Ingenious Uses For Tension Rods That We Never Considered

Every so often, most of us come to realize that the solution to all of our problems is already right in front of us — or, in this case, hanging above our windows. Tension rods might not seem like the most versatile item in our homes, but in the right hands, these plastic poles can become literal magic wands. From organization to decoration and everything in between, these ingenious uses for tension rods will transform your home into a classy, clutter-free paradise.

1. Organize Spices

Tension rods can hang, separate, and even act as shelves for your kitchen spices. All you have to do is fit about two or three small tension rods horizontally and voila! — a makeshift shelf. After all, what would life be without a little spice?

2. Divide Rooms

While hanging curtains may be the tension rod's intended purpose, you can do far more with this combination than just cover your windows. Some homes are too small to have separate, walled spaces, so a curtain is a great and simple way to create a room divider for some privacy.

3. Tidy Tub

Make bath time more fun with less mess by organizing your kids' tub toys. Simply fit the tension rod against the bottom corners of the tub and zip-tie a few small plastic baskets to it. No more slipping on those rubber ducks for you!

4. Decorate Doorways

If you're not interested in separating spaces, why not add a little extra flair between rooms? The tension rod/curtain combination once again saves the day, though a decorative fabric should be used here to keep things light and luxurious.

5. Get Plants Some Sun

There are so many benefits of growing plants indoors, but getting them enough light is often a matter of space. However, if you have windows, there's your solution! Simply fit a tension rod across your window and hang your plants with S-hooks.

6. Separate Baking Sheets

Some kitchen necessities are harder to organize than others. Those bulky cookie and cupcake trays can be difficult to maneuver when they're all stored together, but by placing a tension rod vertically between stacks, they can finally be pulled out the cabinet with ease.

7. Organize Shoes

Everyone knows the struggle is real when it comes to organizing shoes. But by placing a few tension rods in a narrow corner or closet, you'll never have to worry about tripping over those heels again. Plus, you'll always know whether you have room for another pair!

8. Hide Litterbox

You've done a lot to save yourself some space, but what about your pets? Kitty litter is an eyesore (and a nosesore), but with a set of curtains you can hide the litterbox and provide your feline friend some privacy — just don't expect the smell to be kept a secret.

9. Hang Jewelry

Those tight corners you use to hang your shoes also make a great place to hang jewelry. Most of your necklaces and bracelets can simply be hung or fastened around the tension rod itself, though if you're looking to class the whole thing up a bit, a few trusty S-hooks will do the trick.

10. Makeshift Cupboard

Display your coffee or teacups with pride by creating a makeshift cupboard. Simply buy or build yourself a shallow wooden box and squeeze a few tension rods across it. At that point, it's just hanging your favorite mugs with S-shaped hooks. It'll be a beautiful sight in the morning — even for the grouchiest riser.

11. Tuck Away Paper Towels

Paper towels are a must-have in the kitchen, but most holders are bulky and unsightly. With the help of a tension rod, any cabinet can become a neat, out-of-sight storage space where you can easily grab a towel or two whenever you need.

12. Make Laundry Shelves Disappear

Pet bathrooms aren't the only places for privacy curtains. Unsightly laundry room shelves disappear in an instant with the help of a tension rod — and best of all, you won't have to go too far when it comes time to clean the curtains.

13. Transform Pantry

Tired of all those snack pouches cluttering up your pantry? Using a few tension rods, you can transform a kitchen cabinet into your own personal mini mart! All you need is a hole puncher and few S-hooks, plus any other snacks you find on the rack at the grocery store can be hung here as well.

14. Declutter Cleaning Supplies

No matter what cleaning products you have at home, they always seem to find a way to clutter up your cabinets and closets. But by simply fitting a tension rod under your sink, you can neatly hang your spray bottles and always have them within reach.

15. Create a Play Area

Not sure what to do with the empty space under your child's lofted bed? Hang some curtains and transform it into a cozy secret hideaway! Either that, or you could sweep your child's toys and dirty laundry underneath and call it a day. Out of sight, out of mind!

16. DIY Dust Ruffle

Instead of shelling out big bucks on an expensive dust ruffle, why not make your own? A tension rod and curtain are all you need to beautify your bed, plus you'll no longer have to look at the clutter stored under the frame.

17. Design a Dispenser

If you're an avid crafter, then this trick will be your new favorite. At your crafting station, use a pair of tension rods to hold all your ribbon, tape, and thread. This makeshift dispenser will keep everything organized and easy to reach as you put the finishing touches on your next masterpiece.

18. Make Roman Shades

Curtains not your style? Tension rods are also perfect for creating makeshift Roman shades. Just find a fabric you like and layer it over three stacked curtain rods to create an elegant look without breaking the bank.

19. Keep Perishables In Place

If you own an RV, you know how difficult it can be to keep food from sliding around in the fridge. But with the help of a tension rod or two, refrigerated items will stay in place while still remaining accessible — you know, in case you need a nice swig of milk while driving.

20. Make Space For Pot Lids

By fitting a tension rod close to the side of a tall drawer, you can finally make room for those space-hogging pot lids. But if you find that these rods don't quite go with your aesthetic, there are plenty of other space-saving hacks to take your kitchen to the next level.

Kitchen Hacks

Hang your measuring cups inside the cabinet door. Attach a few command strips, and you’ve got yourself a quick DIY measuring cup holder. This is convenient for bakers or any other cooks who need precision in their kitchens.

2. Wine Bottle Storage

If you’re a wine connoisseur, store your bottles in a deep drawer. Lay them inside in a zipper pattern, and you’ll maximize your space and easily see all of their labels. This also works for any other similarly sized liquor bottles.

3. Drink Holders

Store your canned beverages in a drink holder. If your fridge is full of sparkling water or beer, these cans can take up some valuable space. When they’re contained in a specialized holder, you’ll have more room for even more beverages.

4. Keep Cooking Sheets Uncluttered

To keep a pile of cooking sheets and cutting boards in order, use a desk or file organizer. These three- or four-level shelves are perfect for holding everything in place, which is great, because there’s nothing like opening your cabinet door and these clanging out onto the ground.

5. Open Storage

Buy your own open storage shelves. Open shelving is currently a trending kitchen decorative practice. Embrace the trend, and give yourself more room for those few things that just won’t fit in your regular cabinetry.

6. Hanging Tools

Store your broom, mop, and duster wands on your walls. Similar to the hanging measuring cup tip, you can install a Command Hook or another hook hardware on your kitchen wall, so that you can hang your cleaning implements.

7. Fridge Lazy Susans

This spinning storage rack can help free up some space in your refrigerator and help organize some of the smaller items that can be stuffed behind the larger ones.

8. Spice Lazy Susans

Also, get a lazy Susan to store your spices. When you have a wide variety, it’s easy to forget about the ones crammed in the back of a cabinet. Putting your spices on this device can help you use a wider range of what you may already have.

9. Creating Spice Labels

Cover the tops of your spices with chalkboard paint. Then, you can write the spice name on the lid with chalk, eliminating the need to see the label. If you aren’t keeping your spices in a lazy Susan, this is other way to rapidly find what you’re looking for.

10. Re-Use Tissue Boxes

Keep your grocery bag hoard in a tissue box. This can make them easier to grab instead of jamming them inside of one of the other bags. With this system, you can get one at a time instead of a bag jumble.

11. Use a Fruit Basket

Keep those non-perishables contained in a fruit and vegetable storage container. Because these are part of your public decorating scheme, make sure whatever’s in your fruit basket is stacked in an aesthetically appealing way.

12. Store Your Produce Properly

If you’re spending extra money on fresh fruits and vegetables, but not using them, you’re contributing to the staggering food waste statistic. The average American wastes about one pound of food per day.

13. Put Dish Soap in a Dispenser

It’s much easier to quickly clean your hands or a dirty dish when you don’t have to fiddle with a slippery soap bottle. Also, if you’re trying to spice up your kitchen décor, you have plenty of room to play with soap dispenser designs.

14. Dry-Erase Walls

If you’re allowed to paint on your walls, try making some empty wall space into a dry-erase board. You can use dry-erase paint and create the perfect amount of space for your personal needs.

15. Invest in Chip Clips

A package of these is about $10 and will help you save even more food. If you have food in plastic bags, like chips, make sure you’re securely closing the bag with a chip clip. These can also work for larger items like pet food.

16. Painting the Tops

If you have laminate countertops and want to switch up your look, try painting them. Clean the area, prime it with some sanding, and then primer paint. Add your color of choice on the top. Then, seal the area with a countertop resin.

17. Easy Backsplashes

Need a backsplash? Try removable wallpaper. If you’re renting or not willing to invest in a title backsplash, the right kind of wallpaper can give the illusion of stone or whatever other look you’re going for.

18. Invest in Storage Containers

For things you buy in bulk, like sugar, flour, or noodles, get proper storage containers. If they are removed from their original bulky packaging, they can be stored away more easily. Containers will also keep out any pests from your food.

19. Use First In, First Out

If you regularly buy the same kinds of perishable items, like yogurt, when you’re putting your next purchase in the fridge, make sure you put them behind any remaining containers from your last shopping trip.