Do you ever walk through a thrift store or flea market and see a bunch of random old things, thinking you just have to buy something because it’s all so cool?
But then you aren’t quite sure what to do with all this cool old stuff?
This happens to me all the time.
When I saw a basket full of old wooden spools, I just knew I had to do something with one of them. And then it hit me – it would be just perfect as a towel rack in our coastal bathroom.
This project is sooooo easy. It took us about five minutes to hang it up.
And then we kept talking about it for days because, really, how cool is it!?
Plus you guys are totally getting a sneak peek of this awesome mirror we got for the bathroom!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click the link and buy something, I may receive a small percentage of sales at no extra cost to you.
Supplies for DIY towel rack:
- Wooden spool (you can find spools online here, here, here, here and here)
- Rope
- A screw
- A drill
- Felt pads
How to make a DIY towel rack from an old wooden spool:
This is so easy it barely requires a step-by-step tutorial.
1. Feed the rope through the spool.
I was going to use twine, but true story, I couldn’t find it.
I know I have a few rolls of twine around here, and with everything going on around here, I apparently put the twine in a spot I thought was a good idea. Guess not, because it’s nowhere to be found.
We actually decided we like the rope with the wood so it all worked out in the end. It’s perfect for that coastal vibe we have going on in the bathroom.
2. Drill the screw into the wall.
If you already have a towel rack up on the wall, take that one down, spackle the hole and paint it first.
3. Tie the rope around the screw.
I was originally thinking I wanted the knot inside the spool so we couldn’t see it, but I like it hanging around the screw.
4. Attach the felt pads to the back of the spool where it hits the wall.
This will prevent the spool from scratching your wall.
How easy is this!? We’re obsessed.
I just bought this cute towel for the bathroom, too.
Have you used an old wooden spool for a fun DIY project? Or used anything unusual for a DIY towel rack?
You can see all of the bathroom makeover progress here:
- Coastal blue + white bathroom design plan
- Krypton blue painted bathroom
- Affordable storage towers for small spaces
- Make a DIY towel rack from an old wooden spool (you’re here!)
- 20 affordable farmhouse sconces
- The $100 coastal bathroom makeover reveal
And if you love thrifting, check out my list of the pieces not to skip at the thrift store!
The other $100 Room Challenge bloggers are sharing their progress below, and the full room reveals are next week. I can’t wait to share our finished bathroom!
Remember to bookmark or pin this post if you want to save it for later!
Pin it!
Want to read more posts like this?
Follow along: Get my emails | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram
Jenny says
I LOVE this idea! I have so many vintage spools laying around; now I need to use one as a towel racks!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Jenny! I love old spools!
Erin- Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says
I am totally in love with this idea!!! We redid our master bathroom for March’s $100 Room Challenge and I still need a towel “hook”. I was going to just screw a hook onto a piece of barn wood and screw it to the wall… but not anymore! I’m totally doing this. What a fun idea! You’ll find me shopping our local vintage shops for spools!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Erin! So glad you can use this idea, too!
Tracy says
How cute!!!! What a creative idea! I love old spools too.
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Tracy! I know, they’re too good not to use!
Maria Brittis says
Thats is a great idea for towels! I am late for the 3rd week, but better late than never. Glad you had a great time at Haven, next year Charleston. I am only an hour away.
Maria
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Maria! Can’t wait to see you at Haven next year!
Emily says
It’s so easy but it’s SO awesome!! I have a couple of these spools – never thought to use them like this!
GreenWithDecor says
Right?! You should totally make a towel rack or two!
Erin says
Love, love, love this idea! Turned out amazing!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks so much! We love it, too!