Tool storage: 7 ideas for a functional workshop

Constantly getting into a panic looking for that one 12mm spanner in a jumble of screwdrivers, drill bits and other bits and bobs? You're not alone. With that in mind, we've put together a few tips to help you organise your workspace. From tool storage units set up in a garage-come-workshop to magnetic tool racks and customised storage solutions, here are a few ideas to test out at home.

Asking Father Christmas for a workbench can be a good idea, but ordering one yourself will be an even safer bet! A good workbench is the ultimate must-have for any DIYer. It provides a surface for all types of fastening, hammering, repairing and welding tasks, as well as a space to leave your workpieces to dry in clamps while you take a well earned break. A workbench provides a comfortable working environment. Modern workbenches come in a range of designs from stationary to folding models, with or without storage. It's easy to find a design to suit your needs and you can even pick the colour you want. If space is tight and you want to be able to organise your tools quickly, you can always opt for a workbench with built-in storage. A model fitted with a tool rack and drawer can be tucked away discreetly in a corner of the garage.

If you have a little more space and you've got a serious tool collection (no judgement here!), some robust workshop shelving will be your best option. We strongly recommend installing the shelves as securely as possible to ensure they can withstand the weight of your drills and hand tools without sagging. You can even install a range of shelves if space allows, but be sure to keep your heaviest tools on the lower shelves. And if you have children, be sure to place all your screws, bolts, and small tools stored up high to keep them out of reach of curious hands. Why not try lining your shelves with non-slip matting to prevent your screwdrivers, hammers and other hand tools from falling? That way, you can lay out your tools side by side at eye level. An easy way to create a more practical storage system!

You might want to line your shelves with a few tool boxes. Transparent covers or fronts mean you can easily see the contents of each box. But if you prefer your tool storage to be closed and opaque, no problem — some nice labels will tell you where to get your hands on your favourite tools. If you tend to move around the house with your tools, you might want to invest in a tool bag to have your tools close at hand at any time. Otherwise, you can go for a more traditional metal tool case. Split into different fold-out compartments, these tool boxes are timeless and provide the perfect solution for DIYers on the move. Ideal for when you have a mirror to hang or a piece of furniture to assemble — or even both at the same time!

Had enough of rummaging around tool boxes to find the right adjustable, box or ratchet spanner? That's where a wall-mounted tool board can really come in handy. Installed just above your workbench, these perforated metal or wood boards are designed to support storage hooks which can be used to keep your most-used tools at eye level (you know, the ones you use for two minutes but spend 30 minutes looking for...). Not only is a tool board a practical storage solution, it also looks great! You might even want to set out your tools by type and size to make them easier to spot. All that's left to do is to reach out and grab the right one!

Drill bits, Allen keys and all sorts of metal hardware seem to have the annoying habit of getting mixed up, despite our best effots. But you can put an end to their mischievous ways! Secure a magnetic tool rack above your workbench and put the power of magnets to good use. A magnetic tool rack makes it a breeze to grab your tools and tidy them away afterwards. What's more, these tool racks are often strong enough to withstand the weight of tools like hammers or adjustable spanners. A magnetic tool rack can slip easily into the smallest of spaces and can be discreet enough to be installed in the home. Want to go one step further? It's now even possible to find magnetic wristbands so you can carry screws, nails and bolts all around the house.

Even if you don't have a dedicated workshop, a workshop storage unit can tucked into a corner of your home. Workshop storage needn't look out of place in an interior. A metal locker-style cabinet, for example, can add a touch of industrial-vintage to your entrance. You can even dedicate a portion of the cabinet for day-to-day use; for example, to store cleaning products or shoes. It's also a great way to store more fragile tools that don't cope well with the kind of dust you find in a garage or basement. Or why not take inspiration from a classic kitchen layout with floor units topped with a work surface and a set of wall-mounted storage units to hold your tools? This layout really creates the perfect workspace for odd jobs.

Looking for a more personalised tool storage system? Great idea! Why not start by having a look around the house to see what items you can upcycle? Old PVC waste pipe provides the perfect storage system for battens and other wood offcuts. Or why not think about kitchen storage accessories? You'll find loads of inspiration here starting with old jars for storing screws, bolts and other hardware. Glass or plastic jars are ideal for keeping small items within view but safe from dust and moisture. A wall-mounted kitchen roll holder can be a great way to store rolls of tape or masking tape. Now there's an original storage tip!

Above all, remember that you don't need to be a pro to have a well-organised work space and tool storage system — on the contrary! There's no need to spend a lot of money or take over the whole garage. Setting up a little corner and putting a bit of thought into your tool storage is all you need to make life easier. So do not hesitate to follow our tips and choose the solutions that make sense for you. Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!