Tension rods aren’t just for shower curtains or window treatments. They’re an easy-to-install and budget-friendly solution for help organizing and de-cluttering your home. You can use them in a variety of ways in virtually any room in the house, from the kitchen to the laundry room.

If you’re looking for ways you can use tension rods in your home, check out our favorite tension rod hacks below.

Hang Backpacks

Tension rods aren’t just for hanging clothing in a closet. Add some hooks to a closet tension rod to hang backpacks, purses, and other accessories you’d keep in a closet.

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Save Space in a Small Kitchen

If you have a small kitchen with limited countertop space, clever storage solutions are a must. Tension rods are a great way to use the vertical space as storage.

Mount one on the wall to store frequently used kitchen items. You can also hang a tension rod inside a pantry door to store lightweight items like aluminum foil.

“Combine [tension rods] with S-hooks,” says Joanna Wirick, organization expert. “Hang small baskets or utensils from a tension rod in the kitchen for added organization.”

Organize a Kitchen Drawer

Tension rods are a great alternative to drawer dividers. If you have a deep kitchen drawer, store nonperishable items in plastic containers.

Use tension rods to evenly separate and keep items secure. Another way you can use tension rods in the kitchen is in the cabinet under the sink.

“Use a tension rod inside a kitchen or bathroom cabinet to hang spray bottles,” Wirick says. “This keeps them off the bottom of the cabinet and creates more space.”

Store Shoes

A home’s entryway or closet can quickly become cluttered with shoes. To help keep things organized and clutter-free, store shoes on a rack.

Tension rods are a great way to add shelving for shoe storage to an existing bench. Install the rods close together to store most shoes or far apart to hang heels on.

Hang Coats in an Entryway

If you don’t have an entryway closet to store all your outerwear and other items, create a makeshift closet.

Use a tension rod with a shelving unit to hang coats and jackets and store items you may need on your way out the door. This keeps your space organized and clutter-free.

Dry Clothing

If you live in a small space, it may be challenging to dedicate a place to dry clothing. So, if you don’t have the space for a traditional drying rack, make one using a tension rod.

“Place a tension rod in a laundry room or over a bathtub to air dry delicate clothing,” Wirick says. You can place the tension rod over the bathtub, or hang the rod from the ceiling in your laundry room using hooks.

Five Things to Consider When Choosing a Tension Rod

• Weight Capacity: “Consider what you’ll be hanging,” Wirick says. “A lightweight rod works for sheer curtains, while a heavy-duty rod is needed for clothing or kitchen storage.”
• Rod Size: Most tension rods are adjustable, but you can pick from a range of sizes. Measure the space you want to install the rod in before purchasing one. You want to make sure it’s secure enough to bear weight.
• Rod Diameter: “Thicker rods hold more weight and provide better stability,” Wirick says.
• Room and Purpose: “If used in a humid area like a bathroom, choose a rust-resistant or stainless steel rod,” Wirick says.
• The Design: If your tension rod is visible in your home, consider buying one that matches your home’s aesthetic. You have many options to choose from like bronze, chrome, stainless steel, or even matte black. If the rod will be hidden in a drawer or closet, you can also go the more affordable route by using white plastic rods.

Additional Tips for Using Tension Rods

• Double Up for Extra Support: Wirick suggests installing two rods close together to support heavier items.
• Combine with S-Hooks: Hang S-Hooks on rods to hang baskets for extra storage space.
• Consider the End Caps: Most tension rods have rubber end caps to help prevent the rod from slipping. If you’re installing a tension rod on a slippery surface like tile, make sure to choose non-slip rubber end caps.