Creative Ways to Repurpose Paper Towel Holders for Storage and Organization

Repurposing Your Paper Towel Holder for Storage

If you're looking for clever ways to repurpose and upcycle items around your home, your paper towel holder can be an excellent candidate! Paper towel holders are versatile items that can be used for much more than just holding paper towels. With a little creativity, you can transform a standard paper towel holder into handy storage for all sorts of things.

Use it in the Kitchen

One of the best places to repurpose a paper towel holder is right in your kitchen. Since it's designed to hold paper towels, it's already perfectly suited for kitchen use. Here are some clever ways to use a paper towel holder for storage in the heart of your home:

• Spice rack - Remove the inner roll bar from the paper towel holder and use it to store spice containers neatly lined up. This frees up cabinet space and makes spices easily accessible while cooking.
• Knife block - Slide your kitchen knives into the open slots of a paper towel holder to store them within arm's reach by your workspace. The slots keep them tidy and prevent dulling the blades.
• Potholder hanger - Drape your cloth potholders over the towel bar to hang them for quick access when handling hot dishes. Get them out of a cluttered drawer.
• Foil and wrap station - Slide boxes of aluminum foil, plastic wrap and wax paper into the paper towel holder so they're on hand when you need them for leftovers and baking.

Get Organized in the Bathroom

Paper towel holders aren't just for the kitchen - they can also help you get organized in the bathroom. Make the most of the vertical storage space by transforming a paper towel stand into one of these ideas:

• Toilet paper holder - Remove the inner roll bar so you can slide extra rolls of toilet tissue onto the pole for easy access. Keep replacement rolls handy.
• Magazine files - Stack rolled magazines into the open slots to keep them upright and within reach for bathroom reading. Add a small shelf to the top of the holder for books.
• Brush and comb holder - Use the bar and open slots to hold brushes, combs and other hair tools upright and neatly in one place by the vanity. They'll air dry better stored this way.
• Makeup organizer - Prop up makeup palettes in the slots or use small containers to corral cotton pads, Q-tips, hair ties and other small necessities. Keep them organized!

Creative Storage Solutions for Any Room

Once you start thinking creatively, you'll find even more possibilities for repurposing a paper towel stand. From the bedroom to the laundry room, this organizer can take on a variety of handy roles:

• Jewelry hanger - Drape necklaces and bracelets over the bar to prevent tangling and keep them accessible on your dresser.
• Mail sorter - Use the upright slots to sort mail and paperwork by family member or type. Label each slot.
• Craft supply caddy - Corral glue sticks, scissors, paint brushes and other small craft items in the compartments to transport them or keep by your project area.
• Sock pair organizer - Roll pairs of socks together and place them in the open slots to match them up after folding laundry.
• Air freshener display - Slide decorative fragrance reeds or canisters into the holder's slots to display the scents attractively.
• Charging station - Stand devices upright in the slots as they charge. The vertical storage keeps cords neat and prevents accidentally knocking devices off flat surfaces.

Get Creative with DIY Paper Towel Holders

Part of the fun of repurposing household items is using your imagination to turn them into something useful and clever. A paper towel stand makes an ideal basic structure to upcycle for custom storage needs around your home. Take your DIY skills up a notch with these ideas for transforming paper towel holders:

Spray Paint Makeover

One of the easiest DIY upgrades you can make is to spray paint a plain paper towel holder. Choose a fun color like turquoise or gold to make it pop. Use painter's tape to mask off areas you don't want painted. Then apply 2-3 thin coats of spray paint, allowing each coat to fully dry. The fresh color gives it a custom look!

Attach Bins or Shelves

For a more functional repurpose, attach small bins, baskets or shelving to the paper towel holder. You can use hooks and fasteners or get crafty with duct tape, hot glue or staples. Bins are great for corralling small items like craft supplies. Shelves allow you to double the storage by stacking items above and below the bar.

Add Hooks for Hanging

Install screw hooks along the horizontal bar to hang items like dish towels, potholders, jewelry or handbags. Place hooks facing different directions - some up and some down - to hang a variety of items. For a quick no-tools alternative, use sticky hook tape to attach removable hooks.

Incorporate Magnetic Spice Tins

For a spice rack idea, attach small magnetic tins to the front and back of the paper towel holder. Then fill them with spices and simply stick them to the metal bar for easy access while cooking. Label the lids for convenience. The magnetic tins prevent spills and keep your DIY spice rack neatly organized.

The Benefits of Repurposing Paper Towel Holders

Upcycling an ordinary household item like a paper towel holder into something new has so many benefits beyond saving money and reducing waste. Here are some of the best reasons to repurpose items in your home:

• Sustainability - Repurposing what you already own is one of the most sustainable ways to source storage and organizational solutions. It keeps old items out of the landfill.
• Creativity - Transforming everyday things requires imagination and vision. It's an excellent outlet for exercising your creative muscles.
• Customization - Upcycling allows you to make custom organizational tools suited to your space and storage needs.
• Self-Expression - DIY projects provide the opportunity to add your own personal flair and style. Show off your unique tastes!
• Cost Savings - Breathing new life into items you have lying around is usually a very budget-friendly approach compared to buying new organizational tools and containers.

A paper towel holder is just one example of a common household item that can be repurposed in creative ways. Look around for other possibilities like empty jars, shoe holders, coat racks, curtain rods and more. The options for upcycling everyday things are truly endless!

With some imagination and DIY spirit, you can transform the standard paper towel holder into just about any storage solution you need. Use it to organize your kitchen spices, corral bathroom essentials, store craft supplies, arrange laundry accessories or display decorative items around your home. The vertical and compartmentalized design makes it endlessly adaptable. Upcycle your paper towel stand today for a quick, eco-friendly way to add functional organization to your living space!

FAQs

How do I remove the roll bar from my paper towel holder?

Most paper towel holders have a removable roll bar that slides out from the center. You may need to press down on a mechanism or squeeze the ends to release it. Some may require light prying with a flathead screwdriver. Be gentle to avoid scratching the finish.

What's the best way to attach bins or shelves?

For a secure hold, use heavy duty double sided tape, gorilla glue or E6000. You can also drill small holes and attach hardware like bolts/nuts or screws. For a removable option, secure with zip ties, bungee cords or strong magnets.

How do I prevent rusted screws when spray painting?

Before spray painting, unscrew any screws, sand them lightly and apply clear nail polish to the threads and screw heads. Let it dry completely before spray painting and reattaching them.

What kinds of items can I store on my repurposed towel holder?

Get creative with small supplies, toiletries, office supplies, craft items, accessories, gadgets and more. The vertical storage slots are perfect for slim items you want to organize and display.

Where are some clever spots to use a repurposed towel holder?

They're great anywhere you need extra storage, like the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, nursery, laundry room, garage, craft area, office, dorm room and more. Hang or set them on counters, walls, utility rooms or carts.