If you find yourself without a toilet paper holder in your bathroom, don’t panic – there are plenty of clever solutions and alternatives you can use instead. A toilet paper holder is useful for keeping your toilet paper neat, tidy and easily accessible, but it’s not an absolute necessity. With some creativity and improvisation, you can come up with a simple temporary or even permanent replacement to hold your toilet paper rolls. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best and most innovative options to use when you don’t have a proper toilet paper holder.
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Quick Overview of Alternatives
Here is a quick overview of some of the most common and effective alternatives people use instead of toilet paper holders:
– Command hooks or adhesive hooks – Strong adhesive hooks can be stuck to the wall near the toilet to hang rolls.
– Spare towel holders or robe hooks – Wall-mounted towel bars or robe hooks work nicely for holding TP rolls.
– Shower caddies or magazine holders – Plastic or wire shower caddies can be repurposed as free-standing TP holders.
– Drawer organizers – Plastic drawer organizers with compartments are a handy substitute mounted to the wall.
– Mason jars or cans – A large mason jar or empty container like a coffee can be used as a free-standing holder.
– Horizontal pole over toilet tank – A dowel or curtain rod placed horizontally over the toilet tank can hold rolls.
– Wall shelves or floating shelves – Small wall-mounted shelves can neatly store toilet paper rolls.
– Wire baskets or racks – Baskets, racks or holders meant for storage can often moonlight as TP holders.
Considerations When Choosing an Alternative Toilet Paper Holder
When deciding which alternative method you want to use to hold your toilet paper, keep the following considerations in mind:
– Location – Choose a location close to the toilet that is within comfortable and easy reach. Standard placement is on the wall to the right or left of the toilet.
– Convenience – Pick an option that allows you to conveniently grab and tear off sheets of toilet paper with minimal hassle or obstruction.
– Security – Select a holder alternative that keeps your roll securely in place and prevents it from unraveling too quickly.
– Stability – Opt for a method that holds and balances the toilet paper sturdily so it doesn’t fall or topple over easily.
– Aesthetics – While not crucial, you may want to select a choice that looks decently neat and doesn’t detract too much from your bathroom’s style.
– Affordability – Consider affordability if you’ll be using this long-term. Some options like baskets or hooks are very budget-friendly.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you DIY or improvise a good toilet paper holder alternative for your bathroom.
Adhesive Hooks
One of the quickest, easiest options is to use command hooks or other strong adhesive hooks to hang your toilet paper rolls. These come in small to large sizes, designed to securely hold a decent amount of weight on your wall without screws or nails. To use:
– Wipe down your desired location on the wall near the toilet to clear any soap scum or oils so the adhesive sticks well.
– Select a hook size that will comfortably hold a standard toilet paper roll and won’t sag under the weight. Larger hooks are better to prevent slipping.
– Remove the backing of the adhesive and firmly press the hook to the wall for 30 seconds to secure it.
– Slide your toilet paper roll onto the hook through its cardboard center.
The key is choosing a hook strong enough to handle the weight of a full toilet paper roll without failing. High-quality brands made specifically for bathrooms, like Command’s bathroom line, work very well for this purpose. If needed, you can use two hooks next to each other to provide more support and spreading out weight.
Pros
– Super fast and easy to set up
– Very affordable option
– No tools or hardware required
– Can be removed cleanly when no longer needed
Cons
– Not as visually appealing
– Adhesive could fail over time with weight/humidity
– Only a temporary solution, not permanent
Spare Towel Bars or Robe Hooks
If you already have wall-mounted towel bars or robe hooks in your bathroom, these can double as improvised toilet paper holders in a pinch. The benefit is you don’t need to purchase or install anything new. Simply slide your toilet paper roll onto the bar or hook through its center cardboard tube.
Towel bars work best if installed at a height accessible to your toilet. Make sure the bar is firmly secured so it doesn’t come loose. For robe hooks, select a sturdy hook deep enough to hold the width of a roll. The hook should have enough space between the base and wall to accommodate the roll.
You may want to only drape a few sheets of toilet paper over the bar or hook rather than the entire roll if it seems like it could slip off easily. This helps avoid the toilet paper unravelling onto the floor.
Pros
– Convenient since items are already installed
– Quick and easy set-up
– No cost for new hardware or purchases
– Simple solution for short-term needs
Cons
– Rolls are not secured as firmly as a toilet paper holder
– Could loosen towel bar or hook over time
– TP rolls are prone to unraveling off the bar
– Not an aesthetically pleasing long-term solution
Shower Caddies
An inventive option is to use a plastic shower caddy or wire shower basket as an improvised toilet paper holder. Many people already have one of these on hand to store shower essentials. They work perfectly well as a substitute TP holder.
Simply place the caddy near your toilet and stand a toilet paper roll vertically inside one of the open compartments. The plastic or wire rack acts as a free-standing holder, keeping your roll upright, contained and dispersed evenly.
For ideal use, choose a caddy design with enough openings and depth to securely hold toilet paper. Make sure it’s balanced sturdily and won’t tip over. If needed, weigh down the base with small heavy objects or attach non-slip pads to the bottom.
Pros
– Very affordable since many people already own one
– Functions well at holding TP rolls upright
– Provides even weight distribution
– Can work as permanent or temporary holder
Cons
– Takes up more floor space near toilet
– Plastic material can look a bit cheap
– Metal wire could rust over time from humidity
– Rolls may slip down if openings are too shallow
Drawer Organizers
For a more polished look, you can use a drawer organizer. These typically have multiple plastic compartments perfect for neatly standing up toilet paper rolls inside. They are designed to keep all sorts of items separated in drawers.
Take a drawer organizer and securely adhere it to your bathroom wall horizontally using strong adhesives or screws. Place a toilet paper roll vertically in one or more of the compartments. This creates a nice organized wall unit for your TP. It prevents rolls from unraveling and contains any messes.
Choose an organizer with deep enough compartments to accommodate the toilet paper’s width. Make sure it’s mounted sturdily so rolls don’t push it off the wall. Clean the wall thoroughly before applying any adhesive.
Pros
– Provides neat, tidy storage for TP rolls
– Prevents messes and unravelling
– Easy to mount to wall with hardware
– Looks cleaner and more polished
Cons
– Must be purchased if you don’t already own one
– Takes up more wall space vertically
– Needs hardware like screws for installing
– Compartments may be too shallow for some rolls
Mason Jars or Cans
For a cute, rustic option, consider repurposing a mason jar or empty coffee can as a toilet paper holder. All you need is the jar/can, some decorative twine, string or rope, and a pencil or chopstick.
Simply feed the string through the jar’s mouth or can’s opening and tie it around the circumference to create a harness. Then tie the pencil or chopstick horizontally across the center of the string harness. Slide your TP roll over the makeshift horizontal support rod you’ve created.
Place your DIY mason jar or coffee can holder near your toilet. Make sure it rests securely and won’t wobble or tip. This is an easy way to give new life to common household items as a toilet paper holder.
Pros
– Creative way to repurpose household items
– Fun, unique decoration for your bathroom
– Provides a nice rustic or vintage look
– Very affordable and easy craft to make
Cons
– Not as sturdy or secure as traditional holders
– Jar/can could break if accidentally knocked over
– TP rolls may tend to slide down the pencil rod
Pole Over Toilet Tank
If you want toilet paper handy right above your toilet, try placing a horizontal pole over the toilet tank. This can be done with a wooden dowel rod, straight branch, curtain rod or other narrow cylindrical object.
Rest the pole at an accessible height across the tank’s back top so it hangs over the bowl. Place toilet paper rolls sideways through the cardboard tube onto the pole. Make sure both ends have a firm, secure resting place.
The benefit of this method is having toilet paper within arm’s reach while seated on the toilet. But the pole must be very steady and balanced since it holds rolls over the toilet bowl. Heavy or loose rolls could fall into the water.
Pros
– Provides easy access to TP while seated
– Allows multiple rolls to be stored
– Takes advantage of existing tank space
Cons
– Rolls may still unravel since horizontally placed
– Pole could slip or rolls could fall into toilet
– Harder to replace rolls needing reach across tank
Wall Shelves
Wall-mounted shelves provide one of the more elegant and permanent solutions for an improvised toilet paper holder. Floating shelves can be purchased very affordably and come in varied sizes and designs.
Install the shelf at a convenient height safely above your toilet’s tank. Make sure it’s securely attached and level. Place your toilet paper rolls horizontally across the shelf. This neatly contains the rolls while keeping them handy right next to your toilet.
If you have a larger shelf, you could stand rolls vertically in a small basket or bin. Just ensure the shelf is strong enough to hold the weight without pulling away from the wall. Clean the wall area beforehand for an optimal bonding surface.
Pros
– More aesthetically pleasing long-term solution
– Makes storage look neater and tidier
– Keeps TP easily accessible by toilet
– Can hold multiple rolls out of the way
Cons
– Involves more installation work
– Must be purchased if you don’t already have one
– The shelf could become overloaded if too small
Wire Baskets or Racks
For flexible placement anywhere in your bathroom, wire storage baskets and racks work really well for holding toilet paper rolls. The open wire design allows you to easily grab rolls while still neatly containing them.
Many people have wire racks or shelf units for extra storage that can be repurposed. Or inexpensive wire baskets are available at dollar stores and retailers. Position the basket/shelf near your toilet at a convenient height.
Stand toilet paper rolls vertically inside so they don’t unroll. For racks with shelves, lay rolls flat horizontally. Make sure the rack is sturdy with a weighted bottom so it doesn’t tip when rolls are removed.
Pros
– Provides tidy vertical storage for TP rolls
– Mesh allows for easy accessibility
– Can be positioned in any location as needed
– Inexpensive wire racks are widely available
Cons
– Rolls can sometimes catch on wire mesh
– Takes up more floor space than wall mounts
– Not as visually appealing as enclosed mounts
Conclusion
As you can see, with just a little ingenuity, there are so many everyday items that can be used in place of standard toilet paper holders. Adhesive hooks, towel bars, shower caddies, jars, poles, shelves and racks all make great impromptu solutions for holding toilet paper rolls.
When selecting a DIY approach, consider aspects like location, ease of access, security, affordability and aesthetics. The key is choosing an option sturdy and large enough to securely hold rolls in place near the toilet. With the variety of alternatives out there, you’re bound to find a suitable toilet paper roll storage substitute that works for your bathroom’s needs and layout.
In a pinch, don’t feel helpless without an official TP holder. Put these clever ideas to work so you can successfully MacGyver a handy spot to keep your toilet paper tidy and accessible. Your restroom can look neat and functional while making the most of spare hooks, rods, racks and containers you already own.
| Holder Alternative | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive Hooks | Easy to install, affordable, temporary | Not as secure, damage over time |
| Towel Bars | Convenient, no cost | Loosens over time, rolls unroll |
| Shower Caddies | Holds rolls upright, distributes weight | Takes up space, cheap looking |
| Drawer Organizers | Neat compartments, polished look | Must be purchased, shallow |
| Jars or Cans | Creative upcycled craft, cute decor | Unstable, rolls slide down |
| Pole Over Toilet | Accessible while seated, stores multiple | Rolls unroll, can fall in toilet |
| Wall Shelves | Aesthetically pleasing, stores neat | Installation work, weight issues |
| Wire Baskets | Tidy vertical storage, flexible placement | Takes up space, mesh obstructs |