How to Store Jewelry in a Drawer: Storage Boxes & Tips

Preparing Your Drawer for Jewelry Storage

Before adding any organizers, start with a clean foundation. Empty your drawer completely and wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and residue. This simple step prevents dirt from transferring to your jewelry.

Measuring Your Space

Grab a tape measure and note your drawer's width, depth, and height. Most dresser drawers measure between 14 and 18 inches deep, which works perfectly for standard jewelry organizers. Knowing your exact dimensions helps you choose storage solutions that fit properly without wasting space.

Assessing Your Collection

Pull out all your jewelry and sort it into categories: rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches. This gives you a clear picture of what you own and helps you decide how many compartments you'll need. It's also the perfect time to remove pieces you no longer wear and set them aside for donation or storage elsewhere.

Sorting jewelry by type is the essential first step toward creating an organized drawer where every piece has its designated spot

Best Types of Jewelry Storage Boxes & Organizers

The right organizer transforms a chaotic drawer into an efficient storage system. Here are the most effective options:

Velvet-Lined Trays

Velvet-lined trays provide the gold standard for jewelry storage. The soft fabric cushions delicate pieces, prevents scratches, and creates a barrier that helps slow tarnishing. At John Louis Home, our velvet jewelry trays feature luxurious black velvet wrapping over MDF construction, offering both protection and elegance.

These trays typically include multiple compartments sized for different jewelry types. For example, our jewelry tray offers six 4.5-inch by 3.5-inch compartments with a ring holder, one 14-inch by 2.5-inch section perfect for bracelets, and one 6.5-inch by 10-inch compartment for larger pieces.

Compartmentalized Organizers

Divided trays keep jewelry separated by type, making it easy to find what you need. Look for organizers with varying compartment sizes to accommodate everything from tiny studs to chunky statement necklaces. 

The key is matching the compartment size to your actual jewelry collection rather than buying a one-size-fits-all solution that leaves pieces cramped or swimming in oversized spaces.

Stackable Inserts

Stackable trays are perfect for growing collections or deep drawers. Our jewelry trays measure just 2 inches in height and can be stacked on top of one another, maximizing vertical space while keeping different jewelry types separated. This modular approach lets you customize your storage as your collection evolves.

Keep your most frequently worn pieces on the top tray for quick access, and reserve lower trays for special occasion jewelry or seasonal pieces.

DIY vs. Ready-Made Solutions

While DIY options like small bowls or repurposed boxes work in a pinch, purpose-built jewelry organizers offer better protection and organization. Ready-made velvet trays designed specifically for jewelry provide properly sized compartments, soft surfaces, and durability that homemade solutions can't match.

Our velvet-lined jewelry trays fit seamlessly inside our solid wood drawers, creating an elegant and organized display for your collection.

How to Organize Different Types of Jewelry

Each jewelry type has unique storage needs. Here's how to handle them properly:

Rings & Earrings

Store rings in dedicated ring slots or small compartments to prevent them from scratching each other. Keep pairs of earrings together by storing them side by side in the same compartment. For stud earrings, consider using a compartment with a slightly cushioned bottom so the posts don't slide around.

Remove earring backs and store them in a separate small container to avoid losing them. This also makes it easier to put earrings on when you're ready to wear them.

Necklaces & Chains

Necklaces are notorious for tangling, but proper storage solves this frustrating problem. Lay delicate chains flat in longer compartments rather than coiling them up. If you prefer to keep necklaces in a drawer rather than hanging them, designate a compartment large enough to accommodate the full length without forcing them into tight spaces.

For statement necklaces with chunkier chains, individual pouches or larger compartments work well. Just make sure each piece has enough room so it doesn't press against other jewelry.

Bracelets & Bangles

Bracelets with clasps should lay flat to prevent the clasp mechanism from wearing out. Bangles can stack together since they're typically more durable, but separate delicate pieces from heavier ones to avoid scratches.

Watches

Watches deserve special attention. Store them face-up in compartments that accommodate the watch face without putting pressure on the crystal. If you own automatic watches, consider keeping them wound or using a watch winder, then transferring them to your drawer organizer when not in use.

Special Occasion vs. Everyday Jewelry

Create a dedicated section for everyday pieces you reach for constantly—these should sit in the most accessible part of your drawer. Reserve deeper trays or less convenient spots for special occasion jewelry that only comes out a few times per year.

Smart Storage Tips to Maximize Drawer Space

Vertical Stacking Techniques

Stacking multiple trays turns a single drawer into a multi-level storage system. Start with a base tray that fits your drawer dimensions, then add compatible trays on top. This approach works especially well if you have a deep drawer that would otherwise waste vertical space.

Grouping by Type or Frequency

You can organize either by jewelry type (all earrings together, all necklaces together) or by how often you wear pieces. Many people find a hybrid approach works best: keep everyday items on top organized by type, with special occasion pieces on lower trays.

Utilizing Drawer Dividers

If you have a shallow drawer that can't accommodate stacking trays, adjustable drawer dividers create custom-sized sections. These work particularly well for organizing bulkier items like watches or chunky bracelets that don't fit standard tray compartments.

Keeping Frequently Worn Pieces Accessible

Your go-to earrings and daily necklace should always sit in the most convenient spot. Consider dedicating the front section of your top tray to the five or six pieces you wear most often. This saves time and prevents you from disrupting your entire organization system every morning.

Protecting Your Jewelry in Storage

Preventing Tarnish

Silver jewelry tarnishes when exposed to sulfur compounds in the air. Anti-tarnish strips absorb these compounds before they reach your jewelry. Place one or two strips in your jewelry drawer and replace them every few months for continuous protection.

Silica gel packets control humidity levels, which also helps prevent tarnish and keeps your drawer dry. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate or store jewelry in a bathroom vanity.

Avoiding Scratches

Different metals have different hardness levels. Diamonds can scratch softer metals like gold or silver, so never store diamond rings directly against other jewelry. Velvet-lined compartments naturally separate pieces, but make sure each item has its own space rather than piling multiple pieces into a single compartment.

Proper Storage Materials

Velvet and felt are ideal drawer lining materials because they're soft, non-abrasive, and help absorb moisture. Avoid storing jewelry in hard plastic containers or directly on wood surfaces, as both can cause scratching and don't offer protection against environmental factors.

Keep your jewelry drawer in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Bathrooms might seem convenient, but the humidity from showers accelerates tarnishing. A bedroom dresser offers the stable environment jewelry needs to stay in great condition.

Why Choose John Louis Home for Jewelry Drawer Storage

John Louis Home's modular approach lets you customize your jewelry storage with stackable velvet trays that adapt to your growing collection.

Investing in quality jewelry storage pays off in the long run. At John Louis Home, we bring thoughtful design and durable construction to every organizational solution, including our jewelry storage trays.

Our velvet jewelry trays feature MDF construction wrapped in luxurious black velvet, providing both elegance and the protective surface your jewelry needs. The soft velvet lining cushions delicate pieces, prevents scratches, and helps slow tarnishing, essential for preserving your collection's beauty.

These trays are designed to fit perfectly inside our solid wood drawer systems. What makes our system particularly smart is the stackable design. Each tray measures just 2 inches in height, so you can layer multiple trays to maximize vertical drawer space. Start with one tray and add more as your collection grows, or mix and match with our valet trays and tie and belt organizers to create a fully customized storage solution.

When your jewelry storage coordinates with your closet organization system, your entire space feels more cohesive. Our jewelry trays integrate seamlessly with our 100% solid wood drawer towers, which feature felt-lined bottoms and soft-close ball-bearing glides. This combination creates an elegant storage environment where every piece of jewelry has its proper place.

With free shipping on all orders, a 45-day return policy, and complimentary custom design services, creating your ideal jewelry storage setup is simple and risk-free.

Explore John Louis Home Collection Now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the best material for storing jewelry in a drawer?

Velvet and felt-lined organizers offer the best protection for jewelry stored in drawers. These soft fabrics cushion delicate pieces, prevent scratches, and absorb excess moisture that can cause tarnishing. Avoid hard plastic or bare wood surfaces that can damage jewelry over time.

How do I keep necklaces from tangling in a drawer?

Lay necklaces flat in long compartments rather than coiling them. Make sure each necklace has enough space so it's not pressed against each other. For extra protection, you can place delicate chains in individual soft pouches before putting them in the drawer, or consider hanging longer necklaces on hooks if drawer space is limited.

Should I separate different types of metals when storing jewelry?

Yes, storing different metals separately helps prevent chemical reactions that can cause discoloration or tarnishing. Silver, gold, and costume jewelry should have their own compartments. This also prevents harder materials like diamonds from scratching softer metals.

Can I stack multiple John Louis Home jewelry trays in the same drawer?

Yes, absolutely! Our jewelry trays are specifically designed to be stackable. Each tray measures just 2 inches in height, allowing you to layer multiple trays within a single drawer to maximize vertical storage space. This is especially useful if you have a deep drawer or an extensive jewelry collection. 

You can also mix and match different types of trays; combine jewelry trays with our valet trays or tie and belt organizers to create a customized storage solution that perfectly fits your needs.

 

*Note: Pricing and product availability mentioned in this post are subject to change. Please check the website for current pricing and stock information before making a purchase.