The humble toilet paper box is an unsung hero of modern sanitation, yet its origins are shrouded in obscurity. From its humble beginnings as a mere cardboard tube to its current incarnation as a multi-functional home essential, the toilet paper box has undergone a remarkable transformation.
The Early Years: A Cardboard Guardian
In the early years of toilet paper usage, the need for a convenient way to store and dispense this essential hygiene product became increasingly apparent. The earliest known toilet paper dispensers emerged in the mid-19th century when perforated sheets of paper replaced traditional cloth rags for bathroom use. These early dispensers were typically made of wood or metal and resembled elongated boxes with a slot for dispensing the paper.
One notable milestone in the evolution of the toilet paper box was the patenting of the first roll of toilet paper by inventor Joseph Gayetty in 1857. This marked a significant shift in how toilet paper was packaged and dispensed, paving the way for the modern toilet paper box we know today.
The Rise of Advertising and Branding
As the popularity of toilet paper grew throughout the 20th century, manufacturers began to recognize the value of the toilet paper box as a marketing tool. Companies started to invest in eye-catching packaging designs and branding to stand out on store shelves and appeal to consumers.
In 1907, the Hoberg Paper Company introduced a cardboard tube containing a single roll of toilet paper. This innovative design offered several advantages over previous dispensers—it protected the paper from moisture and dust, allowed for easier dispensing, and could be conveniently placed on a bathroom counter or shelf. This marked the beginning of a new era in toilet paper packaging.
10 Creative Ways to Repurpose a toilet paper Box
DIY Desk Organizer
Transform a sturdy toilet paper box into a stylish desk organizer by covering it with decorative paper or fabric. Use the compartments to store pens, pencils, notepads, and other office supplies. You can also add dividers or small containers inside the box to keep everything organized.
Kids’ Art Supply Caddy
Create a fun and functional art supply caddy for your kids by repurposing a toilet paper box. Decorate the box with colorful paint or wrapping paper, then fill it with markers, crayons, colored pencils, and other art supplies. Your kids will love having their own personalized caddy to use for creative projects.
Bathroom Storage Solution
Use empty toilet paper boxes to create extra storage space in your bathroom. Simply cover the boxes with contact paper or paint them to match your bathroom decor. You can stack the boxes on a shelf or mount them on the wall to hold toiletries, towels, or other essentials. It’s a budget-friendly way to declutter your bathroom and keep things tidy.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Desk Organizer | Toilet paper box, | 1. Measure and cut decorative paper or fabric |
| decorative paper or | 2. Wrap the box with the paper or fabric | |
| fabric, scissors, | 3. Add dividers or containers inside | |
| glue | 4. Arrange office supplies in the compartments |
DIY Projects Using Toilet Paper Boxes
Mini Storage Bins
Turn empty toilet paper boxes into mini storage bins for organizing small items like buttons, beads, paper clips, or sewing supplies. Cover the boxes with decorative tape or paint them in coordinating colors. These mini storage bins are perfect for craft rooms, offices, or kids’ rooms.
Cable Organizer
Tired of dealing with tangled cords and cables? Use a toilet paper box to create a simple and effective cable organizer. Cut openings in the box to feed the cords through, then label each opening with the type of cable it contains. This DIY organizer will help you keep your cables neatly organized and easily accessible.
Seed Starter Pots
Get a head start on your spring gardening by using toilet paper boxes as seed starter pots. Fill the boxes with potting soil, plant your seeds, and place them in a sunny spot to germinate. Once the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, you can plant them—box and all—directly into the ground. The cardboard will break down over time, providing nutrients to the soil.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Storage Bins | Empty toilet paper boxes, | 1. Cover the boxes with decorative tape or paint |
| decorative tape or paint, | 2. Label each bin for easy organization | |
| scissors | 3. Use the bins to store small items |
Fun and Functional Toilet Paper Box Ideas
Pet Toy Storage
Keep your furry friends entertained and your home clutter-free by repurposing a toilet paper box into a pet toy storage container. Decorate the box with paw prints or your pet’s name, then fill it with toys, treats, and grooming supplies. Your pets will love having easy access to their favorite goodies, and you’ll appreciate the neat and organized storage solution.
Gift Wrapping Station
Create a dedicated gift wrapping station using an empty toilet paper box. Cover the box with festive wrapping paper or fabric, then fill it with wrapping paper rolls, ribbons, bows, tape, and gift tags. You can also use the compartments to store scissors, pens, and other wrapping essentials. Having everything in one convenient location will make gift wrapping a breeze.
Herb Garden Starter Kit
Jump-start your herb garden by using toilet paper boxes as starter kits for growing herbs indoors. Fill the boxes with potting soil, plant herb seeds, and place them on a sunny windowsill. The cardboard material of the boxes will help retain moisture and provide a protective environment for the seedlings to grow. Once the herbs have sprouted, you can transfer them to larger pots or your outdoor garden.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Toy Storage | Empty toilet paper box, | 1. Decorate the box with pet-themed designs |
| pet-themed decorations, | 2. Fill the box with pet toys and supplies | |
| pet toys, treats, | 3. Place the box in a convenient location | |
| grooming supplies |
Surprising Uses for Empty Toilet Paper Boxes
Shoebox Organizer
Repurpose empty toilet paper boxes as shoebox organizers to keep your closet neat and tidy. Arrange the boxes on a shelf or under your bed, then use them to store shoes, accessories, or seasonal items. You can label each box with the contents for easy identification and quick access.
Toy Car Garage
Convert an empty toilet paper box into a fun toy car garage for your little ones. Cut out openings on the top and sides of the box to create parking spaces for toy cars. Decorate the box with road signs, traffic lights, and colorful paint to enhance the play experience. Your kids will love having a designated garage for their toy vehicles.
Travel Toiletry Holder
Prepare for your next trip by using an empty toilet paper box as a travel toiletry holder. Place travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other essentials inside the box for easy packing. The compact size of the box makes it convenient to fit in a suitcase or carry-on bag, ensuring your toiletries stay organized during your travels.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Shoebox Organizer | Empty toilet paper boxes, | 1. Arrange the boxes in your closet or under the bed |
| labels, shoes or accessories | 2. Label each box with the contents | |
| 3. Use the boxes to store and organize items |
Toilet Paper Box Storage Solutions
Pantry Organizer
Maximize your pantry space by using toilet paper boxes as handy organizers for food items. Label each box with the contents—such as snacks, canned goods, or baking supplies—and arrange them on pantry shelves. The boxes will help keep similar items grouped together, making it easier to find what you need and preventing food from getting lost or forgotten in the back of the pantry.
Craft Supplies Caddy
Keep your craft supplies neat and accessible by repurposing a toilet paper box into a caddy. Decorate the box with colorful paper or paint, then fill it with paints, brushes, markers, scissors, and other crafting essentials. The divided compartments of the box are perfect for storing different types of supplies and keeping them organized for your next creative project.
Magazine Holder
Organize your magazines and catalogs in style by using empty toilet paper boxes as magazine holders. Cover the boxes with patterned paper or fabric to match your decor, then place them on a bookshelf or coffee table to store reading materials. You can also label each box with the publication names for easy sorting and retrieval.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry Organizer | Empty toilet paper boxes, | 1. Label each box with the contents (e.g., snacks, canned goods) |
| labels | 2. Arrange the boxes on pantry shelves | |
| food items | 3. Keep similar items grouped together for easy access |
Repurposing Toilet Paper Boxes for Home Organization
Jewelry Organizer
Create a stylish jewelry organizer using empty toilet paper boxes to keep your accessories tangle-free and easy to find. Cover the boxes with velvet or decorative paper, then insert small hooks or pins inside to hang necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. You can stack the boxes on a dresser or vanity for a chic and functional storage solution.
Kitchen Drawer Dividers
Tame the chaos in your kitchen drawers by repurposing toilet paper boxes as dividers. Cut the boxes to fit the width of your drawers, then place them inside to create separate compartments for utensils, gadgets, and other kitchen tools. The dividers will help keep items organized and prevent them from shifting around every time you open and close the drawer.
Remote Control Holder
Keep all your remote controls in one place by using a toilet paper box as a handy holder. Customize the box with decorative paper or paint, then label each compartment for different types of remotes—such as TV, DVD player, or sound system. This simple solution will help you corral your remotes and prevent them from getting lost or misplaced.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Jewelry Organizer | Empty toilet paper boxes, | 1. Cover the boxes with velvet or decorative paper |
| velvet or decorative paper, | 2. Insert hooks or pins inside for hanging jewelry | |
| small hooks or pins | 3. Stack the boxes on a dresser or vanity |
Creative Crafts with Toilet Paper Boxes
Flower Vase Centerpiece
Upcycle a toilet paper box into a charming flower vase centerpiece for your dining table or mantel. Cut the box to your desired height, then decorate it with paint, washi tape, or decoupage. Fill the box with fresh flowers or faux blooms to create a beautiful and budget-friendly centerpiece that will brighten up any room.
Bookends
Add a touch of whimsy to your bookshelves by using toilet paper boxes to create custom bookends. Cut the boxes to the desired length, then fill them with sand, rice, or beans to add weight. Decorate the boxes with decorative paper, fabric, or paint to match your decor. These DIY bookends are both functional and stylish additions to your home library.
Drawer Organizers
Organize your drawers with ease by repurposing toilet paper boxes as custom organizers. Cut the boxes to fit the depth of your drawers, then arrange them inside to create separate compartments for socks, underwear, or accessories. You can cover the boxes with decorative paper or fabric to add a pop of color to your drawers while keeping items neatly sorted.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Flower Vase Centerpiece | Empty toilet paper box, | 1. Cut the box to your desired height |
| paint, fresh or faux flowers | 2. Decorate the box with paint, washi tape, or decoupage | |
| washi tape or decoupage | 3. Fill the box with flowers for a centerpiece |
Innovative Uses for Toilet Paper Boxes
Charging Station
Create a DIY charging station for your electronic devices using a toilet paper box. Cut out openings in the sides of the box to feed charging cables through, then attach a power strip inside for easy access to multiple outlets. Decorate the box to match your decor and place it on a desk or countertop to keep your devices charged and organized.
Succulent Planter
Bring a touch of greenery into your home by repurposing a toilet paper box as a succulent planter. Line the box with plastic or a small plastic container, then fill it with succulent soil and plant your favorite succulents. Display the planter on a windowsill or shelf to add a natural element to your decor. The cardboard material of the box will help absorb excess moisture and keep your plants healthy.
Remote Control Caddy
Keep your remote controls organized and within reach by transforming a toilet paper box into a caddy. Cut the box to your desired height, then cover it with decorative paper or fabric. Divide the box into compartments for each type of remote control and label them accordingly. This practical caddy will prevent remotes from cluttering up your living room and make them easy to find when needed.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Station | Empty toilet paper box, | 1. Cut out openings in the sides for cables |
| power strip, charging cables | 2. Attach a power strip inside for multiple outlets | |
| 3. Decorate the box and place it on a desk or countertop |
Unexpected Ways to Upcycle Toilet Paper Boxes
Wall Art
Get creative with your home decor by upcycling toilet paper boxes into unique wall art pieces. Cut the boxes into different shapes and sizes, then arrange them on a blank canvas or wooden board to create a textured mosaic. Paint the boxes in coordinating colors or metallic finishes for a modern and eye-catching art installation that adds depth and dimension to your walls.
Desk Organizer Inserts
Customize your desk organizer by using toilet paper boxes as inserts to separate pens, paper clips, and other office supplies. Cut the boxes to fit the dimensions of your organizer, then place them inside to create individual compartments for each type of item. You can cover the boxes with decorative paper or fabric to match your desk decor and add a personal touch to your workspace.
Picnic Utensil Caddy
Make outdoor dining a breeze by repurposing a toilet paper box into a picnic utensil caddy. Decorate the box with a checkered tablecloth pattern or outdoor-themed stickers, then fill it with disposable utensils, napkins, and condiment packets. The compartments of the box will keep everything organized and readily accessible for your next picnic or barbecue outing.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Art | Empty toilet paper boxes, | 1. Cut the boxes into different shapes and sizes |
| canvas or wooden board, | 2. Arrange the boxes on a canvas or board | |
| paint or decorative paper | 3. Paint the boxes in coordinating colors for a textured mosaic |
Toilet Paper Box Hacks for Everyday Life
Cable Storage Box
Tame unruly cords and cables by repurposing a toilet paper box into a cable storage box. Cut out holes in the sides of the box to feed cables through, then label each opening with the device it corresponds to. This simpleDIY project will help you keep your cables organized and prevent tangling, making it easier to find the right cord when you need it.
Gift Wrap Organizer
Create a convenient gift wrap organizer by repurposing a toilet paper box. Cut the box to your desired height and decorate it with wrapping paper or contact paper. Use the compartments of the box to store rolls of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and tape neatly in one place. This organizer will make gift-wrapping sessions more efficient and enjoyable, as everything you need will be easily accessible.
| Project | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Storage Box | Empty toilet paper box, | 1. Cut out holes in the sides for cables |
| scissors, labels | 2. Label each opening for easy cable management | |
| 3. Place the box on a desk or entertainment center |
Conclusion
Repurposing toilet paper boxes can be a fun and creative way to give them a new life beyond their original purpose. From home organization solutions to DIY projects and craft ideas, there are endless possibilities to explore with these humble cardboard boxes. Whether you’re looking to declutter your space, add a personal touch to your decor, or simply get crafty, toilet paper boxes can be versatile and handy materials to work with.
Next time you reach the end of a toilet paper roll, don’t toss the box away—consider how you can transform it into something useful and unique. With a little imagination and some basic crafting supplies, you can turn empty toilet paper boxes into practical storage solutions, decorative accents, and more. Get inspired to think outside the box and embark on your own creative journey with repurposed toilet paper boxes!