I Put a Curtain Rod on My Fridge, and It’s the Smartest Storage Trick

Let me fill you in on a little secret: Curtain rods can be used for so much more than draping pleats across windows. They’re hidden organizing gems that are way more versatile than you might realize. Whether for storing blankets in your living room or hanging purses in a bedroom, a well-placed curtain rod can create storage out of thin air, basically anywhere. 

Even areas you wouldn’t normally think of — like your refrigerator — can be optimized. All you need is a magnetic curtain rod, a few hooks, and a little creativity.

I first learned about putting a curtain rod on a refrigerator right here on Apartment Therapy, and I couldn’t believe how smart and simple it was. In the original video, creator and home decorator Magdalena Canavan attached a magnetic curtain rod to the side of her fridge and hung S-hooks from it, creating a handy storage space for lightweight kitchen necessities. 

I could not have found this tip at a better time — one of my kitchen drawers had turned into a catch-all space for items like oven mitts and measuring cups, and it was quickly approaching dreaded junk drawer territory. I have limited storage in my small kitchen, so when I discovered this trick, I decided to give it a shot and put the empty side of my fridge to good use.

I ordered a set of adjustable magnetic curtain rods and got to work. It was a total breeze, taking me literally one minute to put the rod together and place it on the side of my fridge. I hung my oven mitts, pot holders, measuring cups, meat tenderizer, and potato masher on it using S-hooks. I was nervous about the meat tenderizer since it’s one of my heavier kitchen tools, but each rod holds up to six pounds, and the magnets keep everything in place effortlessly. 

In no time, I transformed that messy drawer into something much more presentable and accessible, all while making space for other items. 

Hanging just one rod on the side of my fridge created so much additional storage space, and it’s totally rental-friendly. The magnetic rods I picked come in several colors and sizes so you can customize the look depending on your space and style. 

The best part? This rod can be used anywhere you have a magnetic surface, including a metal cabinet in your office or a toolbox in the garage, so you can hang tools, cleaning supplies, or even hand towels.