DIY Toilet Paper Holder: How to Make One from Household Items

The Problem With Missing Toilet Paper Storage

If your bathroom lacks a built-in toilet paper dispenser, you understand the frustration of finding a proper place to keep your rolls. Stashing them on the tank lid, under the sink, or on the counter works in a pinch, but these makeshift solutions create clutter and leave your toilet paper vulnerable to water splashes and bathroom moisture. A well-designed toilet paper holder keeps rolls accessible, organized, and protected from daily bathroom hazards.

Rather than purchasing an expensive fixture or dealing with installation headaches, savvy homeowners are discovering creative alternatives using everyday materials. The good news is that crafting your own toilet paper holder is simpler than you might think, requiring just basic supplies you likely already have at home.

Building Your DIY Toilet Paper Holder

The solution starts with two simple components: a plastic screw-top lid and wooden dowels or bamboo skewers. This combination creates a sturdy base for a decorative holder that rivals store-bought options in both function and appearance. The project gained popularity through DIY crafting communities and requires only basic hand tools like scissors, a soldering iron, hot glue, and a saw.

Begin by trimming your wooden skewers or dowels to stand one to two inches taller than your toilet paper roll when standing upright. These pieces form the vertical structure that holds your paper roll in place. Mark evenly spaced dots on the plastic lid’s top surface, leaving approximately one-fifth of the lid open where the toilet paper will feed through. Use a soldering iron to pierce holes at each marked location, then insert and glue your skewers firmly into place.

Next, weave crafting rope through the upright skewers to create the basket’s body. This weaving serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, providing structural support while creating visual appeal. Secure the rope at the beginning and end of each weave with glue to prevent unraveling. Wrap leather strips around the lid’s top and bottom edges for a finished, upholstered look that elevates your project from basic craft to genuine bathroom décor.

Installing the Paper Roll Mechanism

A paperboard dowel serves as the rod that holds your toilet paper roll. Cut it to fit snugly inside your basket structure, then cover one end with scrap cardboard for stability. Wrap the entire dowel and cardboard cap with twine, using a lighter to carefully burn away any loose threads for a polished finish. Position this assembly in the basket’s center, ensuring enough clearance on both sides so the paper roll slides on and off easily. Finish with an acrylic sealer spray to protect your work.

The base of your holder deserves attention too. Cut a piece of cardboard to cover what is now the bottom of your basket, wrap it with burlap or similar fabric, and glue it securely in place. This backing prevents moisture from seeping through and gives your project a professional appearance. Many crafters also repurpose toilet paper tubes and other household items to create coordinating bathroom storage solutions that complement this holder perfectly.

Customizing Your Creation

Once your basic toilet paper holder is complete, numerous customization options let you match your bathroom décor. Antique upholstery tacks pressed into the leather straps at regular intervals add visual interest and a sophisticated touch reminiscent of fine furniture. Swapping the burlap backing for patterned upholstery fabric creates a more cohesive bathroom aesthetic.

Color combinations offer another easy upgrade. Instead of using a single rope color in your weave, try a two-tone approach. Weave one color halfway up the dowels, then introduce a contrasting rope color to create decorative bands. Other unconventional storage solutions for bathrooms prove that resourceful repurposing often yields surprisingly elegant results.

Why This Project Matters for Shoppers

Creating a DIY toilet paper holder offers real value beyond simple functionality. You gain a custom piece that reflects your personal style while spending far less than retail alternatives. The project requires minimal tools and materials, making it accessible to crafters of all skill levels. Perhaps most importantly, you eliminate the eyesore of loose paper rolls scattered around your bathroom, creating a more organized and hygienic space.

Proper toilet paper storage also supports better bathroom sanitation by keeping your supplies protected and off potentially contaminated surfaces. Whether you’re working with limited bathroom space or simply want to add personality to your home, this project demonstrates that practical solutions don’t require expensive purchases or professional installation.