As artists and crafters, we tend to accumulate a lot of “stuff.” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of our craft supplies, but finding affordable and creative storage solutions can transform our space from chaotic to inspiring!
This post is chock-full of clever and inexpensive craft room storage ideas. We’ll explore thrifty finds, DIY projects, and repurposed treasures that will keep your craft supplies organized without breaking the bank. Get ready to be inspired to create a beautiful and functional craft space that sparks joy every time you step inside.
Unleash the Power of Shelves and Cubbies
Shelves are a craft room essential, offering endless versatility and budget-friendly storage.
Shelves: Can You Ever Have Too Many?
The answer is a resounding NO! A simple three-tiered shelf from a thrift store can instantly organize your acrylic paints, while a repurposed china cabinet can become a charming display for books, button jars, and finished projects.
3 tier shelf stores acrylic paint bottles on work table make for easy Craft Room Storage Ideas on a Budget
“Display shelves are a crafter’s best friend! I love using thrifted shelves to organize and showcase my supplies.” – Robert Kline
Display shelves
Ikea Storage Systems: Affordable and Stylish
Ikea is a haven for budget-friendly storage solutions that look sleek and modern. Combine their shelving systems with vintage baskets, colorful boxes, or repurposed jars for a personalized touch.
“Ikea shelving offers endless possibilities! Mix and match with baskets and boxes to create a storage system that works for you.” – Robert Kline
Ikea shelving for craft storage with use what you have baskets and boxes – Craft Room Storage Ideas on a Budget
Shoe Cubbies: The Perfect Fit for Fabric and More
Stackable shoe cubbies are ideal for storing fabric scraps, rolls of paper, or even small containers of beads and buttons. They maximize vertical space and fit neatly in a closet or along a wall.
“Don’t underestimate the power of a simple shoe cubby! They’re incredibly versatile and keep your supplies visible and accessible.” – Robert Kline
Affordable Craft Room Storage Ideas on a Budget – Shoe cubby for craft storage
Drawers: Small Wonders for Big Organization
Drawers are a crafter’s best friend, keeping small supplies contained and categorized.
Stackable Plastic Drawer Units: Versatile and Affordable
Invest in a variety of sizes to accommodate different supplies, from small buttons and beads to larger tools and paintbrushes. Clear drawers are especially helpful, allowing you to easily see what’s inside.
plastic drawers unit
Hardware Drawer Unit: A Crafter’s Dream
Designed for nails and screws, a hardware drawer unit is surprisingly perfect for craft supplies! Its many small drawers are ideal for organizing everything from glitter and sequins to brads and eyelets.
“A hardware drawer unit is worth its weight in gold for crafters! The small drawers are perfect for all those tiny treasures.” – Robert Kline
Hardware Drawers Unit
Wooden Drawers: Charm and Functionality
Repurposed wooden drawers add vintage charm to your craft space while providing valuable storage. Use them to store works in progress, collect inspiration materials, or organize paper scraps by color.
Vintage drawer divided to hold craft supplies
“I love incorporating old drawers into my craft room storage. They add character and a touch of nostalgia.” – Robert Kline
Paper storage in vintage sewing machine drawer
Boxes: Thinking Outside the Box for Craft Storage
From vintage treasures to everyday items, boxes offer a world of storage possibilities.
Jewelry Boxes: Tiny Treasures, Big Impact
A large, multi-drawered jewelry box is a dream for organizing small embellishments, beads, buttons, and jewelry-making supplies.
Cigar Boxes: Rustic Charm Meets Craft Organization
Wooden cigar boxes add a touch of rustic elegance to your craft space while keeping small items like stamps, stencils, and ink pads neatly contained.
“Cigar boxes are a favorite of mine! They’re sturdy, stylish, and add a touch of vintage charm to my craft room.” – Robert Kline
Cigar box storage
Matchboxes: Small but Mighty Storage Solutions
Don’t underestimate the power of a matchbox! These tiny containers are perfect for storing even the smallest craft supplies like sequins, seed beads, and small brads.
“I’m always surprised by how many tiny treasures I can fit into a matchbox! They’re a must-have for any organized craft space.” – Robert Kline
Matchboxes
Wooden Crates and Boxes: Rustic and Versatile Storage
Wine crates, old apple crates, or even repurposed wooden boxes are perfect for storing larger items like paper pads, rolls of fabric, or even books and magazines.
Art papers stored in a wooden crate
Piano Roll Boxes: Unique Storage with Vintage Flair
Give those old piano roll boxes a new life as storage for washi tape, ribbon, or even rolled-up artwork.
“Piano roll boxes add a touch of whimsy and provide the perfect storage solution for delicate rolls of washi tape.” – Robert Kline
Washi Tape stored in old player piano roll boxes
Transparent Fridge Boxes: See-Through Storage for Easy Access
Repurpose those clear fridge boxes to store stamps, stencils, or even bulky tools. The transparent material allows for quick and easy identification of contents.
Packaging as Craft Room Storage: Reduce, Reuse, and Craft!
Embrace your inner eco-warrior and repurpose packaging materials like sturdy cardboard boxes, plastic trays, and even padded envelopes.
“Don’t throw away those Amazon boxes! A little decorative paper or fabric turns them into stylish storage bins.” – Robert Kline
Amazon box covered with decorative paper
Tins and Jars: Charming and Functional Storage Solutions
Tins and jars add a touch of vintage charm to your craft space while keeping small supplies organized.
Canning Jars: Endless Possibilities
From buttons and beads to paintbrushes and pens, canning jars are incredibly versatile.
“Canning jars are a staple in my craft room! They’re perfect for storing everything from buttons to glitter.” – Robert Kline
Canning Jars full of buttons make a wonderful Craft Room Storage Ideas on a Budget
Small Glass Jars and Apothecary Jars: Vintage Charm
Apothecary jars, old spice jars, and even small glass food jars add a touch of vintage charm to your craft room. Use them to store glitter, sequins, beads, or small embellishments.
“I love the vintage aesthetic of apothecary jars! They add a touch of elegance to my craft room storage.” – Robert Kline
Apothecary jars hold items for crafting
Flower and Cookie Tins: Seasonal Storage with Style
Take advantage of post-holiday sales and stock up on decorative tins. They’re ideal for storing small tools, embellishments, or even works in progress.
Old Dishes and Serving Pieces: Unique and Functional Storage
Thrift stores are treasure troves for unique dishes and serving pieces that can be repurposed as craft storage. Use old teacups for paintbrushes, pitchers for pens and pencils, or even a tiered serving tray for small embellishments.
“I love finding new uses for old dishes and serving pieces! They add a unique and whimsical touch to my craft room storage.” – Robert Kline
jars to hold craft materials
More Creative Craft Room Storage Solutions
Let’s explore even more creative and affordable ways to keep your craft supplies organized:
Suitcases: Vintage Storage with Travel-Inspired Charm
Old suitcases are not only charming but also surprisingly practical for storing larger craft supplies or even works in progress.
“An old suitcase is the perfect way to store delicate fabrics or lace. It keeps them protected and adds a touch of vintage style to my craft space.” – Robert Kline
old suitcase stores fabrics
Plastic Storage Containers: Stackable and Versatile
Choose clear containers for easy visibility or add decorative labels to personalize your storage.
“I use plastic storage containers with dividers to organize my embroidery floss. It keeps everything neat and easy to find.” – Robert Kline
Scrapbook Paper Storage container
Makeup Storage Units: Perfectly Sized for Craft Supplies
Repurpose those acrylic makeup organizers to store paint bottles, markers, washi tape, or even small tools.
“Don’t overlook the makeup aisle when searching for craft room storage! Makeup organizers are ideal for small craft supplies.” – Robert Kline
makeup tray slots hold alcohol spray bottles
Refrigerator Bento Boxes: Portable and Practical
Stackable bento boxes are perfect for storing small craft supplies and are especially handy if you like to craft on the go.
“Bento boxes are a lifesaver for keeping my on-the-go crafting supplies organized. They’re compact and keep everything contained.” – Robert Kline
Refrigerator Bento boxes to store art supplies. Craft Room Storage Ideas on a Budget
Rolling File Carts, Etc.: Mobile Storage Solutions
A rolling file cart can be transformed into a mobile craft station, holding your current projects and supplies.
“A rolling cart is a must-have for any craft room! I can easily move it around my studio depending on what project I’m working on.” – Robert Kline
Rolling Cart Storage Idea
Framed Wall Storage: Repurposing with Style
Turn an old window frame or a picture frame into stylish wall storage. Add hooks for ribbons, use chicken wire to hold small tools, or create a mini gallery wall with small shelves.
“I turned an old window frame into a charming storage solution for ribbons and lace. It adds a touch of vintage elegance to my craft room.” – Robert Kline
Lace and trims stored on an old window frame – Awesome Craft Room Storage Ideas on a Budget
Pegboard, Slatboard: Customizable Wall Storage
A pegboard or slatboard is a versatile and affordable way to organize tools, paintbrushes, or even small containers of supplies.
“I use a pegboard to organize my paintbrushes and other frequently used tools. It keeps everything visible and within reach.” – Robert Kline
Pegboard Craft Room Storage Ideas on a Budget
DIY Storage Project with Printable Mini File Folders
Create your own accordion file folders using cardstock and our free printable templates. These are great for organizing paper scraps, ephemera, or even small stencils.
“DIY storage solutions are so rewarding! I love creating my own personalized storage using printables and upcycled materials.” – Robert Kline
DIY expandable file folders – Cool Craft Room Storage Ideas on a Budget
Embrace the Joy of an Organized Craft Space
Creating an organized and inspiring craft space doesn’t have to break the bank. Embrace your creativity and resourcefulness, and transform your craft room into a haven of artistic expression.
Share your favorite craft room storage tips in the comments below! And for more creative inspiration and unique handmade gifts, explore the wonderful world of Robert Kline Art.