Ditch The Towel Rack: Try This Wooden Block DIY Instead

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Interior design offers homeowners and renters alike the opportunity to add a little playfulness into everyday life. Switching out utilitarian fixtures and furniture for something a little more whimsical can be the nudge you need to take your day less seriously. Case in point — you can say bye to traditional towel racks. There's a more creative way to bring coastal vibes, a bohemian feel, or even a kids' building block aesthetic to your bathroom. Switch out that boring wall-mounted towel bar or ring for a lighthearted and artsy yet practical decor piece that just happens to also display your hand towels neatly beside your vanity. It's made from geometric wood blocks strung onto natural rope and fitted with a handle at one end.

To make this cute bathroom fixture, you'll need some scrap pieces of wood in various geometric shapes. You can source the blocks online, like these Syhood Montessori Pattern Blocks for about $14. Or, if you have a home workshop, you could cut them out yourself using a circular saw. You'll also need some, ideally, wired jute twine — but some regular thick Xinshucan Jute Rope will also work if you can't find the wired kind — and a Jucoan D-Shaped Purse Handle in a color or pattern you like or that fits your bathroom's existing aesthetic. Tools-wise, get some wire cutters (or a pair of scissors for the ordinary jute cord), painter's tape, a hammer and nail, a hand drill with a bit that's slightly larger than the thickness of the jute twine, and optionally, a hot glue gun. The final result will be a beautiful hanging art piece that's almost totemic in style and holds your hand towels with flair.

To make your new quirky hand towel holder for your bathroom, start by drilling a hole right through each of your geometric shapes. Use this must-try CD trick to drill perfectly straight holes every time — the hole in the middle acts as a guide for the bit. Lay the blocks out on your work surface in a vertical line, rearranging them until you find a pattern you're happy with. Once you're satisfied with the arrangement, it's time to create your hand towel holder. Attach the purse handle to one end of the jute twine or rope. Wrap it around the straight side of the handle tightly, and then twist or knot it to secure it in place. After that, thread on your shapes in your predesignated order. If you don't want them to spin around, add a dab of hot glue between each piece.

Finish by using the wire cutters or scissors to cut the jute cord and twist or tie the end into a small loop. Hammer a nail into the wall, making sure to account for the length of a folded hand towel when choosing the position, and hang the holder up. Renters could use these Command Medium Bath Hooks — they're water-resistant and removable. You're done! Of course, there are a million ways to make this project your own. Add a large wooden bead between each geometric shape, or paint the blocks in any colors that complement your bathroom's design palette. Now, need somewhere to store your towels? If you're buzzing after completing this project, channel that energy into creating cheaper bathroom storage with an IKEA DIY.