Why Are There No Closets in Europe? Storage Habits Unpacked

Open the door to just about any European apartment, and you'll probably spot a freestanding wardrobe instead of the built-in closets most Americans take for granted. Sounds odd? For plenty of folks moving to Europe, the “Where am I supposed to hang my clothes?” moment hits fast.

This isn’t a weird oversight. Years back, built-in closets just weren't a thing in European architecture. People kept things simple—why build extra walls when a sturdy wardrobe did the trick? Even famous old mansions across France, Italy, and Spain show off ornate armoires rather than any walk-in closets.

So, if you're planning to live in Europe or just love clever home hacks, knowing why closets never became the standard can actually help a lot. Once you get why homes are built this way, you’ll see it’s not just about history or style—it’s about squeezing the most out of every single inch.

• What’s the Deal with No Closets?
• The Surprising History Behind European Storage
• Culture and Space: Why Closets Didn’t Catch On
• Brilliant Storage Solutions European Style
• Tips If You’re Moving to or Decorating in Europe

What’s the Deal with No Closets?

If you’ve ever looked for an apartment in Europe, you know closets barely exist. It’s actually not a mistake or a builder saving money—it’s just the norm. A lot of European homes, especially older ones, simply weren’t designed with built-in closets in mind. Instead, people use freestanding wardrobes—what Brits call "wardrobes" and the French call an "armoire."

The big reason? Tradition. Many homes across Europe are centuries old. At the time, built-in closets weren’t even on the radar. Instead, movable furniture made more sense because people tended to move frequently and often brought their storage with them.

There’s also the tax story. In some countries like France, adding a closet was once considered increasing the property’s value—which meant higher taxes. Homeowners simply skipped permanent storage.

“For centuries, Europeans have chosen wardrobes not just for practicality, but because taxes and space made permanent closets tough to justify.” —European Home Journal, 2019

If you want to see how different this is from the American approach, check these stats:

While it might feel strange at first, Europeans don’t see it as a problem. Freestanding wardrobes actually give you more flexibility—move them, swap them, or even take them if you move out. Plus, when renting, you don’t have to worry about leaving behind built-ins or dealing with strict landlords.

So, no need to panic if your new place in Barcelona or Berlin comes closet-free. It’s completely normal and, with the right storage solutions, you’ll manage just fine.

The Surprising History Behind European Storage

The roots of the closets mystery go back hundreds of years. In old-school Europe, built-in storage wasn't just rare—it basically didn’t exist. Most homes, especially before the 20th century, were built to be as compact and flexible as possible. If you lived in a city, square footage cost a fortune, so nobody wanted to lose living space to what Americans now call a closet.

Instead, people stored their stuff in heavy wooden wardrobes, also known as armoires. These started popping up as far back as the 17th century, and classic examples from France or Germany still turn up in antique shops today. Want a fun fact? Monarchs and nobles would travel with their entire wardrobe—literally. Craftsmen made these closets-on-legs so they could be hauled to different castles or manors. Talk about early portable storage!

Taxes actually played a part, too. For example, during the early 1900s in England, builders found out that homes with closets could be classified as having an extra room—which meant extra taxes. Naturally, they just left out closets altogether. In Italy and Spain, stone construction made knocking holes for extra storage tricky and expensive, so people stuck with furniture you could move (or even take with you if you changed apartments).

Modern European apartments often keep up this tradition, especially in places where moving is normal or renters expect to bring their own furniture. Just check out listings for flats in Paris or Amsterdam—you’ll almost never see “walk-in closets” in the description.

This isn’t just trivia—it totally affects how you plan storage in your home. Buying or renting in Europe often means you get a blank room and have to figure out storage for yourself. Good news: With the right home storage solutions, you can easily hack this old system to fit your needs.

Culture and Space: Why Closets Didn’t Catch On

It’s not just old buildings and tradition that kept closets out of most European homes. Crammed cities and sky-high real estate prices made every square foot count way before smart storage was on anyone’s Pinterest board. The typical apartments in cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome just don’t have the spare space inside walls for giant storage nooks. People needed their rooms as big as possible, not eaten up by built-ins.

Then you’ve got the cultural side. It’s standard for Europeans to move homes several times over their lives. Hauling a freestanding wardrobe is much easier than losing a bunch of built-in storage when you move. In the UK, it’s not even a given that a rental flat will come with any storage at all. You’re usually expected to bring your own.

And here’s a quirky fact: In some parts of Europe, like France and Switzerland, property taxes used to go up if a home had certain built-in features—including closets. Builders basically avoided them so homeowners could save cash.

Check out this quick comparison of average apartment sizes that helps explain why built-ins are rare:

So with less space and different moving habits, the trusty wardrobe became the hero of home storage in Europe. You just adjust your setup and roll with it—customizable and ready for any new city or flat.

Brilliant Storage Solutions European Style

With built-in closets out of the picture for most homes, Europeans get pretty creative with their home storage. Instead of adding walls, folks use freestanding wardrobes, called armoires, that they can move from place to place. IKEA’s huge business across Europe makes sense when you realize people swap apartments often and need storage that travels with them.

Wardrobes aren’t just basic boxes, either. Lots of them have smart extras like drawers, adjustable shelves, and built-in mirrors. Some newer designs even feature modular pieces, so you can mix and match depending on your space. Over in Germany, it’s totally normal to see PAX wardrobes with sliding doors squeezed into tight hallways or rooms—no swinging doors needed in small spaces.

Open shelving is another favorite. Instead of hiding things away, people use cube shelves and bookcases to show off folded clothes, shoes, or baskets. This keeps closets (well, the wardrobe version) from getting too crammed, and honestly, makes it way easier to grab what you need in the morning. In small city apartments, you’ll spot raised beds with drawers underneath, or vintage trunks used for both seating and storage.

• Wall hooks and rails: Common in French and Italian homes, hooks or rails turn empty walls into high-traffic gear spots for jackets, bags, and scarves.
• Over-door racks: Brits love these for hanging towels, robes, and bags, saving precious floor space.
• Stackable storage bins: Especially in Scandinavian countries, bins or baskets keep seasonal clothes or random stuff organized and out of sight.

It’s not just homes—historic apartments and hotels across Europe use moveable wardrobes because many buildings are hundreds of years old and built with super-thick stone or brick walls, which are tough to remodel or drill into. Even modern new builds sometimes skip closets entirely so new owners can pick the storage setup that suits them best.

If you’re looking for ways to manage stuff like a European, think modular, portable, and multipurpose. You might not have space for a built-in closet, but these tricks keep clothes and gear tidy without looking cluttered.

Tips If You’re Moving to or Decorating in Europe

Don’t want your clothes piled on a chair? Here’s what actually works in a European apartment if there are no built-in closets.

• Choose smart wardrobes: IKEA and local chains like Conforama or Mondo Convenienza sell wardrobes made for tight corners and low ceilings. Look for ones with sliding doors if space is tight.
• Maximize under-bed storage: In Europe, beds with large drawers are everywhere. This is not just for sheets—shoes, off-season jackets, even bulky luggage fit underneath.
• Think vertical: Hooks and shelves aren’t just for mudrooms. Europeans love to line walls with shelves up to the ceiling. It doubles your home storage without eating up floor space.
• Use coat racks and rails: Freestanding racks work great for jackets, jeans, and bags. You’ll spot these by front doors and even in bedrooms.
• Pick multi-use furniture: Coffee tables, benches, and ottomans with hidden storage keep clutter down if you’re short on real storage cupboards.

Don’t forget every country’s style is a bit different. In Germany, you’re actually expected to buy all the big stuff, like kitchen cabinets and wardrobes, when you move in—even when you rent. In Spain and Italy, apartments may come furnished but rarely with a built-in wardrobe.

If you’re stuck with a tiny space, go for lighter colors and mirrors to make the room feel bigger. That’s one of those classic home storage moves anyone can steal, no matter where you live.