Large pendant needs a safe place to hang when not in use
I don’t know about you but when I’ve been out of town for several days, that moment when I enter my home once again is filled with razor-sharp clarity. It could have been a 10-hour travel day by the time I pull my suitcase through the garage, start talking to Bella who is meowing for me on the other side of the door, turn the doorknob, and walk into my persimmon-colored kitchen. That’s when it shows up. It could be, “Oh, I love my home! How pretty you are!” Or like this time coming home from seeing Dad in Minnesota, it was, “Order! I must have more order!”
I responded to my missive immediately. The next room I walked into was the hall bathroom (long travel day!). After washing my hands I opened a drawer and saw five things to edit. While cleaning out the drawer I came across a pair of Kate Spade earrings that had never worked for me but I knew who to give them to, my son Trevor’s girlfriend. My lipsticks needed better organization. There was a box in my office that I’d saved. I knew just where it was. In a flash, my lipsticks were united in a neat and tidy way. I felt better already.
I could have continued, but I forced myself to go to bed. In the morning I saw that in my haste to leave the house to catch the plane a week earlier, I’d left a couple of long necklaces out on my side of the vanity.
I cupped my ear to catch the message coming through. What’s that you’re saying Inner Voice? Create another storage option for hanging long necklaces? Okay! You betcha!
You’ve seen my core storage system for my jewels before. (Here’s another peek at my fairly unconventional but pretty storage for my jewelry.)
Open the door and you’re getting closer to my panty drawer
Storage is all about location, location, location. If I was to create storage options as quickly as I created order in that drawer in the hall closet the night before, what would that look like?
I hadn’t been paying attention to the strain on my old storage system
Since I shared my jewelry storage with you I’ve started making some simple necklaces, long ones.
Like this one. And the crystal pendant I’m wearing with my saffron colored sweater.
Banana Republic navy top
I wanted these pieces to be able to stretch out. Where would that be? Think, Brenda, think!
Open the closet door and what do I see? Storage space!
Within minutes I was investigating the back wall of my closet. Maybe I could hang some hooks where no one would see them but me and use them to store the longer pieces? That way my long necklaces and chains could stretch out with ease.
I told Russ about my idea. He said, “You know, I already have some hooks that would work. Let me get them.”
Five or ten minutes later I was hanging my long necklaces in their new home.
Quick storage solutions for necklaces (don’t they look cute?)
Will it really work or do I need an official storage unit for my jewelry?
I put my clothes back in the closet after Russ drilled the holes for the hooks and I hung the necklaces. When you open my sliding closet door, this is what you see. Can you see those hooks behind the clothes?
Necklaces behind the sea of blouses and sweaters
When I’m putting together an outfit I can push aside my blouses and sweaters and start figuring out how to style it. I love the easy access. Then I go back to my regular storage system to add the braclets, rings, and earrings.
And now you see them! Necklaces on the back wall of the closet!
This totally will NOT work for you if your clothes are jammed tightly in your closet. (Time to edit? Purge?) It would be too hard to move the clothes aside to see what you have on the back wall. Since I like having space on either side of each hanger, it’s easy peasy for me to push the clothes aside.
My pendant will be happy hanging with its friends tonight!
Now when I come home and get undressed I can take my crystal pendant necklace off and say, “It was so fun to spend the day with you! Now, are you ready to see your friends and catch up with them?”
I hang it in the closet behind my clothes, say goodnight, shut the lights out and go into the dining room and enjoy whatever Russ has cooked up for dinner.
Everyone’s happy.
Have you got some storage tips to share? Where do your precious jewelry pals go for their beauty rest at the end of the day? Do share!
XO
34 Comments
Patricia Schultz
January 22, 2018 at 6:09 pmI so enjoy reading your blog, Brenda. You made me smile when I read “It was so fun to spend the day with you! Now, are you ready to see your friends and catch up with them?” What a great idea for necklace storage!
When we built our home, I had the carpenter add about 6 inches to the end of my closet. What looks like a panel at that end is actually a hidden space where I have a steel peg board and pegs to hold my necklaces. I have a bunch of brooches with magnets, and I can stick them in between the necklaces. It’s really nice to have everything organized and the clutter hidden. (Thank you Houzz.com for the inspiration.)
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 1:50 pmOh, there’s Houzz.com again! I have a client who has gotten ideas from there. I’ll have to check it out. How GREAT for you to have that space allocated to your jewels. You built a whole playground. Thanks for sharing that great image of organization!
Kay
January 22, 2018 at 9:25 pmThis system works for belts, too! Unfortunately, I used stick-on hooks so eventually they fell off the wall. Haven’t replaced them as I no longer use belts due to waist thickening. I was intrigued with your necklace collection photo and the fact that you have been making your own. I hope one day you might one day give us a closer peek – those with the tassels look like fun!
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 1:48 pmThe tassel ones are by my brilliant friends, the Sol Sisters. Oh, there’s one tassel one that’s mine and that’s the navy blue one that is in the picture on the blog (the pic where I’m headless). If I get into any kind of groove, I will share more about that! I’m mainly thinking about things that could be turned into necklaces. I have been shopping antique faires for inspiration. I hear you about the belts and the thickening waist!!!
Trinnie q
January 23, 2018 at 1:33 amOhh I so relate to your , coming in the door from being away, and needing to restore some order! As some may know, I have just been down south of Victoria . Australia , for a wonderful month by the sea! Bliss ! After a 5 hour drive yesterday , we arrived back home to central Victoria, to a blasting 38 degrees Celsius day! Needless to say , the house was hotttt and unpacking was a bit of a trial! Nonetheless, as I statutes to put away my jewellery, to the little wooden boxes, trays , and ceramic bowls, as inspired by you Brenda, I though to myself, Ineed to find a hanging space for my longer silver chains and pendants! Currently they drape off the arm of a lovely Art Deco girl on my dresser! So wow, thanks for that inspiration!! Aren’t we funny, like little chooks, returning home to nest!!! I needed to force myself to stop by last evening, as I could hardly stand up any longer!! What a dag!
Anyway , sending much love from Oz
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 1:46 pmSo fun to hear about your return home, Trinnie! I could watch the whole thing from my imagination. Sending you love from Sonoma (I first wrote Oz!!!) and hope it cools down a bit for you!
Kathy
January 23, 2018 at 3:35 amI appreciate the peek into your closet and very organized mind. My closet is a bit chaotic. I hang my long necklaces on wooden hangers. Not a good system or very inventive. I tend to place them close to the clothes I wear them with most often. That probably prevents me from mixing things up as I don’t “see” the possibilities. There really is no place like Home. I love walking in after being away and seeing old friends and precious finds on top of tables and dressers.
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 1:41 pmOh, I’m experiencing that same thing through your comments–walking in on a home that feels tender and welcoming and honoring. We are so lucky to have them, aren’t we? Thanks for your thoughts, Kathy!
Cindy L
January 23, 2018 at 4:31 amWhat a clever idea, Brenda — I love the tip on storing necklaces! And I appreciate your sense of organization. My husband created a place in one of my closets where I can hang necklaces and stack my bangle bracelets. Problem is, I have way too much stuff. When you love clothes, it’s easy to collect too many things and then run out of space. So…. I’ve also been in a “pitch and sort” mood this year, and decided to make it my mission to clear a little space everywhere in the house — a little at a time every day. One morning, I might work on the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, tossing things with old expiration dates. The next day, I go through my scarves and decide which to keep and which to give away. I’ve been doing the same with clothes. It’s very liberating to pare down!
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 1:40 pmI hear you on how liberating that is for you. I’m in your camp on this. I actually find it meditative. If I had to solve a world problem, I’d probably clean out a medicine cabinet first and then come up with the solution!
Sandi Mcdougall
January 23, 2018 at 5:21 amI am lucky to have a third small bedroom we do not need so I have a place to put on makeup, sew, etc. I have two very large ornate frames my husband has put chicken wire behind and I have a white chain he took apart that I use to hang my necklaces & bracelets. PS we are kindred spirits Brenda as when I open a drawer and I see chaos, I must reorganize and purge 😉
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 1:38 pmOh, how wonderful to have a room of one’s own! I like your organizational ideas. Can’t wait to see that room … next time!
Carla G Waldo
January 23, 2018 at 6:43 amI am curious about the gray wrap; brand name? I love the bit of fringe.
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 1:35 pmThere isn’t a gray wrap in this blog post. Are you thinking of the gray wrap on Instagram? That was by Echo and I purchased it at Nordstrom at the beginning of the fall.
Lea
January 23, 2018 at 6:55 amHello Brenda. As always, you inspire me. I need to reorganize my makeup, especially the lipsticks… so that’s my mission for today.
A few years back I bought a hanging jewelry organizer, shaped like a dress, and that’s where my necklaces hang, in my closet. One of my best buys ever! I’ve also dabbled in making long necklaces and maybe should do so again.
Once more, thanks for all the wonderful thoughts and ideas you share with us.
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 1:36 pmYou’re so welcome, Lea! I’ve seen that hanging jewelry organizer in use. It’s a great option! Hey, good luck making some necklaces. I think the timing is right!
Bobbi Mouzon
January 23, 2018 at 6:55 amWhat a good idea! I have hundreds of pieces of costume jewelry, alot of it vintage…most, nearly all of it is in small plastic bags to keep it clean and untangles…the trouble is, I never wear it because I forget what I have!!!
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 4:40 pmI am lusting over your collection! Indeed, how can you store it so you can use your treasures? They want to be out and about!
Cara
January 23, 2018 at 6:59 amWe have such tiny closets in our house that my clothes are really mashed together.
For my earrings, and long & short necklaces, I found a picture frame, put hardware cloth in the center where I hang the earrings, then Gary drilled holes for hooks along the bottom for the necklaces. I put it on the back of the bedroom door so it’s not obtrusive. Having almost everything there has made me so much happier at the organization. I do need to make another wooden strip with more hooks, though, because the necklaces are a bit crowded.
Thank you for posting this.
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 4:42 pmLove your organizational tips, Cara! Maybe Gary needs to get on that project with the wooden strip and the hooks! Isn’t it so nice to be able to see what you’ve got? LOVE that!
Linda
January 23, 2018 at 7:13 amI hang long necklaces on a man’s tie rack which is mounted on the wall behind my closet door. Works great and is at eye level.
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 4:43 pmWhat a super idea. I used to use a tie rack that you hung over your closet rod like a hanger only it always got lopsided. I like your idea of having it mounted on the wall. Sounds great!
LA CONTESSA
January 23, 2018 at 7:53 amSAME as YOU but on ANTIQUE HOOKS or old CURTAIN TIE-BACKS!AS that is what I have a few leftover TOO!
No room in the back of the closet HERE but they hang in my little hallway going to the bedroom from the closet……..I think YOU would APPROVE!I have a FEW MORE!!!!!!!!!
XX
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 4:44 pmI do approve! I love the antique touch. Of course, that’s so you but it could be me too! Thanks, Elizabeth!
Lesley Randles
January 23, 2018 at 9:55 amHi Brenda
I have also started making long “boho” type necklaces for myself – and my poor friends and relatives are receiving them as gifts!
I have a mirror which has shutters on either side of it (like a fake window) and I have s hooks hanging on the slats, groaning with costume jewellry. I also have a piece of wood which has bits of an old railway line on it as hooks and that is where my very long necklaces hang. I have a few “mug” trees for my bracelets.
I love your blog- really enjoy your writing. I especially enjoyed reading about when you met Russ- LOVED it!
Lesley, Durban, South Africa
Brenda
January 23, 2018 at 4:45 pmLesley, I love the sound of your organization on the shutters like that. Beauty plus organization and more beauty when you look at your pieces! Thanks for the encouraging words about writing. Really appreciate it!
spags
January 24, 2018 at 3:56 amHi Brenda and everyone. I love this post. I use a cork notice board and drawing pins for necklaces and oversize earrings and keep this in the same room as the clothes so I can pick out a necklace at the same time as the outfit. I found I wasn’t wearing things when I kept them in a box, and they make a beautiful display in their own right.
Brenda
February 2, 2018 at 7:51 pmLove this idea, Spags!!! Thanks for sharing!
Diane
January 25, 2018 at 6:26 amLove reading all the other ideas here. I too have a VERY small room that would not be a great guest room, so turned into a dressing room. The jewellery has to be on display for me to choose, and therefore have an old louvered door with hooks on the slats for the longer and larger pieces, but the smaller chains and more delicate ones go into shallow drawers. Sometimes they are overlooked for the more visual pieces. I find it is easier as well to do a cull when you can see what you are not wearing, and off they go to the girls to pick. I think I am part magpie when it comes to sparkly things. Sometimes I just like to go look at them and remember where I was when they came to live with me. Bye for now from the non-minimalist in the group.
Brenda
February 2, 2018 at 7:50 pmWay to represent, Diane! LOVE your share! I like “seeing” how you’re storing your pieces. It’s so very true that what we don’t see doesn’t get worn as much. I love the idea of just appreciating pieces for the memories they hold. They are serving a purpose even when they aren’t being worn!
Mary
February 4, 2018 at 12:52 pmI’m very lucky to have my grandmother’s beautiful vanity, where she would start every morning. I was trying to figure out how to store my earrings, when I thought of the empty Godiva chocolate box, left over from a recent birthday. The individual depressions meant for the chocolates are the perfect size for Earrings! I popped the box into one of the vanity drawers, and I can see everything at a glance when I’moved getting ready. For necklaces, I bought an accordian-style metal rack with lots of hooks (thank you, World Market), which turns what could be an enormous, tangled mess into a very pretty display. Storage is always good, but pretty storage is even better!
Brenda
February 4, 2018 at 1:30 pmYou’re so right! Pretty storage is best. Thanks for the tips. Where did the chocolates go? I’m having a craving!! What a great storage solution. A gift that kept on giving!
Debbie Klausing
March 2, 2018 at 1:56 pmI have lots of necklaces and earrings, since I have been making jewelry for years. The only thing about hanging strung necklaces is that they will stretch out over time. Especially if they have heavy beads or pendants. Chain wouldn’t be a problem though. I like to lay my beaded necklaces out, but that takes lots of space and is messy!
Really enjoy your blog!
Brenda
March 3, 2018 at 9:19 amOh gosh, such a great point, Debbie. Thanks for bringing your expertise to this conversation. Hey everybody, listen to Debbie!