Ah, the elusive perfectly organized drawer! We all dream of it, but drawers come in so many shapes and sizes, finding organizers that fit can feel like searching for buried treasure. But here at Robert Kline Art, we believe in empowering you to create, not just consume. That’s why I’m sharing my absolute favorite method for crafting DIY drawer dividers – a system I’ve honed over countless projects and drawers. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose DIY Drawer Dividers?
You might be wondering, “Why not just buy pre-made organizers?” Well, my crafty friends, let me illuminate the beauty of DIY in this arena.
Cost-Effective Organization
Let’s face it, store-bought drawer dividers can put a dent in your crafting budget. DIYing your dividers using readily available materials like cardboard or foam board is a budget-friendly dream. We’re talking about transforming clutter for mere pennies!
Customization is King
One size fits all? Not in the world of drawers! When you DIY, you control the dimensions, creating compartments tailored to your exact needs. No more awkwardly sized spaces or relentless online searches for that “just right” organizer.
Embrace Sustainability
Moving? Changing needs? DIY drawer dividers are easy to dismantle and recycle. You’re not stuck with bulky plastic organizers. Plus, repurposing materials like cardboard boxes aligns perfectly with our eco-conscious crafting ethos.
Gather Your DIY Arsenal
Ready to banish drawer chaos? Here’s what you’ll need:
- Foam Core or Sturdy Cardboard: Measure your drawer to determine the widest piece you’ll need.
- Multipurpose Cable Clips: These are game-changers for sturdiness.
- Decorative Contact Paper (Optional): Elevate the look with your favorite patterns!
- Tape Measure
- Sharp Craft Knife or Rotary Cutter
- Ruler with Self-Healing Mat
- Pencil
Pro Tip: While optional, using cable clips adds immense stability to your dividers. They make the cutting process more forgiving and significantly extend the life of your dividers.
Crafting Your DIY Drawer Dividers: A Step-by-Step Journey
Step 1: Measure Twice, Cut Once
Precisely measure your drawer’s height, width, and depth. These measurements are the foundation of your DIY dividers.
Step 2: Embrace the Power of Pretty (Optional)
For a polished look, consider lining your drawer with contact paper, shelf liner, or peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Step 3: Cut Your Dividers with Confidence
Using your measurements and a sharp craft knife, cut your chosen material (foam core or cardboard) into two pieces:
- Cut 1: Width of drawer minus 1/2 inch X Height of drawer
- Cut 2: Depth of drawer minus 1/2 inch X Height of drawer
Note: Subtracting 1/2 inch from the width and depth accounts for the cable clips.
Step 4: Cable Clips to the Rescue
- Do a “dry fit” by placing one or two cable clips on each side of the horizontal divider (without removing the adhesive backing).
- Slide the divider into your drawer to ensure a snug fit.
- Use a pencil to trace around each cable clip, marking their ideal position.
- Remove the divider and cable clips, peel off the adhesive backings, and attach the clips to the drawer’s interior, following your pencil markings.
- Repeat the process with the vertical divider, marking the cable clip positions for the front-to-back placement.
Step 5: Dress Up Your Dividers (Optional)
For a touch of pizzazz, cover your dividers with decorative paper, matching it to your drawer liner if you used one.
Step 6: Create the Interlocking Magic
Carefully cut a 1/4 inch wide slit halfway down the middle of one divider and halfway up the middle of the other. These slits will allow your dividers to interlock.
Step 7: Assemble Your Drawer’s New Best Friend
Slide your completed dividers into the waiting cable clips inside your drawer. Adjust the intersection slits if needed to ensure a flush fit.
Step 8: Organize and Conquer!
Step back and admire your handiwork! It’s time to fill those perfectly sized compartments and revel in organized bliss.
DIY Drawer Dividers: Your Questions Answered
- Can I use these dividers in shallow drawers? Absolutely! Adjust the height measurement to match your drawer’s depth.
- Foam core or cardboard – which reigns supreme? While both work well, foam core offers slightly more rigidity.
- Can I take my DIY game up a notch with wood? Yes! If you have access to a saw, you can adapt this tutorial to create stunning wood dividers.
Beyond the Basics: Unleash Your Inner Organization Guru
Remember that “awkward” art supply drawer I mentioned? Instead of a simple “+” formation, I created six compartments using a notched horizontal divider and three vertical slats.
Pro Tip: For complex layouts, install the vertical dividers first, marking their positions on the drawer bottom. Then, mark the corresponding positions on the horizontal divider for precise notching.
Embrace the Joy of DIY
At Robert Kline Art, we believe that creating something with your own hands brings a unique sense of satisfaction. These DIY drawer dividers are not just about taming clutter; they are about empowering you to craft a more organized and personalized living space.
So, the next time drawer chaos threatens to engulf your sanity, remember this simple yet effective DIY solution. And be sure to share your beautifully organized drawers with us – we love celebrating your crafting victories!