We had a very basic towel rack in our bathroom. But to solve the storage/organization problem, I built a Rustic DIY Towel Organizer for our bathroom. It holds our clean towels and ones that are in use. It’s been the perfect solution and it was really easy to put together.
DIY TOWEL ORGANIZER FOR YOUR BATHROOM
No more stacks of towels on the closet floor, yay!
Yup! Pretty glad I got around to making this project happen. Love a good before and after :)
DIY TOWEL ORGANIZER TUTORIAL
I started with two pieces of Whitewood Planks, one 10″w and another 8″w (It was the cheapest wood I found with the finish I wanted). The top shelf measures 10″ X “1 X 22″ and the lower piece that measures 8″ X 1″ X 22”. You could use two pieces the same size, I just wanted a smaller piece for the bottom part because I thought it looked better with the size of brackets I used.
TIP: Before deciding the length of your shelf, first find the studs on your wall. With a shelf this heavy, I recommend securing it to studs. So the length of your shelf may depend on how far apart your studs are. Mine measured 16″ a part, so I added 3″ on either side of the brackets and made it a total of 22″.
I secured them together at a 90 degree angle. The 10″ board will be used to place the towels on and the 8″ board is for the hooks. I used a combination of wood glue and nails. (P.S. I LOVE my Ryobi Cordless Nailer, it’s so easy to use and is the perfect tool to have around for small projects. I love not having to bring out the air compressed whenever I want to use it).
After the glue dried, I stained the pieces using a couple of different stains. I really wanted a barn wood look so I started experimenting with different stains I had on hand. I ended up using a thin layer of Minwax English Chestnut and then did a dry rub of Rustoleum Kona.
I waited 24 hours for the stain to dry then did two coats of Minwax Satin polyurethane.
I knew I wanted black iron brackets and I ended up finding these at Target. Only $9.99 for both brackets!
I secured the brackets to the top shelf first, but waited on the lower ones.
Now it’s time for installation. I found the studs on the wall and marked them. Then, I matched the brackets up with the studs. Because I was going through an extra board and into the studs, I didn’t use the screws that came with the brackets. I recommend 2-2 1/2″ screws for both sets of the lower holes!
The last part was putting on the towel hooks. I bought these black hooks at Lowes to really finish off the look.
And that’s it! I love my new DIY Towel Organizer!
Need some more organization ideas? Try these from some of my favorite bloggers. Tons of printables to help you get organized in the new year!
1. 10 Must Have Cleaning Supplies from Bombshell Bling
2.Chalkboard Labels For Kids from 52 Mantels
3. Menu Planning Printable from 4 Marrs One Venus
4. Organizing Printable from Crazy Little Projects
5. Blog Organizer Printable from Smart School House
6. Chore Printable from Dimple Prints
7. Chalkboard Command Center from Giggles Galore
8. Infant Clothing Size Dividers from The Cards We Drew
9. Free Daily To-Do List from That’s What {Che} Said
10. DIY Towel Organizer from Design, Dining + Diapers
About Taryn Whiteaker
Hi! I’m Taryn! The voice behind Taryn Whiteaker Designs. I launched this brand over 11 years ago when I became a stay-at-home mom. What started as a small craft and mom blog eventually grew into a full time design and DIY site. My goal has always been to inspire others (especially women!) with design ideas, DIY tutorials, entertaining ideas and give you the tools you need to complete them yourself!
Love how this turned out! Thanks for the tutorial!
I would choose the 2014 life planner -inspire -make the days count, for my son who will be going to college this fall!
I feel your pain! Our linen closet barely holds all of our extra towels, too! I love how you built this yourself! Love it!
My bathroom is so cute except for how our towels are stored. This is such a great look! Thanks for the tutorial.
I would love a life planner. And I love all the patterns it would be so hard to choose!
I love the way this turned out, Taryn!
Just love this organizer. I am going to be saving this idea for future when I can actually put nails in the walls!
Signature stripes is my favorite, but it was pretty close with quite a few more…Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the towel organizer.
I would definitely want to get the life planner. Thanks for this giveaway!
I love the life Planner and I can’t decide which design. I love anything with my initials tho.
Great project, Taryn. Love stained look, like how two stains worked to give it great look. You sure are one talented gal. I’ve never attempted to make a shelf (have mr. control freak who will not allow me to use his tools.)then it’s getting him to make what I want and how I want.
I usually love a painted look but stains look smooth and nice to look at. We have a storage problem in our bathroom, none except under sink. Bought a cubby organizer at Target on sale this past weekend to store towels and toiletries. Because whomever had our house before/ordered it/didn’t have good insulation put in, if we put some toiletries under sink they freeze. Pretty stupid ordering a house for CO then not having good insulation put in, duh.
The longer we’re in this house the more we realize what things they didn’t do, not good for us, makes higher utility bills, colder in winter/hotter in summer. Thank heavens for our ceiling fans, they’re a life saver in summer.
Will have to see if hubs will make one of these shelves, will help immensely. Great post.
Finally got him to put a hook up for our towels right by shower door so in winter we don’t have to freeze getting our towels. We have to run a heater in bathroom in winter.
Your tutorial was great Taryn, very nicely done, you’re a gem gal. Happy days
Beautiful, Taryn! Our towel bar just broke in the bathroom, and I was going to just buy another to replace it, but now you have me thinking… ;) Thanks for the inspiration, girl! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Great Idea Taryn! I could sure use some extra shelf in our bathroom.
Love this idea and it looks great too!!
I love the simplicity of this project that packs a big wow factor, especially for a towel rack!
I love this so much, such a great job!! I’d love for you to come & link this up at Link’n Blogs Link Party! Hope to see you there! http://learningcreatingliving.blogspot.com/2014/01/linkn-blogs-7.html
Love this!! It turned out great!
This is so great!
Really love this project. It’s beautiful and I’m sure it makes such a difference in your bathroom too.
I think I first saw your towel organizer on Pinterest, but just came over from Tatertots and Jello. What a beautiful rustic design, Taryn!!! xo, S
I love the towel rack. It is so cute.
Debi @ Adorned From Above
Loving it – great job !!!
Hi Taryn, just stopping in from the Show Me What Ya Got link party. I just love this shelf; so rustic and pretty! I like the idea of matching the brackets supports to the studs. Thanks for sharing your tutorial, and have a great day!
Val @ artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca
Love! This turned out so well… I could really see a towel organizer like this in my home. I may use your tutorial! ;) Thanks so much for sharing!!
Taryn, this is fabulous! I work with Cassity over at Remodelaholic.com and we would love to have you share this as a featured guest. If you’re interested, drop me a line at [email protected]. Thanks!
Have a great day,
Lorene