When you start using an online wardrobe planner, your first thought is probably in relation to the broader storage spaces, such as whether you choose hanging space, shelves or drawers. 

Those are undoubtedly important decisions, however, it’s important that you don’t stop there. You can continue your bespoke wardrobe design by adding some additional specialist storage solutions to not only keep you organised, but also to keep your possessions in top condition.

So, what specialist storage solutions are we talking about? Specifically, you can add:

• Pull-out shoe racks
• Trouser racks
• Jewellery trays
• Pull-out wire baskets

But before you make any decisions about what kinds of specialist storage solutions to add to your bespoke wardrobe design, take some time to look at what you currently have in your wardrobe.

After all, a trouser rack is only useful if you have enough pairs of trousers to make it worthwhile. Similarly, a jewellery tray will only be helpful if you have enough pieces to warrant taking up that space. 

Let’s look at each specialist storage option in turn and breakdown why they are useful in your made-to-measure wardrobe.

Pull-out shoe racks

Most of us have a corner of our wardrobe which is reserved for our shoes, but how many of us actually organise that corner neatly? What’s more, throwing all of your footwear into a heap could mean it doesn’t last as long.

One of the top tips for keeping any kind of footwear in good condition, whether we’re talking about trainers or heels, is to store it properly. Regularly cleaning your shoes is also advised – and drying them thoroughly before storing them again.

Cleaning your shoes is much more appealing if they are going into a space where you can see them clearly and this is precisely what a pull-out shoe rack offers. It is a smart way to store shoes with plenty of ventilation.

The wire design ensures there is good airflow and it can be installed in your wardrobe beneath hanging space or in its own separate compartment. 

Trouser racks

Many of us have more pairs of trousers than we regularly wear. In fact, most of us own plenty of clothes that we don’t regularly wear. Research from WRAP found that, in 2021, the average pair of jeans was kept for four years.

But most of us will buy new pairs of jeans, even if we have others stashed in a drawer. We likely also have pairs of trousers that are tucked away at the bottom of a pile and rarely see the light of day.

A trouser rack can help you see how many pairs of trousers you really own and give you a neat way to store them. 

One of the beauties of the trouser racks we offer as part of our wardrobe-design kit is that the bars themselves are magnetic, which means you can move them as your wardrobe shifts and changes. 

Plus, draping your trousers over a bar will help keep them crease-free without taking up hanging space in your wardrobe. The space between the clothes also allows air to circulate, which can prevent your trousers from developing that musty smell often common in drawers. 

This particular specialist storage item could also double as a space for hanging sarongs or even the odd towel – you don’t have to limit it to what it says on the label!

Jewellery racks

Jewellery racks are a wonderful solution for anyone who is tired of opening their jewellery box to find a tangled mess of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. These shallow drawers are the ideal space-saver.

The drawer is divided into a series of small, velvet-lined compartments that can help you to keep the likes of necklaces and earrings separate from one another. The larger compartments towards the back of the drawer are also ideal for sunglasses or belts.

This makes it a nifty way to store all of your accessories in a way that not only makes them very accessible but that also keeps them tidy. 

One poll from 2019 found that 70 per cent of women in the UK choose to wear the same items from their jewellery collections each day, rather than mix it up. The same survey also revealed that most jewellery boxes contain an average of £186 of unworn items.

A jewellery rack could help you find some gems (literally and figuratively) that are hidden at the bottom of your jewellery box, and showcase them so you reach for them more often. 

Pull-out wire baskets

There are all manner of other items that get bundled into drawers or hidden away in boxes, ranging from blankets and throws to scarves, hats and gloves. A pull-out wire basket is a neat place to store these possessions that can be easily forgotten.

As with the wire shoe rack, this kind of storage solution allows air to circulate, which means you’ll avoid a musty smell – which will be especially appealing if you are looking for a way to store seasonal pieces like scarves or gloves. 

This can also be a good alternative to a shelf at the bottom of a wardrobe with hanging space, as it allows you to pull the basket out and see what’s in it. 

Why add specialist storage sections to your wardrobe?

We are big proponents of designing a wardrobe that meets your needs, which is what our wardrobe builder is all about. Specialist storage solutions like the options we’ve outlined here aren’t for everyone.

However, they are a clever way to save space and store your clothing, shoes and accessories in a manageable and appealing way. Plus, they genuinely make your life easier. 

Being able to open your wardrobe and pick an outfit without having to root around is really valuable when you lead a busy life and don’t have time to spare in the mornings. 

Our advice before you start designing your bespoke wardrobe is to look at what clothing, shoes and accessories you own and to base your storage decisions on what you have in your closet, rather than what you think should be in your closet.