Ditch The Towel Rack: Use This Vintage Find To Add Storage To Your Bathroom

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In remaking your master bathroom, you might overlook one utilitarian element: the humble towel rack. But you can easily correct this omission. It turns out with a vintage find, i.e., a wooden spool, you can quickly add some elegant storage to your bathroom space. All you have to do is dress the spool up, feed a wire or rope through its ends, and you'll be golden.

Besides adding a little warmth and personality to your bathroom, this idea will also save you some money you would have otherwise spent on basic racks. Simply go to your local thrift store and grab a wooden spool (or more if you wish to hang more than one towel). Try to get one that's not too dirty, if possible. Once you have your spool(s), get a decorative napkin or two, some Mod Podge, and a paint brush to customize the holder to your liking.

Regarding the hanger, you can go with a bit of wire if you're going for a rustic vibe. Otherwise, use some rope or twine for a cottagecore aesthetic. A corded tassel will also work if you want something luxurious and pretty.

In case the spool looks too dry or you want it to last, you should probably grab some conditioning oil or wax, such as Howard Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish and Conditioner, to ensure your DIY lasts a while in your bathroom. You can even keep some stain or paint handy if you wish to change its color.

The first thing you want to do is wipe your wooden spool with a damp microfiber cloth. This will help to remove built-up dust and dirt, so that your laundered towels don't get dirty by association. In case you're worried about germs, go over the surface again with a disinfecting wipe, like the ones from Clorox. Then, let it air dry.

In the meanwhile, determine whether you'll apply oil or wax to let your wooden holder withstand the humid environment of a bathroom. If left untreated, the wood might warp and crack over time, especially if it's near the sink or shower. What's more, mold and mildew will set up shop, too, and then you'll have to deal with the stink of mildewy towels. So whichever option you pick, follow the manufacturer's instructions and let it cure.

Afterward, stain or paint it if you like. Otherwise, move on to the next step: the napkins. Remove the backing from your decorative napkins and glue it around the sides of your spool (flanges). Cover both sides well since they will be visible. Give it a few hours to adhere to the base prior to applying another layer of Mod Podge to seal the design. Don't skip this, or the napkin might peel off within a few days.

When it's completely dry, feed wire, rope, twine, or cord through the spool's ends and knot it at the top. Then, mount your holder from a drilled screw (or adhesive hook if you're a renter) and hang your towel. As a precautionary measure, adhere felt pads on the holder's reverse side; this will keep it from peeling paint off your bathroom walls. (See another cool way to store and hang your towels.)