We've got a drawer full of unruly extensions cords that we've been trying to unsuccessfully keep in order with rubber bands and twist ties. While looking for cable management solutions, we found a tip about using a cardboard roll for cable storage and thought we'd give it a try...
How to: Make a Toilet Roll Extension Cord Holder
The version shown on Unclutter struck us as a fine idea, but it was missing a little something-something. Call us extreme aesthetes, but we wanted to make our cord holder a little more attractive (it's the Martha in us). We had a remnant piece of decorative wrapping paper we thought would do a fine job of fancying up our version of an extension cord holder. All you'll need is the paper roll, a small piece of wrapping paper, scissors and tape (recommend additional double-stick tape for a nicer finish).
We wrapped our roll using one piece to adhesive the paper to the roll, while apply a double-stick tape at the finishing end for a seamless finish. You should have about 1/2" of excess wrapping paper length sticking out from both ends when done.
Now cut every 3/4"-1" cut a slit down to the roll until all you've made it all the way around. Apply a piece of tap with a bit hanging off, fold over into the roll and adhesive down.
Five minutes later and with absolutely no cost, you've got an attractive way to store your cords, cables and wires, all the while saving some items from the trash bin.
Comments (21)
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so simple, yet so elegant
meera
view paulus's profile
where is that wrapping paper from? so great!
view semidivine's profile
Great idea!!
view HulaGirl's profile
Brilliant. Love it.
view graefix's profile
so cleva!
view urbangranolagirl's profile
just a thought, but it would be a better idea to use paper towel rolls/tubes. probably less chance of, er, bacteria.
view avianmission's profile
Love this idea!
view spaceagemouse's profile
This is right up my ally!
I'v been trying to replicate the twisty thing they do at hotels when they wrap up the iron... and, I almost have it! I like this idea better!!!
view PlanItGirl's profile
Oooh thats clever! Going to see if I can't do this to my extra cords.
view girlonthem00n's profile
No offense really, but I think this falls into the "for someone with a little too much time on their hands" category. Why not just use the tube if the problem is an organizational one? Do even the cords in a drawer now have to be prettified? This goes a little too far.
view sherry2's profile
sherry2: No offense taken...I knew some people would find this an extraneous effort. But I don't think 5 minutes is all that much time to spend making something more attractive; as a designer, I guess it's just an inherent desire to have as much around me look as nice as possible. I'd be sad to live in a world where we can't take the time to make things more pleasing to the eyes, even if it's utilitarian.
I liken this to underwear: it might be out of view, but it shouldn't stop you from choosing options that are pleasant to your sense of style :)
view gregory's profile
love it :)
view Joan in SB's profile
very cute!
view CanadianOlive's profile
OK I now officially forgive you for your TP obsession if you are using its by products to make such amusing useful and cute things! BTW you could probably go ever CRAZIER and have it last for 40 years if you did it with vintage fabric and glue...
view mskk's profile
Very cute. But, um, you could have recycled those - both are paper products. So rather than saving something from the trash, I'd argue you found a more immediate way to recycle them by reusing them.
view theseboots's profile
mskk: the vintage fabric cover with a glue gun is a great idea! And we have plenty of odd pieces for future projects.
Allison G: you're right...both items should and would have made it into our recycling bag (aka paper shopping bags), where all of our cardboard, plastic, magazines and used glass items go into. I just meant to imply that reusing items kept them from being thrown out (I inaccurately refer to the recycling bin as a trash bin too).
view gregory's profile
fabulous! this is a project I can commit to. So the toiletrolls that don't go to making too too instruments for my son will now become cable storage!!! loving it!
view Harpa's profile
This must be a very young group that is receiving your AT e-mail.. This has been done so long ago i started laughing..
Well as they say everything old is new again... Maj
view majeral512's profile
With all due respect to those who don't like this idea, I do. We all need beauty in our life and for as few minutes time that is a very nice idea. Thanks for sharing.
Char
http://www.andersonshea.com
view Charlene Anderson's profile
ooohhh yeah, thank you very much for sharing this fantastic idea... and I couldn't resist it and I made it :) very usefull
greetings from México :)
http://popquit.blogspot.com/
Girbska
view Girbska's profile
This is super! I will definitely try this. And I could label the cables too!
view Pooh's profile