I’m Putting a Paper Towel Holder in My Closet for This Smart Reason

There are so many clever ways to contain clutter, from a nightstand in your bathroom to an ottoman that also doubles as storage. But some small items seem destined to exist in a messy pile no matter what, and jewelry is one of the biggest culprits that seems just too tricky to keep organized.

Luckily, I just discovered the smartest DIY storage method that creates an an eye-catching showcase of my favorite accessories instead of hiding them in a jewelry box. All you need? A paper towel holder.

I first caught wind of this idea in a video by Astrid (@aztridk), where she uses a metal paper towel holder from a secondhand shop as the smartest storage gem. She puts it on top of her dresser, and instead of placing a paper towel roll on it, she stacks it full of bangle bracelets. Another Apartment Therapy writer tried it here, and it looks incredible.

Since this is a vertical, freestanding paper towel holder rather than a horizontal one that mounts to a wall, the bracelets stack, which does mean if you want to grab the bracelet on the bottom, you’ll have to remove the rest to get to it. However, she explains that she arranged her bracelets from least to most-worn, so she won’t have to disassemble the full stack frequently. Even if you’re not a bracelet person, this organizer can still serve you well. “I use a paper towel holder for my pretty scrunchies,” one commenter says.

You can use any paper towel holder you already have, or snag one from a thrift or discount store, and it’ll look great for this trick. The great thing about this hack is that there are tons of different styles and materials to match your bedroom’s vibe.

This two-pronged paper towel holder from Amazon comes in five finishes, including sleek gold and sophisticated dark wood, and this simple silver option comes in a few color options, too. Whether you put it in your closet, on your dresser, or even on your nightstand, watch vertical space turn into storage in seconds.