Many people assume that the only way to use Tension Rods is to hang curtains. The truth is that tension rods come in a wide variety of different sizes and they are a multipurpose item that can be used in some interesting ways you’ve probably never considered. Keep reading to learn about six creative ways to tension rods in your own home.

1. Make-Shift Dust Ruffle – We all have extra junk in the bedroom that doesn’t seem to have a home, so we often end up throwing it under the bed. A dust ruffle is a great way to hide that under-bed clutter, but it can be a hassle to remove and replace dust ruffles when they need to be cleaned. A creative alternative is to trim and hem valances and hang them from tension rods stretched between your bed legs for a make-shift dust ruffle.
2. Draw Organizer – Organize your Tupperware drawer by using a small tension rod stretched across the drawer as a divider. One part of the drawer can be used to stack pieces of Tupperware while the other section can be used to store the lids vertically. This works particularly well in shallow drawers.
3. Mini Window Planter – If you like the idea of growing herbs or other small plants but don’t have a lot of space in front of your windows, stretch a tension rod across the window frame and hang small lightweight pots from the rod. Fill them with your favorite herbs and watch them grow!
4. Craft Cabinet Organizer – Are you tired of digging through a clutter of wrapping paper rolls, spools of ribbon, and scrap paper? Turn your craft cabinet into an organized space using tension rods. You can stretch one across the cabinet near the top and use it to hold your rolls of wrapping paper upright. Another tension rod can be used to hold spools of ribbon, and another can be used to hold back stacks of scrap paper and craft paper.
5. Under-Desk Clutter – The top of your desk might be organized, but it still looks messy if you have cords all over the place. Use tension rods and curtains stretched between the legs to hide under-desk clutter from view. This also works for end tables and nightstands.
6. Hidden Litter Box – Cat owners are always trying to come up with a way to keep the litter box out of sight. One simple solution is to take an empty lower-level cabinet and place the litter box in side. Cut out the middle section of the cabinet door to give your cat access but stretch a tension rod across the opening and hang a curtain to hide the interior of the cabinet from view.

If you’re looking for some simple ways to keep your home neat and tidy, you might want to pick up a couple of tension rods and try some of the tricks listed above. You never know, one of these tricks might give you a creative idea of your own!