Not just for books! These steel bookends from Daiso and MUJI offer clever storage solutions far beyond keeping books upright.
When you shop at Daiso or MUJI, you might come across these simple steel bookends. At first, you probably only see them as just basic holder to organise your books. But these bookends can do a lot more than that!
Prefer watching? It’s on YouTube ▼
While their main purpose is to keep books standing, steel bookends can be useful in many other areas of the home. Thanks to their slim design, magnetic feature, and plain, neutral colours, these bookends are surprisingly versatile.
Daiso vs MUJI: Steel bookend features comparison
Though made by different brands, these bookends are similar in design. Both are made of steel and come in multiple sizes.
Daiso steel bookends
Daiso steel bookends come in white and black, and are currently available in these sizes:
• H11 x W14 x D7 cm
• H16 x W11 x D8 cm
• H20 x W8.6 x D9 cm
• H20 x W13.5 x D10 cm
L-shaped
• H9.2 x W7 x D8.9 cm (2-piece set)
• H10 x W8 x D10 cm
• H19 x W13.3 x D11 cm (square)
The L-shaped square bookend has 9 square cut-outs along the centre of its upright side.
MUJI steel dividers
The steel bookends from MUJI are called steel dividers. They only come in white and are currently available in three sizes:
• S: H10 x W10 x D8 cm
• M: H17.5 x W12 x D12 cm
• L: H21 x W16 x D15 cm
Comparing the two, Daiso bookends are a little cheaper and come in a wider range of sizes than MUJI’s. In terms of quality, MUJI uses thicker steel that’s heavier and sturdier. However, as long as the measurements fit your space, either brand should work well.
20 easy organising hacks using steel bookends
From kitchen drawers to bathroom cabinets, steel bookends offer a simple way to keep things neat without taking up much space. You’ll find they can be used in a variety of practical ways beyond just holding books.
Take a look at how steel bookends can help keep every room of your home tidy with little effort.
Entryway & living area
1. Create simple magnetic hook on cabinet
Maximise unused cabinet sides by adding a bookend for magnetic hanging space. Simply place a bookend on the side and use magnetic hooks to hang small essentials. If the bookend moves, weigh it down with a container or decoration to keep it in place. You can remove and reposition it anytime without damaging the cabinet.
2. Combine two bookends into a compact mail holder
Give your mail a proper temporary home instead of letting it pile up around the house. Clip two bookends together with strong magnets to create a simple letter holder that keeps bills, flyers, and notes neatly in place until you’re ready to sort them.
3. Magnetic memo board
Make the most of a steel bookend by turning it into a magnetic memo board. Use it to stick Post-its, leave quick notes for family, or hold reminders. You can even attach a small magnetic pen so it’s always within reach.
4. Create shelf insert for kids shoes
Kids’ shoes are small, so storing them vertically can help you save more space. Create a mini shelf by attaching two same-sized bookends using magnetic strips or four strong magnets. You can adjust the width easily by shifting the magnets to fit your needs.
Kitchen & laundry
5. Stop bottles and cans from rolling
In narrow spaces, you can store bottles or cans sideways for better organisation and easy access. Using a bookend will prevent them from rolling out. This easy tip works perfectly in your fridge or pantry to keep your drinks or water bottles tidy.
6. Prevent seasoning bottles from moving around in pull-out drawers
Small seasoning bottles often slide around in pull-out drawers. Adding a small bookend keeps them steady and neatly separated. You can also stick a little museum putty or tack underneath the bookend to make it even more secure.
7. Keep cling wrap and baking sheets tidy
Another item you can hold neatly with a bookend in the kitchen is food wrap packaging, such as cling wrap or baking sheets. It helps maximise space and prevents messy piles.
8. Use inside containers to organise food packets or snacks
Don’t just toss your snacks or food packets into a container. You can keep them more organised by using a bookend. This helps you sort by date, reduce waste, and save space at the same time.
9. Organise tall pantry items
Use steel bookends to separate and support tall, flat food packages like dried noodles, nori sheets, or opened cereal bags that can’t stand upright on their own. This simple trick helps you see everything clearly and makes it easier to grab what you need.
10. Keep small towels neatly organised
If you store dish towels, handkerchiefs, or other small towels in a drawer, you can keep them tidy by using bookends as dividers. This is an easy hack to keep them neatly sorted and separated.
11. Build a simple rack for storing dishes
You can create extra storage in your kitchen cabinet by combining two bookends with super strong magnets to form a mini shelf. This way you can make space for small plates, bowls, or other dishes when your cabinet starts to feel cramped.
12. Use it as a tray holder
A simple bookend can also keep your serving or baking trays upright and neatly tucked into a corner. It helps you minimise clutter and make better use of your space.
Bathroom
13. Create extra vertical storage
Running out of space in your bathroom cabinet? Simply slot in a few bookends and pair them with magnetic hooks or containers to create extra vertical storage. No more digging for tiny essentials like hair ties, clips, brow scissors, or floss. It helps everything stays tidy and in sight.
14. Turn into a mini floating rack
Make a mini floating rack by attaching another bookend to the one slotted on the shelf. It creates a small spot for storing items, and you can adjust its position to maximise space.
15. Make a mini rack to store small toiletries
Small beauty products like hair styling gels or perfumes can be stored on a mini shelf made by combining two bookends with super strong magnets. It’s a great way to save space, and you can adjust the length to fit into small spaces effortlessly.
Bedroom & wardrobe
16. Keep your shirts standing and sorted in the drawers
You’ve folded your shirts neatly, don’t let them topple over and get crumpled in the drawer. Use a bookend to keep them upright and tidy until you’re ready to wear them.
17. Use bookends to sort your sanitary pads and liners
Bookends can help you separate pantyliners from regular or heavy-flow pads. Just place some bookends inside your drawer to create tidy, easy-to-reach sections.
18. Tidy up hair tools in a file box
If you place bookends inside a file box, you can use it to store hairstyling tools like curling irons, hair dryers, or straighteners. The bookends help keep everything upright and easy to grab. To keep them secure and prevent tipping, add magic tape or tack underneath.
19. Create a charging station by the bed
If you often charge your phone by the bed, try slotting a bookend between your mattress and bed frame. You can put a magnetic cable holder to keep your charging cord in place, so it’s always easy to find. If you use a MagSafe phone, you can even stick it directly onto the bookend.
Bonus!
20. Turn bookends into a floating rack
You can create a floating shelf in narrow spaces between walls or even inside a cabinet with bookends. Simply secure two small extension poles and slot the steel bookends against the wall. Perfect for adding a little extra storage!
Think outside the books!
Steel bookends are affordable, practical, and easy to repurpose for daily use. They fit into almost any space at home and might just be your new secret weapon for everyday tidying. Give them a try!
