Lowe’s Creative Ideas Monthly Challenge: For as long as we’ve lived here (going on 8 years), the guest bathroom’s toilet paper rested in a basket on the floor. Not ideal. So, rather than just secure a pretty oil rubbed bronze holder to the wall, I attached it to a piece of stained scrap wood to create a shelf for decorative accessories like a small plant, air freshener, vase of flowers, extra t.p. or even just cell phone accident prevention, if you know what I mean.
![DIY Toilet Paper Holder with Shelf tutorial @diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/toilet-paper-holder-with-shelf-@diyshowoff.jpg)
What I used:
What I did:
1. Cut, sand and clean a piece of scrap wood.
![DIY shelf toilet paper holder at diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sand-wood.jpg)
2. Stain wood shelf by applying stain. Then wipe away with a clean rag. I use RustOleum Ultimate Wood Stain since it dries in about an hour.
![DIY shelf toilet paper holder at diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/RustOleum-Ultimate-Wood-Stain-kona.jpg)
3. Seal wood. I did two coats.
![DIY shelf toilet paper holder at diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/polyurethane.jpg)
4. Attach the toilet paper holder to the under side of the shelf. Allowing room for toilet paper to roll (not be tight agains the wall when installed).
![DIY shelf toilet paper holder at diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/attach-toilet-paper-holder.jpg)
Optional: Have inspector approve your work.
![Lalka (ragdoll) at diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ragdoll.jpg)
5. Attach corner brackets on one side where shelf will rest against the wall.
![DIY shelf toilet paper holder at diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/corner-brackets.jpg)
6. Decide placement (keeping everyone’s size in mind – not too far of a reach but not so close that it’s in the way of someone’s knees or thighs) and using a level (there’s one in my iPhone’s compass), secure shelf to the wall with screws (use wall anchors if needed).
![DIY shelf toilet paper holder at diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/level.jpg)
7. Add a roll of toilet paper.
![DIY Toilet Paper Holder with Shelf tutorial @diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/diy-hanging-toilet-paper-shelf-.jpg)
![DIY Toilet Paper Holder with Shelf tutorial @diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/toilet-paper-holder-cell-phone-decorative-shelf-@diyshowoff.jpg)
![DIY Toilet Paper Holder with Shelf tutorial @diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/diyshowoff-toilet-paper-holder-shelf-tutorial.jpg)
![DIY Toilet Paper Holder with Shelf tutorial @diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/toilet-paper-holder.jpg)
![DIY Toilet Paper Holder with Shelf tutorial @diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/hanging-toilet-paper-holder-shelf-at-diyshowoff.com_.jpg)
Other bathroom updates:
Pedestal sink means no storage. Storage cubes with linen milk crates/bins for organizing towels and bath products…
{It’s been nearly SIX years and the painted floor is still in good shape!}![bathroom storage cube and bins](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bathroom-storage-cube-and-bins.jpg)
A towel ring for hand towels…![towel bar](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/towel-bar.jpg)
![bathroom updates](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bathroom-updates.jpg)
Just a few finishing but helpful/functional accessories make a big difference!
![Bathroom Updates @diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Bathroom-Updates-@diyshowoff.jpg)
![DIY Toilet Paper Holder with Shelf tutorial @diyshowoff](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DIY-Toilet-Paper-Holder-with-Shelf-tutorial-@diyshowoff.jpg)
![DIYShowOff #lowescreator](https://diyshowoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/LCI-holiday.jpg)
I received a Lowe’s gift card to put towards this challenge. Opinion and above idea is 100% my own. More DIY ideas at Lowe’s Creative Ideas or follow Lowe’s on Instagram, Pinterest and sign up for the Creative Ideas magazine and app.