Store And Display Bathroom Towels With A Simple Outdoor Find

If your bathroom feels short on storage or you don't have enough space to hang and dry your towels, a clever TikTok hack offers a solution straight from nature. The idea is simple but striking: suspend a sturdy tree branch from your bathroom ceiling and outfit it with hooks for towels, robes, or even a hanging basket of toiletries. This DIY is perfect for small bathrooms, spaces with limited wall shelving, or anyone looking to add a spa-like touch without committing to a permanent installation.

First, you'll need to source your branch. Try to look for something around 2 to 3 feet in length for enough space to hang multiple towels. But you can go longer or shorter depending on your needs and the space in your bathroom. For the branch diameter, aim for 1 to 2 inches to accommodate readily available hook sizes. And be sure to only take fallen limbs, as opposed to chopping one off a living tree. Fallen branches are better for this kind of project due to the fact that they will be more dry and easier to process than soft, damp live branches. So keep these things in mind whether you find a fallen limb in your yard or on a walk around the neighborhood — and make sure it's solid and free of rot.

Live somewhere where you're less likely to find a suitable branch in the wild? Check out craft stores or independent online sellers for ready-to-use options. Once you have your branch, you'll need a few additional supplies: rope or twine for suspension, S-hooks that fit over the branch's thickness, and ceiling-mounted hooks to bear the weight of the branch and whatever you add to it. With these simple materials, you're ready to turn a humble branch into functional, elevated storage.

If you do find fallen tree branches in your yard or elsewhere, you'll want to treat them before hanging in order to prevent pests and mold and to ensure they remain sturdy. Guidance varies widely about how to prepare a found, fallen branch for indoor use, including different drying times and cleaning methods. But in general, you will want to start removing any little off-shoot branches and pieces of loose pieces of bark. Then, clean away any debris using a simple solution like water and dish soap or water and baking soda. If you want to sanitize your branch further, allow it to soak in a dilute bleach solution for around 15 minutes in a bathtub or another basin where it fits.

After cleaning, it's time to allow the branch to dry thoroughly. But keep in mind that it may take at least a few weeks to do so, especially if it was wet when you found it or you soaked it as part of the cleaning process. You can expedite drying by keeping the branch in a dry area, or somewhere where it will receive consistent sun. Once it is reasonably dried out, you can sand it smooth with fine grit sandpaper to get it ready for use. Optionally, you can even finish it with a coat of polyurethane sealant like Varathane. And if this all seems a bit more time consuming than you bargained for, remember that you can opt for a store-bought option. It won't be free like it would be from outdoors, but you can find ready-bought branches that will do the job for a relatively low price.

Once your branch is cleaned and prepped (or brought home from the store), it's time to hang it from the ceiling. Start by cutting two equal lengths of rope or twine, and tie each piece securely to the branch's ends using a lark's head knot for stability. Keep the rope lengths consistent to ensure the branch hangs level. Then, securely install ceiling hooks like you would for suspending plants from a ceiling. Locate your ceiling joists with a stud finder and install heavy-duty ceiling hooks directly into the joists for maximum support. If you can't drill directly into a joist, use appropriate ceiling anchors for your hook instead — something like these Evsteluo Swag Ceiling Hooks are rated for at least 30 pounds and cost under $10 for a pack of two. Then, slip the ropes over the ceiling hooks, and add stainless steel S-hooks along the branch to hold your towels, robes, or baskets. Test the stability before adding heavier items.

To make your branch towel hanger feel more custom, you have plenty of options. Try using a wood stain for a richer tone, painting it with a pop of color, or leaving it natural for a coastal vibe. You can also change up the look by choosing different kinds of rope for hanging. Think black rope for a modern vibe, jute for something rustic, or dyed cotton for a boho style. You can even weave in faux greenery or string lights, or hang decorative items alongside your practical storage. With such an adaptable setup, the branch rack can evolve with your bathroom style while staying endlessly functional.