Handbags are essential facets of daily wardrobes, providing elements of practicality and fashion. When handbags are scattered around the house or thrown together in unorganized piles, it can be challenging to find the one you want, especially when you’re in a hurry. Storing them neatly in a designated space allows you to quickly access the one you need to start your day or perfectly accessorize an outfit. Proper organization can also help protect your valuable handbags. Bags can get dusty, scratched, scuffed, and crushed when not stored properly.
With this in mind, the storage solution experts at ShelfGenie® have compiled 24 creative ways to store your handbags.
1. Organize with Tension Rods Inside Your Closet
One very cost-effective idea to store handbags conveniently is to choose a closet or storage area to install a tension rod. Make sure the space is easily accessible with room for all your purses. Once the tension rods are installed, hang your purses on them by looping the purse handles through shower curtain rings.
2. Store Handbags in Clear Plastic Bins
Using clear plastic bins to store handbags allows you to stack the bags while keeping them protected and dust-free. Select the right type of clear plastic bin according to the size of the bags you want to store. Label the bins according to type, color, or style for easy identification. Don’t overstuff the containers to avoid damaging any of the handbags you’re storing.
3. Hang Over-the-Door Organizers
This is a convenient idea to way to store handbags because you can see all of them and easily pick the one you want. There are a variety of over-the-door hooks available, some with pickets and others with hooks. Hang the organizer on your closet or bedroom door.
4. Use Shelf Dividers to Keep Handbags Neat
Storing your handbags on a shelf is a great way to keep them clean and organized. Take it a step further to maximize storage space by adding shelf dividers to your existing bookshelf or any shelf in your closet. You can find frames designed specifically for storing handbags.
5. Hang Garment Bags as a way to Store Handbags and Purses
If you have limited space in your closet, consider storing handbags in a hanging garment bag. Place each bag in its protective bag and hang it on a clothing rod.
6. Use a Purse Tree to Store Handbags
Purse trees are available in various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. You can put a purse tree just about anywhere in your house—your bedroom is an ideal location—and add a touch of style.
7. Horizontal Wall Hooks
Wall hooks are one of the best storage ideas for handbags, making it easy to find and unhook the right bag. Horizontal wall hooks also come in handy for storing other items like scarves or belts.
8. Vertical Purse Hangers
Purse hangers are a great way to display and store your handbags in the house. They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit your style. They typically have a few hooks positioned vertically where you can hang your handbags and other accessories.
9. Hang Them on a Clothes Rack
Create a makeshift wardrobe by using multiple clothes racks and organizing your handbags by color or type to free up much-needed closet space.
10. Store Handbags in a Closet
While this is not unique, another way to store your handbags is in a closet. But not all closets are created equal. Some have more space than others, which may include useful features for storing handbags. If this is the case, great! If not, you may want to add some custom closet storage to make it work.
11. Use Freestanding Furniture
When thinking of how to store handbags and purses, you may be looking for options that don’t take up a lot of space. However, if you have a little extra square footage, freestanding furniture is perfect for discretely storing handbags. Putting them in a Pull-Out drawer is one of the best options. You can also use a wall-mounted shoe cabinet, a storage bench at the foot of the bed, or even a freestanding wardrobe.
12. Store Them in Baskets and Bins
Trying to figure out how to store your handbags and purses when you don't have a lot of storage space? Baskets and bins are the perfect solutions for storing bags because they take up very little space. You can find baskets and bins in all different shapes and sizes. Go for one that will fit perfectly in your closet, in an empty corner of the room, under your bed, or on top of your dresser.
13. Hang Handbags on a Coat Hanger
If you live in an area with seasonal weather, when you enter your house, one of the first things you do is take off your coat and hang it up. Why not do the same with your handbags? Choose a sturdy coat hanger that can support the weight of a few handbags. Sort your bags by color, size, or style to make it easier to find the one you want. This is especially helpful if you have limited storage space in your house or don’t have access to a purse tree.
14. Revamp Your Coat Closet
In many cases, coat closets aren’t designed with optimum efficiency in mind. If yours contains little more than a hanging rod, you’re not alone—but you also have an opportunity to customize a corner of your home without requiring a large investment.
Revamp your coat closet with double-layer rods and install hooks between the rods to hang your handbags. If you have a walk-in coat closet, you could also use the entire back wall to hang and store handbags, then place baskets or bins along the floor to store larger purses.
15. Use a Handbag Hanger for Purse Storage
Handbag hangers are inexpensive and come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs. Most handbag hangers have a clip or loop that secures the bag to the hanger so it will not fall off. You can hang your handbag hanger on a door or a closet rod, so it is out of the way but still easily accessible.
16. Use a Pocket-Hanging Handbag Organizer
A pocket-hanging organizer is a great way to organize or store handbags and purses. This small bag hangs on a hook in your closet and has pockets for each handbag. You can easily see and access your pouches without searching your entire wardrobe. Another great thing about using a pocket-hanging handbag organizer is that it keeps your handbags dust-free. You can also use it to store other items, such as sunglasses, hats, or scarves.
17. Use Magazine Holders
Magazine holders are generally inexpensive, available in a wide range of colors and materials, and fit easily on existing shelving. Order a few for adequate storage space, then use them to arrange your clutches by color, size, or texture to create an aesthetically pleasing handbag storage solution.
18. Try Shower Curtain Rings to Store Handbags
We already discussed using shower curtain rings to hang bags on newly installed tension rods, but you can take the same approach with your existing closet setup. If your bags are too heavy for shower curtain rings, don’t worry. You can use window curtain rings or even heavier-duty hooks to suspend your handbags in your closet.
19. Make Use of Closet Shelves
One of the best ways to store handbags is to go back to basics. Does your closet have shelving above your hanging rods? If so, you may consider using existing shelves to store your handbags. Arrange larger bags for easy access, and consider storage like boxes, bins, cubbies, or even magazine organizers for smaller items. Just remember to keep a stepstool handy for easy access.
20. Consider Floating Shelves
Floating shelves have had a moment over the last decade or so. These minimalistic, modern storage systems come in a range of sizes, styles, and colors, allowing you to choose a design that suits your taste. Choose a single floating shelf to store stunning handbags high in your closet, or install an entire shelving system to ensure ample storage for your entire collection.
21. Use a Bookcase
Bookcases are a relatively inexpensive, flexible alternative for handbag storage. Whether you prefer to display a few prized handbags on a small bookcase or opt for floor-to-ceiling shelving for your entire collection, bookcases are excellent handbag storage solutions. Just make sure you space the shelves to have enough height and depth to store larger handbags. You may also consider using letter holders or a magazine organizer to keep clutches and wallets in place on the shelves.
22. Build a Purse Wall
Converting a spare room into a walk-in closet has become increasingly popular. If you’re in the process of doing so, consider dedicating an entire wall to your handbag collection. It doesn’t have to be the largest wall, but even a corner of the room lined with stunning handbags creates an eye-catching display. Opt for floating shelves or modern, minimalistic cubes for a feature that’s as functional as it is decorative.
23. Take Advantage of Empty Space
Even crowded closets typically share one commonly empty space: the back of the closet door. Consider draping an over-the-door hanger or a purse organizer over the door and carefully arranging your handbags on it. If you don’t have enough empty space to add a second organizer, consider stashing smaller clutches and bags in oversized purses. This is often an overlooked way to store handbags and purses.
24. Keep Space for Accessories
Consider transforming an existing closet into a purse and accessories storage space. If possible, use one with existing shelving, or opt for a custom closet system featuring Pull-Out drawers deep enough to store larger bags. Once your bags are safely put away, you can move other accessories—like jewelry, scarves, hats, and belts—into your accessories closet as well.
Keep Your Handbag Collections Organized with ShelfGenie!
Now that you know how to store handbags in a variety of convenient, aesthetically pleasing ways, you can get to work designing a beautiful handbag storage space in your home.
ShelfGenie can help you create the perfect custom storage solution for your handbag collection. Our designers, organizers, and builders understand how frustrating a lack of storage space can be. They will maximize your existing space for optimal handbag storage and beyond.
We use a three-step design process to create storage solutions for closets, pantries, kitchens, craft rooms, bathrooms, and more. Your dedicated team will work with you to implement systems that address your storage needs and reflect your taste. We back all our work with the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, ensuring your satisfaction.
Ready to get started? Book a free, in-home consultation online with one of our expert designers today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. ShelfGenie is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local ShelfGenie location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.