If your bijoux box looks like it’s in the midst of a heist, perhaps it’s time to reconsider your jewelry organization ideas. It doesn’t matter how many white-gold hoops you own—if you can’t see them easily, they might as well have been accidentally dropped down the drain. With the right organization systems in place, says Joanna Teplin, co-founder of The Home Edit, “necklaces stay tangle-free, pairs of earrings stay together, and delicate pieces won’t get damaged by being crammed into a random drawer.”
And jewelry boxes, while an obvious solution, don’t always work for everyone, says Katie McMenamin Sabo, organization expert and co-founder of Pixies Did It in Cleveland, Ohio, and New York City. “More visually oriented people have trouble remembering their baubles when out of sight,” she explains, which is where jewelry trees, fabric-covered bulletin boards, or decorative hooks can step in as alternatives.
Before tackling jewelry storage ideas, though, it helps to consider which items you love and which ones you’re ready to part with, says Jamie Grunfeld, founder of the New York–based personalized organizing service Better than B4. She recommends tossing or repurposing any mismatched earrings, tarnished jewelry, or broken pieces that may be taking up valuable space. Once you’ve decluttered, decide on your preferred jewelry displays from there. Want some pieces on a wall-mounted fixture and others in stackable containers? Divide what you have into categories then work from there.
Here, AD turned to decluttering experts for jewelry storage solutions and recommendations on how to organize all types of trinkets. “When everything has a home, you’ll save time and frustration when getting ready,” Teplin says. “It’s a win all around.”
Read on for additional jewelry storage hacks and products to keep your most precious pendants and beloved baubles in order, whether you want to rework your closet or display the bling on a dresser.
Find one spacious jewelry box to rule them all
Jewelry boxes are designed to keep all of your jewels secure, categorized, and easy to find when you’re looking to accessorize. They’ll keep your baubles “dust-free, visible, and safe,” explains Lisa Jacobs, the founder of New York-based organization company Imagine It Done. They are also stylish enough to display or can be tucked away in a closet, drawer, or under the bed.
If you’re a jewelry fanatic with a growing collection to tend to, invest in expandable storage solutions to accommodate the new gems. “The Stackers collection is a game-changer for jewelry storage,” says Clea Shearer, co-founder of The Home Edit. “Each layer has velvet-lined compartments to keep everything protected and in its place.” The company also offers customizable options so you can stack as many layers as you need to suit your needs and keep your dresser clear.
Embrace rows for earrings
Ever tried to free a delicate chain from dangly earrings? It’s a nightmare you can avoid by keeping these accessories in an earring organizer. Jean Prominski, certified professional organizer and founder of Sparkle Home Organizing in Carlsbad, New Mexico is a fan of this earring stand. “I have used others before, and they’ve been tippy or have broken,” she says. “This one is very easy to put together and easy to use.” The way the slats are spaced out and tiered makes it easy to take earrings on and off. I love that I can see everything.”
Designate a spot for favorites
For the jewelry items you use every day, keep them in one spot on a pretty tray. Every night you can place your watch, rings, and a favorite necklace in one place and never have to worry about misplacing something in the morning. Keep it on your nightstand or on your vanity for a whimsical pop of color.
Make it part of your routine
If you don’t have a designated vanity space to get ready, employ a mirror with jewelry hooks that works double duty. This Stackers mirror is your ultimate get ready station that keeps your favorite pieces easy to reach, but still relatively out of sight. The faux-leather scoop base is perfect for hair accessories, watches and bangles.
Leave out a display-worthy jewelry box
Why not go with a real showstopper for your jewelry storage? A colorful but affordable box for your bijoux like this HAY option naturally draws the eye, while the Areaware one brings some retro appeal.
Or, pamper your jewelry by placing special pieces like family heirlooms and sentimental treasures into a soft velvet box like this one by Sophie Bille Brahe. It’s the perfect place to spotlight your favorite earrings and necklaces.
Use stackable drawer organizers
If you have limited countertop space or can’t accommodate an entire armoire, use an empty drawer in your dresser or nightstand to store jewelry. Ann Lightfoot, cofounder of Done and Done Home in Montclair, New Jersey, recommends stackable drawer organizers to keep accessories out of sight and organized with dividers. You can even find stackers with compartments in different sizes and shapes, including those that are ideal for rings, earrings, necklaces, or watches.
Let it all hang out
Like a garment bag for your jewels, a hanging organizer has a hook at the top and can easily become part of your closet organization system. Either hang it from your closet rod or the back of a door. Individual, transparent pockets keep long necklaces separated, untangled, and easy to view.
Detangle your necklaces with hooks
We’ve all been there—using tweezers or safety pins to try and untangle the tiny knots in your necklaces. Knotted chains are not only irritating, but can also damage jewelry. Instead of letting necklaces languish in boxes or pouches, use wall-mounted hooks to keep individual strands separate and safe. Jacobs recommends using wall-mounted decorative hooks as an organized and aesthetic way to display all your bracelets and necklaces. You’ll actually want to use them and ensure the necklaces and bracelets are displayed orderly, not in a heap of messy tangles.
For a less ornate option, the Container Store stocks an especially convenient acrylic jewelry wall rack with 11 pegs. Or, employ this Wayfair wall rack that includes a tray of storage up top for perfume and other small keepsakes.
Find a jewelry stand that doubles as decor
Some fashion pieces should be kept out on their own. Paola Alberdi, the fashion-obsessed founder of the lifestyle blog Blank Itinerary, likes to display her dainty gold rings so she can keep an eye on each one. Displaying oft-used necklaces not only keeps them from getting tangled, it makes getting ready quick-and-easy. No need to search high and low for the coveted items. The best way to do that is to use a tabletop as a pedestal for pretty jewelry organizers, like this tiered tower of metal dishes.
Lay it all out in a jewelry cabinet
Have a collection that couldn’t possibly fit inside a box? Lucky you! One of the easiest ways to tackle jewelry storage is to go with a jewelry cabinet or jewelry armoire. These standalone storage solutions have substantially more space, plus they often include mirrors, hangers for long necklaces, and earring organizers. This jewelry armoire from Wayfair has a ton of space and adds a pinch of mid-century style to your room.
Curate your watch collection
No need to cram your favorite pieces into random slots on your vanity. There are specialty jewelry storage options for everything—rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, and beyond, Shearer explains. Whether you have an heirloom piece or love a curated watch collection, keep them in a special tiered box that’s discreet on your vanity. This affordable option for storing your favorite timepieces includes removable watch pillows for keeping all your watches tucked away and in tip-top shape.
Store similar items together
“I like to put all my big statement earrings together, and then I have similar styles together. My rings that are bigger and colorful I placed together,” Alberdi explains. Store similar styles and color families together for easy access.
Lean into swiveling solutions
Whether you’re a traditionalist and prefer a jewelry box or you’re into a more sculptural vibe, a tiered storage system is key to saving space and staying organized. Go for swiveling storage like this or rotating jewelry boxes, which are ideal for separating smaller pieces (like earring studs) at the top and larger pieces (like brooches) at the bottom.
Opt for full transparency
When you have a lot of jewelry it’s hard to get overwhelmed. Dividing everything into acrylic containers according to sections based on the type of jewelry lets you see everything clearly so you can coordinate your jewelry with your outfit. Alberdi suggests arranging different types of storage compartments in drawers Tetris-style. You may have to get creative by implementing inserts, dividers, and acrylic jewelry holders of various sizes to not only fit inside of the drawer, but provide you with easy access.
Take your baubles on the go with foldable jewelry cases
You’ll also want to think about storage solutions when traveling or having to sort through your jewelry collection seasonally. For special-occasion stud earrings, pendants, fancy bracelets, and rings with a little extra bling, you don’t want to just mix them with the rest of the everyday accessories. For those pieces, look for specialty boxes and portable traveling cases.
