Trade In Your Paper Towel Holder: There's A Simple And Budget-Friendly DIY To Try

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It might not seem like a big deal, but a paper towel holder can influence the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Use a boring one, and your natural or composite stone countertops will look plain, too. Similarly, if you invest in a high-end model, your kitchen will seem luxurious. But if you don't want to spend your hard-earned money on a mass-produced holder, try a simple and economical DIY: mix a bit of plaster of Paris in a small container and add a narrow tube in the middle to create your own paper towel holder.

You can decorate it as you like to customize it for your kitchen. Give it a few coats of paint for an understated look or adhere strips of peel-and-stick contact paper for a luxurious appearance. Alternatively, go for a maximalist finish if you wish to infuse a bit of color and spruce up your outdated white kitchen. Regarding the supplies, you just need a bit of plaster leftover from your other projects. In case you don't have any or it's not usable (if it feels lumpy), DAP's 4-pound Dry Mix pack costs a mere $6. Additionally, you'll need an empty tube from an aluminum foil roll or a dowel. You'll also need a tall plastic container you don't mind dirtying. Feel free to recycle an old bowl (bonus points if it's star-, flower-, or fruit-shaped) to lend your holder an interesting personality. If you don't have one to spare, the star-shaped bottom of an old water or soda bottle creates the same effect.

The first thing to do is wipe your container with a damp microfiber cloth. While the container is still wet, pour in a bit of plaster and mix it with water as per the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to spread it out evenly, or your base will end up looking lumpy when it cures. Trim the empty foil tube or dowel so that it is only 1 inch taller than the paper towel roll. Now, affix the rod or empty foil tube to the middle of the plaster base. If you mixed too much plaster and don't want to waste it, you can make a second holder to store trash bags.

Give the plaster about an hour to set, then carefully pry it out of the mold and set it aside to harden for the next day or so — you'll find all these instructions on the plaster's packaging so be sure to go through them. Afterward, paint it as you like to hide your holder's budget-friendly beginnings. A coat of stone spray paint, such as Rust-Oleum, will look great if you want a rustic appearance. Another idea is to mix a few drops of pigment in the plaster while it's still wet. You can even stick a Christmas ornament on top to mimic the finial on expensive models. Glittering strips of washi tape added in alternating shades over the central tube adds a pop of color. Finally, seal the project with Mod Podge Spray to prolong the life of your paper towel holder.