Repurpose A Common Kitchen Essential Into Adorable Hand Towel Storage

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Finding a convenient place to hang a towel in the kitchen — whether it's for drying your hands or dishes — can be tricky. You could slip it over the handle of your oven or refrigerator, for instance, but as soon as someone opens the appliance, the towel is bound to tumble to the floor, forcing you to grab a fresh one. There are plenty of products you could buy to solve this problem, such as the Magnetic Towel Holder from TidyFriend, which could be hung on the side of your refrigerator.

However, if you'd rather not spend money on another kitchen accessory, an old box grater with a sturdy handle can be a smart DIY solution to keep kitchen towels from falling. This kitchen staple offers a creative way to add discreet storage to your kitchen while lending an industrial-style flair to your space. Hang it upside down on a wall or the side of a cabinet, then slip a towel over the handle — the snug fit will help keep it securely in place.

Content creator @jordyspangler installed a vintage one on the side of an upper kitchen cabinet next to the sink to create a handy, space-saving spot for a dish towel. As a bonus, the inside of the grater doubles as a vase for a few sprigs of eucalyptus. This space could also serve as a convenient holder for a silicone spatula or other lightweight utensils.

What makes a box grater ideal as a towel holder is that its handle is just snug enough to hold a hand or dish towel securely in place. Repurposing it is simple – attach the grater upside down to a wall or the side of a cabinet using two screws in the middle section, through the section with larger holes. To get started, find the perfect location to place your grater; a spot near your sink or prep area would work best. Take measurements to ensure everything will line up nicely, then mark where you want your screws to go. Flipping your grater upside down, you'll insert the screws where the bottom of the grater would normally be. Pre-drill holes, then use a screwdriver or drill with a bit attachment to secure the grater to the wall or cabinet. For extra stability, use a level to make sure it's straight and add small washers behind the screws to help keep it sturdy and flush against the surface.

You could use your new towel holder as-is and appreciate its industrial charm, or take advantage of the opportunity to add your own flair and match your current kitchen decor. Try giving it a quick coat of paint — matte black for a modern look or a pop of sky blue or sage green to brighten the space. Adding a bit of twine or ribbon around the handle can soften the overall look. Finish with a clear glaze to preserve the paint and make it easier to clean. No matter how you style it, you can help keep kitchen counters clutter-free with this decorative solution.