If your desk is a mess of pens, papers, and random items that seem to multiply on their own, you’re not alone. A cluttered workspace can make it hard to focus and even harder to feel productive. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on store-bought organizers! With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can whip up stylish, functional DIY desk organizers in no time. Let’s dive into 10 super-easy desk organizers you can make today to transform your workspace into an organized oasis.
1. Mason Jar Desk Organizer
Mason jars are not only functional but also look adorable on any desk. They’re perfect for holding pens, pencils, markers, and even scissors.
1.1 What You’ll Need
- Mason jars (any size you like)
- Paint (chalk paint works great)
- Paintbrush
- Ribbon or twine (optional for decoration)
1.2 How to Make It
- Paint the outside of the mason jars in your desired color. Use two coats for even coverage.
- Let the paint dry completely.
- Tie a piece of ribbon or twine around the neck of each jar for added flair.
- Arrange the jars on your desk and fill them with your supplies.
1.3 Bonus Tip
Group three or four jars together on a small wooden tray to create a cohesive organizer.
2. Shoebox Lid Organizer
Repurposing shoebox lids is a simple, no-cost way to organize your desk drawers or surface. It’s great for keeping small items like paper clips, push pins, and sticky notes in place.
2.1 What You’ll Need
- Shoebox lids
- Decorative wrapping paper or contact paper
- Glue or double-sided tape
- Scissors
2.2 How to Make It
- Cover the inside and outside of the shoebox lid with wrapping paper or contact paper. Secure with glue or tape.
- Arrange multiple lids together to create sections for different items.
- Place them in your desk drawer or on the desk itself to organize your supplies.
2.3 Bonus Tip
Stack smaller lids inside larger ones to create levels for more storage.
3. DIY Cork Board Organizer
A corkboard isn’t just for pinning notes and reminders—it can also double as a vertical organizer.
3.1 What You’ll Need
- A corkboard
- Small cups or baskets
- Pushpins or hooks
- Decorative tape or paint (optional)
3.2 How to Make It
- Decorate the corkboard by painting it or framing it with colorful washi tape.
- Attach small cups or baskets to the board using pushpins or hooks.
- Use the cups to store pens, rulers, and other supplies.
3.3 Bonus Tip
Pin small notes or to-do lists above the cups for a multifunctional organizer.
4. Tin Can Organizer
Don’t throw away those empty tin cans! They’re perfect for creating a budget-friendly and durable desk organizer.
4.1 What You’ll Need
- Empty tin cans (washed and cleaned)
- Decorative paper or fabric
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
4.2 How to Make It
- Wrap each can in decorative paper or fabric and secure it with hot glue.
- Arrange the cans together in a cluster, gluing them side by side or stacking them.
- Place the cluster on your desk to store pens, brushes, or scissors.
4.3 Bonus Tip
Paint the inside of the cans in bright colors for a fun surprise when you reach for supplies.
5. Magazine File Organizer
Turn an old cereal box into a chic magazine file to store notebooks, papers, or magazines.
5.1 What You’ll Need
- Empty cereal box
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Decorative paper or contact paper
- Glue or double-sided tape
5.2 How to Make It
- Cut the cereal box diagonally to create a slanted magazine holder shape.
- Cover the box with decorative paper or contact paper.
- Use it to store papers, files, or even notebooks.
5.3 Bonus Tip
Make multiple magazine files and arrange them side by side for a coordinated look.
6. Wooden Crate Desk Organizer
Small wooden crates are versatile and perfect for creating tiered desk organizers.
6.1 What You’ll Need
- Small wooden crates or boxes
- Wood stain or paint
- Screws or strong adhesive
- Paintbrush
6.2 How to Make It
- Paint or stain the crates in your desired color. Let them dry completely.
- Stack the crates and secure them together with screws or adhesive.
- Use the compartments to store supplies like tape, staplers, or sticky notes.
6.3 Bonus Tip
Add labels to each compartment to make finding items easier.
7. Clipboard Wall Organizer
Clipboards are a great way to keep papers, notes, and to-do lists off your desk and on display.
7.1 What You’ll Need
- Clipboards
- Paint or washi tape
- Command hooks
7.2 How to Make It
- Decorate each clipboard with paint or washi tape to match your style.
- Hang the clipboards on the wall using Command hooks.
- Use the clipboards to hold important papers, schedules, or reminders.
7.3 Bonus Tip
Create a gallery wall with multiple clipboards arranged in a grid.
8. Desk Drawer Dividers
Keep your drawers tidy with DIY dividers made from recycled cardboard or foam board.
8.1 What You’ll Need
- Cardboard or foam board
- Ruler
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Decorative paper (optional)
8.2 How to Make It
- Measure your drawer and cut the cardboard or foam board into pieces to fit.
- Assemble the pieces into sections to create dividers.
- Cover the dividers with decorative paper if desired, and place them in your drawer.
8.3 Bonus Tip
Use these dividers to separate office supplies like pens, paper clips, and sticky notes.
9. Pegboard Desk Organizer
A pegboard is a versatile way to organize items both on and above your desk.
9.1 What You’ll Need
- A pegboard
- Hooks or pegs
- Baskets or small containers
- Paint (optional)
9.2 How to Make It
- Paint the pegboard to match your desk decor, if desired.
- Mount the pegboard to the wall above your desk.
- Attach hooks, baskets, or containers to the board to store supplies.
9.3 Bonus Tip
Add a small shelf to the pegboard for even more storage options.
10. Recycled Glass Bottle Organizer
Glass bottles can be upcycled into stylish organizers for pens, flowers, or even paintbrushes.
10.1 What You’ll Need
- Empty glass bottles
- Paint or spray paint
- Ribbon, twine, or washi tape (optional)
10.2 How to Make It
- Clean and dry the bottles thoroughly.
- Paint the bottles in your desired colors or designs.
- Decorate with ribbon or twine if desired, and use them to store desk supplies.
10.3 Bonus Tip
Group bottles of different heights for a visually interesting arrangement.
FAQs: DIY Desk Organizers
1. How much do these DIY desk organizers cost?
Most of these projects can be completed for under $10, especially if you use items you already have at home.
2. What tools will I need?
You’ll likely need scissors, a glue gun, a craft knife, and basic crafting supplies like tape and paint.
3. Can I customize the designs?
Absolutely! Use your favorite colors, patterns, and materials to make each organizer uniquely yours.
4. How long do these projects take?
Each project can typically be completed in under an hour, making them quick and satisfying.
5. What’s the easiest project for beginners?
The mason jar organizer or tin can organizer are the simplest options—they require minimal tools and skills.
6. Can I use these organizers for kids’ desks?
Yes! Many of these ideas, like the corkboard or glass bottle organizer, can be customized for kids with fun colors or themes.
7. Are these ideas suitable for small desks?
Definitely. Most of these organizers, like the clipboard wall or pegboard, help save space and keep surfaces clear.
8. Can I use recycled materials for these projects?
Of course! Many of the ideas, like the tin can and shoebox lid organizers, are perfect for upcycling items you already have.
9. How do I keep the organizers clean?
Use a damp cloth to wipe down painted or covered surfaces. For glass or metal, use a gentle cleaner.
10. Can I gift these desk organizers?
Yes! A DIY desk organizer makes a thoughtful, personalized gift for students, coworkers, or anyone who loves organization.