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A Tisket. A Tasket. A Wall Full of Baskets

Soo...after my new found obsession with Pinterest started, I came across this wonderful idea for small bathroom storage.

Our upstairs "guest" bathroom doesn't have a lot of storage space, our sink is narrow with little cabinet space, and I'm not very in to the shelf/cabinet over the toilet idea.  So I was thrilled when I saw this picture.  I love baskets because they are a versatile way to store anything and they look good doing it. 

I was also excited because the current towel bar over the toilet was not centered, which really bothered me, so now I had an excuse to take it down.  

For the project:

Tools Needed:
  • Screw Driver
  • Drill
  • Putty knife (if needed)
  • Paint roller (if needed)
  • Paint tray (if needed)
  • Level
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
Materials Needed: 
You might find some of these steps unnecessary if you don't have to remove an existing towel bar.  So skip to Step 5 and just hang the new ones!

Step 1: 
Remove old towel bar.  Some bars just have a small hex screw underneath the part that attaches to the wall.  Just unscrew those with a hex wrench and pull off.  Others, like mine, have to be twisted and pulled until it just comes off. You might even need a crowbar if its stubborn. Be ready to patch!















This was the old towel bar after I took part of it out. I forgot to take a before picture, so this is the best image for "before." Notice how its not centered...so annoying.



Step 2:
Once the bar is removed, patch up any holes with spackling.  If the hole is bigger than a dime and looks fairly deep, you will need to patch it with the drywall joint tape before spackling. To do this, cut a piece of the joint tape that will cover and overlap the hole.  Then use the putty knife to cover with spackling.  Don't just cover the hole.  Cover around it as well.  Make sure not to leave excessive clumps of spackling.  You will be sanding it, so it doesn't need to be perfectly smooth, but clumps would be bad.



 




I got spackling that went on the wall pink and turned white once it was dry. Awesome! 








Step 3: Once the spackling is dried, sand it down to make it smooth.  You should be able to run your hand over it and not feel a seam where the spackling meets the paint.



Step 4: Once sanded and smooth, its time to prime and paint. 


Not too bad for my first time patching and painting !

Step 5: Now the fun part !  Once the paint is dry, your wall is ready to hang a towel bar.  I wanted a simple towel bar, so I went to Lowe's to see my options.  I came back with two of these babies:


I bought them at $28.50 each.  Kerry did some researching and said that the price was a fairly good deal for new ones, so I went with them. 

Just follow the instructions that came with the towel bar.  Some are different than others, but you'll basically be drilling some holes, screwing in the mounting hardware, then attaching the bar to the hardware.  Use the measuring tape and pencil to mark where the mounting hardware needs to go.  I also used the measuring tape to make sure it was centered. Make sure to use a level to ensure that the bar is level - I didn't for the first bar and it is slightly tilting up...oops!



Step 6: Once the bars are up, cut some ribbon (or whatever you are using to attach your baskets to the bar).  Loop the ribbon through the baskets (I got my baskets at K-Mart).  Then tie the ribbon around the bar.  This part was tricky since the basket was a little heavy, but it worked!  

Here's the final product ! I looove it !  Since it serves as a guest bathroom, I put some toiletries in one basket in case someone forgot something (Target dollar sections are great !)  Then in the other are wash cloths and hand towels. I left the top two empty... for now.


This was my first modification to the bathroom. It was fun to do and pretty easy!

So what are your ideas for using wall space as small space storage?

Now you can Do It Yourself Too !

~Stephanie

Comments

  1. Love it. I was just cleaning my girls bathroom tonight and their bathroom sounds simular to yours...small. They have tons of hair "stuff" and lotions galore...I'm trying this!!!

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  2. You could use S hooks from the hardware department instead of the ribbons. That way you wouldn't have to worry about them falling. If you still wanted it to look pretty you could tie the ribbons to the S hooks in little bows.

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  3. How about hanging something on the door, like a shoe holder that can hold lots of misc. stuff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. did that with our pantry, works great for lunch bags, foil, wax paper..even small thermos

      Delete
  4. I think I'm going to do a "pink" version of this with the S hooks for my girls to create storage that is off the floor and out of the way :)

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  5. What are the dimensions of the baskets that you used for this? This is a great idea!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! The baskets are approximately 12 inches long, 6.5 inches wide, and 4.25 inches deep. I got them at KMart last fall: http://www.kmart.com/woven-strap-small-shelf-tote-espresso/p-011W003215752000P?prdNo=2.

      I hope you can find some !

      Delete
  6. I think it would be great if they had lids to hide what's inside.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you could use something like foam or cork cut to size and kept in place with ribbon or similar tie piece...even decorated??

      Delete
    2. Cork has an odor. I think covering with coordinating fabric,that you can flip up for access easily. Also have a concern with things falling into commode.

      Delete
  7. Love the paint color, what color did you use?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't take credit for choosing it (the previous owners painted it), but we kept it because we liked it ! It is Behr Premium Plus Medium Base No 3400 Semi Gloss. It is a custom color which, according to the gallon of paint we have in the basement is

      Colorant....OZ......384th
      AX..............3.......308
      E............... 0.......340
      V................2.......24

      Hope this helps !

      Delete
    2. Instead of using an electric sander or block sander to sand down the spackle use a moist spong, works awsomeeee try it next time, less mess

      Delete
  8. I was thinking maybe to hang them with plastic (color coordinated) shower rings...I've seen them now where they slide lock so they shouldn't come undone...right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The slide locking ones aren't always great-at all... I'd advise to ENSURE you don't skimp on them due to cost bc they will be on the ground when you get home one day and it will be sad. ZIP TIES are awesome and EAS EASY TO decorate!

      Delete
  9. Thanks for this great idea! We have an awkward towel rack above the toilet and it's too close to the toilet to hang a towel on, so I'm going to do this!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Guess I am heading back to Lowe's to (hopefully) snag a couple of those CLEARANCED towel racks! I knew I should have purchased them, but that darn daughter said, "Mom, why do you need them?"

    ReplyDelete
  11. Do you happen to know where the deeper baskets above were purchased?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sorry, but I don't. It was just a picture I found on Pinterest. But Michael's craft store usually has a good variety of baskets.

      Hope this helps!

      ~Stephanie

      Delete
    2. I think she said that the baskets came from Walmart

      Delete
    3. Dollar Tree has baskets for $1.00 each.

      Delete
    4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
  12. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!! I have teenage daughters in a jack-n-jill bathroom....or a jill-n-jill:))
    Again like all of you..not enough room, well, for 2 teenage girls is there ever enough room??
    Oh, the nailpolish supplies, hair supplies, make up etc. I have 4 towel racks in my master bathroom and one in the girls br. I'm going to do some rearranging with the towel racks and pick up some baskets soon. May even attempt to do it myself instead of waiting for hubby to return from out of town:)) THANKS for Posting!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great Idea... Going to be using it in my bathroom. Another idea I had after seeing this one is do a wooden shelf with a hole in the sides for a closet dowel and hang stuff from it as well..

    ReplyDelete
  14. Could you use like a curtain rod instead of a shower rod?

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    Replies
    1. I wouldn't see why not. As long as it is secure to the wall. You could probably find some pretty curtain rods to use, too!

      Delete
  15. I wonder if I could do this on large scale with a curtain rod in a bedroom?! Oh, just saw the comment above mine...this is awesome!

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  16. I think I may actually find a smaller rod/bar and hang one on either side of my bed to put a book, my reading glasses and maybe a box of tissue in. With the right basket and ribbon to match the rest of my room, this would look ADORABLE!

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  17. I think it would be great inside the pantry door or by the back door for gloves, keys, etc. I have some of these baskets...got them at the dollar store...they were a dollar :)

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  18. The amount of toys vs. the amount of space in my son's room is beginning to get out of control and he hasn't even been born yet! I was just looking for ideas on pinterest and I came across this...I think it might be a really good idea for the wall over his bookshelves. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To give this idea a masculine feel for a boy's room, I would use those plastic, industrial-looking baskets. The baskets could even be colour coded to help a little guy remember where things go.

      Delete
    2. Great idea ! I like the idea of color-coding for organizing !

      Delete
  19. Love this idea. My friend has a small bath and this would work nicely for her!

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  20. I love this idea! I am going to try it in my bathroom. I think you could put this in a mud room or the area people use to put bookbags, hats, purses, etc. This would also work great for each family member having a basket for thier purse, hats, gloves, etc. and you could put a coat hanger under it to hang coats, purses, bags, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I bought some racks at Ike's for $3!! I had been planning to do this after the first pinterest picture I saw, but the towel racks were so expensive!! Found metal racks 21 inches long marketed for hanging baskets and utensils in a kitchen! 31 inches were $4! I'm so excited!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am looking for a new apartment and because I'm in my golden years usually these are 520 sq ft or less. There is always a shortage of space and This idea is great! One could do this in many ways and solve the storage problem so cutely!! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love this idea. It looks like your bathroom is almost the same as mine. I love love this. Of course, I'm going to have to do this. This would also be great for a child's room.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you like it ! I hope it works for you !

      Delete
  24. I'm going to show this to my artist daughter. She's got art supplies EVERYWHERE and a whole wall of her room with nothing on it -- YET!

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  25. Ooh! I bet you could do something like this out on the deck railing. I may have to try this for hanging my herbs this spring.

    ReplyDelete
  26. This is such a good idea for a small bathroom! I am always looking for a new way to add "space". You did such a good job!I like your finished work better than your pinspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love this--I have health issues that require lots of storage for medical supplies and am constantly pawing through boxes to find what I need. This looks like my answer--both for my bathroom and bedroom (some must be kept out of moisture). I am also playing with the idea of lining one wall of my closet and getting rid of my dresser--that would really solve some of my space issues in the bedroom. Genius, Stephanie, and affordable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad that you could use the idea ! It really is a helpful and simple idea.

      Delete
  28. Very nice ideas. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I was looking for a storage solution for and awkward wasted space in my kitchen by my sink, and I think this would be perfect for storing snacks and stuff so they're off my counter!! Now to find the baskets!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Stephanie,
    We would like to use this idea on CountryLiving.com! Could you email me at ellen.niz@gmail.com?
    Thanks!
    Ellen Niz
    CountryLiving.com contributor

    ReplyDelete
  31. This is such a great idea. Since we are intending on moving in the next few weeks, I'll have to postpone using the idea, but one home we looked at had a decent sized half bath for the upstairs bedrooms (where my 2 teens & a 'tween will be) so it would be perfect to help organize all their junk! Not to mention with it being a rental property it would be a perfect way to add space & reduce clutter with the restrictions. Thanks for the idea!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Wonderful tips!

    Slightly off topic - do you know the color of wall paint? I'm about to choose paint for a bathroom and LOVE this color. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In fact, hope it's not too much to ask, but do you have a wider picture of the bathroom, that would show more of the color? Thank you!

      Delete
    2. I can't take credit for choosing it (the previous owners painted it), but we kept it because we liked it ! It is Behr Premium Plus Medium Base No 3400 Semi Gloss. It is a custom color which, according to the gallon of paint we have in the basement is

      Colorant....OZ......384th
      AX..............3.......308
      E............... 0.......340
      V................2.......24

      Hope this helps !

      Delete
  33. If you do decide to do this project with curtain rods, be sure the rod is strong enough.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This gave me a super idea for a master bathroom shower that has an old, ugly plastic (heavy duty but still ugly and plastic) towel bar "cemented" onto the tiled wall: Use sturdy plastic baskets that have holes throughout and on bottom -- for drainage -- and hang with either shower rod rings or stainless steel hooks ... shampoo, conditioner, body wash ... that a short person can easily reach vs. a high-up shower head storage rack. Will do similar treatment to make use of the otherwise useless grab bar installed through a recess in a pre-fab tub and surround.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like a wonderful idea ! Now that I have a little one, plastic baskets in the shower area will be great for bath toys and shampoos!

      Delete
    2. I used plastic baskets with holes in college for showering. Be careful! A slime build up happens fast and is super dangerous in the shower/tub. Also mold can grow in the tiniest of places (around caps on bottles, in the middle of a sponge unseen, etc...). Be sure to clean baskets and items (including bottles) often.

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
  35. Can you remember what size the towel bars are

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    Replies
    1. They are 24 inches long:

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UGIF6K/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687402&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000GXBHBW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0YGPN3WE6V8DXA2WWPC0

      Delete
  36. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm not only going to use this idea in my very small bathroom that already has a wall unit with a towel rod built in (that I current don't use). I'm thinking outside on my chained link fence in my backyard. So many fun ideas to add color in my head to try as soon as Spring has sprung : )

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Stephanie,
    Can you email me? Woman's Day would like to use this photo and idea in an article online. Thanks! ellen[dot]niz[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love it! Such a great idea and easy for a weekend DIY project. I guess my husband will have a new task for this Saturday! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I did this in one of my bathrooms. I keep extra soap, toiletries, rolled washcloths, and travel size shampoos/toothpastes/toothbrushes (for guests).

    I'm adding some additional baskets in my 2nd bathroom, also. These are wonderful space savers and very decorative.

    (I purchase sets of 3 ratan baskets on sale from Target and Walmart, less than $20 each set)

    ReplyDelete
  41. I was wondering if I can't afford the woven baskets, would it be possible to use the plastic storage boxes from the dollar store? I have so wanted to do this. I live in an apartment and we have no storage space.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can get baskets at the dollar store, too ! But plastic storage containers would work as well...you just might have to drill two holes in the sides to connect your ribbon/zip ties/shower hooks (however you want to hang them).

      Delete
  42. Brilliant idea. I also think it's great how it's started a roll-on effect and people are thinking of some variation. Sometimes the brain just needs a little nudge to get the creative juices flowing. Thanks.

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  43. This is a perfect idea for storing

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  44. Great idea, I will use this idea in my bathroom. The uses of towel bar is awesome, we can use it in other places of our house. Thanks for providing me a brilliant idea.

    ReplyDelete
  45. The basket idea is awesome because we can hang more towel on a single towel bar. You hanged many basket on a single towel bar and present a beautiful idea to all peoples. Towels are looking good in basket. We can keep the towel according to the category in different basket.

    ReplyDelete
  46. IKEA's FINTROP series has some 'rails' that have 'S' hooks that could be used for this project, but more spendy, good low cost ideas listed above for hanging the baskets. The rails may be cheaper than towel rods. The rails were 22 inch and 31 inches wide I believe (check the IKEA website) that might work for this purpose. The towel rods were running 18.00 and up at Lowe's and the rails were 8.00 to 10.00 on IKEA at last look and seemed pretty sturdy. I really like this idea for a small bathroom and am always trying to keep prices down and creativity up. Need the storage badly for towels and toiletry. I have the over the door hanger, makes door closing noisy and difficult and is not as classy. Lot of good ideas here.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Love this idea! Now I'm thinking of ideas for all over the house!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I bought I very small condo and the previous home owners had a unit like this from Pottery Barn, and they removed the towel racks! I've been looking for replacements as I loved the look. Thank you for sharing because Pottery Barn no longer sells them and would have cost much more anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Stephanie,
    My name is Anne Arntson and I'm the Editorial Production Assistant for HouseLogic.com. I wanted to reach out to you because our visual team recently came across this bathroom storage project, and we'd like to ask your permission to use an image in an upcoming article. Can you please send me an email? I would love to explain more. aarntson@houselogic.com. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
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  51. Hi there,

    We are producing an article about maximizing RV storage at Cheapism.com and would love to use your image of baskets on the towel rack. Let us know if this is okay, and you can reach out with any further question to me at blakelee@cheapism.com.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I'm creating this only I will put small succulents in them.

    ReplyDelete
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