Simple Storage Solution: A Shelf-and-Basket Dresser

08.03.10 | Posted in: Organization

Looking for a way to avoid adding additional, bulky pieces of furniture to a bedroom? Love the zen-like state that organization brings? Have lots of foldable pieces of clothing? This solution may be for you.

Shelf-and Basket-Dresser

The Solution?
Eliminate the need for a freestanding dresser by using a shelf-and-basket dresser to easily organize your clothing. This idea was born about five years ago when I decided to move by bed into my closet (a topic I’ll leave for another post). Since that space was no longer usable as clothing storage, I had to come up with another solution. I had already decided to install shelving to display photos and books and, after purchasing some simple weaved baskets to store knick-knacks, thought of utilizing these baskets as a clothing storage solution.

Let me be clear: this is definitely not for everyone! My wardrobe is such that almost everything I own is foldable and, for a woman, it’s not very expansive. In fact, it consists almost wholly of jeans, t-shirts, v-neck shirts of varying colors, and wrinkle-free black pants.

However, this solution is one I love and I implore you to give it a try.

What You’ll Need

  • 12″ Shelving brackets (many styles available)
  • 12″ Shelves (again, many styles available)
  • Baskets (a mix of large and small looks best)

The 12″ specification is important because it will give you the most room to work with when choosing baskets. Any smaller measurement makes finding baskets to fit the space much more difficult (as well as trying to fit your clothing into the smaller space). I also recommend choosing baskets with lids to store your undergarments (or, alternately, store them on the top shelf), unless you’re bolder than I. ;-)

After installing the shelving (a matter of installing the brackets on wall studs and placing the shelves on top), finding the best organization for the clothing is the next step. The shelves I purchased were 6′ long and I found it was best to have no more than 3 large baskets per shelf. Any more and the shelf looked too cluttered with less room for displaying pictures and such, which help the unit blend into the room.

You’ll have to do some experimenting to find your ideal arrangement and organization scheme, but this is a quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive project that can add a touch of modernity to any room. My favorite part is the clean, uncluttered look. An added bonus is that it forces you to keep your clothes neat and tidily stored (unless you score baskets with lids).

Recommened Materials

I had some trouble finding the type of shelving I used online, but I purchased it from Home Depot and they had a variety of sizes, colors, and coordinating brackets to choose from. For an even more natural look, you could always purchase a 1″x12″ piece of lumber and have it cut to your desired length. By staining, painting, or simple lacquering, you could achieve a custom look.

Like this tip? Did you try it out? Send me photos!

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