The Vintage Thrift Store Item That Keeps Towels Organized

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If it feels like your towels always look cluttered on that builder-grade towel bar, it's not that you're messy; it's that the bar just doesn't provide enough space. Don't get us wrong: towel bars are great at drying single towels (not to mention that towel bars are the secret organization weapon your closet needs). But if your household uses a lot of towels on the daily and needs an easy way to keep them organized, try turning a vintage wood quilt rack into the ultimate towel organizer.

Sure, you could use a quilt rack for throw blankets, but there are already plenty of unique blanket storage ideas to keep your living space organized. Why not try something different? While "towel organization" might not immediately pop to mind when you think of quilt racks, it makes sense. These vintage furniture pieces are designed to display two or more large textiles, meaning there is plenty of space to keep your towels organized in style. Plus, freestanding wood quilt racks can be found secondhand for as low as $25, so there's plenty left over in the DIY budget to personalize the piece to match your bathroom's decor. All you need is some mildew-resistant paint, a polyurethane sealant, and a free weekend.

It's no secret that wood and water don't mix, so is a vintage wood quilt rack really the best choice to keep your towels organized? Yes, with the proper preparation. Start off with paint prep: thoroughly wipe down the rack with your favorite all-purpose cleaner, then lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper. Clean the dust away with a damp rag, then rub dry. Then, caulk the rack's joints with a paintable latex caulk to keep moisture from creeping into the wood. 

Add two coats of a mildew-resistant paint with a foam brush. Chalk paint, such as BEHR PREMIUM Interior Chalk Decorative Paint, is a favorite among DIYers, but since this piece will live in your bathroom's humid climate, it may be worth choosing a paint with a glossier finish, like Zinsser Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint, to help keep mold away. Once dried and cured, seal with one to two coats of water-based polyurethane sealant, like Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane.

Once the sealant on your quilt-turned-towel-storage has dried and cured (follow manufacturer instructions), it's ready to move into the bathroom. If possible, position it about 2 feet away from your shower or bathtub to limit the rack's exposure to water. Organize your towels by color or size, or give each person in your household their own bar on the rack, and you're good to go! To dress it up, try the clever towel folding trick that'll add some style to your bathroom. Make sure to examine the rack every month or two to make sure mold isn't moving in, and add another layer of sealant if you notice the protective coating is starting to wear away.