I Put a Matchbox Holder in My Bathroom, and It’s the Cutest Storage Trick

When my family moved into our Knoxville, Tennessee, home almost four years ago, redoing our primary bedroom bathroom was very high on the list. It’s spacious, but a little unusual: There’s a small room within the room that houses a full tub, shower, and toilet, while the main area has a double vanity and a large jacuzzi tub set into an alcove. (Yes, that’s two bathtubs.) 

To make the bathroom more enjoyable while I wait to renovate, I color-drenched it in an earthy pink, which softened the clashing almond tones and turned the room into a warm, cozy sanctuary. I added a small lamp, plants, amber soap dispensers, and everything finally felt cohesive.

Lately, I’ve been looking for ways to add storage that still fits the whimsical charm the room has started to take on. So, when I saw an Apartment Therapy article about using a vintage matchbox holder for bathroom storage, I knew it would be the perfect addition to the aesthetic I was going for. 

Traditionally used to hold matches (as the name suggests), a wall-mount matchbox holder’s L-shaped, dispenser-style design also makes it ideal for vertical storage. In an Instagram Reel by a blogger and influencer who goes by Sustainably Amber, you can see how she uses one to store bathroom essentials like Q-tips and washcloths without taking up any counter space. It can also work for makeup, hair ties, bobby pins — really anything small you want neatly tucked away but easy to access. I decided to use mine for cotton swabs.

Vintage matchbox holders are especially fun to hunt for at thrift stores, but I didn’t want to wait to find one. I opted for this black one from Amazon, and while it’s minimal, the shape still makes it feel like a subtle statement piece. There’s also this black cast-iron version if you’re looking for a more rustic or Victorian style.

I didn’t want to drill holes in the wall, and my mirrors are framed, so suction cups weren’t an option either (and honestly would’ve looked cluttered). Instead, I used Command picture-hanging strips to mount the holder directly onto the wall. It took just a few minutes, and if I decide to move it later, I can do so without damaging anything.

The matchbox holder keeps my cotton swabs within arm’s reach, which makes a small but noticeable difference in my daily routine. I use them every day, so having them right there just makes life easier. I did have to adjust them a bit to fit since my cotton swabs are slightly wider than the holder’s opening, but once they were in, it worked perfectly.

More than anything, though, I love how unexpected it is. It’s functional, yes, but it also adds a little personality to the space. Every time I see it, it makes me happy, and honestly, that’s reason enough to add anything to your home.