Skip Baskets: The Creative Way To Add Toilet Paper Storage With Vintage Charm

If all your spare toilet paper ends up balanced on the back of the toilet, stuffed into a cabinet, or even worse, left out in its plastic packaging, we have just the trick for you to give your bathroom more of a curated aesthetic. Next time you're thrifting, keep an eye out for a vintage bird cage, as these can easily be repurposed in your home and garden without feeling out of place. In a bathroom, they can keep those extra rolls on hand and give your space some big personality. Why hide supplies away when they could become part of the decor?

The reason an old bird cage works so well for this job is that, in addition to looking striking, its design will let air circulate around the toilet rolls. This is important in a humid space like a bathroom. Plus, it makes it easy to see when supplies are getting low. A standard toilet paper roll is about four to five inches in diameter, so a medium to large decorative bird cage could comfortably accommodate several spare rolls. While a large cage can be set on the floor by the toilet itself, a smaller cage could sit on a shelf or vanity. 

Once you've found the right bird cage, that's only half the job. Before you bring it home, check for loose rust or peeling paint — if the cage seems very old with a lot of flaking paint, it's probably better avoided unless you're willing to entirely strip and repaint it. For some, upcycling an old bird cage may be worth the extra effort, but older painted items can contain lead-based paint so sanding unknown finishes can actually be hazardous. Then, you will need to give it a good clean before storing supplies inside, especially if it came from a thrift store or flea market. Wash the metal with warm, soapy water and allow it to dry completely.

Next, think about placement — toilet paper easily absorbs moisture, so the driest corner of your bathroom is often the best choice. You can place felt pads beneath it if you're concerned about it scratching the tiles, or slip a small wooden tray or woven mat under the base so that the rolls have something to sit on. 

As birdcages add a very vintage look, it's definitely a toilet paper holder for a quirky bathroom aesthetic, especially if that aesthetic already leans vintage. To make the bird cage feel like an intentional part of a wider decor scheme, try echoing its more aged finish elsewhere in the room. An antique-style mirror, vintage lighting, or some vintage metal hardware such as copper or sterling silver would tie it all together. Smaller details around your bathroom can complete the look, including antique botanical prints on the walls and ornate trinket dishes, apothecary-style jars, or perfume bottles sitting on the vanity.