Whether you're looking to be more energy-efficient or you don't have access to a tumble dryer, a clothes airer can be the best way to air out that clean laundry.
There's a wide range of different designs - for large households who get through a lot of washing loads, a large drying rack with multiple tiers is likely to be more accommodating.
How much space you have is a big factor, too, as houses with smaller rooms and narrow corridors might benefit from a tall, towered airer. If you have the option to do so, mounting a clothes airer on your wall can be a great way to save space. These are also less obstructive of walkways, and won't be too noticeable when in use.
And, of course, you want it to look good! Wooden airers can be a good choice for this, as can others that match the colours of your home.
For even quicker drying, you can also check out our selection of the best heated airers.
Here are our top picks for the best clothes airers and drying racks on the market right now...
Best clothes airers to buy in 2024
Homidec Airer
With more than enough space to dry off a whole family's load of laundry, this airer from Homidec has four tiers and two wing hooks. One of the tiers is a dedicated spot for shoes, slippers, or any other footwear that'll fit - but this could also be used for socks and other small clothes.
The drying rack uses wheels so it can be easily moved around and, when it's in use, the wheels can lock in place. At only 50cm wide and 76cm deep, the four-tiered tower design is great for those of us who like to save space inside. The airer's shelves can also be folded down to make it more compact when storing it away.
Leifheit Classic Tower 340 Clothes Airer
This tall tower from Leifheit is an effective way of drying your clothes while saving space in the home. The combined size of the drying rack's shelves total up to 34 metres of drying space, which is enough for around four loads of laundry - perfect for big families!
There are six holes at the top of the airer for drying clothes with hangers, as well as two bars that extend to the side. The different levels can be folded down, too, to allow more space to hang longer items of clothing like trousers.
Julu Wall Mounted Laundry Ladder
- Buy now from Not On The High Street (£179.00)
It's a bit smaller than others, but it's a great permanent fixture to have in the home for those clothes that are washed regularly. The wall-mounted airer is made from beech wood and, as the ladder folds away, it takes up little to no space in a room.
There are multiple racks to hang clothes individually, or you can make the most of the space and use hangers to get a few items on each rack.
Available in 60cm or 80cm widths, and in a white or natural colour.
Brabantia HangOn Drying Rack
This style of clothes airer is one of the most compact designs to choose, fold it away and it becomes completely flat. It has over 20 metres of drying space when folded out, which should be enough for around two machine loads of laundry.
The wings can be adjusted to different heights and there are six hanger hooks to keep your clothes from creasing.
Beldray Clothes Airer
Offering 15m of total drying space on a footprint of 138 x 64 x 45cm, this is definitely one of the roomiest clothes airers that can still fold away neatly to store when not in use.
We especially love the addition of the fold-out corner hooks so you can hang even more laundry - they're particularly handy for lightweight shirts or smaller items. Available in graphite (above) and rose gold.
Habitat Freestanding Indoor Airer
- Buy now from Argos (£38.00)
Similar to an outdoor rotary washing line, this raised airer can accommodate a large amount of clothing in different lengths and sizes. In fact, you can even move it outside to take advantage of fine weather - great for speeding up dry-time!
The rotary style isn't the most space-saving format, however, this airer is best suited to a home with a large clear area to set it up, such as a utility room, spare bedroom or conservatory.
Lakeland Modern Folding Laundry Ladder
With a homely wooden look and a capacity of up to 8kg of clothes, this is a great way to dry your clothes indoors with a touch of Scandi style. The airer comes ready-assembled and can be folded away when it isn't needed.
5Five 16m Khali Clothes Airer
- Buy now from Robert Dyas (£64.99).
The unique design of this drying rack allows you to hang clothes in a number of different ways. There's space for clothes hangers, long racks for wider clothes and shorter racks for smaller items. There's even space for shoes and socks at the bottom, and the 16m airer can hold 20kg of clothes.
Minky Sure Grip 3-Tier Indoor Airer
- Buy now from Argos (£40.00)
It's a classic design that's known to work well. Three tiers allow for 21 metres of hanging space that can hold up to 21kg of clothes. And with hooks for clothes hangers, this airer can be ideal even in large households.
What are the different types of clothes airers?
Drying clothes indoors can be a breeze with the right clothes airer by your side. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the perfect one? Don't worry, we've got you covered!
Gated clothes airer
These straightforward and practical airers offer easy access and plenty of drying space with parallel bars or rungs where your clothes can hang freely. Perfect for any household, big or small, these airers are ideal for maximizing floor space while ensuring your laundry dries with ease.
Tiered clothes airer
With their multiple levels of foldable shelves or racks, you can dry your clothes while maintaining their shape. Whether it's delicate garments or flat-drying items, these airers are space-efficient and a trendy addition to any laundry routine.
Winged clothes airer
Winged or concertina airers come with hinged sections that expand to unveil extra drying space. Perfect for hanging longer garments or bath towels, they keep your laundry off the ground and they fold up for compact storage, making them a versatile and fun choice.
Tower clothes airer
These tall structures stack multiple tiers or racks to provide ample space within a compact footprint. Freestanding and fabulous, they make drying a breeze while saving precious floor space.
Can I use a clothes airer outside?
Yes, but it's important to consider certain factors before doing so. Ensure that the clothes airer you choose is specifically designed for outdoor use and is made from weather-resistant materials.
A weighted base or secure anchoring system can also help prevent the airer from toppling over.
Remember, each type of clothes airer has its own charm, so choose the one that fits your space and laundry needs.
