apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

With an unlimited budget, there are seemingly infinite options of amazing integrated wardrobe and closet systems. But on a tight budget, it can be difficult to find a solution that doesn’t seem ragtag or more fitting for a student dormitory. Here are a few options that won’t necessarily break the bank.

Our first, and most obvious, go-to is IKEA. There’s no doubt that they provide affordable furniture solutions that are often times pleasing to the discerning design snob. The Hosle is a great, sliding-door wardrobe with a hanging rack and a single shelf that clocks in at just $79.99. It has a simple silhouette with a light-wood finish (made of particleboard) that could blend in easily with many décor styles. It also seems ripe for a creative DIY makeover to add a bit of flair.

For a larger piece with more storage and a bit of a sleeker design, the Kullen wardrobe is still a reasonably priced option for a room without a closet at $149.00. This features a hanging rod as well as a five-shelf cabinet and two drawers.

If you are adamantly opposed to particleboard, or prefer something with a bit of a more built-in appearance, this photograph from an issue of ReadyMade got us thinking about a faux-built in idea. Using a small bookshelf turned outward and a curtain, why not create a closet in a nook or behind a door? Making sure to anchor the bookcase to the wall for stability, you could mount a hanging rod across the allotted space and disguise it with a curtain. If the bookcase is not sturdy enough to attach the hanging rack to, simply add a wall-mounted rod, like this one from Improvements. Adding a piece of crown molding in front of the curtain adds to the built-in appeal, and you can customize the size according to your space.

If you’re opposed to mounting or installing anything at all, simply build your faux-closet around a freestanding garment rack like this one from Organize.com. Or, simply work the industrial, loft-style approach and have your clothing out in the open! We’re not brave enough to keep our wardrobe on display, but this garment rack moves around easily and folds up when not in use, for easy storage and costs $89.99.

The Container Store also has this slick bamboo garment rack that would stand in full view quite nicely for $129.00.

For something with a more unique appeal, we love the idea of finding a large, ornate armoire and refinishing it in a bold color. Why hide your storage when it can be a gorgeous focal point! This example from Living Etc. left us drooling and ready to go find a sturdy, but distressed, armoire to paint for our space!