How To Make A DIY Phone Stand Using Everyday Objects

In today’s digital world, holding your phone while watching videos, following recipes, or taking video calls can become tiring. A stable phone stand solves this problem—but you don’t need to buy one. With a few common household items, you can create a functional, stylish, and temporary phone support in minutes. This guide explores practical, no-cost methods to build DIY phone stands from things you likely already own: binder clips, cardboard, clothespins, spoons, and more.

The beauty of DIY stands lies not only in their affordability but also in their adaptability. Whether you're at home, in the office, or traveling, these solutions are portable, customizable, and environmentally friendly. By repurposing what you already have, you reduce waste and avoid cluttering drawers with single-use gadgets.

Why Make a DIY Phone Stand?

Commercial phone stands range from sleek metal designs to foldable silicone models, but they often come with drawbacks: cost, space consumption, and limited availability when you need them most. A homemade alternative eliminates these issues. More importantly, creating your own stand encourages resourcefulness and problem-solving—skills that extend far beyond organizing your desk.

According to industrial designer Mark Liu, “The best design isn’t always the most complex. Sometimes, the simplest solution using available materials is the most elegant.” This philosophy underpins the growing trend of upcycling and minimalist living. Making a phone stand from everyday objects aligns perfectly with sustainable habits and smart design thinking.

“Improvisation isn’t just for artists—it’s a survival skill in modern life. Turning a spoon into a stand shows creativity in action.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Behavioral Designer & Author of *Everyday Ingenuity*

Essential Materials You Probably Already Have

You don’t need specialized tools or hardware. Most effective DIY stands use rigid, stable materials found in kitchens, offices, or junk drawers. Below is a list of common household items ideal for crafting phone supports:

• Binder clips (especially medium or large sizes)
• Cardboard boxes or packaging
• Clothespins (wooden or plastic)
• Spoons (metal or sturdy plastic)
• Rubber bands
• Paper clips or binder rings
• Scissors or box cutters (for shaping only)
• Tape (masking, duct, or packing tape)
• Old credit cards or gift cards
• Sticky notes or index cards (for lightweight phones)

Tip: Test stability on a soft surface first—like a bed or couch—to prevent screen damage if the phone slips.

Step-by-Step: 5 Functional DIY Phone Stands You Can Build Now

1. The Binder Clip + Spoon Stand

This compact design offers excellent grip and adjustability. It's perfect for kitchen counters during recipe viewing.

1. Select a medium or large binder clip.
2. Take a metal or rigid plastic spoon.
3. Open the binder clip and slide the handle end of the spoon through the inner metal loop so the bowl of the spoon faces upward.
4. Close the binder clip tightly around the spoon handle.
5. Place your phone behind the spoon bowl—the clip arms will hold the phone upright while the spoon acts as a backrest.

Adjust the angle by bending the spoon slightly or repositioning the clip. Works best with cases that have some grip.

2. Folded Cardboard Triangular Stand

A minimalist, recyclable option ideal for desks or bedside tables.

1. Find a piece of corrugated cardboard (from shipping boxes or packaging).
2. Cut a rectangle approximately 4 inches wide and 6 inches tall.
3. Fold it into thirds: make two vertical creases at 1.3-inch intervals.
4. Score the folds with scissors or a butter knife for cleaner bends.
5. Fold the sides inward to form a triangular prism base.
6. Use tape to secure the overlapping edge for durability.
7. Rest your phone against the front face.

Add non-slip texture by gluing on a small piece of sandpaper or felt, or use double-sided tape on the contact area.

3. Clothespin + Rubber Band Cradle

Great for smaller phones or quick setups.

1. Take two wooden clothespins.
2. Attach them side-by-side using rubber bands wrapped tightly around the spring ends.
3. Open the clothespin jaws and place each over the top edge of your phone.
4. Gently close them so the flat clamping surfaces grip the phone’s upper corners.
5. Lean the phone backward against a wall, book, or mug to stabilize.

This method works best with lightweight devices and adds a whimsical touch to your workspace.

4. Interlocked Credit Card Holder

Turn an expired card into a sleek, low-profile stand.

1. Use two old credit cards, gift cards, or hotel key cards.
2. Lay one horizontally. Take the second and insert its bottom edge vertically between the layers of the first near the center.
3. Angle the vertical card backward at about 60 degrees to act as a kickstand.
4. Secure the joint with strong tape or glue if needed.
5. Place your phone on top of the horizontal card, leaning against the angled one.

For added stability, notch the horizontal card slightly where the phone rests to prevent slipping.

5. Nested Spoon Stack Support

An ultra-fast kitchen hack for hands-free cooking tutorials.

1. Gather two identical metal spoons.
2. Nest them back-to-back: handle to handle, bowls facing outward.
3. Twist them slightly so the handles lock together via friction.
4. Place the assembly on a flat surface with the bowls forming a V-shape.
5. Rest your phone across the curved bowls.

The natural curve of the spoons cradles the phone securely. Use heavier spoons for better balance.

Tip: Clean any item before use—especially kitchen utensils—to protect your phone’s finish from grease or residue.

Comparison Table: DIY Stands by Use Case

Stand Type	Best For	Stability Level	Build Time	Reusability
Binder Clip + Spoon	Kitchen, Desk	High	2 minutes	Reusable
Folded Cardboard	Bedside, Office	Medium	5 minutes	Limited (recyclable)
Clothespin + Rubber Band	Travel, Kids’ Rooms	Low-Medium	3 minutes	Reusable
Credit Card Holder	Office, Minimalist Spaces	Medium	4 minutes	Reusable
Nested Spoons	Cooking, Quick Tasks	Medium	1 minute	Reusable

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple projects can fail without attention to detail. Here are frequent pitfalls and how to prevent them:

• Using flimsy materials: Thin plastic cards or bent paper clips may collapse under weight. Opt for rigid, durable bases.
• Ignoring phone size: Larger phones require wider support. Adjust dimensions accordingly—e.g., widen cardboard folds for tablets.
• Overlooking surface friction: Smooth surfaces like glass or polished metal increase slip risk. Add grip with tape, fabric scraps, or rubber feet.
• Forgetting viewing angles: A stand too steep strains the neck; too shallow makes screens hard to see. Aim for 45–60 degrees.
• Skipping stability tests: Always test with your hand hovering until confident. Place near walls or books initially for backup support.

Real-World Example: Maya’s Kitchen Upgrade

Maya, a freelance recipe developer, spent months balancing her phone on cookbooks while filming short videos. Frustrated by constant readjustments, she experimented with kitchen tools. One evening, she clipped a stainless steel spoon into a large binder clip and placed her phone behind it. The setup held steady on her granite countertop, survived steam from boiling pots, and allowed perfect framing for overhead shots. She now uses the same design daily and shared the idea with her online cooking group, where it went viral among home chefs.

“It costs nothing, takes seconds to set up, and doesn’t take up drawer space,” she said. “Sometimes the best gear isn’t gear at all.”

Dos and Don’ts Checklist

✅ Do:

• Use symmetric weight distribution for balance
• Test stands on carpet or cushions first
• Label reusable DIY stands to avoid misplacing them
• Customize height and angle for seated vs. standing use
• Keep a “DIY kit” with binder clips, spare cards, and tape

❌ Don’t:

• Use sharp-edged objects unprotected (risk scratching)
• Leave phones unattended on unstable surfaces
• Apply excessive pressure when assembling
• Forget to remove magnets near sensitive devices
• Rely on brittle materials like cracked plastic

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these stands with phone cases?

Yes, most designs accommodate phones with cases. In fact, cases improve grip and cushioning. Just ensure the stand’s support points clear any protruding camera bumps or thick edges.

Are DIY stands safe for expensive phones?

When built carefully, yes. Avoid direct metal-to-glass contact by adding thin padding—like adhesive felt dots or folded paper. Always supervise initial use and avoid placing near drop zones like bed edges.

How long do these stands last?

Reusable versions (e.g., binder clip/spoon) can last indefinitely with care. Cardboard or paper-based stands typically serve well for several weeks before showing wear. Replace them at the first sign of warping or instability.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Making a DIY phone stand isn’t just about convenience—it’s a small act of innovation that empowers you to solve problems creatively. These solutions prove that functionality doesn’t require expense or complexity. From a spoon in your cutlery drawer to an old credit card bound for recycling, ordinary objects gain new purpose with a little imagination.

Start today: look around your workspace or kitchen, identify one unused item, and turn it into a stand. Once you’ve built one, try improving it—add adjustability, aesthetics, or portability. Share your creation with friends or post it online. You might inspire someone else to stop buying gadgets and start building them.

💬 Have a clever DIY stand idea? We’d love to hear it! Describe your invention in the comments and help others embrace smarter, simpler living.