Obviously Dowels Are the New DIY Superstar (These 17 Projects Prove It)

By Laurie Gunning Grossman Updated August 4, 2019

IKEA plain dresser using dowels for a new design

credit: Francesca Stone

Somehow, somewhere, amid the craze around plywood and cane, dowels snuck in as the must-have material for home decor DIYs. Got to see it to believe it? Be our guest …

1. DIY Mirror

Mirror made with dowels

credit: Lucy Akins

Get the instructions.

2. DIY Dining Table

IKEA dining table hack using dowels

credit: Carrie Waller

Get the instructions.

3. DIY Dresser

IKEA dresser hack using dowels

credit: Trisha Sprouse

Get the instructions.

4. DIY Wall Hooks

Wall hooks using dowels

credit: Trisha Sprouse

Get the instructions.

5. DIY Plant Hanger

Plant hanger using a dowel

credit: Carrie Waller

Get the instructions.

6. DIY Bedroom Storage

IKEA hack for a dresser using dowels

credit: Francesca Stone

Get the instructions.

7. DIY Christmas Tree

Minimal Christmas tree using dowels

credit: Caroline Burke

Get the instructions.

8. DIY Standing Planter

Bamboo box and dowels as a planter

credit: Lucy Akins

Get the instructions.

9. DIY Side Table

Nightstand upgrade using dowels

credit: Carrie Waller

Get the instructions.

10. DIY Pegboard Shelf

Pegboard shelf using dowels

credit: Caroline Burke

Get the instructions.

11. DIY String Light Poles

String light poles using dowels

credit: Trisha Sprouse

Get the instructions.

12. DIY Wall-Mounted Organizer

Wall organizer using dowels and plywood

credit: Caroline Burke

Get the instructions.

13.DIY Leather Art Hanging

Leather art DIY using a dowel as a hanger

credit: Trisha Sprouse

Get the instructions.

14. DIY Toy Basket Trolley

Toy trolley with a dowel pull

credit: Trisha Sprouse

Get the instructions.

15. DIY Wooden Mobile

Wooden mobile using dowels

credit: Caroline Burke

Get the instructions.

16. DIY Swing Arm Blanket

Swing arm blanket using dowels

credit: Carrie Waller

Get the instructions.

17. DIY Midcentury-Inspired Plant Stand

Midcentury-style plant stand using dowels

credit: Cameron Oden

Get the instructions.

Laurie Gunning Grossman

Laurie Gunning Grossman, Hunker’s editorial director, caught the California boho minimalist bug. So, she bought a cream-colored couch. And she also lives with two kids and two dogs, so we’ll see how that decision pans out.