Floor Standing Clothes Rails: Make Your Garment Rack a Home Décor Piece

Floor standing clothing rails have evolved from purely practical items to a stylish and beautiful piece of furniture that allows you to display your clothing in a fun and practical way. Usually made of durable materials, clothes hangers can be easily repositioned or dismantled and rebuilt in another location, making them a top choice for many homeowners.

However, before introducing them into your home and transforming your dressing room into your favourite clothing store, check out the key styles of floor standing rails available on the market and some important things to consider when buying.

Heavy Duty Clothes Rails

Heavy-duty clothes rails are popular in both commercial and residential settings. They have a higher weight capacity so that you can stack the rack, but it can vary significantly between hangers, so always look for a hanging rail with a weight capacity certification.

Two-Tiered Rails

These hanging rails provide greater versatility and make storing large amounts of clothing incredibly simple. Two-tiered rails frequently include adjustable centre bars to accommodate different lengths of clothing, such as dresses and shirts. Because the weight capacity of these rails varies from rail to rail, it’s always a good idea to look for certification.

Industrial Clothing Rails

These metal clothes rails have an industrial look and can hold heavier items. They are typically made of galvanised steel, and each rail has unique details from the scaffolding materials. The industrial style clothing rails are rugged, and steel gives them a scratch-resistant finish. These hangers will be a lovely refreshment to your home interior, complementing your stylish black furniture! 

Extendable Rails 

Extendable clothes rails include extension bars that allow you to raise the height of the freestanding clothes rail. The extension bars are easily added and removed to accommodate varying clothing lengths, making them popular in bridal shops, where certain dresses can be significantly longer than others.

Fishtail Clothing Rails

This hanging rail does not have wheels or castors but provides additional stability due to its unique fishtail style feet. Again, the weight capacity of fishtail rails varies greatly, so keep in mind how many clothes you intend to hang.

Reinforced Clothes Rails

If you need to hang many coats or your closet is too full, a reinforced clothes rail or a super heavy duty clothes rail may be the best storage solution. They are popular with retail stores for use in stock rooms or the cloakroom at events due to their higher weight allowance.

Clothing Rails with Shelves

On the other hand, if you need to store extra items and accessories like shoes, bags, or folded clothing, a rail with shelves may be the best clothes rail storage system. They are appropriate for a variety of settings, including boutiques and bedrooms. These rails are made from various materials, often combining metal and wood to create a one-of-a-kind and visually appealing item.

Things to Consider When Looking for the Right Rail Type

Clothes’ Weight

The weight of the clothes you want to store should be a significant consideration when purchasing a hanging rail. The weight capacity of clothes rails varies greatly, and not all advertised weights have been weight tested to hold that amount. Look for weight certification, as this will give you peace of mind that your rail will be strong.

Rail’s Style

There are numerous styles available, ranging from modern to vintage. Ensure that the rail’s style complements your theme and décor so that it blends in seamlessly with your home. 

Width

Freestanding rails are available in widths ranging from 2 to 6ft, allowing them to fit into the tiniest space. If you want the rail to fit into an alcove, measure the width of the space carefully and double-check the product specifications. Rails of varying widths can be used in conjunction, for example, in a walk-in closet.

Locking Design

Typically, there are two rails’ security options; nuts and bolts or a click-lock system. The click-lock system, also known as a push pin system, simplifies assembly and allows it to be completed without tools. It is also not harmed by repeated reassembly, making it ideal for those who want to store or transport the rail regularly. While nuts and bolts are practical, these rails require assembly tools, and reassembly weakens the components.

Common Materials

Not all materials are created equal when it comes to floor standing rails. Opt for galvanised or industrial-grade steel to ensure that your rail can withstand the strain of heavy clothing.

Wheels

If you need to move your rail constantly, a clothes rack with wheels is the way to go. These will make moving it a breeze. However, when purchasing a wheeled rail, keep in mind that the weight hanging on it will affect the function of the wheels because they will be compressed underneath, so look for rails with heavy-duty wheels if you intend to store a large amount on it.

Finish

Clothing rails begin to show signs of general wear and tear after being moved and changed with clothing and hangers. To prevent this, look for clothes hanging rails with an epoxy coating which is much harder than gloss or matt paint but will last longer.

Covers

If you plan on storing clothing on the rail for an extended period or simply want to keep your clothing in pristine condition, a rail cover will protect it from dust, moisture, and odours.

Rails’ Disassembly

One of the primary advantages of clothes rails is that they can be disassembled. Most clothing rails disassemble into smaller pieces when no longer required or for easy transportation. However, if you will be disassembling the item regularly, we recommend you to look for clothes rails with a click-lock system so that it is not compromised.