The Hack That Turns Three Cutting Boards Into The Cutest Place To Keep Paper Towels

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Many people keep their paper towels on an ugly stainless steel rod on their kitchen countertop. This doesn't add much beauty to the room, nor does it inspire one's appetite. You have to keep your paper towels somewhere, so why not get creative with it? With some basic craft skills and easily accessible materials, you can design your own paper towel holder that matches the aesthetic you like the best. This genius DIY to store paper towels is made out of three wooden cutting boards — or two and a piece of plywood — and features a shelf for condiments, so it works well in a rustic kitchen. But the timber also contrasts appealingly with the stainless steel appliances and shiny finishes common in more modern kitchen designs.

You may need to visit a couple stores — or shop entirely online — to get the supplies you need for this project. First, the craft requires two identical wooden cutting boards or Roluxentia Acacia Wood Serving Boards. Each board needs to have a hole or a handle at one end. Then you need to source a wooden dowel with a diameter no larger than that of the hole in the cutting board. It also can't be larger in diameter than that of the cardboard tube inside the paper towel roll. Finally, while you're out shopping, purchase two Coowayze Square Wooden Dowel Rods and a cutting board without a handle or a pack of Diydec Unfinished Plywood Sheets. Toolwise, you'll need some wood glue, a nail gun, a measuring tape, a saw, and a pencil.

The first step in this DIY project is to measure and cut the two square dowels and the round dowel to size — they need to be about 1 inch longer than the paper towel roll. Stand your two cutting boards with handles vertically. The hole or handle end should point toward the ceiling. Then glue the two square dowels between the two cutting boards, connecting the boards together. They support the small wooden shelf.

Cut your handleless chopping or plywood sheet to a size that fits neatly between the two boards. The depth should match that of the boards. Sit it atop the square dowels and glue it in place. Once the glue has dried, you can reinforce everything with Craftsman ¾-Inch Galvanized Collated Brad Nails from Lowe's. They're less likely to split the wood. The final step is to slide a paper towel roll onto your cylindrical dowel, then slide that through the cutting boards' holes or handles.

This DIY device is versatile. For instance, this paper towel holder has a genius hidden feature that helps keep your most-used spices organized: the mini shelf. You can also stain or paint the wood whatever color you prefer (use a food-safe product), or switch out the shelf for a Gerrii 8-Inch Small Wooden Crate. Unlike paper towel holders that mount to the wall or cabinet, this hack takes up counter space. Simply move it out of the way when necessary. You don't even have to use it in the kitchen. There are also affordable bedroom storage hacks using a paper towel holder, from displaying jewelry to hanging belts.