20 DIY Pen Holder Ideas to Organize Your Desk in Style
Ever look at your messy desk and wonder how something so small can create so much chaos? I feel that moment often, especially when pens seem to disappear right when I need them most.
That’s why I love turning simple materials into beautiful little organizers that add charm while keeping everything in place.
These DIY pen holder ideas bring personality to any workspace. You’ll see playful designs, elegant textures, and clever upcycles that make organizing feel satisfying instead of stressful.
#1. Celestial Orb Brush Holder
This quirky pen and brush holder feels like it drifted in from another universe. Its crater-covered surface creates a playful, almost lunar shape that’s both artistic and functional.
The glossy blue glaze softens the sculpted texture, giving it a gentle glow that makes the whole piece feel alive.
#2. Sweet Drizzle Ice-Cream Holder
Instead of a plain jar sitting on your desk, this adorable ice-cream–themed holder brings a burst of fun every time you reach for a pen.
The waffle-cone pattern creates a warm, nostalgic base, while the glossy pink “drip” on top looks so realistic you almost expect it to be sticky.
Plus, sprinkles add that extra playful touch, making the whole piece feel like a tiny celebration.
#3. Sparkly Pastel Tin Can Trio
These pastel organizers bring a soft, cheerful touch to any workspace, turning simple recycled cans into something charming and personal.
The smooth coats of pink and lavender paint create a sweet, candy-like palette, while the rhinestone trim adds just enough sparkle to make them feel playful without being overwhelming.
Each can feels like its own little character, yet together they form a coordinated set that brightens the desk instantly.
#4. Rustic Woodland Desk Caddy
This little organizer feels like something pulled straight from a forest walk, and that’s exactly why it’s so charming.
The whole piece is built from real twigs layered tightly together, giving it an earthy, handmade character that stands out among ordinary desk accessories.
Additionally, the mossy base softens everything and makes the holder look rooted, almost alive.
#5. Painted Jar Duo Pen Holders
These jars instantly lift the mood of any workspace with their playful, hand-painted charm.
The cow-print design, especially with its little face and soft purple patches, brings a sweet, almost whimsical energy that feels handmade in the best way.
Right beside it, the strawberry-themed jar adds a bright pop of pink and tiny dotted berries that feel cheerful and fresh.
Together, they create a fun contrast including one cute and quirky, the other bold and fruity making the whole setup feel lively and personal.
#6. Enchanted Forest Stump Organizer
This piece feels like it wandered straight out of a storybook, you can almost imagine tiny woodland creatures hiding behind the painted toadstools.
The organizer uses three tree stumps as compartments, giving brushes, scissors, and pens their own rustic little homes.
The mushrooms, especially the tall red one with white spots, add a magical touch that turns a simple desk item into a charming fantasy vignette.
#7. Personalized Pencil Desk Caddy
The moment you spot this bright pencil-shaped organizer, it feels like a little spark of classroom magic.
The playful design turns an ordinary storage box into something that actually makes you smile every time you reach for a pen.
Adding a name on the front makes it even sweeter, perfect for teachers, kids, or anyone who wants a touch of personality on their desk.
#8. Whimsical Daisy Bloom Holder
What about something that feels playful the moment you look at it? This daisy-shaped holder brings that lighthearted charm to any desk or vanity.
The ceramic petals curve upward to form loops that hold brushes, pens, or markers upright, almost as if the flower itself is presenting them to you.
The little smiley face in the center adds a sweet, cheerful touch, perfect for brightening a workspace and keeping your tools easy to grab.
#9. Midnight Mandala Brush and Pen Holder
This piece feels like a tiny burst of calm on the desk, wrapped in deep ocean blues and detailed mandala patterns that pull the eye in right away.
You can see the dotted artwork creates a rhythmic, almost meditative flow around the box, turning a simple holder into something expressive and personal.
The cool tones give it a soothing presence, and the crisp mandala lines add a sense of intentional craft that makes the whole item feel elevated.
#10. Vintage Cottage Core Desk Canisters
These handmade organizers have such a warm, nostalgic charm like something you’d find on the desk of a writer tucked inside a countryside cottage.
Each canister is wrapped in patterned paper, some with elegant handwritten script and others with soft gingham blues, giving the trio its sweet mix-and-match personality.
The twine bows and rustic burlap bands add texture and a homespun feel that makes the whole set extra cozy.
#11. Rolled Vintage Book Page Holder
With this design, you get something wonderfully nostalgic and effortlessly charming.
Old book pages are rolled into slim cylinders and arranged tightly around a simple tin can, transforming an ordinary container into a piece filled with character.
The uneven edges add subtle texture, while the warm tones of aged paper create a cozy, handmade look.
#12. Floral Pastel Brush Carousel
The mix of soft turquoise and baby pink instantly brightens the desk, and the delicate black floral stenciling adds a graceful contrast that makes each holder feel like its own tiny art piece.
Arranging the cans in a circular layout keeps everything easy to reach, every brush stands tall, ready to go, almost like a blooming bouquet for artists.
#13. Whimsical Garden Bloom Holder
What about turning your desk into a tiny burst of spring with this cheerful floral pen holder?
This piece feels like it was crafted during a happy, sun-soaked afternoon, wooden popsicle sticks form the soft pastel base, while colorful clay flowers dance around the edges like a mini garden in full bloom.
Each bloom has its own personality, from bright oranges to soft blues, and they add a playful, handmade charm that instantly lifts the mood of any workspace.
#14. Charming Wooden Cat Marker Keeper
This delightful pen holder feels like a tiny companion sitting on your desk, quietly watching over your creative tools.
The hand-painted cat adds a burst of personality with its bright green eyes, soft grey fur, and a sweet little collar that gives it extra charm.
It’s playful yet functional, making it perfect for a craft room, a child’s study space, or even an office that needs a touch of whimsy.
#15. Crocheted Mini Basket Holders
Why not switch things up with these adorable crocheted baskets that double as the sweetest little desk organizers?
The chunky texture adds so much charm, almost like tiny woven buckets that warm up your whole workspace.
They’re the kind of organizers that make you smile every time you reach for a pen.
See also: 22 Gorgeous Crochet Décor Pieces to Elevate Your Home Style
#16. Tiered Heart-Print Marker Station
For anyone who loves keeping their desk looking cute and organized, this little tiered holder feels like a tiny victory.
Each shelf gives your pens, pencils, and markers their own cozy spot, so you’re not digging through a cluttered cup every time you need a color.
You’ll see the heart-patterned paper instantly softens the look and makes the whole piece feel handmade and personal.
#17. Pebble-Stone Clay Desk Duo
You can also create a pen holder that feels like a tiny piece of a garden wall sitting right on your desk.
This design uses hand-molded clay stones pressed together to form a textured, pebble-like surface that’s surprisingly calming to look at.
Plus, the mix of smooth clay stones and fresh greenery makes this organizer feel both sturdy and soothing, perfect for anyone who likes a clean but cozy desk vibe.
#18. Farm-Animal Pencil Cup Set
Your desk suddenly feels a lot more playful with these farm-themed pencil holders.
I adore how each cup becomes its own little character with bright, silly, and full of personality.
The cow, pig, chicken, and fluffy sheep instantly turn an ordinary workspace into a small barnyard scene that lifts your mood every time you reach for a pencil.
#19. Cozy Cable-Knit Pencil Sleeve
This cable-knit pen holder brings a soft, comforting touch to any workspace, almost like wrapping your desk in a warm sweater.
The textured stitches add depth and personality, giving the piece a handcrafted charm that stands out without trying too hard.
It feels calm, grounded, and a little nostalgic, perfect for anyone who enjoys quiet creative moments.
#20. Rotating Paint Tower Organizer
I love the cleverness of this spinning organizer as it feels like a tiny art supply carousel built for someone who never wants to waste a second searching for the right color.
Each tier holds rows of paint bottles tucked neatly into wooden cubbies, and the rotating base makes the whole thing glide with such satisfying ease.
The top crates add extra room for brushes, glue, and those little tools that always disappear when you need them most.
