Tidy Up Your Tools! 10 Clever Workbench Organization Ideas That Actually Work
An organized workbench isn’t just nice to look at—it’s a game changer for anyone who loves building DIY projects or home renovations. Whether you’re building a planter for the backyard or tinkering with electronics, an organized workbench helps you stay focused, saves time, and reduces stress. The best part? Organizing your workbench doesn’t need to be a massive overhall—just few smart, creative ideas!
From repurposed shelves to customized storage bins, people have come up with hundreds of good ideas to transform your workspace. To get your creative juices flowing, we’ve collected some real-life examples of organized workbenches from across the internet. Take a look below and discover simple, clever setups that will make you want to use your workbench so much more.
Try a torsion box instead of drawers
This user chose to build a torsion box instead of drawers for their workbench storage solution. A torsion box is lighter than drawers and and the openings are large enough to fit items that are too long for drawers. Plus, you can see and access everything inside from more than one side, making it a great choice for mobile or island workbenches.
3D printing is your friend
Looking for a better way to keep your tools within reach but don't have shelves or a pegboard? This user got creative and used a 3D printer to print brackets that their tools can slide right into. That way, the drills can hang out of the way and don't take up valuable space on top of the workbench. What a smart way to use a space that many people forget about!
Consider a black workbench
Here's a tip you probably didn't think of: A black workbench! If you are set up in a space with lightly-colored walls like this one, the contrasting colors will draw your eye directly to the workbench and away from any clutter lying around. The black color will also hide scratches and dents better than normal wood grain, and makes it super easy to see where all your parts and tools are while you're working.
Spread out and take up space
A common issue people run into when trying to keep their workbench organized is not having enough space. Not enough drawers or storage under the workbench can force you to leave tools out because you have no place to put them. If you have the extra space, use it! This user's workbench is 14 feet wide, giving them more than enough space to work on any project comfortably. Plus, the extra length provides so much more room for storage under the bench. We also love the labeled bins this user is using, making it easy to know exactly where the part you need is.
Light it up!
If you don't want to paint anything but you want to add a pop of color to your workbench, LED lights are the perfect solution! This user uses their setup for woodworking, 3D printing, and tinkering, but LED light strips are easy to install and work with whatever workbench setup you're rocking. Pro tip: use LED light strips under the edge of your workbench and on the inside of shelves to make it easier to see what you're storing there.
Don't limit your pegboard to one wall
Pegboards are an easy solution to keep your tools organized at your workbench. They work especially well for anyone who doesn't want to have to bend down or dig through drawers to find tools. This user was able to almost double the size of their pegboard by putting their workbench in a corner and putting their pegboard on both walls. That way all the tools they need are still within reaching distance.
Get creative with what you've got
All DIY enthusiasts know that sometimes tough problems require creative solutions. If you have large or awkward tools that can't be stored on a pegboard or in drawers, you have to think outside of the box (no pun intended). This user got creative and hung their large knives and saws on the wall using coat hooks. It's a great way to save space and display some pretty cool tools as wall art.
Add some personality and color
Who said workbenches can't be cute? While some people may not care how their workbench looks, if you spend a lot of time at it, you might want to make the space feel a bit more inviting. This user used concrete paint to add a fun pop of color to the floor, which has the added bonus of making it easy to find anything you drop. They also added a funky design to the walls using peel and stick wallpaper, the perfect accent for any creative craftsperson!
Use clear drawers to see everything
Yes, we know this is a workbench for lego, but we loved the way that this bench uses drawers too much to leave it off of our list! The clear drawers make it super easy to see everything that's inside so that you'll never have to go searching through multiple drawers again. For a cost-saving way to get clear drawers, use clear storage bins on low shelves like this user did. To make this system even more effective, make labels that list what you've put in each bin and stick it on the outside. That way you don't even have to open the drawer to know you grabbed the right one!
The magic of a French cleat wall
Last but not least, a French cleat wall is a tried and true way people have been organizing their tools for ages. Not only does it look clean and organized, it's a great alternative for those who are not a fan of pegboards. They're super easy to build yourself, and allow for endless customization. If you're looking for an easy storage solution this is a great place to start!