Upcycled toilet paper holder: make one from an old candleholder in minutes

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• Tools and materials: what to collect for your DIY toilet paper holder
  • Essential items
  • Where to find pieces
• Step-by-step: build the upcycled toilet paper stand
• Design tweaks and placement ideas for modern bathrooms
• Practical tips, stability, and safety pointers

Give an ordinary bathroom accessory a fresh life: a sturdy pillar candleholder can be transformed into a stylish, freestanding toilet paper holder in minutes. This quick DIY turns found objects into functional decor. Read on for a simple, stepwise plan, sourcing tips, and styling ideas to make the piece feel custom to your space.

Tools and materials: what to collect for your DIY toilet paper holder

Essential items

• A heavy, flat-topped candleholder—wood or resin that mimics wood works best.
• Two or three empty thread spools or similar small cylinders.
• A hot glue gun or strong adhesive like super glue.
• Optional: spray paint or craft paint to match your bathroom palette.

Where to find pieces

• Thrift stores and flea markets often have tall candlesticks with character.
• Online marketplaces and local yard sales can yield chunky wooden pieces.
• If you prefer new, search for tall floor candleholders or decorative pillars.

Step-by-step: build the upcycled toilet paper stand

1. Place a roll of toilet paper upright on a table to gauge height.
2. Stack two spools inside the roll. Add a third if you want a taller column.
3. Use hot glue to bond the spools together into a single column. Let fully set.
4. If the color clashes, spray or brush-paint the spool stack. Allow to dry.
5. Glue the finished spool column to the top center of the candleholder.
6. Optionally glue a small finial or narrow decorative cap to the top, so rolls slide over it easily.
7. Set the assembled holder near the toilet and slide a roll onto the spools.

Design tweaks and placement ideas for modern bathrooms

• Paint the base in matte black or white for a clean, contemporary look.
• Stain or varnish a wooden holder to bring out grain and warmth.
• Use a metallic spray for an industrial or glam accent.
• Place the holder beside a vanity, next to the toilet, or near a bathtub for easy reach.
• Pair with a small basket or shelf for extra rolls to keep the area tidy.

Small accents like a matching finial or a painted spool stack make the piece read as intentional decor instead of an improvised solution.

Practical tips, stability, and safety pointers

• Choose a candleholder with enough weight to resist tipping.
• A flat, wide base improves balance when the roll is pulled.
• Use strong adhesive and allow it to cure before using the holder.
• Avoid thin or lightweight candleholders that wobble.
• Test the finished piece by pulling the paper gently to ensure it stays upright.

With basic supplies and a few minutes of work, you can turn a thrifted find into a functional accent. The project is fast, budget-friendly, and ideal for anyone who enjoys small, creative updates to their bathroom.