, decorative curtains, or openwork panels, giving your interior a unique character.

Dreaming of an open wardrobe in your bedroom? Looking for the perfect storage unit? Check out our MERV wardrobe configurator.

Modular furniture instead of a classic wardrobe

They'll help you make the most of your available space. A system of shelving, chests of drawers, shelves, drawers, and storage compartments will make it easy to maintain order. Clothing, textiles, footwear, sports equipment, and even an ironing board and vacuum cleaner will all have their own permanent home here.

What to replace a wardrobe with? Which solution should you choose?

First, consider:

• Do you prefer a closed system (hidden storage) or an open system (things remain visible)?
• what is the interior size
• what you want to store (clothing, footwear, haberdashery, towels, bedding, exercise equipment, seasonal clothes, etc.)
• what style of arrangement do you prefer.

A chest of drawers for the bedroom, a clothes rack for the wardrobe, or perhaps both? Match your furnishings to the specifics of your home, carefully selecting the colors and patterns of individual décor elements. You can easily replace a wardrobe with other solutions – a shelving system, smaller cabinets, hangers, wall shelves, or a laundry container. Find inspiration at Furnitop.co.uk!