Elegant Reserve Toilet Tissue Holder

Since we're expecting lots of guests this summer, we need a nice way to provide extra rolls of toilet paper in the guest bathroom. I made this instructable look like the nicer roll holders you see in upscale hotels. Note how it matches the toilet paper dispenser.

Update: I have an additional Instrucructable which adds a more solid base to the holder. Take a look.

Chop Up Towel Bar

Parts List
1. Matching towel bar, preferably 18 inches or shorter
2. Decorative cabinet knob for the top
3. Glue
4. Tools: Phillips screwdriver, small flat screwdriver (for prying), electric drill, 1/8 to 5/32 size drill bit (I used 9/64), screw cutter (from a crimp tool), metal file

First things first. Go buy a matching towel bar for your bath. This one is a Victorian from Delta Faucet. It is bronze, which goes with the other fixtures.

Next you must cut the bar to size. I cut mine at 11 3/4 inches so that you can still see the top of the holder when loaded with two rolls. Use the file to smooth any rough edges.

Find the Plug

The plug is the white part you see stuck in the end of the towel bar. Use a small flat head screwdriver to remove it from the short piece so that you can add the decorative knob.

Drill a Hole in the Plug

Drill a hole in the rubber plug to attach the decorative knob. I used an electric hand drill to put a center hole in the plug large enough to hold a 10-32 screw. Any drill bit from 1/8 to 5/32 should do fine.

Cut the Screw

The antique bronze cabinet knob that I bought comes with a mounting screw that is too long. Measure for fit and cut to match. For ours, that meant chopping off 3/8 inch from the end of the screw using a common electrical crimp tool.

Attach Knob to Plug

Attach the cabinet knob to the rubber plug using the screw you just shortened in the previous step.

Center the Knob on the Plug

Here is what the knob looks like from the decorative end. Make sure it is centered on the plug.

Attach Knob to Towel Bar Rod

Now simply shove the knob with its attached plug into the open end of the cut towel bar rod.

Glue the Rod to the Holder

I attached the rod holder to the wall first (not shown) so that the rod would point straight up when inserted. Use your favorite glue to ensure that it will be snug. I used Hold-Tite, but silicone sealer works fine too. If you use Gorilla Glue, remember that it expands as it dries, so it must be clamped. Clamping is not necessary with the other glues.

Finished Reserve Tissue Holder

Here it is, all finished. Looks great and matches the bathroom decor. The whole project took me less than an hour to complete.