In order to keep things clean and tidy at home, it is important to have a plan, a set place to keep things when not in use. Too often clothes get thrown onto a chair in the bedroom. Pieces that can be worn again but are not freshly washed, such as jeans or sweaters, sit in a pile on a chair waiting to be picked up. The solution for this is simple: the clothes valet.
Valets are nothing new, but traditionally they have been an item that men would use to hang their jackets or ties and were therefore most commonly available in limited styles and colors. Often they are found in dark glossy wood or pewter versions that feel dated and unnecessarily cumbersome. Modern versions exist but tend to be pricey. That was why I was so pleased to find the IKEA MULIG. Sleek and simple, available in black or white, this valet is perfect for hanging clothes when not in use and even has a place to put accessories.
The IKEA blog suggests winding rope around the bar to customize it, but I can also imagine it wrapped in leather or with a bright color. It could also be painted or covered in contact paper with a print if you are particularly skilled.
Find it: MULIG Valet Stand, $12.99 at IKEA
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This could be agreat DIY.
I actually bought one of these for my boyfriend in a desperate attempt to get him to quit draping his clothes over every chair in the house. (He's of the intellectual camp that clothing worn for less than 4 hours is still "good," but shouldn't be put back in the closet -- hence the temporary storage space of every chair in the house.) He doesn't use it appropriately at all - he just dumps all his clothes on top of it in a lumpy pile - but at least I can sit down when and where I want to!
The language nerd in me assumes that this is pronounced the same way as a man's personal servant, which means it would rhyme with mallet. (See Mr Bates in Downton Abbey.)
Can I just skip the stand and get a house staff like in DA? Would be ever so useful.
uhhh...it's va-lay.
What I see is a perfect object for yarn bombing.
:o I want it.
I found one of these at a hospital thrift store for $10! My husband uses it hang his uniform on; very handy and keeps the clothes neat and tidy till he needs them. A win for me, since he tends to disapprove of my thrifting habit ;)
My best friend uses a repurposed, discovered on the side of the road, free standing mirror frame (minus the mirror). The mirror frame/stand has dowels running parallel to the ground up the back of it and she hangs all her belts, scarves and other random things on it. I envy her thrifting, repurposing nature!