Storage isn’t exactly the most exciting part of setting up a bedroom, but when your clothes start living on the chair, the floor, or that one overflowing laundry basket, you start thinking — do I need better storage?
Usually, it comes down to two options: wardrobes or a chest of drawers. You’ve probably thought about getting both, but space, budget, and common sense usually say otherwise. So, which one do you actually need?
So let’s break it down for you.
What Do You Actually Own?
Before you buy anything, stop and look at your clothes. Be honest. Are you folding your stuff 90% of the time, or do you hang everything, even your T-shirts?
If your wardrobe mostly consists of shirts, kurtas, dresses, trousers, or anything that creases easily, then a wardrobe makes life easier. Hanging space means fewer wrinkles, and you don’t have to spend half your morning ironing.
On the other hand, if your go-to uniform is leggings, pyjamas, and oversized tees, you don’t need hanging space. A good chest of drawers will do the job just fine. Fold it, toss it, shut the drawer — done.
No need to overcomplicate it. Just match your storage to your stuff.
Why Go for a Wardrobe?
Wardrobes are great when you want everything in one place. Clothes, bags, even shoes — it can all fit in, out of sight. You can hang your regulars, tuck winter clothes into the top shelf, and still have space at the bottom for the random things you never quite know where to keep.
If you share your bedroom with someone (partner, sibling, flatmate), having one big wardrobe split between two people is usually simpler than fighting over drawer space.
Wardrobes are also neater. Once the doors are shut, nobody sees what’s going on inside. Great for people who don’t fold everything perfectly or have zero patience for drawer organisers.
But here’s the thing — wardrobes take up space. And depending on the style, some can feel heavy in the room. So, make sure you measure properly. Nothing worse than realising your new wardrobe blocks the window or won’t open fully because of the bed.
Why Choose a Chest of Drawers?
Now let’s talk about the good old chest of drawers. Smaller footprint, lighter to move, and weirdly satisfying to use.
They’re perfect for people who like their clothes sorted. Socks in one, T-shirts in another, spare towels in the bottom one. It’s all there, tidy and easy to grab.
Also, drawers make better use of vertical space in small rooms. You can place a mirror on top, some skincare bits, or your morning coffee — try doing that on top of a wardrobe.
They’re also less intimidating in tiny rooms. Wardrobes can feel bulky if you don’t have much walking space, but a chest of drawers can quietly sit along one wall without making the room feel tight.
If you’re renting or tend to move often, drawers are easier to carry and re-use elsewhere in the house, too — think hallway storage, living room console, even a stand-in TV unit.
Can You Have Both?
Of course. If you’ve got the space and your clothes fall into both “hang” and “fold” categories, having both is the best setup. Wardrobe for your nice stuff, drawers for the everyday basics.
Just don’t force both into a room that can’t handle it. You’ll end up with furniture crowding the space, and even though your clothes will be happy, you won’t be.
Think About Your Bedroom Layout
Sometimes the answer has less to do with your clothes and more with your room.
Got a long wall? The wardrobe might fit. Got a narrow corner that nothing else works in? That’s drawer territory. Don’t just pick what looks good online. Think about doors opening properly, space to walk, and whether you’ll still be able to plug your charger in once it’s all set up.
Also, consider natural light. Big wardrobes can block windows or darken a space. Lighter furniture or something with legs (like some chest of drawer styles) can help the room feel more open.
In the End, It’s About Your Routine
Morning, you don’t want to wrestle with stuck drawers or reach behind piles of bags to grab a shirt. So go for something that matches your daily rhythm.
If you get dressed in five minutes and live in casuals, you don’t need a wardrobe. If you steam and hang every outfit, drawers won’t cut it.
Storage should work for you, not the other way round.