The other day I started wondering how other people store their jewelry. About five years ago I picked up a white ceramic egg crate from The Container Store and it has been my jewelry box ever since. It’s ideal for my small collection—I’m primarily an earring person and rarely have more than a dozen pairs in rotation—and the simple white ceramic finish fits perfectly with my taste for clean, minimal pieces.
What you see in the photo is basically my bedside setup. We flanked our bed with two curtained wardrobes from Ikea, and each of us uses a hidden shelf inside those wardrobes for the little things we reach for before sleep. That explains the white ceramic bowl on the left—it’s actually a kitchen bowl repurposed to hold my contact case, face lotion, and lip balm so they’re within easy reach. It’s a small reminder that functional home items often work best when moved between rooms.
You might be wondering where I keep my engagement and wedding rings at night. Funny story: my husband John and I leave our rings on all the time. We sleep, shower, and do everyday tasks with them on. John’s ring hasn’t come off since our wedding a year and a half ago, and mine only gets removed sporadically—perhaps twice a year—for a routine check at the jeweler. We know that most people take their rings off overnight, but leaving them on has become our norm. If you’re someone who wears your rings constantly too, you’re in good company.
On the other end of the storage spectrum is John’s sister Emily, who has a roomy pull-out drawer in her wardrobe dedicated to her jewelry. She chose Ikea wardrobes for her master bedroom as well, though she opted for frosted glass doors rather than curtains. Her pull-out drawer keeps bracelets, necklaces, and small boxes organized and easy to access—perfect for a larger collection.
I admit I’m a little envious of Emily’s space. A dedicated drawer like that would be a dream for anyone with a growing collection. That said, having a small, curated set of pieces at hand has its merits: less clutter, easier daily choices, and a lower chance of misplacing treasured items.
If you’re thinking about jewelry storage for yourself, here are a few simple, practical ideas that work well for a range of collections:
- Small ceramic trays or egg crates: Great for earrings and rings. They keep pieces separated and visible, which makes picking items quick and easy.
- Repurposed bowls and dishes: A shallow bowl on a bedside shelf is a convenient catchall for everyday items like rings, watches, and lip balm.
- Drawer inserts and trays: Pull-out drawers with compartments are ideal for larger collections—necklaces, bracelets, and watches stay untangled and organized.
- Wall hooks or pegboards: If you want to display necklaces and bracelets, a simple wall-mounted solution prevents tangling and becomes part of your room decor.
- Velvet-lined boxes or pouches: These protect delicate pieces from scratches and light exposure during storage or travel.
No matter which solution you choose, consider the size of your collection, how often you wear each piece, and the available space in your bedroom or dressing area. Minimalist setups work wonderfully for a small rotation of favorites; larger collections benefit from designated drawers or modular organizers that keep everything visible and tangle-free.
Now it’s your turn—how do you store your jewelry? From compact ceramic trays to full pull-out wardrobe drawers and creative displays, I’d love to hear what systems keep your pieces safe and accessible. Share what works for you and any tips you’ve picked up along the way.