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Trendey • Storage Ideas • 24 DIY Storage Ideas and Projects

24 DIY Storage Ideas and Projects

24 DIY Storage Ideas and Projects

  • by — Andra DelMonico
  • Published on January 25, 2022

  • Updated on April 12, 2025

Space is something we could all use more of. It seems that no matter how big your home is or how many closets you have, you can always use more storage.

This becomes even more challenging when you have a small space to work with. Take matters into your own hands by creating more storage with DIY solutions.

These DIY storage ideas will give you workable solutions for creating more storage in your home or small apartment.

1. Create Your Own Craft Desk Organizer

Create a multifunctional craft desk organizer using simple materials like plywood and small bins. This desk organizer provides a dedicated space for all your crafting tools, ensuring they’re neatly arranged and easily accessible. It’s a great way to keep your workspace clutter-free and your supplies in order.

DIY desk organizer made from cardboard, decorated in blue with compartments for pens, tape, tools, and art supplies.
Source: @art_siate via Instagram
DIY painted mini drawer units in bold pink and teal abstract patterns used for art supply and stationery storage.
Source: @miquel.caldentey via Instagram
DIY two-drawer organizer wrapped in paper printed with math formulas, perfect for storing school or office supplies.
Source: @pawsandsketches via Instagram
Hand-painted blue DIY organizer with floral patterns, compartments for brushes and pens, plus a drawer for small art and nail supplies.
Source: @kreativna_radionica_monika via Instagram

2. Sew Simple Fabric Storage Bins

Fabric storage bins are a stylish and versatile solution for decluttering any room. You can make them from durable materials like canvas or burlap for a long-lasting use. These bins are perfect for storing everything from toys and books to clothes, and they can be easily customized to match your room’s decor.

DIY fabric storage bin in blue felt with yellow ribbon trim, ideal for organizing small items on desks, shelves, or closets.
Foldable black storage bin with white geometric lines, placed in a closet under hanging clothes to organize folded shirts and accessories.
Source: @dhininl via Instagram

3. Turn Wood Pallets into Shelves

Transform a wooden pallet into a rustic and charming shelf. This project involves sanding and staining a pallet, then mounting it on a wall. It’s ideal for displaying books, plants, or collectibles, adding a warm, natural touch to any room.

DIY room divider made from repurposed panels with ivy decor, paired with a wooden pallet shelf holding books and potted greenery.

4. Craft a Hanging Shoe Organizer for Closets

A hanging shoe organizer maximizes closet space and keeps footwear in view. Make one with fabric pockets or use a pre-made organizer. It’s a simple, space-saving solution for keeping shoes organized and floors clear.

Over-the-door shoe organizer with clear pockets neatly storing various sneakers, flats, and sandals to maximize closet space.
Source: @a.simple.start via Instagram

5. Weave Personalized Storage Baskets

Woven baskets add texture and warmth to any room while providing practical storage. They can be handcrafted from materials like wicker or seagrass. Use them to store blankets, magazines, or toys, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Adorable DIY rope baskets shaped like a fox, bear, and owl, perfect for playful storage in kids' rooms or craft areas.
Source: @mummieslovetomake via Instagram
Walk-in closet with labeled bins, hanging rods, and woven baskets for organized clothing and accessory storage.
Source: @dwellwiththewrobels via Instagram
Collection of woven rattan storage baskets in various shapes and sizes, ideal for organizing laundry, toys, or household items.
Source: @peopleofthesunconnect via Instagram

6. Assemble a Chic Paper Metal Rack

Construct a metal rack to organize papers and documents. This project can involve bending and cutting metal rods into a frame with shelves. It’s a sleek, modern way to keep important papers sorted and within reach.

Tall wooden shelf unit with trays and plastic bins used to organize colored paper, notebooks, and crafting tools in a compact space.
Source: @aclearmindorganizer via Instagram

7. Refresh a Shelf into Stylish Storage

Give an old shelf new life by repainting and modifying it to suit your storage needs. Add hooks, bins, or additional shelves to make it more functional. This is an eco-friendly way to add storage without buying new furniture.

Organized yarn storage in a wooden cabinet with colorful skeins, rolls, and balls neatly arranged by type and hue behind glass doors.
Source: @cozyrosiecrochet via Instagram

8. Stack and Customize Plastic Crates

Plastic crates can be stacked or mounted on walls to create versatile storage units. They are ideal for storing anything from books to garden tools. Customize the arrangement to fit your space and needs, and consider painting them for a more personalized look.

Built-in green storage cabinets with open doors reveal labeled bins and containers organizing craft tools, office supplies, and materials.
Source: @seattleneat via Instagram
Organized storage room with labeled green bins neatly stacked on white metal shelves, ideal for seasonal items or craft supplies.
Source: @soshomeorganization via Instagram

9. Build a Bespoke Wood Craft Organizer

Build a wooden organizer specifically designed for your craft supplies. Include compartments and drawers tailored to the size and shape of your tools and materials. This not only keeps your supplies orderly but also adds a personalized touch to your craft area.

Craft room corner with stacked ink pads, wooden stamp organizer, labeled containers, and motivational wall art for creative inspiration.
Source: @stsloma via Instagram
Wall-mounted wooden rack filled with colorful thread spools, organized by hue, with nearby scissors and cheerful sewing-themed decor.
Source: @sannnndraaad via Instagram
Wall of cubby shelves filled with colorful pastels and art supplies, surrounded by jars, brushes, cleaning tools, and a patterned apron.
Source: @suejachimiec via Instagram

10. Design Rolling Storage for Under the Bed

Utilize the space under your bed with rolling storage bins. These can be made from wood or repurposed drawers with casters. They’re perfect for storing seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or items not frequently used.

Minimalist kids’ room with a wooden bed featuring a house-shaped headboard and pull-out underbed storage, paired with a striped laundry basket.
Source: @albermaker via Instagram

11. DIY Custom Drawers

Build cabinet drawers using old wine crates or plywood to fit unique spaces in your home, such as under the office desk. Include dividers for better organization. This approach offers a tailored storage solution, efficiently utilizing underused areas.

You can also repurpose old dresser drawers and paint them.

DIY wooden desk with black legs and drawers made from repurposed wine crates, featuring a monitor, laptop, plant, and industrial lamp.
Source: @auto_graf via Instagram
Two-tone DIY dresser with small natural wood drawers on top and larger white drawers below, all with vintage-style brass cup pulls.
Source: @esmepowles via Instagram
Blue painted dresser with floral decoupage drawer sides and vintage brass handles, adding a colorful and charming DIY touch to furniture.
Source: @designsbynazz via Instagram
Chic black dresser with cane webbing drawer fronts and gold handles, styled with minimalist decor, a round mirror, and abstract art.
Source: @thevictorian.home via Instagram
Rustic storage drawers made from woven baskets with wooden fronts and rope handles, adding a handmade touch to farmhouse-style organization.
Source: @van.gypsies via Instagram

12. Install a Ceiling-Mounted Storage Rack

Create a ceiling-mounted rack to use overhead space for storage. Ideal for garages or kitchens, this rack can hold items like pots, pans, or bicycles, freeing up valuable floor space.

Garage storage setup with overhead metal racks and wall-mounted pegboard organizing power tools, maximizing floor space and utility.
Source: @missjunkin via Instagram

13. Build a Simple Shed for More Storage

Maximize your outdoor storage by constructing a straightforward shed in your yard. This project can involve using weather-resistant materials to create a durable space for garden tools, lawn equipment, and seasonal items. A simple shed design allows for an organized and accessible way to store and protect these items from the elements.

Outdoor garden storage shed with an open lid and double doors, storing hose, shovel, and watering can, beside a wheelbarrow of soil.
Source: @keter_amazingspaces via Instagram
Interior of a small wooden garden shed with natural wood walls, pitched roof, a built-in workbench, and a window for natural light.
Source: @ldandc.co.uk via Instagram
Outdoor shed with black walls, white sliding barn doors, and a wooden pergola overhead, decorated with potted plants and wall lanterns.
Source: @provenanceinteriors via Instagram

14. Make Driftwood and Strings Toy Storage

Craft a unique toy storage unit using driftwood and strong strings. Hang the driftwood on the wall and use the strings to create hanging baskets or nets for lightweight toys, adding a playful and natural element to children’s rooms.

Corner stuffed animal storage using vertical wood posts and horizontal bungee cords, keeping plush toys neatly contained and visible.
Source: @lifeattherosedale via Instagram

15. Repurpose a Pallet into a Tool Rack

Convert a wood pallet into a tool rack for your garage or workshop. Sand and treat the wood, then add hooks and holders for tools. This is a sturdy, cost-effective way to keep tools organized and within easy reach.

DIY outdoor tool storage using wooden pallets to neatly organize shovels, rakes, and garden tools against a backyard fence.
Source: @motherdaughterearth via Instagram

16. Enhance Your Vanity with DIY Storage

Create custom storage solutions for your vanity to organize makeup, jewelry, and other personal items. Use small boxes, jars, and trays to keep everything neatly arranged and easily accessible, enhancing your daily routine.

DIY lipstick organizers made from small containers with dividers, keeping makeup neatly arranged and easy to access on a vanity table.
Source: @azranailmakeup via Instagram
Hand-painted vintage-style makeup organizer with multiple compartments for lipsticks and a pull-out drawer for cosmetics and beauty products.
Source: @kreativna_radionica_monika via Instagram
Vanity setup with a DIY pink and gray makeup organizer holding brushes and lipsticks, placed on a white dresser near a decorative mirror.
Source: @chreastina via Instagram
DIY makeup organizer wrapped in teal fabric with divided sections for skincare, wallets, brushes, and cosmetics, placed beside a vanity mirror.
Source: @lina_sujiana via Instagram
DIY red cardboard makeup organizer with multiple compartments holding eyeshadow palettes, brushes, foundation, and beauty tools on a wooden vanity.
Source: @nailpolishaddict90 via Instagram
DIY makeup storage box made from repurposed cardboard with dividers, organizing compacts, lipsticks, brushes, and skincare items on a desk.
Source: @ponvas via Instagram
Black and white makeup organizer with Audrey Hepburn design, two drawers, and compartments neatly storing skincare, lipsticks, and brushes.
Source: @kreativna_radionica_monika via Instagram

17. Construct a Plastic Desk Drawer Divider

Build a plastic desk drawer organizer using sheets of acrylic or repurposed plastic containers. Design compartments to fit your specific needs, keeping desk supplies tidy and systematically arranged.

Cute plastic drawer organizers decorated with colorful stickers, storing stationery, makeup, washi tapes, and small accessories on a white desk.
Source: @chicminimalisthome via Instagram

18. Craft a Chic Floating Shelf

A floating shelf adds a sleek, minimalist storage solution to any room. Build it from wood or buy a pre-made one, and use it to display books, plants, or decor items. It’s a simple yet effective way to add storage without taking up floor space.

Compact laundry area with front-load washer and dryer, wood countertop, upper cabinets, hanging rod with hangers, and cleaning supplies shelf.
Source: @created_by_a_gemini via Instagram
DIY home bar cabinet with a wood countertop, black frame, wine rack, liquor storage, hanging glass holder, and holiday-themed shelf decor.
Source: @trentdbfit via Instagram
Modern kitchen setup with black appliances, white lower cabinets, and upper cabinets in progress with exposed wood interiors and open shelving.
Source: @nordicdwell via Instagram

19. Set Up a Creative Art Canvas Rack

Create a rack for storing art canvases and supplies. Use wood or metal to build a frame with dividers, providing safe and organized storage for your art materials. This is ideal for artists or anyone with a collection of canvases.

DIY wooden rolling rack for storing and organizing canvases or artwork, with individual slots for each piece to keep them upright and protected.

Source: @filomenaboothart via Instagram

DIY canvas storage on a metal shelf using a cord and wooden slat to keep paintings upright and prevent them from falling or bending.
Source: @inge.marleen via Instagram
Art studio storage with flat wooden shelves holding colorful canvases and trays, alongside labeled bins for craft supplies and a vibrant mural.
Source: @jmlartstudio via Instagram
Wall-mounted canvas storage with two wood-framed shelves holding colorful paintings in a creative art studio with eclectic decor and tools.
Source: @robin__case_artist via Instagram

20. Fashion a DIY Jewelry Organizer

Design a jewelry organizer tailored to your collection. Use a picture frame and add hooks, mesh, or velvet-lined trays to store and display your jewelry in a way that prevents tangling and makes selection easier.

Turquoise jewelry organizer with small compartments displaying vintage rings, earrings, pendants, and a bracelet featuring colorful stones.
Source: @jhobbs1267 via Instagram
Mesh wire earring holder displaying colorful and artistic statement earrings, including floral, beaded, and face-shaped designs on a wooden table.
Source: @jhobbs1267 via Instagram
DIY jewelry holder made from a multicolored picture frame with chicken wire for earrings and hooks along the bottom for necklaces or bracelets.
Source: @jhobbs1267 via Instagram

21. Build a Fun and Functional Toy Shelf

Construct a durable toy shelf tailored to the size and type of toys you need to store. This can be a simple wooden structure with open shelves or bins, making it easy for kids to access and tidy up their toys.

DIY toy car parking garage shelf with painted parking spots and cardboard ramp, neatly organizing various toy vehicles on four levels.
Source: @apracticalspace via Instagram
Kids' playroom corner with a vintage map, wooden bookshelf holding toys and books, and a wire basket filled with blocks on a carpeted floor.
Source: @chicantiquebymel via Instagram
Bright and tidy playroom with dollhouses on a low shelf, labeled storage bins, a large woven rug, and soft pink curtains by the window.
Source: @finding.order via Instagram
Colorful kids' toy storage with plush toys on top, cubbies filled with action figures, games, and yellow bins, under a birthday board and photo.
Source: @indira.bhullar via Instagram
Organized playroom with labeled white bins on cube shelves, holding toys and puzzles, topped with a dollhouse and colorful playsets.
Source: @thetoytamer via Instagram
Creative coffee table with a built-in toy car parking lot and train track play area, surrounded by mini vehicles and Christmas decorations.
Source: @marylurdysh via Instagram

22. Arrange a Versatile Pegboard Storage Wall

Install a pegboard to create a flexible storage wall. Add hooks and shelves to hold tools, craft supplies, or kitchen utensils. This allows for customizable and easily changeable storage solutions.

Wall-mounted pegboard display holding a colorful collection of Nerf blasters in various sizes and styles for organized and accessible storage.
Source: @organizestlouis via Instagram

23. Install Custom Mudroom Shelving

Build or install shelves in your mudroom to organize shoes, coats, and outdoor gear. Consider adding baskets or hooks for smaller items to keep the space tidy and efficient for everyday use.

Small storage nook with two floating wooden shelves, a white cabinet, and wall hooks, ideal for organizing under-stairs space efficiently.
Source: @inside_plot_35 via Instagram

24. Convert a Chest into a Storage Bench

Transform an old chest into a storage bench or coffee table with added functionality. Refinish or paint it to match your decor and use it to store blankets, books, or games, making the most of your living space.

Rustic whitewashed wooden storage chest with a diagonal plank design and black metal latch, perfect for farmhouse-style decor and functional storage.
Source: @m_norris_ via Instagram

DIY Storage FAQs

How can I make my storage look good?

Look for a furniture storage solution that also complements the rest of your furniture. It should add to the room’s design. If the items you need to store aren’t attractive, your storage unit should hide them.

How do you make hidden storage?

Hidden storage is about finding places in your home that are going unused. These could be hidden compartments in your furniture. Or it could be hidden spaces within your home’s architecture.

For example, if you have stairs, there is potential under them. The same applies to a kitchen island. If you lack these types of features, you can create them. For example, add a built-in shelving unit that takes up an entire wall.

How do you organize a lot of things in a small space?

The first step is to do a major purge. Get rid of everything you can to declutter as much as possible. Then organize the items into different groups. Finally, get the items off the floor by placing them on a shelving unit or shelf.

Andra DelMonico

Writer

With over ten years of experience, Andra understands the unique challenges that come with home improvement projects and interior design.

With over ten years of experience, Andra understands the unique challenges that come with home improvement projects and interior design.

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