I love tension rods. No, really. I rent my apartment, so I’m always weary of doing anything too invasive or permanent to it, so screwing rods into the wall to hold up my curtains is out of the question to me. And tension rods are the perfect versatile—and temporary—tool that can do much more than hold up your shower (and window) curtains. Here are some other great uses for tension rods around the house that you probably never thought of.
How to use tension rods in the kitchen
When you think of tension rods, you probably think of the long ones that can fill an entire window or stretch the length of a bathtub, but mini ones exist, too, and are super useful. Here’s a two-pack on Amazon for $9.99. You’ll want to stock up.
In the kitchen, for instance, you can run some tension rods along the wall above your counter and use shower hooks or something similar to hoist up your big cooking utensils, like your ladles, whisks, spatulas, or whatever else. (Depending on the length of the wall in question, you might need to go for a standard size instead of a mini.) I’m a big proponent of possessions-as-decor because, well, when you live in a small space, you don’t have many other options. Try hanging your mugs or teacups or anything else that is taking up too much of your storage space, provided it has some kind of handle you can thread the hook through.
Put a mini rod in the cupboard so you can hang pots and pans. Drape rags and rubber gloves over one under the sink for easy access and, if you have your cleaning products in spray bottles, slip the triggers over the rod, too, to get those off the ground. In a higher cupboard, consider running a rod that will act as a paper towel dispenser. Just thread the rod itself through the towel tube and place it under an upper shelf.
How to use tension rods in the bedroom
Tension rods are great in your bedroom closet, too. Sure, you already have a long rod running lengthwise in there, but have you considered a mini rod running from front to back along the side wall? With a few hooks, you can use it to hang jewelry, strappy shoes, all those tank tops you don’t know what to do with, or whatever else doesn’t really have a set place in your drawers.
If you have an over-the-door shoe organizer, stick it on a rod on the side of the closet to free up your door space.
How to use tension rods around the house
Store wrapping paper in your craft/junk/miscellaneous closet by running a rod through the tube and suspending it high in the air. This saves space and stops the paper from getting tossed around or otherwise mangled in the 11 months of the year when you’re not using it, plus makes it easy to access when you do want it. Simply pull the free edge of the paper and cut off what you need.
On your existing rods—or ones you are inspired to install after reading all this—add a few curtain clips. These are circular hooks with small clips hanging off of them, and they’re extraordinarily useful for storage solutions. On the rod in your tub, for instance, a few of these can hold up your loofah, your razor, and even your shampoo and conditioner, if those are in the soft, squeezable kind of bottles. (Here’s a pack of 44 clips for $9.99!)
Curtain clips on the rods in your closet will hold up delicates, hats, gloves, and even small bags. In the bathroom, they can help you organize headbands, hair ties, and washcloths.
Finally, run one under your desk so you have an easy place to lay cords that you aren’t using so you don’t have to toss them into a drawer, where they’re sure to get all tangled up.
