I don’t just write professionally about the struggles of having a small bathroom — I’m a member of the club. The biggest issue, of course, revolves around storage space (and the lack thereof). My main solution was to use a cabinet under the sink. Still, between the towels, rolls of toilet paper, and personal care products, it sometimes felt like it was going to burst. taking on Bathroom Remodel The project was never in the cards for me. But cleverly using thrift store items to gain more storage? Now that’s a different story.
When I go thrifting, there isn’t always a wish list of things I hope to find. However, I know when I can find treasure! That’s what happened one evening when I was strolling through the furniture section of Goodwill with my husband. There it was, the answer to our bathroom storage woes: the freestanding wine rack. His ability was clear as day. The grooved tiers looked perfect for storing rolled-up towels and TP. Not to mention, the top of the wine rack can be used for a handful of decor pieces. Total bonus.
I’m not a wine drinker, so I can’t say I’ve ever bought a wooden wine rack before. I was happy, though, when I saw that it cost $9.99. That meant with my 20% coupon, it would only be $8. After stripping the wine rack, we went to find some bins that would fit inside. It didn’t take long to zero in on two beautiful wooden boxes with handles, which I could get for just a few bucks each. The grand total for my items was $12 — but how it turned out was more than worth it.
Converting a freestanding wine rack into a bathroom storage solution
What I love about this DIY project is that it was easy and fun to put together. I don’t usually meet Display towels decorativelySo I enjoyed rolling each one up before placing them in the top tier of the wine rack. Although folded towels would have worked as well, I think turning them like pinwheels enhanced the look. The lower level was ideal for drawer-like compartments, so they could be front and center. They provided a place for essentials such as extra bars of soap, tubes of toothpaste or washcloths. This leaves another layer for toilet paper storage.
Once everything was added to the wine rack, I was pleased with how organized it looked. Despite being full of bathroom staples I have a habit of hiding in cabinets, it turned into a stylish piece that I can proudly have out in the open. I ended up with decor items that I don’t normally have room for. After all, even my small bathroom has very limited countertop space! Needless to say, the decor pieces are also thrifted, including a mirror tray I scored for $4.99 on a random shopping trip. When I was done, it put a smile on my face—and I’m sure the cabinet under my sink breathed a sigh of relief, too.
Upcycle your own wine rack into a bathroom organizer
The key to making this idea a reality is to find a wine rack that fits well in your bathroom. Sure, it will help to create storage space. However, the downside is that you have to trade some of your floor space in return. The wine rack I bought is 28 inches long, 10 inches deep and 23 inches high — a size that works in my bathroom without making it feel unbearably small. My towels stick two inches above it. It is also important that there is enough space between the layers so that you can slide the towels and bins open.
Another advantage of this upcycle is that it can be adjusted to suit your needs. It can be used only for bath towels or dug together to store just the tipi and container. The grooves can also cradle items like makeup bags and hair tools. I love the fact that it’s easy to change things up if guests come over. For example, I can set a candle and potpourri bowl on top to make the bathroom feel more welcoming. I might even remove the bins to keep my family’s personal belongings private.
So far, I love how beautiful the wood of my wine rack is (it just needed a good cleaning). However, I debated painting the entire piece a neutral color. That’s another positive aspect of repurposing thrift store items. When you’re not paying a lot, it’s not scary to jump in and change the look! When it comes to storage, I’ll probably always find out Small bathroom design ideas To improve my situation. For now, though, a thrifted wine rack is making a huge difference.
