25 Minimalist Dresser Alternatives (for Small Rooms)

Dressers have been a staple in homes for hundreds of years, but many homeowners would instead not use one. Whether it be an issue of space, preference, or style, dressers are not a fit for every homeowner, and that’s understandable. It’s easy to come by a dresser, but what are some of the best alternatives a homeowner can find?

A garment rack, or several garment racks, is a visually appealing and practical dresser alternative with many options. You could also utilize open space, like a corner, to substitute a dresser with shelves and hooks to store your clothes. Otherwise, you could use a laundry organizer, clothing trunk, armoire, or cubicle storage instead of a dresser.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal taste, but there are many options for dresser alternatives. You need to consider your aesthetic, how much space you have, and how many clothes you need to store. Follow along as we explore the best alternatives for a dresser that money can buy.

Garment racks are simple and affordable alternatives to a traditional dresser, and there’s a wide variety of them. Some garment racks have multiple racks on them, which is a significant convenience, and they vary in size. They generally aren’t large or cumbersome, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your room.

You can find simple garment racks for as little as $20, or you can spend $90 or more for an elaborate one. Depending on the size of the room, you can fit several garment racks, and some even come with cubicles. This is great if you plan to store shoes or ties, but you’ll have less room for stacking folded clothes.

Some garment racks may be too large for your room, but luckily, there are many to choose from. Essential garment racks without cubicles or shelves prevent you from storing shoes, which can be a downside. With that said, garment racks are still a cheap, convenient, and possibly stylish alternative to a dresser.

Laundry storage shelves, or laundry organizers, are an excellent alternative to a dresser, and luckily, they’re cheap. Basic laundry storage shelves only cost $20, but you can find a larger one for $60 or more. You can even place a laundry storage shelf meant to go above a washer directly above your bed.

Placing a laundry storage shelf over your bed is a way to maximize space, especially if you have a small room. Most laundry organizers or storage shelves aren’t meant for too much weight, so limit how much you stack on it. These organizers are great for folded shirts and pants, and they are perfectly ideal for shoes.

Some homeowners may be wary, considering that there isn’t much variety in style or color in laundry shelves and organizers. Luckily, you can take that matter into your own hands and paint the shelf if you so choose. Laundry storage shelves and organizers are the perfect dresser alternative if you want to conserve space.

You can utilize your ingenuity and open space in your room as an alternative to a dresser. Sure, this option may require more work and planning, but it has the potential to be a huge payoff. Make use of hooks, wall shelves, and an area of your room that could use some attention.

Utilizing open space is best done when combined with other alternatives unless you’re comfortable with most of your clothes being in the open. This works best when you dedicate a corner to being a stand-in dresser, especially if you have a big room. You can hang as many hooks and wall shelves as you have space for, and you can install rods beneath for hangers.

You can find slim wall shelves that match your walls, or you can paint them to blend in or stand out. In a corner, open space is the most aesthetically pleasing dresser alternative for creative builders and homeowners. After you’ve bought all of the materials, you could spend between $90 and $200 with an open space dresser alternative.

If you want a classy, old-fashioned dresser alternative, then you can look no further than an armoire. Armoires are large and spacious, and that makes them even better than many traditional dressers. Most armoires have at least one drawer on them, but the main attraction is the large cabinet.

Not only are armoires a great idea way to store clothes, but they add an element of class to any room. Compared to the many different types of dressers, armoires have super storage and visual appeal. You can hang clothes inside an armoire’s cabinet, and the bottom shelf is perfect for folded clothing.

With that said, armoires are known to take up a lot of space, so they may not be ideal for small rooms. However, you can find armoires in all shapes and sizes, but many homeowners find them worth it for superior storage.

Many people look for alternatives to dressers because they want to make the most out of their space. Luckily, you can do precisely that with a cubicle storage organizer, which opens the door to great storage. The main appeal of a cubicle storage organizer is that you can tuck away as many clothes as you need without a piece of furniture.

Depending on what you want, you can expect to pay between $24 and $170 or more for a cubicle storage organizer. Basic cubicle storage organizers with less visual flare are often below $50, but anything over $100 is generally stylish. There’s no need to limit yourself when it comes to cubicle storage organizers, as you can find one to match your room.

One major advantage to cubicle storage organizers is that you can find one that suits your room’s dimensions. You can choose to dedicate as much or as little space in your room to your dresser alternative as possible with a cubicle. Not to mention, the cubicle is lightweight, and you will thank yourself when it’s time to move houses.

Sometimes, all that you need is an alternative to a dresser that will offer more visual flare. You can find that with a clothing trunk, especially if you are looking for a rustic vibe in your room. Lower-end clothing trunks cost as little as $55-$65 but spending more than $120 will buy you a beautiful trunk.

Clothing trunks are somewhat limiting in that they are most ideal for clothes that have been folded. Even still, pairing a clothing trunk with another alternative, such as wall hooks, can cover all bases. Trunks are also great for storing shoes, and you can find options that are best suited for how much you need to store.

One of the main appeals of storage trunks is how great they look, especially if you get a vintage one. Vintage-looking clothing trunks can be found for as little as $130, and they add character to any room. Buy a clothing trunk if you want excellent storage space with a unique visual character that adds to any room.

Buy a storage bed if you are limited in your bedroom space and want to get the most of it. This option is best to go through with before you move into a house, but it’s never too late for a storage bed. Storage beds are built with drawers beneath them that you can easily store clothing or any excess linens in.

Storage beds can cost between $800 and $3,000 or more, but they carry a massive value. Small homes and bedrooms benefit the most from storage beds as they allow you to get the most out of space. If your bedroom is cramped as it is, a storage bed will save you the trouble of a chest or dresser.

If you’re worried about the drawers standing out and looking bad, you have nothing to fear. Storage beds usually look seamless, and the comfort often covers the drawers so you won’t notice them. If you have a small bedroom, look into storage beds and don’t want to make it more cramped with a dresser.

Bedside tables are just as commonplace as dressers, but they are also a great alternative to dressers. If you get a big enough bedside table, you can fill it with clothes and make it so that you don’t need a dresser. This is especially true if you put a bedside table on each side of the bed, and then you’ll never need a dresser.

It seems so basic, but many of the best household shortcuts are cheap and straightforward. You can expect to pay at least $110 or more for a bedside table that’s worth using as a substitute for a dresser. Or you can find a cheaper bedside table in the $80-$100 range and buy two of them to maximize storage.

The other advantage of using a bedside table as an alternative is that you also have the top surface to use. That means that you can still place a lamp, alarm clock, or a cup of coffee on top of your new dresser alternative. Look into bedside tables with a lot of storage if you want to get the most bang for your buck on a dresser alternative.

You don’t have to utilize your bookshelf solely for storing books; alternatively, use it to store your clothes. This is an excellent solution for folks who dislike the way closets look and don’t have enough storage space.

It is convenient to get to your things because you don’t have to pull drawers in and out, and it takes up no additional room. Mixing and matching your outfits can also help you create an exciting look. To avoid spider and dust build-up, make sure you clean them on a regular basis.

A closet organizer is an excellent solution to increase storage space in a compact bedroom without taking up additional floor space. There are several styles to pick from, including hanging and folding organizers with several shelves, racks, and drawers.

This is a terrific alternative to a dresser because it saves so much space. Its attractive appearance makes it suitable for use in any bedroom. When making your decision, look for one that fits your bedroom and blends in with the rest of your furnishings.

Related Questions

What can I use instead of a dresser?

An armoire or a pair of bedside tables are excellent alternatives to using a dresser. Otherwise, laundry organizers and clothing trunks can help you make the most of your space. Another viable option is a storage bed if you want the most space possible in your bedroom.

How can I organize my room without a dresser?

Install hooks and shelves on the wall if you want to organize your room without a dresser. Dedicate one corner and its walls to makeshift shelves that you can install hooks and rods to hang clothes from. Purchase a cubicle organizer to put in the corner if you have too much clothing for a few shelves.

Garment racks are a great alternative for dressers because they usually don’t take up much space. However, if you have a lot of folded clothes to store, laundry organizers and clothing trunks are your best bet. Clothing trunks also double as an interesting addition to your bedroom that adds a rustic flavor to space.

Choose an armoire if you want an alternative that offers plenty of space as well as a striking visual. The combination of a drawer and a cabinet makes an armoire perfect for hanging and folding. Hang hooks and shelves on the wall in the corner if you want to create a dresser alternative using open space.

There are countless alternatives for dressers, and it mostly comes down to your own aesthetic and how much space you have. Only create an open space dresser alternative if you have enough space in your room; otherwise, it will be cramped. You can maximize space by purchasing a storage bed that’s intended for stowing linens and clothing away.