Let me tell you about the transformation of my tiny tack room ideas on a budget.
When I first took on this project, it was nothing more than four walls with a few rusty nails and cobwebs.
The floor was covered in dirt and old hay, and saddles were piled in corners, getting dusty and misshapen.
Sound familiar? Most equestrians dream of those gorgeous tack rooms we see in magazines with custom saddle racks and gleaming brass nameplates, but who has thousands to spend on a room for horse stuff? Not me.
After weeks of weekend work and plenty of creativity, I turned that sad little space into a functional tack haven that makes grabbing gear for rides super quick.
The best part? I did it without breaking my bank account.
I’m so excited to share these budget-friendly ideas that will work whether you have a dedicated tack room or just a corner of the barn to call your own.
14 Tack Room Ideas on a Budget
Before diving into specific ideas, let’s talk strategy.
The perfect tack room combines practicality with just enough style to make you happy when you step inside.
You need easy access to daily essentials while keeping seasonal items tucked away but findable.
Some of my favourite tack rooms utilise repurposed household items and clever DIY projects that cost virtually nothing.
The trick is thinking creatively about vertical space and using systems that make sense for your riding routine.
Ready to get organized without spending a fortune? Let’s jump in.
Install Wall-Mounted Pegboards
Pegboards changed my tack room game completely.
One client told me she uses different colored hooks for different horses, making it easy to grab the right gear when you’re in a rush.
Genius, right? And way cheaper than custom-built-ins.
Rearranging is super simple when you get new gear or realise your original layout isn’t working.
For hooks, I grabbed a variety pack that had different shapes and sizes.
The J-hooks work great for hanging bridles, while the straight ones hold grooming tools.
I even used small baskets attached to the pegboard for things like hoof picks and mane combs that would otherwise get lost.
Get Over-the-Door Storage Hooks
Those inexpensive over-the-door hook racks from discount stores are absolute lifesavers in a tack room.
I found a heavy-duty one for $12 that holds multiple bridles without sagging.
Hang them on the back of your tack room door, or even on stall doors if you’re really tight on space.
I use one specifically for halters and lead ropes so they’re always ready to grab.
For extra organization, I added colored electrical tape to mark sections for different horses or types of equipment.
This little hack has saved me countless minutes of searching when I’m trying to get ready for a lesson.
Use Under-Bench Storage
That empty space under the benches is prime real estate.
I built a simple bench from 2x4s and a piece of plywood, then left the bottom open for storage bins.
The total cost was under $40, and it serves double duty as both seating and storage.
The bins slide right under and hold all sorts of things that would otherwise clutter up the space.
Winter blankets in summer, extra saddle pads, and rarely used equipment all have a home that’s out of the way but still accessible.
I labelled each bin with handwritten tags tied on with twine.
Repurpose Wooden Pallets
Free pallets are everywhere if you know where to look.
For one of my client’s we scored four perfectly good ones that were headed for the trash.
With some sanding and a coat of stain, they became gorgeous wall organisers.
Then we mounted one horizontally and added hooks between the slats for hanging bridles.
Another became a boot rack where riding boots could dry upside down after washing.
The third turned into a saddle pad holder with the slats spaced perfectly to allow airflow while the pads dry.
Use Magnetic Strips for Metal Tools
Kitchen knife strips make amazing organizers for metal grooming tools.
For my neighbour’s tack room, we mounted a 16-inch magnetic strip next to the grooming area, and now hoof picks, scissors, and metal curry combs stick right to it.
The strip cost about $15 at a kitchen supply store, and installation took all of five minutes with a drill and two screws.
Now these tools are always visible and never get buried in a grooming tote.
This solution works especially well in small spaces because it takes up almost no room while keeping frequently used items handy.
Plus, it looks super sleek and modern against a painted wall.
Reuse Old Furniture for Storage
That old dresser gathering dust in your garage? Perfect tack room storage.
For my clients, we dragged an unwanted chest of drawers to the tack room and suddenly had separate compartments for different types of gear.
One drawer holds all the horse boots and bandages, another contains fly masks and bonnets, and a third is perfect for smaller items like hair nets and gloves.
The top surface works great for displaying photos or trophies in the room.
Check thrift stores and yard sales for incredible deals on solid wood pieces that can handle barn conditions.
Use Old Feed Bags as Wall Pouches
Don’t toss those empty feed bags.
With a bit of folding and a staple gun, they become wall pockets perfect for storing brushes, rags, or spray bottles.
I fold the top third of the bag down, staple the sides to create a pocket, then attach the whole thing to the wall with heavy-duty staples.
For a more finished look, you can bind the edges with duct tape in a complementary color.
These recycled pouches cost absolutely nothing and add a fun, colorful element to tack room walls.
Plus, they’re waterproof and easy to wipe clean.
Hang Heavy Curtains to Divide Spaces
No budget for walls? Curtains work beautifully to create separate areas in a large space.
For my friend’s room I found heavy canvas drop cloths at the hardware store for $15 each and hung them from a simple curtain rod to create a separate area for saddle cleaning.
This solution is great for barns where multiple riders share one tack room.
The curtains provide visual separation and can be pulled back when not needed.
They also help keep dust off clean tack if one section of your barn is particularly dusty.
For a more finished look, add some ribbon trim or stencil a design along the bottom edge.
Folding Workbench for Cleaning Tack
A dedicated space for cleaning tack makes the chore so much more pleasant.
I created a fold-down workbench for my parents’ tack room using a $20 wall-mounted table bracket and a piece of countertop remnant from a local cabinet shop.
When folded up, it takes barely any space.
When down, it provides a comfortable height work surface that keeps saddle soap and conditioners contained to one area instead of making a mess elsewhere.
The whole setup cost less than $50 but functions like custom-built-ins worth hundreds.
DIY Chalkboard Tack Inventory Wall
An inventory system prevents overbuying and helps track when supplies need restocking.
I painted one wall section with chalkboard paint ($10 for a small can) and created columns for different supplies.
Now I can easily mark when I’m running low on fly spray or need to order more leather conditioner.
It’s also great for leaving notes about which horse needs what equipment for upcoming lessons or shows.
For a more permanent solution, you could use a whiteboard instead, but the rustic look of the chalkboard fits nicely with barn aesthetics.
Plus, it’s fun to leave encouraging messages before shows.
Stackable Plastic Bins with Labels
Clear storage bins are workhorses in my tack room organization system.
I found a set of six medium-sized ones on sale for $30 and use them for everything from winter gear to extra bits and spurs.
The key is labelling clearly so you know exactly what’s inside without having to open each one.
I use masking tape and a marker for easy changing, but vinyl labels look more polished if you prefer.
Stacking them saves valuable floor space while keeping contents visible.
Hanging Shoe Organizers
Those fabric shoe pockets that hang in closets? Absolute tack room gold.
I grabbed one for $8 and hung it on the back of my tack room door.
Each pocket perfectly fits bottles of fly spray, coat polish, or hoof conditioner.
The smaller pockets hold hoof picks, mane combs, and other small grooming tools that would otherwise get lost.
I’ve even seen clever riders use them for organizing horse boots by putting matching pairs in adjacent pockets.
The clear plastic fronts make finding what you need super quick.
Use Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, going up is the answer.
We installed simple shelf brackets and wooden planks along one wall for one of my clients, creating shelving that goes almost to the ceiling.
Lower shelves hold everyday items, while upper ones store seasonal blankets and rarely used equipment.
The entire shelving system cost about $75 for a wall’s worth, way cheaper than premade units.
Don’t forget about the space above doors, too.
A simple shelf there can hold lightweight items like fly masks or extra lead ropes that would otherwise clutter hooks.
Choose an Earthy Tone Color Palette
Paint is the cheapest way to transform any space.
I chose a warm tan color for the main walls of my client’s tack room with one accent wall in barn red.
The whole room feels more cohesive and intentional now.
Earthy tones hide dust and dirt better than stark whites, making maintenance easier.
They also create a calm background that helps equipment stand out so you can find what you need quickly.
A gallon of good paint costs around $30-40 and can completely change how a space feels.
It’s worth taking time to prep properly with cleaning and primer so your paint job lasts through barn conditions.
How To Decorate a Small Tack Room
Working with a tiny tack room requires thinking differently about the space.
I’ve found that in small areas, wall space becomes your best friend.
Using all four walls from floor to ceiling maximizes what you can store.
Start by mapping out zones based on how you use the space. Keep daily essentials at eye level and group similar items together.
Maybe grooming supplies go near the door, riding equipment in the middle, and seasonal stuff up high.
Lighting makes a huge difference in small spaces, too. A dark tack room feels even smaller and makes finding equipment frustrating.
Don’t forget about corners! Corner shelves use often-wasted space and work great for displaying photos, trophies, or storing small items like gloves and hairnets.
Mirrors can make tiny tack rooms feel more spacious while serving a practical purpose for checking your appearance before heading to the show ring.
simple bench
Conclusion
Creating a functional tack room ideas on a budget doesn’t have to drain your horse show fund.
With some creativity and elbow grease, even the most humble space can become an organized haven for all your equestrian gear.
The key is starting with a plan that works for how you actually use your equipment, then implementing solutions that make daily tasks easier.
I’ve found that the best tack rooms evolve over time as you discover what works best for your routine.
Don’t be afraid to rearrange or try new ideas if something isn’t working.
The perfect system is one that you’ll actually maintain, not necessarily the prettiest one from a magazine spread.
What budget-friendly tack room solutions have worked for you? I’d love to hear your creative ideas in the comments below! Happy organizing, and happy riding.
