How to Hang Clothes Without a Closet

Last Updated: September 2, 2021 References

If your house, apartment, or dorm room is short on closet space, then you may need to be a little creative when it comes to storing and organizing your clothes. While some of your clothes can be folded, clothes made out of natural or thin fabrics should be hung up to keep them from getting wrinkled. From wardrobes to garment racks, and from pegboards to tension rods, there are plenty of things you can do to hang and organize your clothes without a closet.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Creating Permanent Places to Hang Clothes in Your Home

1
Hang a clothing rod to take advantage of space along the wall. Clothing rods are metal, wood, or plastic bars that you can use to hang clothes, like a rod you would find in a traditional closet. You can always attach a clothing rod to your wall, but you can also buy clothing rods that hang from the ceiling if you want to take advantage of vertical space. ^{[1]
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2
Install some shelf brackets to keep clothes close to the wall. If you think hanging clothes on a clothes rod would take up too much space, then consider installing some shelf brackets. With a shelf bracket, you can hang clothes hangers parallel with the wall, taking up less space than if you hung away from the wall, like they would on a clothes rod.
- To install shelf brackets, decide where on the wall you would like the bracket to be. Hold the bracket up against the wall. The brackets should have several holes in them where screws or nails are supposed to go. Using a pencil, mark where the holes in the bracket are, making sure not to move the bracket.
- Set the bracket down, and drill holes through the wall where you made your marks. Drill all the way through the drywall, and then insert a drywall anchor. Drywall anchors are small plastic pieces that provide extra support and hold screws in place.
- Finally, line up the holes on the bracket to the holes where you've installed your drywall anchors. Keep the bracket steady while you screw it in place.^{[2]
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- Depending on the shape and style of the shelf bracket, you may need to hang it upside down to create a flat place to hang clothes hangers.^{[3]
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3
Get a wardrobe to hang and protect clothes. A wardrobe, also called an armoire, is a freestanding cabinet where you can hang your clothes. They keep clothes out of sight and protect them from light and dust. However, wardrobes can be large pieces of furniture, so if you live in a small space like an apartment or dorm, they might not be right for you.
- Would you like even more ways to store your clothes without a closet? Then look for a chifforobe. A chifforobe is a type of wardrobe that comes with built-in drawers as well as space to hang your clothes.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Hanging Clothes Without Damaging Your Walls

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Set up a garment rack in your room. Garment racks are simple frames made out of plastic or metal, like the racks that stores use to hang clothes. Like a wardrobe, a garment rack is a simple way to hang lots of clothes without a closet. However, garment racks are cheaper than a wardrobe, and they usually take up less space. ^{[5]
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- Because they are usually small and light weight, you can set up a clothing rack in any part of a room where there's open space, and then move them from place to place.
2
Utilize a pegboard to hang hats, scarves, and accessories on your walls. You might use a pegboard in a garage or a craft room to keep tools visible and organized, but you can also use one in your bedroom. Hang a pegboard on your wall and then move the hooks around to arrange your clothes and accessories however you would like them.
- You can screw your pegboard to the wall using drywall anchors.
- For a more decorative look, you can attach the front of your pegboard to the back side of a picture frame with wood glue and nails, and then hang the frame on the wall.^{[6]
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- You can hang jewelry, scarves, and bags directly from the hooks.
3
Use an over-the-door hanger to store scarves and accessories. The backsides of doors are a great, out-of-the-way place to store smaller accessories and scarves. From single hooks to entire shelving units, there are many different styles and sizes of inexpensive organizers you can use.
- Large, singular hooks are a great tool to hang coats, scarves, bags, and anything else that you want to keep within reach.
4
Place a tension rod between two walls in a corner or in nook. Tension rods, also called spring rods, are usually used to hang curtains, but you can use them to hold scarves or clothes hangers. If your room has a small nook, alcove, or an unused corner, find a tension rod that is just slightly longer than the length between the two walls. Because tension rods use springs to stay in place, installing and removing tension rods is very simple and easy.
- Be careful of putting anything too heavy on tension rods, as they can only hold so much weight. Opt for lighter sweaters and blouses.
5
Hang adhesive hooks to take advantage of open space on your walls. Adhesive hooks are a great way to hang all sorts of items without damaging your walls, and you don’t need any special tools to use them. There are many sizes of adhesive hooks available, so use smaller hooks for lighter clothes, like shirts and scarves, and use larger hooks to hold heavier clothes, like coats and jeans.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I add a closet to an existing room?

Christel Ferguson
Professional Organizer
Christel Ferguson is the owner of Space to Love, a decluttering and organization service. Christel is certified in Advanced Feng Shui for Architecture, Interior Design & Landscape and has been a member of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) for over five years.

Christel Ferguson

Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

One great option is to purchase an Elfa closet system from the Container store or a bracket system that attaches right to the wall. Depending on your space, you can then make it as wide as you want.
Question

How do I make wall hooks look good?

Christel Ferguson
Professional Organizer
Christel Ferguson is the owner of Space to Love, a decluttering and organization service. Christel is certified in Advanced Feng Shui for Architecture, Interior Design & Landscape and has been a member of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) for over five years.

Christel Ferguson

Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

For a structured look, be sure to measure between each hook, making them the same distance apart and level.

Warnings

As with any home improvement project, use proper precautions when using power tools. Wear protective eye wear and keep your hands, fingers, and hair clear of any drills, saws, or hammers you might use.

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