Our Five Favorite Tension Rod Tips for Parents
Along with the pool noodles of choice , the Tension Bar is one of those versatile pieces that make you feel like a real MacGyver every time you discover a new off-brand use. Parents can hack it to make their life easier, more organized and more fun. Here are five ways to do it.
Make a clothes hanger for kids of the right height
Ideal for dressy wear. Install it in a closet under the main bar or anywhere else you can find. Young children can reach for outfits while playing and then put them on again.
Organize all these bath toys
These suction cups seem short-lived, so try something stronger. Andrea of The Inspired Home took these plastic baskets from The Dollar Store and several metal shower hooks to create a sleek storage solution.
Create a small shelter in the corner or under the loft bed
A more durable version of the classic fort chair. Kids can read and play in their own little space, giving them – and you – some downtime. Chrissanne Gasparro from Duck in a Row has turned an awkward space in his son’s room into a play tent where all his secret meetings can take place.
Place a child’s gate in any size hallway
Extra wide baby gates can cost $ 70 or more. If you have a pair of tension rods on hand, you can make a wicket door out of any kind of fabric.
Create a doorway or theater hallway
Prepare the stage for your little performer using a tension bar and some fun fabric. Allison Aars of We Have Aars created a no-sewing puppet show using Fabri-Tac glue. You can even add a transparent shoe hanger in the back so the puppeteers can be organized. Here’s another example from Delia Creates .