This Brilliant $15 Storage Find Hiding in Target’s Bathroom Aisle Got My Desk So Organized

My workspace was a mess. I’m a part of a writer’s accountability group, and someone had made “clean my desk” a goal in the past, so I decided to set this as my own as well. That was the easy part. Then I had to tidy the desk. 

Once I had a basic setup, I went to Target to get some organizing solutions to better keep track of my stuff. I’d been putting things in plain sight if they needed my attention or if I used them often. If I could find containers for some of these things, my space might be more efficient and look more streamlined, too. 

I found myself in the bathroom section of the store and got this corner shelf. There were other items in the actual home office section, but something about the corner shelf spoke to me. I was already repurposing a metal cabinet shelf that was meant for the kitchen to give me more on-desk shelving, and I thought this corner shelf could fit perfectly next to it. 

Part of my displeasure with my previous setup was that it was unpleasant to look at. I like having a blank wall directly in front of me while working so I don’t get distracted. However, the squared-off office shelving was lackluster. By putting a plant on the top of the corner shelf, I got to have a hint of greenery while still maintaining a fairly streamlined space. The room itself doesn’t get a ton of direct light, so putting the plant on the top also suited it.

The bottom layer has myriad purposes. I like to have a few sentimental items or knickknacks lying around, and they fit nicely on the bottom, safe where I can’t accidentally knock them over. Art by my kid, mementos, and things that bring a sense of whimsy to the space make me happy.

There are other uses as well. I can snake a charger through the metal slats and charge my phone, headphones, or other small electronics on the shelf without having to install a surge protector or extension cord. Now I have the ability to plug stuff in on my left and right sides without a jumble of cords draped over my workspace. 

It can hold books, too. It’s not a perfect bookshelf shape, but it fits novel-sized books nicely so that I can see all the spines without having piles upon piles of books on my desk. 

The most practical use for the shelf, however, is as a space for frequently-used items such as a mug of pens and pencils, my Loop earplugs, for when my next-door neighbor is leaf-blowing, and other office supplies. 

I like the clean lines of the shelf as well as how it works in my space. Instead of being ashamed and overwhelmed by my desk, now I look forward to hanging out with my plant and getting work done. 

BUY: Brightroom Punched Metal 2-Tier Corner Shelf, $15