Skip Baskets: The Creative Way To Add Space-Saving Toilet Paper Storage With Retro Charm

The importance of a good storage solution in a bathroom, especially a small one, is hard to overstate. In the US, the average size of a bathroom is about 40 square feet, or roughly 5 ft x 8 ft. Finding smart ways to maximize wall space in these often highly packed rooms can be challenging, especially if you live with other people. But DIYer secondhandshopperholic demonstrated a pretty clever way to make use of a overlooked space in a bathroom while simultaneously adding a bit of nostalgia-sparking personality to the room. She upcycled an old CD rack into a cute space-saving toilet paper holder for her bathroom — and we're here for it. 

She distressed the once-mahogany finish, giving it a timeworn look for extra retro appeal. The CD rack is also free of its inner dividers, making stacking the toilet paper rolls super easy. The featured rack appears to hold about six to eight standard toilet paper rolls within its long, slim frame. There's always the option of even keeping some of the shelves in place to allow for easy, structured toilet paper placement — either way, it's an added bathroom convenience. 

What's really interesting about this design is that the rack is neatly tucked between the door and the side of the tub, in a space that can't be more than about 10 inches wide — the kind of fit that feels like a game of Tetris. These old-school CD (or DVD) racks are often available on the popular reselling platforms, including eBay and Etsy, or at neighborhood thrift stores and flea markets. However, depending on where you buy them, and due to their limited availability, you may pay slightly more for them than you would have before the digital revolution made them obsolete.

This bohemian-retro toilet paper holder idea offers a creative way to repurpose common household items for your DIY decor — and it's one that you can easily replicate. For example, to distress the wood, you can simply go over it with a fine-grit sanding block, about 120- to 220-grit. You can also create a distressed look with various painting techniques, saving you the hassle of sanding the piece. Alternatively, skip the distressed finish and refresh the rack with paint or a subtle wood stain. 

To lean into the retro vibe, consider a period-inspired shade such as orange, avocado green, mustard yellow, or warm brown. If you happen to come across a CD rack with shelves that are glued in place that you want removed, you'll need to use a utility knife and a flat-head screwdriver (or small pry bar) to first score the glue and then pry them out. For dividers secured with small nails, carefully work the pieces loose before removing any exposed fasteners with needle-nose pliers. Just be careful when handling the shelves, as some of the nails may protrude from the sides and be hard to see, easily causing injury. 

Once your rack is ready to go, find a narrow space in your bathroom to slide it into, add your backup toilet paper rolls, and you're all set. A narrow space beside the toilet or vanity can work particularly well, provided the rack won't interfere with walking space or bathroom fixtures. Or, if your bathroom space is tighter, consider adding it to either side of the vanity, as they often have little awkward strips of floor space, which are perfect for this DIY toilet paper holder.