The Vintage Thrift Store Find That'll Keep Your Grocery Bags Organized

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Most thrifters avoid plastic grocery bags because of their environmental impact, but even the best of us forget a grocery tote now and again. When those plastic bags start piling up, it can be tough to find them a proper home. Many people stuff them under their kitchen sink, but that makes it difficult to find other cleaning supplies and tools, not to mention the risk of a mess if the sink ever leaks. Others put smaller bags into larger ones, but this solution can get unruly when you don't have a great place to store the larger bag.

If this rings true to you, there may be a vintage shop find that can declutter old plastic bags and make them easy to store: a wooden toilet paper holder. You've probably passed them in stores. These rectangular holders are about 2 feet tall and feature cutout designs, such as hearts or circles, carved into the front or sides. Their tops are removable — this is where you will store your plastic bags. When you need one, just pull one from the cutout or open the top and take one out. Slim and simple in design, these towers can be tucked into closets and pantries where they'll be accessible yet out of the way. Now you'll have a simple solution for storing plastic shopping bags, and if it becomes empty, then you can always use it for its intended purpose again.

These toilet-paper-turned-plastic-bag holders are certainly useful, but let's face it: They're a little kitchy. The hearts give off a very traditional look. If your holder is tucked away in a pantry, then this probably doesn't matter. But if not, then it's time to give your tower a makeover.

Painting or restaining these holders can give them a new look. You can choose a brand-new color or go with one you already have in the room. Restaining in a darker color can also help match your decor and make those hearts a little harder to see. If you're really excited about a project, paint the holder white or black, then use stencils to add accents and designs. Sherwin-Williams' Real Red would pop against black, while Lite Lavender could work on a white background. You could also cover the tower in wallpaper or use Mod Podge to adhere newspaper, magazine, or wrapping paper scraps for a creative way to use decoupage in your home.

Some thrifters may find it hard to unsee the hearts, even after painting. If you have the tools, then you can try carving them into a different shape. You may be able to turn them into squares, rectangles, or circles, depending on your tower, abilities, and tools. This option is probably best for more experienced woodworkers, as it requires precision to avoid breaking the tower. If you want to try, then you'll likely need a saw and a pencil to sketch out your pattern before you start. Don't forget to sand the sides when you're done. This will prevent bags from tearing on the rough surface as you pull them out.