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The Best Pen Holders

LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated July 2022

It's frustrating when you don't have a pen handy when you need one. Avoid this inconvenience by keeping them available and organized in a pen holder. Consider these pen holder picks that help keep your workstation neat and functional.

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  Top Choice Clean Acrylic Look Modern Elegant Design Best Value Premium Choice
 
  DecoBros
Organizer Caddy for Desk Supplies
Cerpourt
2-Pack Acrylic Pen Holder Cup
WAVEYU
Pen Holder
Snow Cooler
4-Pack Mesh Pen Holders
Marbrasse
Mesh Desk Organizer
 
Our SummaryStore pens, sticky notes, paper clips, and more in this highly functional desk caddy.This set of clear acrylic pen holders is stylish, durable, and versatile.Get a look of luxury while staying organized with this marble-patterned pen holder.Use this set of 4 holders to organize your desk or place a cup in every room.Tidy up your office, art, or even grooming supplies with this multi-functional organizer.
ProsFive sections for writing utensils, two compartments for small objects, small slide-out supply drawer holds 2.5 x 3-inch sticky notes.Two-piece clear acrylic set, durable, waterproof, mildew-free, easy to clean, fits various styles.Elegant, durable ceramic, doesn't slide or tip over, space-saving design.Military-grade aluminum, sleek, functional design, set of four, comes in a variety of options, great value.Nine storage compartments, can store a wide variety of supplies, has extra space for paper clips, staples, and notepads.
ConsSmaller than expected.Small size.Ceramic may not be best for young children.May be prone to denting with heavy use.May not fit very long tools.
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The Best Pen Holders

Close-up view of woman reaching for a pen out of a pen holder.
LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com

Buying Guide for Pen Holders

Two pen holders on a desk full of pens.
wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

Why buy a pen holder?

Lack of organization can mean less than stellar productivity. Fortunately, it usually takes just a few simple steps to transform your work area from chaotic to coordinated. One essential tool that can help is the right pen holder. Whether at home, the office, or your home office, you want to know where to find a pen when you need one quickly. A pen holder is a dedicated spot you’ll know you can always look to find a writing utensil at a moment’s notice. In addition, having a decorative pen holder or one with other organizational features can add to the style and functionality of your desk or additional workspace.

What should you look for in a pen holder?

  • Functionality: Consider your desk’s size and the number of supplies you have when choosing a pen holder. Holders can accommodate different amounts of writing utensils and office supplies, so be sure to check measurements.
  • Material: A pen holder can be heavy, sturdy, or lightweight. It can be durable and even eco-friendly. Remember to check the material your item is made of to ensure it fits your needs.
  • Design: Holders do not have to be simply useful. With various colors, shapes, and designs, they can become decorative statement pieces on your desk as well.

How much should you expect to pay for a pen holder?

Depending on the size, material used, and features, you should probably expect to pay anywhere from $5 to close to $20. The higher-priced holders are usually more like larger multi-compartment desk organizers in which you can store several items. Pen holders sometimes come in sets of two or more, something to keep in mind when considering how to get the best bang for your buck.

Our Picks for the Best Pen Holders

Top Choice

DecoBros Organizer Caddy for Desk Supplies

You'll find store pens, sticky notes, paper clips, and more in this highly functional desk caddy.

Pros: This mesh organizer does more than store pens. Its five sections help you organize your writing utensils, while two separate compartments hold clips, thumb tacks, and other small objects that might quickly get misplaced on a crowded workstation. In addition, the organizer has a small slide-out supply drawer that holds 2.5- x 3-inch sticky notes.

Cons: This holder may seem smaller than expected. At 9.6 x 4.7 x 4.3 inches, it’s smaller than a large organizer and doesn’t take up much space.

Bottom Line: This holder from DecoBros is ideal for a desk or small work area. It’s not large enough to accommodate books or paperwork, but it’s an outstanding organizer for those small items you want to keep in one spot.

 

Clean Acrylic Look

Cerpourt 2-Pack Acrylic Pen Holder Cup

This set of clear acrylic pen holders is stylish, durable, and versatile.

Pros: This two-piece acrylic organizer set is a great minimalist option. The pen holders are small, clear, and durable, offering superior functionality and a nondistracting design. The holders are made of single, solid pieces of acrylic so they won’t break. Plus, they are waterproof, mildew-free, and easy to clean, which keeps your space looking its best, no matter how much you change your decor.

Cons: Here’s another case of the item being smaller than some expect. Each holder in this set measures 2.6 x 2.6 x 4 inches, so you may want to take sample measurements using items on hand to double-check whether this set is the size you want.

Bottom Line: These clear holders are versatile enough to be used on a desk to store pens, in your dressing area to organize makeup brushes, or even on a display table with a small plant. However you decide to use them, this set can be a stylish and functional addition to any space.

 

Modern Elegant Design

WAVEYU Pen Holder

Get a look of luxury while staying organized with this marble-patterned pen holder.

Pros: This pen holder from WAVEYU can add an elegant touch to your desk area or anywhere else you decide to use it. Made of durable ceramic, it’s sturdy enough to hold writing instruments, brushes, or other items without sliding around your desktop or tipping over. It makes a stylish statement at 3.94 x 3.35 inches without monopolizing the space.

Cons: Since this is a ceramic pen holder, it’s possible to be chipped or broken if any mishaps occur. Although it may work well in an older child’s or teen’s work area, it may not be the best choice for a younger child.

Bottom Line: This pen holder may be an ideal choice if you’re looking for something sturdy and durable that fits an elegant aesthetic. In addition to the gray marble print, this holder comes in 15 other colors and designs to match most decor.

 

Best Value

Snow Cooler 4-Pack Mesh Pen Holders

Use this set of four holders to organize your desk or place a cup in every room.

Pros: The Snow Cooler mesh pen holder set is made of military-grade aluminum and offers a sleek, functional design for your desk. This classic look also comes in various options: single or double baskets with magnetic backs, packs of four round holders with four color options, or a pack of four square black holders. No matter your choice, this organizer will fit into your decor seamlessly.

Cons: These aluminum mesh pen holders may be prone to get dented, so you may want to handle them gently.

Bottom Line: The set of four offers you a good value for your money. You may want to use these in one spot to sort and organize various writing instruments or have a holder in each room to know where the pens are wherever you go. Either way, handle them with care to avoid dents.

 

Premium Choice

Marbrasse Mesh Desk Organizer

Tidy up your office, art, or even grooming supplies with this multifunctional organizer.

Pros: This may be the organizer for those who want something larger. At 10.6 x 3.9 x 8.2 inches and with nine storage compartments, you’ll be able to sort and store a wide variety of desk supplies to keep your area neat and orderly. In addition to the storage compartments, there is extra space at the bottom of the unit that’s perfect for conveniently storing items such as paper clips, staples, and notepads.

Cons: Although this organizer stores various writing instruments and supplies, you may have difficulty fitting larger tools, such as very long paint brushes, in the slots.

Bottom Line: This organizer can hold an impressive number of pens, pencils, markers, and more. The nine compartments allow you to sort your supplies by color or create a system that works to keep everything conveniently in its place.

Final Thoughts

It may seem small, but having the right pen holder for your home or work area can make a big difference. Whether you have a clutter emergency or need a go-to spot where you can find a pen in a pinch, one of these choices for the best pen holders will be up for the task.

Desiree Bradshaw
Desiree Bradshaw is a freelance content writer from Memphis, TN with experience writing about e-commerce, RVing, and mental health. She received her BA in English with a concentration in professional writing from The University of Memphis. When she's not writing, she enjoys adventures as a full-time RVer with her husband Randy and spoiled lab mix Buddy. Read Full Bio »
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