No More Basic Toilet Paper Holders: IKEA's New Space-Saving Alternative Adds Storage

When it comes to certain household supplies — like toilet paper — having extras on hand is imperative. In addition to having a few extra rolls stocked in the bathroom, it's also wise to keep them in a place that is easy to spot. If your bathroom has been looking a little basic, though, choosing a trendy alternative can brighten things up, while also helping you make the most of your available space. IKEA's new toilet paper holder — the STEGESUND — is a worthwhile consideration.

Retailing for $19.99, this toilet paper holder is made from bamboo, which can bring a sense of freshness and brightness to a corner in your bathroom. It measures 23 ¼ inches tall by 10 ¾ inches wide, giving it a fairly compact footprint, too. When it is fully loaded, it holds a roll of toilet paper on the bar — the position that actively used rolls should be kept on — as well as a single roll on the middle section, and three rolls on the bottom shelf. Since the holder is covered in an acrylic lacquer, it's suitable for use in humid conditions, but if you need to clean it periodically, it's best to use a mild cleaner and a damp cloth to do so.

As it is a newer product, there is limited customer feedback on the STEGESUND, but there is one 5-star rating on IKEA's website. Looking for more inspiration? Here are 12 types of toilet paper holders that might be perfect for your bathroom.

In addition to its sheer utility, the STEGESUND also has real stylistic appeal, particularly for individuals who are drawn to the biophilic design trend. These individuals work hard to bring the natural world into every corner of their home, be that through adding plants to various surfaces or opting for furniture that is crafted from natural materials — read our ultimate guide to biophilic interior design to learn more. The simple form of the STEGESUND paired with the bamboo material fits well into this philosophy. If you want to elevate its natural appeal even more — and if you have sufficient cabinet space for storing extra back-up rolls of toilet paper — you can use the bottom shelf of the stand to hold a small, moisture-loving houseplant that is suited to your bathroom.

One worthwhile consideration is that the toilet paper holder's design appeal may also be a shortcoming. Since it is completely open on all sides, it's easy to imagine that the extra rolls stored on the stand could be splashed with water or become overly damp if your bathroom has limited ventilation. In order to reduce the risk of wrecking your rolls, position the holder as far from splash zones — shower, bathtub, or sink — as possible, while also trying to keep it close enough to the toilet to be usable. For added protection for the bottom three rolls, you can pair the shelf with a basket that fits within its dimensions, which would shield the sides from unwanted moisture. If your bathroom is short on storage space, you can check out IKEA's STEGESUND bamboo shelf unit, which matches the aesthetic of the toilet paper holder.