When I first spotted this paper towel holder at Habitat ReStore, I didn’t know that’s what it was at first. It sat on the shelf upside-down, missing the center rod. So, I assumed it was some sort of tabletop bookshelf or a pair of fixed bookends.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I had to laugh once it dawned on me that it was an under-cabinet paper towel holder. But the screw holes on the underside (as it sat on the shelf) and the price tag information was my lightbulb moment.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And yes, I *have* upcycled a similar paper towel holder before, way back when I first started blogging. I turned it into a craft ribbon holder. But at the time, it was more obviously a paper towel holder since the rod was included…
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
But since I’d wrongly assumed this new one was a desktop bookshelf, I decided to use it that way anyway. It just needed a makeover that would work in our home!
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Mid-century Modern Makeover on a Desktop Bookshelf
Technically, I didn’t actually need to do anything to this paper towel holder to repurpose it- other than cleaning it, of course. It would’ve worked just fine, as-is. But what’s the fun in that?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
First, I decided to sand it down with my orbital sander. The existing finish was pretty shiny/slick, albeit sprinkled with kitchen schmutz. Sanding that away would allow the paint to apply evenly and smoothly.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
First, I used a 120-grit disc to remove the finish and then a 220-grit disc to smooth it down. When all was said it done, I was left with a clean, naked piece ready to be painted and repurposed into a tabletop bookshelf.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Because it was a bamboo paper towel holder, using wood stain wasn’t really an option, unfortunately. So, spray paint would have to do.
Next, I selected a midnight blue paint from our garage and set up my spray painting table outside. And I had to work quickly- check out that doomsday sky above!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Two dried coats of paint later, I brought everything inside and selected a mid-century modern stencil to use on the ends.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
To make the stencil easier to use, I pressed a piece of scrap paper over the end of the paper towel holder and cut out a template of the circle. Then, I traced the circle around my stencil and cut it out. I apologize for not taking a photo of that process!
I used some matte gold paint for the stenciling, and voilà- I was done with the makeover! The stenciled design wasn’t *quite* as crisp as I’d like, but that’s par for the course with satin spray paint (in my experience).
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Last but not least, I applied small circles of felt underneath my tabletop bookshelf to act as soft feet. And that was it!
Tabletop Bookshelf from a Paper Towel Holder
To be perfectly honest, I didn’t spray on a top coat to protect everything because we’ve been drenched in rain lately. I barely had a dry half-day to do my painting, as you saw earlier. So I may still do that later on but until then…
Isn’t it perfect? Such a fun tabletop bookshelf that looks as good as it functions now.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I wonder if this idea would have even come to me had the paper towel bar been included in the first place! Sometimes, a broken or incomplete item from the thrift store is my best friend in the long run.
Dark blue and gold is a running color theme in our decor, so this fits right in, wherever it ends up living! And I didn’t intend for all the books to be somewhat color coordinated, too, but that’s just how it worked out.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope you enjoyed this super simple, but deceptively clever upcycling idea! And cheers to all the misfit items on thrift store shelves that may be a little broken, wonky, or missing pieces. Some of them are definitely diamonds in the rough.
Also, today is the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s Thrift Store Decor Team Day! You can check out what my blogging gal pals have been working on in the links below:
1. Vintage Picnic Basket Makeover – My Repurposed Life
2. Create Your Own Bottle Trees in Your Garden – Shop at Blu
3. Repurpose a Paint Can – Petticoat Junktion
4. Art Makeover with Mod Podge – Our Southern Home
5. Repurposed Rustic Table Centerpiece – House of Hawthornes
6. Upcycled Bundt Pan Pumpkin – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
7. Upcycle Idea for an Under Cabinet Paper Towel Holder – Sadie Seasongoods (that’s me!)
By the way, thank you for your patience. You may have noticed that it’s been a couple of months since I sent out my last newsletter with a new project- I just needed a little non-crafting time this summer. Thankfully, Fall and Spooky Season is coming, which you know is my favorite, so I’m happy to be back in the saddle again.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Awesome job Sarah! I love the color scheme you chose for your new bookshelf. I often see things at the thrift store and wonder what they were in their previous life. Most of the time I never figure them out. lol
Pinned!
gail