Pin Your Hopes on Pegboard for Winning Organization
Highly versatile and budget friendly to boot, pegboard is a champion in the battle to stay organized. Here's how to use it with style
The textbook definition for "pegboard" reads: "A board having a regular pattern of small holes for pegs, used chiefly for games or the display of information." First, I've never seen pegboard used for games, but now that's all I want to see. Second, pegboard is superversatile and can be used in any room to organize just about anything you can imagine. And while some folks question the attractiveness of pegboard, I've got lots of ideas for keeping it under wraps.
Put it on display. I love using pegboard in craft rooms, where so many tools and smaller items need to be within arm's reach. This homeowner showcases pegboard, keeping it front and center. You can hang tools of the trade like scissors, brushes and crafting gadgets.
Keep it under wraps. An easy DIY: Paint your pegboard to match the color of your walls. This simple trick will maintain the functionality of this organizing tool while keeping its utilitarian aesthetic hidden.
Idea for use: Rotate the kids' artwork; you won't have to keep nailing holes in the wall.
Idea for use: Rotate the kids' artwork; you won't have to keep nailing holes in the wall.
Lay low. This small pegboard patch blends in with its surroundings when contrasted with a bright pop of color.
Idea for use: Hang pots and pans on the wall, or display your coolest kitchen gadgets.
Idea for use: Hang pots and pans on the wall, or display your coolest kitchen gadgets.
Make it elegant. Pegboard that is framed and spray painted gold is a winner in my book. Finish this idea by pairing it with framed corkboard and artwork for a unified front.
Organizing idea: Mix and match your pegboard hooks for a custom organizing solution. Here's a close-up of the framed pegboard above. Notice how an assortment of hooks is used.
Organizing idea: Mix and match your pegboard hooks for a custom organizing solution. Here's a close-up of the framed pegboard above. Notice how an assortment of hooks is used.
Conceal it. In a teen's bedroom, pegboard goes almost unnoticed when painted silver. A refreshing touch is having a complementary color peek through to give the wall depth and texture.
Idea for use: Hang hats or accessories to make it easy for your young ones to start great organizing habits.
Idea for use: Hang hats or accessories to make it easy for your young ones to start great organizing habits.
(Almost) hide it. The closet is one of my favorite places to use pegboard. Painting it a high-gloss black gives a nice finishing touch, while the board helps keep bags and purses within reach.
Idea for use: Hang necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves and belts.
Idea for use: Hang necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves and belts.
Tuck it away. When I look at this picture, all I can think is, "Genius!" Even when pegboard is tucked away, its effectiveness is obvious. For a more industrial look, pegboard is also available in steel.
Keep it out of sight. This may be a more challenging DIY project than you're accustomed to, but I did find a company that manufactures something similar. Hafele America produces a drawer peg system with utensil dividers just like those shown above. For deep drawers, you can also use tall pegs to keep dishes from toppling over.
Tell us: What room is your favorite for pegboard? Do you keep yours hidden or on display?
Tell us: What room is your favorite for pegboard? Do you keep yours hidden or on display?
Custom-fit note: Your neighborhood hardware store can cut your pegboard to your exact measurements. One or two cuts are usually included when you purchase it at the store; any additional changes are around 50 cents per cut.