How To Choose A Freestanding Clothes Rail
While all clothes rails serve the same basic purpose, their features can vary widely. Some offer two-tier designs for extra storage, others come reinforced with heavy-duty wheels for more demanding environments, and some are your standard single-tier models — all of which are strong, reliable, and built to last.
With several options available, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
What Size Should I Choose?
When choosing your clothes rail, take a moment to consider the space where it will go. Even if space isn’t an issue, it’s always a good idea to measure, particularly the width and height, to ensure a perfect fit.
Width is the most commonly considered measurement, and most of our rails are available in sizes ranging from 2ft to 6ft, so you're sure to find the right size for your needs.
Below is a guide to help you determine the best fit based on your space and garment requirements.
| Rail Width (Length) | Ideal For | Garment Capacity (for light items) | Garment Capacity (for heavy items) | Dimensions (H x W x D)* |
| 2ft (610mm) | Small spaces, compact areas | 20-30 items | 10-15 items | H1550 (H1500 without wheels) x W610 x D510 mm |
| 3ft (915mm) | Bedrooms, foyers | 30-40 items | 15-20 items | H1550 (H1500 without wheels) x W915 x D510 mm |
| 4ft (1220mm) | Standard rooms, shared spaces | 40-60 items | 20-25 items | H1550 (H1500 without wheels) x W1220 x D510 mm |
| 5ft (1525mm) | Larger rooms, walk-in areas | 50-70 items | 25-30 items | H1550 (H1500 without wheels) x W1525 x D510 mm |
| 6ft (1830mm) | Spacious areas, commercial use | 60-80 items | 30-40 items | H1550 (H1500 without wheels) x W1830 x D510 mm |
Note: Capacities are approximate and can vary based on garment thickness and hanger type.
It's also important to take into account the weight of garments, to ensure you don't overload it.
*Dimensions are of our Heavy-Duty Clothes Rails. Other clothes rail measurements may vary. Please check individual product pages for details and specifications.
Garment Type Considerations
- Light items (e.g. T-shirts, blouses): Will allow for a closer, more compact placement of garments, where you can easily maximise rail capacity.
- Heavy items (e.g. coats, bulky outdoor clothing): Requires more space per item. Consider the weight of garments to prevent overloading of the rail.
- Long items (e.g. dresses, trousers): Ensure the rail height accommodates the full drop without dragging.
What Colour Should I Choose? / Available in Colours That Fit Your Style
Our main colour offerings are Black, White, Silver, and Chrome, which can blend effortlessly into any space. Or if you’re looking for something more playful, one of our children’s rails also comes in a vibrant Pink!
And when you're ready to expand, any future add-ons like height extensions or centre rails are perfectly colour-matched, giving a coordinated look for a sleek, seamless finish.
Do I Need A Mobile or Static Clothes Rail?
Only you know whether mobility is a must, but if it is, you’ll be happy to know that most of our clothes rails come with castor wheels for easy movement.
One thing to keep in mind is that if there’s a chance you may move your rail between rooms, make sure the total height of your rail fits through standard doorways. Most of our rails do, but adding height extensions or opting for an extra-tall model could change that.
Our 12-inch height extensions are designed to stay within standard door frame limits, but we always recommend measuring your doors first - just to be sure.
Will I Need Any Extra Accessories?
A sturdy clothes rail is a great starting point, but with a few smart additions, you can transform your setup into a truly efficient storage solution.
Looking for more hanging space? Choose a Two-Tier Rail or Extra Tall Rail right from the start. Already have one of our heavy-duty rails? You can easily upgrade it later with a Centre Rail and/or Height Extensions, whenever you’re ready to expand.
If your rail will be in a dust-prone area, like a garage or storeroom, a Clear Cover (available separately or as a Clothes Rail and Clear Cover set) is a simple but effective way to keep your clothes clean and protected.
For retail use, Clothing Dividers make browsing easier by helping customers find exactly what they’re looking for at a glance.
And of course, no setup is complete without a pack of high-quality Clothes Hangers. Durable, reusable, and available in a range of materials - they’re an investment that pays off for years to come.
Small (Yet Effective) Tips For Your Clothes Rail
- Utilise Slimline Hangers: Maximise rail capacity by using space-saving hangers.
- Regularly Rotate Garments: Ensure even weight distribution to maintain rail stability.
- Consider Seasonal Storage: Adjust rail usage based on seasonal clothing needs.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Clothes Rail?
We hope these tips have helped you feel more confident choosing the right rail for your needs. For more inspiration and advice, explore our other clothes rail blogs below or get in touch with our team anytime. We're always here to help!
Our team of experts are always on hand for everything from personalised assistance on project planning, such as a shop fit, and to offer recommendations to help you choose the right products. Find out more about our Business Services.
For more topics, such as product advice and industry insights, view our Knowledge Base.
More Clothes Storage Blogs & Articles:
Everything You Need to Know About Clothing Rails