Boost Efficiency at Work with DIY Desk Organizers
A cluttered workstation hinders productivity and comfort. To be efficient and comfortable while working, a clean and well-organized desk is crucial. Begin with your desk.
There’s plenty you can do — and not just buying things, but crafting them yourself. This allows you to personalize your workspace. These DIY desk organizer ideas are straightforward enough for anyone to make and customize.
Improve organization with better storage options for your belongings.
If you often notice items piling up on your desk, it’s time to clean up and organize. Make an organizer using cereal boxes. It’s a simple DIY project anyone can do.
Find out more on Katydidandkid.
Color-code your cables.
We hate cables. They make our workspace messy and uncomfortable. Cable management systems are a solution, and repurposing empty toilet paper rolls as cable organizers is a handy option that anyone can do.
Keep files inline:
Your desk can become clutter-free and organized with the help of a DIY multi-tasking desk organizer. This tutorial from Thelovelyside provides a solution for storing and organizing items like magazines, notebooks, papers, pens, sticky notes, and other supplies in one place. By following this tutorial, you will always know where to find your essentials and keep the rest of your desk free from clutter.
A wire desk organizer can be useful for keeping everything in one place without hiding items in a cabinet. You will need fence wire, wire cutters, spray paint, and a hammer to create it. Be creative yet practical in shaping the organizer.
Your desk can easily appear cluttered if you haphazardly place items like your keys and phone on it. Additionally, it becomes easy to misplace these items if they are not all together. To address this issue, create a functional desk organizer using cardboard.
Designformankind provides a thorough tutorial on how to make one.
Another idea is to create a tray or container like a leather catchall to hold your personal belongings at the office. The materials needed are a piece of leather, scissors, embroidery thread, a heavy-duty sewing needle, a paint brush, and acrylic paint. You can choose any colors and add a custom design.
It’s amazing how many things you can make if you’re creative and how many ways there are to repurpose a hanger. For instance, have you ever considered using a hanger as a desk organizer? Amykrist provides a tutorial for one such organizer made from two hangers and two plastic trays.
Keep your desk stylish and organized by repurposing wooden crates into shelves. It’s a simple DIY project that only requires transparent letter holders, colored cardstock, vinyl labels, mod podge, a sponge brush, and scissors. Find the instructions on Justdestinymag.
When you need storage, wooden boxes are reliable. They have endless potential, including organizing your desk. Stack the boxes to create shelves, securing them with glue or nails.
This idea is from Apairandasparediy.
Contents
- 0.1 Organize with cardboard boxes
- 0.2 Utilize corner spaces
- 0.3 Create your own desk trays
- 0.4 Customize your existing organizer
- 0.5 Custom pencil holders
- 0.6 Transform a glass jar
- 0.7 Organize notes and papers
- 0.8 Use lazy susans for better accessibility
- 0.9 Create a custom cork board shape
- 0.10 Enhance your pinboard
- 0.11 Cute tin can transformation
- 1 Desk organizer sets
Organize with cardboard boxes
When you have a cluttered desk, it’s important to organize it efficiently. One clever idea from Showmehowto is to repurpose a shoebox lid as a storage solution. To implement this, gather empty boxes of different sizes and neatly arrange them inside the lid.
Another useful tip is to create a pencil organizer using tin cans.
One way to save space is by stacking things, and this technique can be applied to various objects, including tin cans. A desk organizer made up of 10 empty cans can efficiently store and organize items such as pencils, cables, and other desk accessories. Consider creating your own can organizer.
For an efficient and practical desk organizer, customization is key. Avoid unnecessary features and missing elements. Building your own organizer allows you to get it just right. Take, for example, Poppytalk’s organizer.
It’s optimized for holding scissors, tape rolls, notebooks, and even has a tiny chalkboard. Everything has a designated place, resulting in a neat appearance.
To organize documents, use a small cabinet.
If you have many documents or paper to store and organize, consider using a small cabinet or sorting organizer. This one found on Iheartorganizing is lovely and you can repurpose an existing cabinet or build it from scratch. Label each shelf for easy access to your items.
Utilize corner spaces
Perfect for desk corners, this organizer keeps the work area clean and tidy while also providing a surface on which to display something beautiful like a potted plant, a photo, or personal items that can brighten your day. It’s a tiered organizer that you can build using a wire dish rack and balsa wood sheets. You can find out more about this idea from the description on Thelovelydrawer.
There’s so much you can do with cardboard. It just takes time and ideas. If your desk needs a custom organizing system for school supplies or other items that usually create a messy look, gather some empty cardboard boxes from cereal and other sources. Get some duct tape ready because you’ll be crafting the solution.
Our inspiration was the caddy on Auntpeaches.
Make something cute for books and magazines.
A mini desk organizer is a thoughtful gift for someone in need. If you want to make a custom organizer, it should be unique, unlike store-bought options. Use decorative wood brackets for a special touch.
You can follow the design suggested on Homedepot. This small organizer is perfect for books and magazines and can also serve as a practical book end.
Create your own desk trays
Lazy Susan shelves are practical and can be used in any room of the house. For a work area, consider using a Lazy Susan shelf as a base for a desk organizer. Create a custom organizer using repurposed tin cans, placing a large one in the center and smaller ones around it. This leaves space at the base for storing additional items.
For more details, visit Cynthiashaffer.
Customize your existing organizer
Desk trays are useful in offices for organizing invoices, employee files, and magazines. Customizing a tray from scratch using cardboard, as suggested on Instructables, could be a unique and practical idea for your workspace.
Crafting a desk organizer from scratch may seem like a lot of work. Instead, consider customizing an existing one. For instance, take a look at this stenciled organizer on Sistersuitcaseblog.
It’s simple and compact, with three small labeled drawers for easy organization.
Custom pencil holders
Maybe you don’t use pens often, but everyone needs one occasionally. A pencil holder is a desk essential, not just for pens or pencils, but anything that fits. Personalize your pencil holder to match your style.
Give it a sparkling, glamorous look, as suggested on Livingcolorprint.
Repurpose cans and containers cleverly.
Recycling and repurposing can be rewarding and fun. For example, tin cans can be reused as pencil holders and desk organizers. Customize them by covering them in cork, as suggested by Petitelefant.
To complete this project, you’ll need tin cans, felt, cork sheets, glue, scissors, acrylic paint, and a large rubber band.
Turn a plastic bottle into a pencil holder
If you’re into recycling, have you considered transforming a pair of old jeans into a desk organizer? This simple project is described in detail in our video. Take a look and find a pair of old jeans to add a unique and special touch to your desk.
If you’re looking for something different and unique, we have another idea. You can transform a plastic bottle into a portable pencil holder by adding a zipper. This way, you can keep it in your bag worry-free, knowing that nothing will fall out.
Another option is to repurpose cork.
You can make a holder for your pens and pencils out of cork trivets. Stack several trivets together, glue them, and drill holes through the top ones using a 3/8″ drill bit. Use different drill bits for pens with varying thicknesses.
You can create a practical pencil holder from cardboard rolls. Use craft paper rolls or toilet paper rolls. Cut them to various lengths and attach them to a tray with glue. Then, you can decorate them with rhinestones, colored yarn, washitape, or patterned paper. If desired, decorate before gluing for added convenience.
This project, found on designimprovised, is easy enough for a child to complete.
Try out different designs and variations for added creativity.
We found a tutorial on Lovelyindeed that explains how to make a desk organizer from foam core board. The project is easy and only requires a craft knife, ruler, pencil, craft paint, and washi tape. By creating compartments, you can store pencils and other small items that clutter your desk.
Instead of a pencil holder, consider using a lazy susan organizer. These organizers can be spun around and have compartments to help you organize your writing tools by color, type, size, or any other preference. Visit Thescrapshoppeblog for ideas on how to customize and add color to your organizer.
Having a pencil holder made of pencils sounds pretty cool, right? It’s a simple project that only requires a glass or container, glue, and a bunch of pencils. Glue the pencils onto the container until it’s completely covered. Take your time to come up with creative ways to make it fun, colorful, and unique.
If you prefer a simple design, you can find more details at one-o.
Add a cute touch to your desk with this kitty pencil holder!
A unique DIY project that catches the eye is a kitty rope pencil holder. This easy project can be completed in minutes. Gather a tapered glass, hot glue gun, and decorative rope.
Begin at the bottom of the glass, wrapping the rope and adding glue as you move upwards. Remember to incorporate cat ears for an adorable touch.
To add a touch of style to your workspace, consider spray painting a wire mesh organizer.
Those wire mesh pencil holders/desk organizers are common, but lack character. You can enhance their appearance by spray painting or embroidering them with colored thread, or even combining these techniques. Thecraftedlife provides a good example of the result.
Consider trying hexagonal organizers for a unique twist.
There are interesting designs for organizers that you can craft from scratch. One design idea on Sugarandcloth is a hexagonal organizer made of three cups cut at an angle. The cups are decorated with thin golden tape and glued together.
This project provides inspiration and room for improvisation.
All you need are tin cans and patterned tape to create pencil holders for your desk. This tutorial from Ilovedoingallthingscrafty uses a large can as the centerpiece, surrounded by smaller ones. Decorate them with animal-print duct tape and ribbon.
Transform a glass jar
Once again, we’re back to mason jars and the many ways they can be useful. The transition from jar to pencil holder is simple and doesn’t require changes unless you want to improve the appearance. Even then, wrapping paper, twine, and a tag can make a difference.
Find inspiration on Itallstartedwithpaint.
Repurpose PVC pipes into a unique organizer.
If you want a pencil holder, desk organizer with storage compartments like Designbystudioc, the supplies needed include PVC pipes, cutting tool, glue gun, spray paint, and cardboard. Decide how many pipes you want, cut to different heights, arrange in a cluster, trace their shape on cardboard, cut that shape, glue pipes to cardboard base, and spray paint everything.
It is common to have a messy desk even with pencil holders and storage containers. Randomly scattered items make the desk look untidy. To remedy this, gather everything in one place and consider a full makeover. Use glass jars, a bottle, and a picture frame to create a beautiful and charming workspace.
Learn more about this on Flamingotoes.
Customize your workspace with unique decorations.
Having something visually appealing to look at while you work can be inspiring. You can create a photo garland using photos or posters of things you love. Homeyohmy provides a more detailed description of how to make one.
Alternatively, you can come up with your own design idea for the garland. Additionally, consider hanging some photos above your desk.
A calendar can also serve as a wall decoration if personalized. Craft your own DIY calligraphy calendar with the tutorial provided by Brit+co. It’s a simple project, and they even offer a template to guide you.
Feel free to add your own unique patterns and design concepts.
For photos, notes, and letters, use a desk tidy like the one found on Burkatron. Cut out a piece of plywood or balsa wood to make a rectangular base. Cut two wooden triangles and glue them onto the base.
Personalize it as desired.
Something being useful doesn’t prevent it from also serving as decoration, and this combination of functions is quite popular in contemporary interior design. The mountain desk organizer showcased on Dreamalittlebigger embodies this concept perfectly. It boasts a chic and stylish appearance, while also functioning as a practical storage and organization solution.
Follow the tutorial to create your very own desk organizer. Moving on to pencil holders, consider adding pictures to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
People often place framed photos of loved ones on their desks, but there are more efficient ways to display them. Consumercrafts suggests using four small picture frames to create a desk organizer. This allows you to keep your desk tidy while still showcasing your photos.
Consider this innovative solution for organizing your workspace.
Memo boards are useful for offices and workspaces. You can write down important information or keep track of tasks. Different types of memo boards are available.
If you want a magnetic board, you can learn how to make one from cookie sheets on Brit+co.
Organize notes and papers
Let’s say you don’t usually keep much on your desk, maybe just a pen or two and some paper. You can stylishly organize these items using a photo frame. Wishfulthinker has a tutorial that only requires a photo frame, fabric, scissors, and glue.
Customize the organizer to suit your needs and style.
Make a magnetic board from a cookie sheet.
To effectively manage your schedule, display it creatively and stylishly. Try making a cute and simple desk organizer using a piece of glass, a wooden plank, wood glue, sandpaper, and paint.
Turn a picture frame into a functional and decorative organizer.
Framed organizers are easy to make, starting with a photo frame. You can paint or leave the frame as is. Then, use fabric and a staple gun to create storage pockets. Before stapling the fabric, iron it to ensure a neat, straight shape.
Check out our tutorial for instructions on making a framed fabric organizer like this one. Hang the board on a wall.
There are various ways to stay organized. Some prefer using paper or pinboards, while others rely on their phone or computer. However, writing things down or seeing them on a cork board has a special and rewarding appeal.
If you share this sentiment, you may find a hanging organizer like the one on burkatron beneficial for your office or home. To create this organizer, you can add fabric pockets to a picture frame.
Let’s see how you can make a custom pinboard out of cork. The detailed instructions can be found on look-what-i-made. The supplies you’ll need are see-through paper, craft wood, cork, a jigsaw, glue, rubber bands, and a pen.
The concept is to create a monogram cork board, although you can make yours in any shape or form you desire.
Now, let’s move on to the next topic: freeing up your desk and organizing things on the wall.
The concept on lauratrevey elevates the pinboard by turning it into a multifunctional wall unit. This innovative design provides ample storage and organizational space. It includes a cork board, a box container for office supplies, and framed decorations.
The pinboard can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing for creative arrangements and utilizing vertical space effectively. Incorporating pocket organizers can further maximize storage options. With this setup, the desk is freed up, providing more workspace.
Taking everything off your desk is a great idea, especially with limited storage space. Instead, store your items neatly on the wall. Organize your belongings using wooden boxes attached to a back panel.
Customize box size and color to suit your needs and to add vibrancy to the space.
Use lazy susans for better accessibility
Depending on your work, you may need a system to organize documents, such as invoices and receipts. Instead of cluttering your desk, you can store them in wall-mounted pockets. This idea was inspired by Stylebyemilyhenderson.
Create a custom cork board shape
Not in the mood to work with wood or power tools? No problem. You can create a wall organizer using cardboard instead. The supplies needed include spray paint, scissors, a hot glue gun, a ruler, and a pencil. You will also need a template, which can be printed or created from scratch.
Follow these steps to create a beautiful triangular wall caddy.
Wall organizers are practical because they keep things off the floor and work surface. In an office, the items that need storage are not heavy or large, so a fabric organizer with pockets, like the one on Designsponge, is suitable. To create a similar organizer, you will need a canvas drop cloth, felt sheets in various colors, a needle, thread, fabric glue, and a grommet kit.
Store small items in mini buckets.
Little buckets, like those on Thebeautydojo, are perfect for storing crafting tools, pencils, and other items that would otherwise clutter a desk or drawer. To create a hanging bucket organizer similar to the one shown, you’ll need small buckets, chalkboard spray paint, and twine. Afterward, find a suitable spot to hang it near your desk.
Pocket organizers are practical and easy to make. This one requires a plywood sheet, leather, thread, glue, rope, and a drill to assemble. It has four equal-sized pockets, but you can customize the size and shape to your liking.
If you need a storage system for magazines, books, or similar items, consider these hanging leather pockets from Vintagerevivals. This DIY magazine rack is made from leather, copper pipe pieces, grommets, copper pipe straps, and rope.
Cute trays and organizers for knick-knacks are also available.
It’s the small things that make a desk messy: paperclips, coins, and knick-knacks. To tidy up, store and organize them on a tray, bowl, or DIY clay organizer. Create your own with air dry clay, a rolling pin, water, paint, and a brush.
Shape it to your liking.
Enhance your pinboard
Isn’t this pineapple organizer adorable? It has a cheerful design and it’s pretty practical too, with compartments for different things. It started out as a simple tray, but with craft paint and foam brushes, it can be transformed into the quirky organizer you see here.
So if you find something similar, give it a chance and don’t say no to a quick makeover.
Add little boxes to your memo board.
Thinking about it, a plain wooden box would be ideal. You can divide it into compartments or use multiple boxes for different items on your desk. Personalize it with paint or decorative paper, maybe even some leftover wallpaper.
Don’t let your business cards get lost on your desk. Keep them organized with a unique aluminum organizer made from an air vent. The powerful industrial charm of this bent piece of aluminum is perfect for holding your business cards.
Get the full story on livelaughrowe.
Use a magnetic box for your paperclips.
If you’re annoyed by paperclips, solve the problem with a magnetic box. It’s a cardboard box with magnets on the inside of the lid. Metal objects stick to the lid, making it a great storage option for paperclips and pins.
Visit earnesthomeco to learn how to make this accessory.
Small items can be stored in jars, which can be customized to look cute and stylish. A clever idea from sayehpezeshki involves gluing toy animals to the lids of the jars and spray painting them to create a seamless look. This simple technique is both eye-catching and easy to replicate.
Create an elegant and minimalist look using wood.
This desk organizer is stunning, simple, and perfect for keeping all your desk knick-knacks in one place. You can easily craft it yourself by following the tutorial on curbly. All you need is wood, a saw, sandpaper, wood glue, painter’s tape, paint, and a ruler.
When organizing your desk, make sure to use a variety of resources.
Now that you have an idea of how to make your office or workspace more pleasant and well-organized, put this knowledge to use. Mix and match the ideas you liked and come up with your own complete makeover. You could even create a designated work area where there wasn’t one. A closet can be useful for this. Check out iheartorganizing to see what such a project could look like.
Turn cardboard tubes into a focal point.
This wall organizer not only looks cool but also serves a practical purpose. It consists of painted cardboard tubes of various diameters arranged together to create an eye-catching installation. Each tube can act as a pocket, holding items like planters, office supplies, and decorations.
You can find a tutorial for this on akailochiclife.
Similarly to using cardboard tubes in DIY projects, PVC pipes can also be cut and combined to make various items, such as a desk organizer. This particular project, featured on designsbystudioc, is fairly simple. There are many ways to personalize and explore the design to make it unique.
Cute tin can transformation
One of the easiest things you can do is repurpose an empty tin can as a storage container. It can be used as a pencil holder, although it may not look aesthetically pleasing at first. However, you can easily make it look cute and pretty.
This idea found on diys only requires a PVC sticker, twine, flowers, and a hot glue gun or glue.
A simple desk organizer can also be made out of clay.
Clay offers a lot of freedom and creativity for DIY projects. You can shape it into anything and create intricate designs. However, not every project needs to be detailed. For this one, shape the clay into a rectangular brick.
See the details on diys.
Make a vintage tin can organizer.
Here’s a beautiful project that repurposes tin cans. This desk organizer is perfect for pens, pencils, and crafting supplies. It’s decorated with lace and paper flowers, giving it a vintage vibe that matches the turquoise theme.
Check it out on diys for all the details.
Give your desk organizer an ombre design.
If you’d prefer to skip the building process and focus on decorating your desk organizer, one idea is to apply an ombre design. This project, found on one-o, starts with a simple wooden box. All you’ll need is a paintbrush, sponge, water, and watercolors in four colors (e.g., black, blue, light blue, and white).
Desk organizer sets
Stacked mesh organizers
Sometimes, when you have many items to sort and store, it is more practical to keep them all in one place rather than using individual organizers and accessories. The SimpleHouseware set is one option. Its design is simple and function-oriented, with several modules stacked and grouped together to save space.
Monitor stand with built-in storage
This Huanuo desk organizer offers a clever space-saving solution while keeping your desk tidy. What’s even better is that it also functions as a monitor stand, allowing you to combine both features in one.
Clear acrylic tray for organizing
Storage containers and organizers made of acrylic or that are transparent are ideal for a clean and minimalistic look, providing a convenient way to view the contents without interaction. This versatile Amazon Basics desk organizer is suitable for pens, pencils, as well as makeup, jewelry, or crafting supplies.
Stacked desk file organizer
If you find yourself buried in papers and documents, you need a desk organizer. The Spacrea letter tray efficiently stores and organizes items on different levels, maximizing desk space. It also includes a shelf for additional office supplies or decorations.
A compartmentalized mesh organizer is another option.
Having multiple compartments of different shapes and sizes is particularly useful if your desk is cluttered with small items like paperclips, post-its, agendas, pens, etc. The MDHAND desk organizer allows you to keep everything in one place. It has 6 compartments and a small drawer that is both cute and practical.
If you prefer wood over metal, mesh, or plastic, it can give your desk a more elegant appearance. The MissionMax organizer provides everything you need to keep your workspace clean and clutter-free while also keeping everything accessible and presentable. It includes compartments and modules for things like paper, documents, pens, notes, paper clips, and more.
Drawer organizers are game-changer accessories in areas like the kitchen or office that require efficient storage. One option to consider is Tenabort’s set of 28 interlocking plastic trays, available in various shapes and sizes to accommodate your specific needs.
If you’re in need of a compact and simple tray to hold office supplies, consider the drawer organizer from Simple Houseware. Made of perforated plastic, it features adjustable dividers that allow you to customize the organization based on your needs.
You can’t go wrong with these storage trays and bins. BYCY offers a set of 32 pieces in various shapes and sizes. Whether in your office or at home, you will find a use for them.
Mix and match them based on the dimensions of your drawers or your personal preference.
Don’t want to emphasize the desk organizer? Consider a clean acrylic one. It will be minimalistic and blend in, allowing the focus to be on the contents.
Whitmor’s organizer has 6 sections and can store various office supplies.
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