I Put a Curtain Rod on My Ceiling, and It Was the Smartest Storage Hack I’ve Tried

After hanging a toilet paper holder in my kitchen a few months ago, I’ve been fully converted to the magic of unexpected storage hacks. So when I came across an Apartment Therapy article about putting a curtain rod on the ceiling to display baskets as functional decor, I immediately saved it on Instagram. I’m already a full-fledged basket person (I use them for corralling everything from fruit and kids’ toys to random odds and ends around the house), so this idea felt like it was calling to me in more ways than one.

In an Instagram video, Greer Gagnier shows how a simple curtain rod (like this one from Amazon) can double as a hanging storage rail when it’s mounted to the ceiling or high on a wall. By adding baskets with handles (or S-hooks), you create vertical storage that’s both decorative and practical — perfect for items you want easy access to without cluttering counters, cabinets, or pantry floors.

I ordered a curtain rod that came with two hardware options: adjustable brackets, and finials that allow it to be mounted either on the wall or the ceiling. That flexibility made it especially renter-friendly and low-commitment.

Next, I took a quick trip to my local thrift store and scored a handful of baskets that blended seamlessly with my existing collection. To hang them, I followed the original recommendation and ordered S-hooks. While the original Instagram post showed some basket handles sliding directly onto the rod, I opted to use hooks exclusively — that way, I can easily remove baskets whenever I need extra storage elsewhere in the house.

I installed the rod on the ceiling above my kitchen window with the finals, and then hung the baskets from it. Immediately the baskets felt more useful than they ever had before. Instead of being hidden in the corner of my pantry or under the sink, they’re now easy to see, grab, and actually use. They add warmth and texture to the kitchen, and the whole space feels a little more collected and intentional because of it. I even catch myself thinking I might grab one on the way out to the farmers market.

This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: I Put a Curtain Rod on My Ceiling, and It Was the Smartest Storage Hack I've Tried