Tension Rod Hacks: 14 Genius Ways to Add Storage Without Drilling

Tension rod hacks are the cheapest home upgrade you will see all month, and people cannot get enough of them. A video of 15 genius tension rod hacks passed 1 million views in just two weeks, and another with 32 more ideas picked up 242,000 views in the same time. The reason is simple. A spring loaded rod costs a few dollars, needs no drill, leaves no holes and comes down in seconds, which makes renters and small home owners very happy. With the holidays coming and more stuff to store, these little rods can make every cabinet, closet and window work twice as hard. Below are 14 clever ideas, from hanging spray bottles under the sink to a garland in the doorway, to try this weekend..

Tension Rod Hacks That Make Every Corner Work Harder

There is a quiet hero hiding in the curtain aisle, and it costs about as much as a cup of coffee. A tension rod twists open until it presses tight between two walls, no screws, no drill and no patching later. Once you start looking, you will see spots for them everywhere: under the sink, inside cabinets, in closets and across windows. Every rod clears a little clutter and gives you a little more calm. Ready to see how far a few rods can go..

You will need: A few tension rods in different lengths, a tape measure, S hooks, clothespins and a little rubber shelf liner for grip.

How to make it: 1. Measure the space from wall to wall. 2. Pick a rod that fits that range and twist it until it is snug. 3. Test it with a gentle tug before you hang anything.

Tension Rod Hacks Under the Sink: Hang Spray Bottles

The space under the kitchen sink is usually a jumble of bottles knocked over every time you reach in. Put a rod across the top of the cabinet and hang spray bottles by their triggers. Suddenly the floor of the cabinet is free for bins, sponges and trash bags. It takes thirty seconds and makes a huge difference. Most tension rod hacks start right here. How many bottles are hiding under your sink right now?

You will need: One tension rod that fits the width of the cabinet and a small bin or two for the floor.

How to make it: 1. Measure the inside width of the cabinet. 2. Set the rod near the top, behind the door. 3. Hang the spray bottles by their triggers and put bins below.

Stand Baking Sheets Upright in a Cabinet

Pulling one baking sheet out of a stack makes a terrible clatter. Two rods set up and down inside a cabinet make little slots, so sheets, cutting boards and muffin pans stand upright like files. You can grab the one you need without moving anything else. Put a strip of shelf liner on the cabinet floor so the pans do not slide around. With holiday baking season coming, simple tension rod hacks like this are a gift to yourself. Which pan always ends up at the bottom of your pile?

You will need: Two short tension rods and a cabinet with some height.

How to make it: 1. Set the first rod top to bottom near one side of the cabinet. 2. Set a second rod a few inches away. 3. Slide the sheets and boards in between.

Tension Rod Hacks for Shoes in the Closet

Shoes on a closet floor turn into a tangled pile in no time. Set two rods low in the closet, one a little higher and further back than the other. Hook the heels over the back rod and rest the toes on the front one. Every pair stays in a neat row where you can see it. It is one of the easiest tension rod hacks for a closet. Boots fit too if you set the rods a little higher. How many pairs could you line up?

You will need: Two tension rods that fit the closet width.

How to make it: 1. Set the first rod about four inches above the floor near the front. 2. Set the second rod higher and farther back. 3. Hang shoes with heels over the back rod and toes on the front.

Hang Little Herb Pots in a Sunny Window

Fresh herbs love a sunny window, but windowsills are often too narrow. A rod across the window frame with S hooks lets you hang small pots of basil, mint and parsley right in the light. It looks charming from inside and out, and you can snip herbs while you cook. Use light plastic pots so the rod is not overloaded. Bring the pots down once a week and give them a good soak in the sink so they stay happy all winter. Which herb would you grow first?

You will need: A tension rod for the window frame, S hooks and small light pots with hangers.

How to make it: 1. Fit the rod inside the window frame. 2. Hang S hooks along the rod. 3. Hang small potted herbs and water them over the sink.

Divide a Deep Drawer Into Neat Rows

Deep kitchen drawers turn into a jumble of spoons, whisks and spatulas. Short tension rods set across the drawer make simple dividers, so each type of tool gets its own lane. You can move them any time your needs change. No measuring for fancy inserts and no screws in the drawer. Tension rod hacks like this cost less than a store divider. A strip of rubber shelf liner under each rod end helps it grip and keeps it from sliding when you yank the drawer open. Which drawer in your kitchen needs this most?

You will need: Two or three short tension rods and a deep drawer.

How to make it: 1. Empty the drawer and sort the tools into groups. 2. Set rods across the drawer to make lanes. 3. Put each group back into its own lane.

Stop Bottles Rolling in the Fridge

Every time you open the fridge, a bottle rolls forward. A short rod across a shelf works like a little fence that keeps tall bottles and cans in their place. It also makes a neat row, so you can see exactly what you have. Wipe it clean when you clean the shelves. It is such a small fix, but you will notice it every single day. Little tension rod hacks like this save so much daily fuss. You can do the same thing in the door shelves to keep jars from tipping over when the door swings. What always rolls out of your fridge?

You will need: One short tension rod that fits the inside width of the fridge.

How to make it: 1. Measure the inside width at the shelf you want. 2. Set the rod a few inches above the shelf. 3. Line up the bottles behind it.

Add a Second Rod Inside the Shower

Shower shelves fill up fast, especially in a family bathroom. A second rod set inside the shower, toward the back wall, holds hanging caddies, loofahs and washcloths. Everything dries faster and the tub edge stays clear. Since it uses no screws, it is perfect for renters. Of all the tension rod hacks, this one makes busy mornings so much easier. Pick a rod that says rust proof, and give it a quick wipe every week so soap does not build up. Who in your house has the most bottles?

You will need: A rust proof tension rod, shower hooks and hanging caddies.

How to make it: 1. Set the rod inside the shower area, a little in from the curtain rod. 2. Hang hooks along it. 3. Hang caddies and loofahs from the hooks.

Tension Rod Hacks for Pot Lids

Pot lids are the worst things to store. They slide, they clang and they never stack. Two small rods set across the inside of a cabinet door, a few inches apart, hold lids upright in a neat row. When you open the door, the lid you need is right there. The pots can then nest neatly on the shelf. Order the lids from small to large so the right one is always easy to find. Does your lid drawer make a racket too?

You will need: Two small tension rods that fit the inside of the cabinet door frame.

How to make it: 1. Measure the inside of the door between the side rails. 2. Set one rod low and one about four inches higher. 3. Slide the lids in behind the rods.

Hide Open Shelves With a Little Curtain

Open shelves under a counter or a sink can look messy, even when you try. A short curtain on a tension rod hides everything behind a soft, cottage style panel. Linen, gingham or a pretty dish towel all work. Slide it open to grab what you need, then close it again. It is one of the prettiest tension rod hacks, and it feels like a mini makeover. You can even use a pretty vintage tablecloth or a scrap of holiday fabric for December. What fabric would you pick?

You will need: A tension rod, a short curtain panel or fabric with a rod pocket and clip rings if needed.

How to make it: 1. Slide the curtain onto the rod. 2. Fit the rod just under the counter edge. 3. Adjust the length so it just skims the floor.

Hang Wrapping Paper Rolls in a Closet

Christmas wrapping paper always ends up crushed, torn or rolling under the bed. A rod in a closet holds the rolls in a neat row so you can pull off just what you need. Add a second rod for ribbon spools, and you have a wrapping station that takes up almost no room. This one is perfect timing with the holidays coming. These tension rod hacks turn any closet into a gift wrap station. Where do your wrapping supplies hide right now?

You will need: Two tension rods that fit a closet or nook, ribbon spools and wrapping paper rolls.

How to make it: 1. Set the first rod at about shoulder height. 2. Slip ribbon spools onto a second rod above it. 3. Hang the wrapping rolls by slipping them over the rod or with clips.

Hang Plants Across a Window Nook

If you love plants but have no floor space, look up. A rod across a window nook or alcove can hold trailing plants in light hanging pots. They catch the sun, they look like a little indoor garden, and they leave your windowsill free. Choose light plastic or fabric pots, and water them carefully over a towel. It is one of the most cheerful tension rod hacks. Keep each pot small, because a rod is a holder, not a heavy duty shelf. Which plant would you hang first?

You will need: A sturdy tension rod, S hooks, light hanging planters and trailing plants like pothos.

How to make it: 1. Fit the rod tightly across the nook. 2. Hang S hooks spaced along it. 3. Hang the light pots and keep a towel nearby for watering.

Show Off Kids Art on a Rod

The fridge can only hold so many drawings. A rod across a playroom nook or a hallway alcove becomes a rotating art gallery. Clip each drawing on with a wooden clothespin and swap them out every week. Kids feel so proud seeing their work on display. It is also a sweet way to hang Christmas cards in December. Add a small battery LED string light along the rod to make the gallery glow in the evening. Whose art would go up first in your house?

You will need: A tension rod, small wooden clothespins and string or clips.

How to make it: 1. Fit the rod across a nook at kid eye level. 2. Clip drawings on with clothespins. 3. Swap in new art each week.

Tension Rod Hacks for Christmas: A Doorway Garland

Want garland over a doorway without nails or tape? Fit a rod inside the door frame near the top and drape a lush garland over it. Add battery LED string lights and a few velvet bows, and every room you walk through feels festive. When the season is over, it comes down in a minute with no marks. For even more no damage ideas, try our adhesive hook hacks. Which doorway would you dress first?

You will need: A tension rod for the door frame, a light faux garland, battery LED string lights, zip ties and ribbon bows.

How to make it: 1. Fit the rod inside the frame a few inches below the top. 2. Drape the garland over and secure it with zip ties. 3. Weave in LED lights and add bows.