Ditch Your Paper Towel Holder: Try This DIY For More Creative Storage

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A paper towel holder is one of the most essential but overlooked elements of kitchen decor. Granted, you want it to be functional. But there's no rule against it being pretty, too. Alas, most high-end units come with a matching price tag. Plus, they're mass-produced, so there's no guarantee the holder will be unique to your home even if you're willing to pay the high costs. So, in case you need something that's functional, economical, and unique, you can find a cuter way to store your paper towels at the thrift store. Simply repurpose a globe stand to hang your rolls in style and add a bit of personality to your kitchen counters.

Besides being a creative way to store paper towel rolls, it's a beginner-friendly DIY and will take a few minutes at most to complete (after you clean the stand, of course). Moreover, you don't need too many supplies for this project. Start by looking for a semi-meridian mounted globe (this is important since other kinds of stands won't work) at your local thrift store, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. In case you mean to repurpose the globe for another DIY, you can even try eBay and Etsy. You may even find one for free if you don't mind "shopping" the trash in posh neighborhoods. Whichever way you go, just ensure your stand isn't heavily tarnished, because removing the rust could be more pain than it's worth. Also, check whether the gap between the two points of the ring is greater than 11 inches since that is the standard size of paper towels. Additionally, get a chain (like the ones on a hanging plant basket) or long dowel to create a resting spot for your roll.

When you have your globe, carefully remove the sphere and store in a cool, dry spot for future use. Post that, give your stand a rub down with a damp microfiber cloth and set it aside to dry. In case you see some minor rust-like spots, sand the associated areas then paint the stand to inhibit oxidization. In case the entire stand is affected, either use WD-40 to remove the rust or get the Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Reformer Spray (it dries black so an extra coat of paint might not be necessary). Follow the manufacturer's instructions to prep your stand.

Once that's taken care of, determine how you'd like to decorate your stand. Spraying a coat (or two) of paint or covering the base in contact paper are a few good ideas. You may even leave it in its original condition (there should be no visible rust) if you prefer a rustic touch. Don't forget to seal it (we like Mod Podge Spray) after since it'll come into constant contact with moisture in your kitchen. Now, loop your chain from one end, then slip on your paper towel roll before affixing the hook to another end. However, if you go with the dowel idea, cut it to size and hollow both ends with a drill. This will allow you to screw it in place. Next, affix one end and thread in the roll before fixing in the other. Though a bit more dependent and durable than the chain idea, placing a new roll into the fixed dowel would be somewhat difficult (since you'll have to pull it out from the fitted ends). So, consider this prior to choosing an option.