7 Tips for Carving Out a Hobby Space in Your Home, According to Experts

There’s something fulfilling about having a dedicated space where you can get absorbed in your passion projects and mute the rest of the world. Yet, many of us refrain from starting a hobby because we think we don’t have room to do so. Not anymore.

Here’s how to actually create space for your hobby (or hobbies), with tips and tricks straight from the home organizing pros. Spoiler alert: lots of creative storage solutions ahead.

Pick Your Spot

There’s this common misconception that you need a separate room to create a hobby space. But the organizing whizzes we spoke to couldn’t disagree more.

It can be a corner of the kitchen table, an area in the garage or basement, a little nook in your office space, or even your favorite chair for watching TV. You could also section off a space in an under-used room—such as a formal living room or guest bedroom—and simply do a quick cleanup when the space needs to be used for its intended purpose.

Or, maybe you have an extra closet that is nothing but a catch-all for junk.

“Take the doors off, empty it out (and find a new home for all the items that were previously being stored in the closet),” says Lauren Saltman, owner of Living. Simplified. LLC. “Put in a small table or desk, add shelving to the walls, find a supportive chair, and set up the area with your supplies.”

Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

Nothing beats multifunctional furniture, especially when you’re tight on space. 

If you don’t already have one, Heather Aiello, of The Organized You, suggests investing in a desk with drawers that can double as a workspace and storage area. And if you don’t have enough room for a table, opt for a foldable one that can be expanded for large projects and tucked away when not in use. 

There are tons of other multifunctional pieces besides tables, too. For example, a storage ottoman or bench to house your hobby accessories and serve as seating when needed.

We also love the idea of turning a daybed into a reading nook by day, and a guest bed by night.

Plan Your Storage Area

Whether you’re taking up crocheting, finally pursuing your love for painting, or are an avid journaler, you’ll need a home for your hobby supplies and works-in-progress. Because let’s be honest, managing clutter can be a real challenge, even more so if your pastime requires many parts. 

The good news? You don’t have to look far—just turn to your walls. 

“Walls are often underutilized in homes,” Aiello says. As a result, she recommends shelves, pegboards, over-the-door racks, and hanging organizers to store your supplies vertically. “This approach not only saves floor space but also keeps your tools and materials visible and easily accessible,” she says.

Or, Make It Portable

Aiello is all for creating a portable hobby kit for hobbies with smaller materials.

“This can be a small bag or box that you can easily move around the house or take with you when you travel,” she says. “It can also be a decorative basket you keep in a corner.”

Saltman seconded this idea and swore by a storage cart with wheels. Not only will it hold all your supplies in one place, but there’s also the added convenience of being able to roll it around the house. 

 “Use the different levels of the mobile cart to keep your items organized by category and move the cart to an existing table when you want to be creative and work on your hobby,” Saltman says.

Consider Organizers Your BFF

Bridget Flynn, home organizer and face behind Divine Organizing, didn’t hold back when it came to sharing her favorite organizational products. 

“I’ve organized several hobbyists, and I tend to use small and medium-sized bins (15-30 quarts) with lids, no matter their hobby,” she shares. “They allow for more specific organizing, stack well to maximize space, and fit onto all shelves.”

Another one of her suggestions: scrapbook containers for storing all sorts of crafting supplies. They have a slim profile and stack well—because the key to maximizing storage is stackability, Flynn tells us.

Most importantly, invest in sturdier bins with latch clasps.

“Hobby supplies can be heavy, and high-quality plastic holds up well over time,” she says. “I once spilled red paint all over the floor because of a cheap, flimsy bin! The latch clasps ensure that the items stay in the bins.”

Sprinkle in a Dash of Your Personality

“Remember, the key to a successful hobby space is not just organization, but also ensuring that the area is inviting and inspiring for you to enjoy your hobby to the fullest,” Aiello says.

On that note, unleash your creativity! Hang an inspiration board on the wall, show off your art, set the mood with scents and music—you get the gist.

Purge and Declutter

Hobby spaces can get messy pretty quickly, which is why Flynn urges every hobbyist to purge their supplies before they begin organizing.

“Anything that is broken, stained, you haven’t used in a few years, or is no longer your style should be tossed or donated,” she advises. “Purging like this will show you exactly what you have—and dictate your organizing tools.”

You’ll also likely accumulate things you no longer use or need over time. So, make it a point to periodically go through your hobby materials and tools to declutter, Aiello adds. Who wouldn’t want an organized and manageable space to work on their hobbies?