- Closets are frequently not built to be optimized. Hanging shelves or hanging closet organizers are an easy, affordable way to add additional storage to a cramped space.
The tiny closet in my bedroom is the bane of my existence. It’s poorly organized, with upper shelves that I can’t easily reach and sliding doors that make getting the clothes at the very center of the rack a challenge.
But even if you don’t share my closet woes, you can probably still benefit from some organization. Hanging shelves are a great way to make use of your closet’s dead space, adding extra storage for anything from sweaters and pants to purses, shoes, and accessories.
They’re also a nice solution for people who can’t fit a dresser in the bedroom, and they help keep the closet floors clear for shoe racks. Hanging shelves come in all different shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to find one that suits your closet and your wardrobe.
Note: Make sure your closet rod can support the weight. Once they are filled, hanging shelves can get very heavy, which can cause the rod to bend. Be sure to avoid overpacking your hanging shelves.
Here are the best hanging shelves for closets:
- Whitmor Hanging Accessory Shelves
- Zober Hanging Purse Organizer
- Whitmor 4 Section Fabric Closet Organizer
The best overall
The Container Store 6-Compartment Natural Canvas Hanging Sweater Organizer can hold up to 24 sweaters without adding too much bulk to your closet.
For optimal additional storage without adding too much bulk to your closet, check out The Container Store 6-Compartment Natural Canvas Hanging Sweater Organizer. As the name suggests, it has six roomy compartments that hold up to 24 sweaters, while only taking up 12 inches on your closet rod.
It is also attractive for a clothes organizer, made of thick, natural-colored canvas. The whole thing attaches to the rod with two sturdy metal hooks and has reinforced shelves that retain their shape even when loaded down with garments.
Deep, wide cubbies mean it can also accommodate bulkier items and even shoe boxes.
Pros: Six compartments, up to 24 sweaters, sturdier than other fabric shelves, hooks
Cons: Drawers can stick when full
The best with accessory pockets
The Whitmor Hanging Accessory Shelves feature five organizing shelves and three sleeves on the side for stashing smaller items like scarves and belts.
Everyone has a few random items that clutter up the closet because they kind of don't belong anywhere. The Whitmor Hanging Accessory Shelves give you a place to stash those odd belts, scarves, and other doodads so they stop clogging your closet (or bedroom) floor.
This is a five-shelf unit that measures 11.5 x 12 x 42 inches. It holds plenty of sweaters, tops, pants, shoes, etc. But what makes this shelf really stand out are the three mesh accessory pockets on the side that can hold jewelry, scarves, stockings, or anything else that needs a home.
This option is a bit saggier and less sturdy than our top pick from The Container Store, but the organizer has a metal frame inside to help hold the shape and hangs from the closet rod by two chrome hooks for easy installation.
Pros: No assembly required, affordable, side pockets
Cons: Shelves sag a bit when very full
The best 3-compartment
The 3 Shelf Hanging Fabric Storage Organizer from Target is a great option for small spaces thanks to the compact size.
Want more storage space but don't have an inch of room to spare? Target's 3 Shelf Hanging Fabric Storage Organizer is a great pick for teensy closets. It has three storage compartments, two smaller and one larger, that together hold up to 20 pounds.
The shelf comes down only 27 inches from the hooks that attach to the closet rod, which means you'll have plenty of floor space to utilize beneath. It's made of relatively attractive neutral-colored canvas and can accommodate fabric drawers.
Set up is extremely easy since it attaches to any rod with hooks.
Pros: Affordable, good for small spaces, different-sized shelves, can be used with bins or fabric drawers
Cons: Some reviewers complained of odd smell, not as sturdy as other options
The best for purses
The Zober Hanging Purse Organizer solves the age-old problem of what to do with all your bags.
Figuring out how to store my excess bags and purses is not the biggest problem in the world but it is a bit of an issue, as far as closet organization goes. As it stands right now, I chuck all my bags onto the top shelf of my closet and hope for the best. But the Zober Hanging Purse Organizer is definitely a better option.
Of course, you could store purses in any of the shelves on this list, but if you'd like to keep them organized and relatively dust-free, this is a great pick. It features eight slots that are open on the side for easy in-and-out access, and have clear plastic panels in front so you can see exactly what is stored inside. It attaches to the rod using a standard hook.
Pros: Eight roomy compartments for purses, clear on the front, open sides for easy access
Cons: Bulky, not much use beyond purses
The best with a clothing rod
The Whitmor 4 Section Fabric Closet Organizer has four cubbies and an additional clothing rod to hang shirts, dresses, and slacks.
The Whitmor 4 Section Fabric Closet Organizer is a genius space saver. Not only does it give you four square cubbies to store folded items, but it also has an additional metal rod for hangers.
There's minor assembly required because the shelf hangs from metal rods that slide through the fabric loops at the top. When assembled, the shelf dimensions are 11 x 24 x 27.5 inches, giving you plenty of space in your closet to hang dresses, pants, and shirts.
While some sagging does occur when it's completely loaded up, it's generally pretty sturdy and the metal rod is strong enough to easily hang plenty of pants, skirts, dresses, and more.
Pros: Four cubbies, attached clothing rod
Cons: Some reviewers complained about sagging
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