You Don't Need Baskets: The Retro Find You Can Reuse To Store Toilet Paper

Who would have thought everyone's obsession with Columbia House in the '80s and '90s would lead to creative storage solutions for toilet paper and clutter? Now that CDs have gone the way of eight-tracks and VHS for most people, it leaves a lot of those slim CD cabinets without homes or a use anymore. So why not snag one for cheap storage? You can turn old CD racks into clever kitchen storage, for example. Or, turn it into a toilet paper holder. It keeps the seemingly useless furniture out of the landfill and gives you a creative way to store toilet paper without buying another basket.

Choosing a narrow CD rack is perfect if you're looking for storage ideas for a small bathroom. It doesn't take up much floor space, instead using vertical space to contain those bulky toilet paper rolls. Wooden cabinet-style CD racks are common and add a warm, natural aesthetic to the bathroom. The door also protects the toilet paper from dust and hairspray. Open metal wire CD racks were also popular and can work as a toilet paper holder, as long as the spaces are large enough for your rolls. This style leaves the toilet paper out in the open, though, so it could get dusty or damp.

You can use the CD rack as-is, as long as the toilet paper rolls will fit inside — standard rolls are usually less than 5 inches in diameter. But you can also modify it with paint, aging techniques, hardware, and other embellishments that will make the upcycle unique while fitting your bathroom's theme.

Upcycling a CD tower into clever toilet paper storage starts with cleaning up the rack. Old furniture often have layers of dust and grime. If the CD rack is made of wood, use a damp cloth to clean it. but for most metal versions, a cloth dampened with a solution of water and dish soap is fine. Make sure the rack is completely dry before you fill it with toilet paper.

If the CD slots are in the way of the toilet paper rolls, remove them to make more room. They might be screwed or glued in place. Use a screwdriver to remove screws if you find any. Prying glued slots off the sides is another option — applying heat can soften adhesives to release the racks. Then, paint or stain the rack if you want to change the color. If it has a door, consider adding a new pull to dress up the design. Adding decorative furniture legs to the flat bottom of the CD rack will also elevate the piece.

Finding a spot for the rack should be relatively easy due to the slim profile. It would be ideal to keep it within reach of the toilet in case of emergency toilet paper access when needed, but you could also slide it between two fixtures or two other pieces of furniture. If you put it near the toilet, consider attaching a toilet paper holder on the side so it can also hold the roll you're currently using. And if you don't have available floor space, mount the cabinet to the wall. You may even find short CD racks that fit neatly on top of your toilet, vanity, or shelving. Stack the toilet paper inside and it's ready to go.