Even a well-designed room can feel chaotic when countertops are buried under bottles, keys, and loose change. Clutter has been linked to increased cortisol levels, which can quietly affect both mental and physical health. A popular TikTok DIY from the account hometalk offers a cheap fix: a two-tier organizer made almost entirely from Dollar Tree supplies for roughly $10.
The wire trays in this project are available in gold or black finishes, allowing the builder to select a metallic accent that complements their existing decor. The peel-and-stick wallpaper or contact paper can be chosen with a complementary pattern or color scheme to match any room, from a bright kitchen to a calm bathroom. The foam board used is the Readi-Board White Foam Board, a lightweight poster board that is easy to cut with a hobby knife.
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The project uses a Readi-Board White Foam Board, two Essentials Wire Trays, four wood dowels, a bag of wood cubes, and metallic acrylic paint. A roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper or contact paper finishes the look. The final product works well in bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere small items need corralling.
Because the wire trays come in different colors and the paper can be swapped, the organizer is fully customizable. The foam board bottom prevents small items from slipping through the wire gaps. With two levels, it doubles the storage space in a single footprint. This clever Dollar Tree DIY not only corrals countertop clutter but also adds aesthetic appeal, giving the user their space back. The TikTok video demonstrating the build is captioned “Fake high-end storage (with Dollar Tree items!)” and uses hometalk’s original sound, contributing to its popularity. The finished product is as cute as it is functional.
How to put the Dollar Tree organizer together
Using a hobby knife, cut the foam board to fit inside each wire tray. To save on peel-and-stick paper, wrap only one board completely; for the bottom tray, just cover the top surface.
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Hot glue each board into a tray, ensuring it is firmly seated. Then glue wood cubes to both ends of the dowels. The wood cubes serve as spacers that raise the top tray. Paint the dowels and cubes with metallic or opaque black acrylic — or spray paint — so they are indistinguishable from the wire tray color. Acrylic paint usually dries within the stated time, after which you can glue the dowels to all four corners of the bottom tray. Balance the second tray directly on top of the dowels.
Hot glue sets fast, so the organizer should be ready to use quickly. Place it against a backsplash or in a corner. In a kitchen, it can hold coffee supplies or act as a catch-all for keys and wallets. In a bathroom, store lotion bottles and perfume on the bottom, with lightweight towels or decor on top. Keep heavier items on the lower level to avoid tipping, and be careful not to overload the top tier.
The organizer can also be placed on a vanity, bedside table, or desk to organize cosmetics, jewelry, or office supplies. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for narrow countertops where space is at a premium.
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For extra stability, use additional or alternative supports to connect the trays. Take inspiration from another budget-friendly Dollar Tree countertop idea by putting gemstones on the bottom tray, adding weight and decorative value. Some DIYers have swapped the dowels for candle holders to raise the top tray, or added cross-bracing across the back supports to prevent racking. The basic build stays under $10, though paint and paper add a few dollars.
Essentially, this is yet another clever Dollar Tree DIY that will give you your space back while corralling countertop clutter and adding aesthetic appeal.