From Morning Chaos to Peaceful Order
Picture this: You’re trying to get everyone ready for church, and you need that specific navy bow to complete your daughter’s outfit. But where is it? Buried in a drawer? Tangled with seventeen other bows? Hiding under the bathroom sink?
The frantic search disrupts your morning peace, frustrates your daughter, and makes you wish—for the hundredth time—that you had a better system.
I’ve been there. With four daughters and countless bows, I learned early that disarray is the enemy of calm—and that the simple chaos of misplaced accessories can undermine the gentle rhythm of your entire day.
The solution isn’t complicated: you need an elegant, functional hair accessory station. Not just storage, but a dedicated system that makes hair care a breeze, teaches your daughter valuable organizational skills, and preserves the peace you’re working so hard to create in your home.
This is more than just organizing bows. This is the stewardship of order—creating systems that support your values and make daily life flow smoothly.
Why a Dedicated Hair Accessory Station Matters
It Eliminates Morning Stress
When every bow has a home and every accessory is visible, styling becomes effortless. No more searching, no more untangling, no more decisions made in frustration.
It Teaches Stewardship
An organized space is a visible form of stewardship. When your daughter learns to return accessories to their designated spots, she’s learning far more than tidiness—she’s learning to honor what she has and care for her belongings well.
It Preserves Your Investment
Quality hair accessories deserve quality care. Proper storage prevents crushing, tangling, fading, and damage—protecting the heirloom pieces you’ve carefully chosen.
It Creates Connection
A beautiful, organized station invites your daughter to participate in her own care. It becomes a place where she learns to choose appropriate accessories, make wise decisions, and take pride in her appearance—all under your gentle guidance.
It Reduces Mental Load
Order in your physical space creates order in your mind. When accessories are organized, one less thing demands your mental energy throughout the day.
Finding the Perfect Location: Where to Create Your Station
The success of your hair accessory station depends significantly on location. Consider these factors carefully:
Accessibility
The station must be convenient for daily use. If it’s beautiful but tucked away in a rarely-used guest room, it won’t serve you. Choose a spot that’s part of your natural morning routine.
Good locations:
- Master bathroom (if daughters share your space for styling)
- Daughter’s bedroom (if she’s old enough for more independence)
- Shared girls’ bathroom
- Corner of mudroom, kitchen island, or family room (if that’s where morning prep happens)
Safety
For young children, ensure the station is at an appropriate height and doesn’t include small parts that could be choking hazards. Sharp decorative elements should be avoided.
Visibility
She should be able to see her options. A station where everything is buried in drawers defeats the purpose. Visible storage helps her make independent choices and reduces the “I can’t find anything!” frustration.
Space Availability
Think vertically! Even a small area can become an effective station if you use wall space wisely. You don’t need an entire room—just a dedicated corner or wall section.
Lighting
Good lighting is non-negotiable. Natural light is ideal, but quality task lighting works beautifully. She needs to see hair texture and bow colors accurately.
Essential Components: What Your Station Needs
Every effective hair accessory station includes these key elements:
1. Bow Storage (The Star of the Show)
For Small to Medium Collections (Under 30 Bows):
Ribbon Board: Mount a decorative board (cork, fabric-covered wood, or ribbon-strung frame) and clip bows directly to ribbons. This creates a beautiful display that doubles as décor. This is our current tried-and-true favorite since we keep only about 35 bows in use these days. Decorative bow organizers with lengths of hanging ribbon can be lovely in a bedroom. We offer some personalized versions of these Hanging Hairbow Organizers in our Shoppe.
- Pros: Visible, accessible, prevents tangles
- Cons: Takes wall space, not ideal for very large collections
- Best for: Bedrooms, spaces where aesthetics matter
Hanging Organizer: Use a clear-pocket hanging organizer (over-door or mounted on closet rod). Decorative bow organizers with lengths of hanging ribbon can be lovely in a bedroom. We offer some personalized versions of these Hanging Hairbow Organizers in our Shoppe.
- Pros: Maximizes vertical space, keeps bows visible and organized
- Cons: Requires door or closet space, pockets can smoosh bows with loops
- Best for: Small bathrooms, shared spaces
For Large Collections (30+ Bows):
Pegboard System: Install a pegboard and use hooks or small bins to organize bows by size, color, or occasion. This was our favorite method when I had all 4 girls at home and 200+ hair bows to keep orderly.
- Pros: Infinitely customizable, holds large collections, easy to reorganize
- Cons: Requires wall mounting, more involved setup
- Best for: Dedicated stations, homeschool families, multiple daughters
Drawer with Dividers: A shallow drawer fitted with purchased or DIY dividers keeps bows flat and organized.
- Pros: Protected from dust, sleek appearance, easy access
- Cons: Not as visible, requires drawer space
- Best for: Dresser-top stations, minimalist aesthetics
Want detailed guidance on which bows to keep and which to let go? Download our free Hair Accessory Care Guide which includes organization strategies.
2. Clip and Elastic Storage
Small Bins or Boxes: Use divided containers to separate by type:
- One section for clips
- One for elastics
- One for bobby pins
- One for small accessories
Magnetic Strip: Mount a magnetic strip inside a drawer or on the wall, or even the door under the bathroom sink to hold metal clips and bobby pins—genius solution that keeps them instantly accessible!
3. Headband Storage
Jewelry Tree or Stand: Repurpose a jewelry tree to hang headbands—keeps them visible and prevents warping.
Wall Hooks: Install decorative hooks at child-appropriate height for easy access.
Basket: For casual homes, a pretty basket on the counter works beautifully for headbands. A pretty vase can hold headbands either vertically or stacked horizontally as well. Store scrunchies inside the vase to keep them corralled neatly.
4. Hair Care Tools
Mounted Holders or Cup: Keep brushes and combs upright in a mounted holder or decorative cup.
Drawer Organization: If counter space is limited, dedicate one drawer to tools with dividers keeping everything separated.
5. Product Station
Small Tray or Caddy: Group daily products (detangling spray, leave-in conditioner, hair oil) in a tray or handled basket for portability. This was key for hairstyling on-the-go while chasing a busy toddler who sat still to play or when a little one was busy in the highchair.
Rotating System: If you have multiple daughters, consider individual caddies they can grab when it’s their turn.
6. Styling Surface
Counter Space or Small Table: You need a clear surface for actual styling—even if it’s just 12 inches square.
Mirror: Essential! A mounted mirror at appropriate height makes styling possible.
Stool or Chair: Younger daughters need to sit comfortably at appropriate height, even if that means the countertop vanity in the bathroom!
DIY Hair Bow Station Ideas: Budget-Friendly Solutions
You don’t need expensive custom systems. Here are creative, affordable options:
The Rolling Cart Station (Perfect for Small Spaces)
What you need:
- 3-tier rolling cart (IKEA Råskog or similar)
- Small bins or cups for organization
- Adhesive hooks for hanging bows
How to set it up:
- Top tier: Daily-use brushes, spray bottle, our Bumble Loop Styler, rat-tail comb, current favorite bows
- Middle tier: Organized bins of clips, elastics, bobby pins
- Bottom tier: Products, backup accessories, seasonal bows
Why it works: Mobile! Roll it to where you need it, then tuck it away. Perfect for families with limited bathroom space or multiple daughters sharing one station.
The Vintage Hutch Station (Shabby Chic Elegance)
What you need:
- Small vintage hutch or cabinet (thrift stores!)
- Paint or stain to refresh
- Hooks installed inside cabinet doors
- Small drawer organizers
How to set it up:
- Cabinet interior: Mounted pegboard or hooks for bows
- Drawers: Organized clips, elastics, accessories, cups for combs and styling tools
- Top surface: Styling area with mirror
- Decorative touches: Pretty boxes for organization
Why it works: Beautiful, functional, and can be closed when not in use—ideal for maintaining a tidy appearance in shared bathrooms.
The Closet Door Station (Hidden Beauty)
What you need:
- Over-door hanging organizer with clear pockets
- Adhesive hooks
- Small bins or bags
How to set it up:
- Clear pockets: One bow per pocket, organized by color or size
- Hooks at bottom: Hang headbands or small bags with elastics
- Behind door: Completely hidden when closed
Why it works: Zero floor space required, everything visible when needed, hidden when not.
The Pegboard Station (Our Multi-girl Favorite!)
What you need:
- Pegboard (painted to match décor)
- Pegboard hooks and small bins
- Frame or trim for finished look (optional)
How to set it up:
- Mount securely to wall at appropriate height
- Hooks: Hang bows by clips or in small bins
- Small pegboard baskets: Hold elastics, clips, bobby pins
- Customizable: Rearrange as collection grows
Why it works: Infinitely customizable, grows with your needs, incredibly efficient for large collections. Plus, it looks intentional and attractive!
The Mobile Basket Station (Beginner Level)
When I started out with babies and toddlers, I needed portability more than permanence. My first “station” was a handled wicker basket that held all essentials—brushes, sprays, elastics. We’d “shop” for bows hanging on her bedroom wall, then bring the basket wherever we needed to be.
Why it works: Sometimes you need to style hair where the action is—keeping younger children in sight. Start here if you’re in survival mode with littles!
Watch our YouTube tutorial: DIY Portable Hair Station for Under $15
Organizing Systems: Making Your Station Functional
Once you have the physical setup, you need a system for organization. Choose ONE method and stick with it:
Organize by Color
Best for: Mothers who coordinate outfits carefully, Pinterest-inspired aesthetics
How: Group bows by color family (all navy together, all pink together, all neutrals together)
Pros: Visually stunning, makes outfit coordination easy
Cons: Harder to find specific bow styles, may need to reorganize as collection grows
Organize by Size
Best for: Families with multiple daughters at different ages, quick morning decisions
How: Group small, medium, large, extra-large, and pairs of bows separately
Pros: Easy to grab age-appropriate options quickly, logical system
Cons: Doesn’t help with color coordination
Organize by Occasion
Best for: Families with distinct “everyday” vs. “special” accessory needs
How: Separate daily-wear bows from Sunday/special occasion pieces
Pros: Protects special bows from daily wear, makes decision-making easier
Cons: May duplicate by size/color, requires more space
Organize by Daughter (If You Have Multiple)
Best for: Large families, daughters with very different styles
How: Each daughter gets her own section/drawer/bin
Pros: Teaches personal responsibility, prevents arguments
Cons: Requires more space, sisters can’t easily share
My recommendation: Start with organizing by occasion (daily vs. special), then within each category, organize by size. This gives you flexibility while keeping things simple.
For more help choosing the right accessories, read our Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hair Bow.
Making It Fun: Turning Organization Into Learning
The hair accessory station isn’t just functional—it’s educational. Here’s how to use it as a teaching tool:
For Young Girls (Ages 3-6): Participation and Routine
Make it sensory: Let her touch the fabrics, see the colors, learn the names (“This is velvet. Feel how soft it is?”)
Create rituals: “After we brush, we visit the bow station and you choose.”
Celebrate responsibility: Praise when she returns a bow to its spot
Keep a special treasure: Have a small toy or doll that “lives” at the station—something she only gets to hold during hair time
For Elementary Ages (7-10): Choice and Responsibility
Let her organize: Give her ownership of arranging bows her way (within your system)
Teach decision-making: “Which bow matches your dress? Which is appropriate for church?”
Practice care skills: Show her how to gently handle and return accessories
Introduce stewardship language: “We take care of nice things so they last”
For Tweens and Teens (11+): Independence and Skill-Building
Full ownership: She maintains her section/station
Budget lessons: If she wants new accessories, she can save money or earn them
Teaching opportunity: She can help younger sisters choose and care for accessories
Legacy building: “Someday you’ll teach your daughters to care for their accessories this way”
Want more ideas for building life skills? Read our post on raising daughters of grace.
Maintenance: Keeping the Magic Alive
An organized station requires maintenance—but not as much as you’d think!
Daily Habits (2 Minutes)
The Rule: “Put it away, don’t put it down”
- Return bows to their designated spots after use
- Replace lids on products
- Return brushes to holder
- Wipe counter if needed
Teach this habit early and enforce consistently. It’s far easier to maintain order than to recreate it weekly. This sounds a good bit like learning to keep a home, doesn’t it?
Weekly Maintenance (10 Minutes)
- Check for items that need cleaning (bows with visible soil, dusty products)
- Reorganize anything that’s gotten messy
- Take inventory—are you out of elastics? Running low on leave-in conditioner spray?
- Remove outgrown or unused items
Seasonal Deep Clean (30 Minutes)
- Remove everything from the station
- Clean all surfaces thoroughly
- Inspect bows for damage—repair or retire as needed
- Reorganize with fresh eyes—is your system still working?
- Rotate seasonal bows (store winter velvet bows during summer, etc.)
- Purge items no longer used or appropriate
Download our free Seasonal Hair Care Checklist to stay on top of maintenance!
Special Situations: Solutions for Every Family
For Multiple Daughters Sharing a Station
Individual sections: Each gets her own drawer, bin, or pegboard section
Color-coding: Assign each daughter a color for her accessories/bins
Rotation schedule: If space is tight, rotate who uses the station when
Shared basics: Communal brushes, products, and neutral everyday bows
For Families Without Wall Space
Use furniture: Dresser-top station, bookshelf organization, armoire conversion
Go vertical with freestanding units: Ladder shelf, étagère, standing pegboard
Maximize closet interior: Door organizers, closet rod systems
Mobile solutions: Rolling carts, handled baskets, portable caddies
For Minimalist or Small-Space Homes
Built-in solutions: Install within existing cabinetry
Multi-purpose furniture: Station that folds away or serves another purpose
Edited collections: Keep only what you truly use, store seasonal items
Hidden storage: Beautiful boxes that blend with décor
For Homeschool Families with Daytime Access
Make it accessible all day: Station in family living space, not behind closed bedroom door
Include teaching elements: Label sections for younger children learning to read
Educational décor: Incorporate Scripture, quotes about stewardship, beauty
Personalizing Your Station: Making It Hers
A station that feels special encourages use and care. Add personal touches:
Let her choose décor elements (within boundaries):
- Paint color for pegboard or furniture
- Pretty boxes or bins
- Small decorative items
Display sentimental pieces:
- First baby headband in small frame
- Photo of grandmother at her age
- Scripture or encouraging quote
Seasonal touches:
- Swap small décor items seasonally
- Feature current favorite bows prominently
- Rotate colors with the season
Age-appropriate beauty:
Teens: Refined elegance, classic beauty, mature aesthetic
Young girls: Soft colors, simple décor, whimsical touches
Tweens: More sophisticated, input on design, personal style emerging
The Daily Ritual: More Than Organization
The hair accessory station becomes a sacred space—a place where the daily ritual of gentle guidance unfolds naturally.
Think about how you talk with your own hairdresser. Or perhaps you’ve read in classic literature or watched in period dramas like Downton Abbey how a lady’s maid or dresser became a trusted confidante. This is the natural outcome of the intimate, daily interaction of hair care.
When you establish this routine—this quiet time at the station, styling hair and choosing accessories together—you’re creating a foundation for a lifetime of open communication.
These small, shared moments are where you:
- Discuss the day ahead
- Offer simple encouragement
- Pass on wisdom about modesty, style, and self-presentation
- Build trust for bigger conversations later
By making this a positive, consistent ritual when her concerns are as light as choosing a ribbon, you’re intentionally cultivating a relationship that endures. When she reaches adolescence and faces more complex decisions, the path to you will already be worn. It will be natural for her to turn to you—because you’ve been her trusted advisor all along.
This is why the hair station matters. This is why organization serves a purpose beyond tidiness. This is legacy building.
Your Next Steps: Creating Your Station Today
You don’t need perfection. You need progress. Here’s how to start:
This Week: Assess and Plan (30 Minutes)
- Inventory your current collection: How many bows? What types?
- Identify your space: Where will your station live?
- Choose your organization method: Color, size, occasion, or daughter?
- List needed supplies: What do you have? What do you need?
Next Week: Set Up Foundation (2 Hours)
- Acquire necessary supplies (thrift, DIY, or purchase)
- Prepare the space: Clean, paint if needed, mount hardware
- Set up basic structure: Install pegboard, arrange furniture, mount organizers
- Do a test run: Does it feel right? Adjust as needed
Following Week: Organize and Implement (1 Hour)
- Sort accessories according to your chosen method
- Place everything in the station following your system
- Create labels if helpful (especially for younger children)
- Introduce the system to daughters with enthusiasm!
Ongoing: Maintain and Enjoy
- Follow daily/weekly/seasonal maintenance schedule
- Adjust system as needs change
- Teach daughters increasing responsibility
- Enjoy the peace of an organized space!
Need accountability? Join our email list and get a free Station Setup Checklist plus encouragement delivered straight to your inbox!
More Resources for Organized, Beautiful Hair Care
On the Blog:
- The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hair Bow – What to keep in your collection
- Hair Accessory Care Guide – Cleaning, storing, and maintaining accessories
- Kids Hair Care Tips – Complete guide for healthy hair
- Creating Lasting Memories: Hair Time as Discipleship – Why these rituals matter
Free Downloads:
On YouTube:
- DIY Portable Hair Station Tour
- Organizing 50+ Bows in Under 20 Minutes
- Our Family Hair Bow Station Setup
In Our Shop:
- Browse our complete collection of heirloom-quality accessories
- Every piece is designed to be loved, used, and cared for properly
- Our Claire Fabric Bow is a customer favorite for special occasions
From Chaos to Calm: Your Transformation Starts Here
The hair accessory station you create won’t just organize bows—it will transform your mornings, teach valuable lessons, and create a space where connection happens naturally.
It’s a visible form of stewardship. A practical tool for peace. A foundation for relationship. And a daily reminder that the small things we do with intention become the big things that matter.
So take the first step. Choose your space. Gather your supplies. Create your system.
And watch as that simple act of organization becomes something far more significant: a legacy of order, beauty, and intentional motherhood.
Ready to get started? Leave a comment below telling me what your biggest organizing challenge is—I’d love to help! And subscribe to our email list for more practical wisdom on creating a home that supports your values.
Remember: Order is stewardship. Stewardship is love. And love transforms the ordinary into legacy.
