Perfect for use in Christmas decor ideas or as trims for cushions and curtains, ribbons are a wonderful way to bring a flourish to decorating and creative projects. However, if you’re a keen crafter you’ll know that ribbons can so easily get tangled when they aren’t stored properly and how time-consuming it can be to wind them all into neat reels.  To help get your craft room ideas in order we’ve rounded up an array of handy ribbon storage ideas, from wall-mounted solutions to handy ribbon storage box dispensers.

Ribbon storage ideas

If you’re looking for ways to organize a craft room or sewing room, then these ribbon storage ideas are a handy addition, from inspiring display and storage ideas to nifty solutions to buy online. 

Try a hanging ribbon organizer

Not only do hanging and wall-mounted ribbon holders keep surfaces clear, they allow you to easily see what you have and are a lovely way to display beautiful ribbons, too. They are ideal for storing floristry ribbon or curling ribbon, but they can also be used for washi tape and garden twine if you are looking for shed organization ideas.

Ribbon dispensers

Ribbon dispensers are a wonderful addition to any craft room or wrapping station as they keep ribbons tidy and organized, but also make cutting ribbons easy. Able to store up to six spools of ribbon, this white fibreboard ribbon dispenser box from A Place for Everything (opens in new tab) makes wrapping gifts and craft projects a breeze while keeping your craft room clutter-free.  Made from stainless steel and featuring a 360-degree swivel hook, this hanging ribbon storage unit can be hung in a closet, on the wall above a workstation, or from a hook on the back of a door. It features four swing arms that can easily be lifted open independently to take ribbons on and off.  This wall-mounted ribbon dispenser and storage unit features 67 inches of space for storing ribbon reels ranging from 2 1/8" – 4 1/4" inches in diameter. Made from hardwood, the unit measures W24" x H16.75" x D5.5" and has an additional two 24-inch bars for hanging loose ribbon remnants. Perfect for hanging on the wall by a wrapping station or on the back of a door, this ribbon hanger makes cutting ribbon easy. Made from Oeko-Tex-certified cotton cord and Aspen wood, it is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic storage boxes.

Ribbon spools and cards

If you are planning to store your ribbon in a box or drawer then it is a good idea to wind them around a spool or a trim card to keep them neat and orderly.  Perfect for storing under the bed or in a closet, this large Ribbon Storage Box by mDesign offers dowels to keep ribbons in place and individual holes in the sides to dispense ribbon, plus it features handles and an on-trend gingham design. This modular Deflecto Ribbon Storage Dispenser Box can be used on its own, stacked in multiples, combined with the Deflecto Caddy Organizer or attached to the Deflecto Mounting Bar to make the most of the wall space. It has a removable dowel and a snap-close lid for keeping ribbon in place, plus the clear plastic design makes it easy to see what ribbons you have. 

This rigid storage box features a dowel to keep ribbons in place and allows ribbon to be dispensed and cut without having to take the ribbon out of the box. It also features handles on the side and a handy extra pouch with a zippered pocket for bows, scissors, tape, tags, and more.

Store ribbons in pretty tins or boxes

Silk, velvet and vintage ribbons are a wonderful way to bring color and character to festive decorating and can make lovely Christmas tree ribbon ideas and wreath ribbon ideas.  These wooden spools are perfect for winding ribbon ready for storing in drawers, on shelves or in trolleys. Each measures H1-15/16" x Dia.1-3/8" diameter and has a hole in the center meaning the spools could also be threaded onto a dowel as a storage option. Made from recycled paper these 0.06 board ribbon cards are great for organizing ribbons in a filing-style system. They measure 3 x 4 inches with an inner winding area of just over 2 inches.  Sold individually, these vintage wooden spools are approx H 3¾" x Dia. 2⅜" and will hold ribbon up to 2¾" wide. Being vintage they feature unique markings which makes them desirable for use as styling props.
However, they can be fragile and prone to fading, especially if hand-dyed, so it is best to store these kinds of ribbons in boxes or drawers away from direct sunlight. There are lots of pretty paper-covered cardboard storage boxes available which will look attractive on open shelves, alternatively, if you love decorating with vintage you could also use vintage tins as storage ideas.

How do you store lots of ribbon?

If you have lots of ribbon consider storing them a tiered wall-mounted ribbon organizer which allows you to display spools of ribbon along multiple dowels. Not only do these vertical systems keep ribbons in one place, they prevent ribbons from cluttering up surfaces and makes them easy to see and access for cutting. Using a ribbon organizer means you can then group ribbons in color order which can be a visually pleasing feature. Covered in an elegant, botanical olive branch design, these decorative storage boxes would look beautiful on the shelf of a craft room. The set contains boxes in three sizes which, when not being used, can be stored efficiently one within the other. Measuring L9.76" x W3.82" x D6.5" , this KEFEI crate offers plenty of space for storing ribbon spools plus is collapsible and foldable so is easy to store when not in use. It is available in five pastel colors. These versatile wicker storage baskets are ideal for organizing craft materials but would also work well in any room in the house. Made from renewable seagrass, they are perfect for creating a rustic, natural look. Alternatively, you could try winding ribbons around individual cards and storing them neatly in a drawer with the side facing up in a filing-type system so that you can easily see and retrieve the color or style you require. However, this may not be effective with large lengths of ribbon as the cards may become too bulky. 

How do you organize a ribbon drawer?

To store ribbons in a draw consider winding ribbons around card trims and filing them so that the color of the ribbon is visible, this will save space and allows you to easily see and find what you need. Alternatively you could invest in a drawer organizer with a series of compartments. This will allow you to organize your ribbon spools or reels into categories, for example by material or color.