Repurpose An Old Shoe Rack Into Convenient Towel Storage

If you have a shoe rack near your front door, you probably know all about their benefits. They keep you organized, save time going in and out of the house, and keep your shoes off the floor. They also allow sweaty shoes to get airflow, which helps them dry out and stops odors. For their intended use, they are great, but shoes aren't the only items that can be stored on these racks. Whether you need to find use for an old shoe rack or you're just looking for unique bathroom storage ideas, repurposing a shoe rack with level shelves to hold towels in the bathroom is simple and can look absolutely spa-like.

There's something so relaxing about fluffy towels sitting on a clean surface in the bathroom, and having extra storage space is important to create that atmosphere. While you probably won't want to sit on your shoe rack, it can give a sophisticated, calming effect similar to that of a bench in a bathroom. Your shoe rack can hold more than just towels, accommodating baskets, extra soaps, and more. The airflow will help any items stored on the bench stay fresh, and the compact size of most shoe racks means they're a great solution for small bathrooms. While it may be tempting to just move your shoe rack to the bathroom, it is important to clean and care for the materials so they'll survive your bathroom's humidity. Then, you can learn how to decorate your bathroom like a wellness retreat.

Shoe racks are built to withstand the wear and tear of shoes being moved around, but not many are designed with humidity in mind. In most homes, humidity levels stay between about 30% and 40%, with some areas reaching 60% depending on the season. But in the bathroom, temporary spikes of 100% humidity are not uncommon. Shoe racks made from steel, especially if they were inexpensive, are prone to rust in the bathroom, and wood is susceptible to moisture damage over time.

To properly repurpose your shoe rack, start by cleaning it thoroughly to remove any dirt or germs that your shoes may have brought in. Then, apply a protective coating, rust prevention paint, or wood sealant according to the product's directions and allow it to dry completely. Explore different ways to fold towels for better storage and organization, or find nice storage baskets to set on the rack to complete the look.

Finally, make sure you take the time to maintain the rack and items stored on it. For the best care, you should wipe bathroom furniture with a dry cloth to remove moisture after especially steamy showers and replace towels stored on the rack regularly. When towels are left sitting out, they can absorb moisture from the air and start to smell musty or even get moldy. Turn on the bathroom fan during showers to improve ventilation. Make sure you regularly clean and dry the towels if you aren't using them in a timely fashion, and learn more about why storing your towels in your bathroom might be ruining them.