When you’re revamping on a budget you need to count every penny or try to anyway :-) We were really pretty strict on how we spent our money and tried to follow some ground rules – don’t buy something if you can make it. And if you can’t make it always pay cash. I only broke the rules once and went completely bonkers when I bought a silver Moroccan basin for our upstairs bathroom on our credit card. Silly me, but in my defense, it’s abSoooooLutly gorgeous. So after my slip up, we had to compromise a little. The cash now went to paying off the credit card instead of getting those bathroom accessories that were on sale. Bummer :-( So we reverted to rule number one and made this towel rack from an old branch.
Pretty neat right??!! She fits in beautifully with the rustic, natural decor of the downstairs bathroom and she’s super easy to make too.
Okay, before we get to the tutorial, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter so you’ll never miss a post!
What you need
Probably the most important thing when making this towel rack is to find a branch that’s got a good curve. We have tons of trees in the garden, so that wasn’t a problem. Leave the branch for a few weeks to dry out and give her a good spray to get rid of any bugs. You’ll also need:
- sandpaper (60 grit and 120 grit)
- waterproof stain or sealer
- handsaw
- drill
- gorilla glue (optional)
- curtain accessories
We’ll only be using the bits you screw into the wall that keeps the curtain rod up.
How to make a branch towel rack
Once the branch has dried out nicely, trim her down to size and remove any small side branches.
If your branch has lots of flaky bark like ours, you’ll need to take it all off to avoid snagging the towels. OMW, it’s not easy deflaking a branch and those little side twigs hurt, but when you’re feeling a little guilty then you have to persevere :D Once all the bark has been removed use some 60 grit sandpaper to get rid of all the leftover rough bits. It took quite a bit of sanding (more punishment) until it was nice a smooth and I had to saw off a few more knobs and bumps as I went along.
To finish off, use a 120 grit sandpaper to smooth her out. Stain and sealer the branch towel rack with a waterproof sealer. We used some of that beautiful walnut stain we had leftover from making the luggage chest of drawers. Such a pretty color don’t you think?
Hanging the branch towel rack
To get the branch towel rack ready to hang, cut the ends off of the curtain accessories with a hacksaw.
You should end up with something like this.
Use the spikey bit of the cut-up curtain accessory to figure out what size drill bit you need and drill two holes on either end of the branch.
To hang the towel rack, simply mark where it needs to go on the wall and attach the cut-up curtain accessories.
We found it easier to mount the curtain accessories first before adding the branch towel rack. There’s more space for the drill and screwdriver. If the towel rack feels a little bit wobbly, put some gorilla glue in the holes first.
And that’s it. So easy and it hardly costs a thing.
An inexpensive, one of a kind towel rack to make up for a very expensive, but oh soooooo gorgeous impulse buy ;-) I added a little bag we made from an old pocket to store a few bathroom necessities on the one end of the branch.
What do you think? Would you make a branch towel rack for your bathroom?
If you like the idea of turning a branch into a towel rack, don’t forget to pin it for later.
Sharing is caring ;-)
Looking for another crazy and unique branch repurposing idea, then you’ll love our eco-friendly branch mug planters. They make beautiful gifts and look gorgeous filled with succulents.
Oh before I forget, if you don’t want to go to all the trouble to find what we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing ideas to share with you ;-)
And as always, here’s wishing you a beautiful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
25 comments
Oh this is gorgeous Michelle, really gorgeous ! I once saw in a Indian owned and themed Hotel a towel rack that was so similar but was made out of wrought iron and I couldn’t get that out of my mind for months !! I went online to try and find them (to buy of course, i am no blacksmith, lol) but at that time there was no Pinterest, no blogs, no DIY blogs so I was in a state of depression over those darn towel racks. But many years later, there are many wrought iron suppliers and large companies like Moen and others that all have something similar to what was in my mind now that I am “over” that look but you have just brought it back like I was hit by a freight train !! Now I will have to be on the lookout for the perfect branch ! Thank you, now I can’t wait for my next walk on the beach ?
Oh wow, that Indian hotel sounds way ahead of its time Diena. Thank goodness we now have access to all these wonderful blogs and Pinterest too and I’m real glad the towel rack brought back some good memories for you. Enjoy that walk on the beach and I hope you find the most beautiful piece of driftwood that you can use to make your own.
Michelle – this is such a great nature inspired rustic look!
Thanks so much Ilka, I love our little branch towel rack ;-)
that’s brilliant. what a great idea.
Awww thank you Hena
Love your towel rack, it is beautiful! We bought some new bathroom accessories for two of the bathrooms, and yes they are soooo expensive. I am thinking of making my own for our bathroom when we get back to the makeover. I have a couple ideas for a towel rack.
If at all possible I love making things myself. It’s less expensive and better made.
I agree Linda, the price of bathroom accessories is crazy. Can’t wait to see what you do with your towel racks ;-)
Love how easy and original this project is! Rustic decor is so in right now! Guests will love it!
Your so right Erin, we’ve had so many people commenting about the towel rack when they come visit and I can’t believe how easy it was to make.
I appreciate such… Thanks God for this blog, now I’m confused on how I want my bathroom designed. :)
Lovely…..
Thank you Stew, I’m sure your bathroom will turn out beautifully, looking at all your beautiful photos you’ve definitely got the artistic touch.
Brilliant!
:D
I love elements of nature to decorate with in homes…beautifully crafted and perfect to set the mood to relax!!!
Thank you, Michelle. Natural decor always works for me ;-)
Beautifully done Michelle and you have something that is one of a kind in your home. Your guests will come to your bathroom and ohhh and ahhh over it.
Thank you Mary :-)
Michelle, love this towel rack!! I think being frugal really brings out creativity because you end up using what you have and a lot of times it’s 20 times better than something you could buy at a store, such as your towel rack. It’s seriously awesome!!
You are so right Keri, but darn that silver Moroccan basin was just so beautiful. Oh well, every basin has it’s silver lining and I’m really glad how the towel rack turned out. See you at the Sweet Inspiration Party :-)
This is the most beautiful towel rack! I try to never use the credit card, it’s so tempting but it adds up fast, hey? I’m glad though you had to come up with this idea in order to stay on budget, because it’s genius! Love it and I will now have to look for a curved branch as well! Pinned!
Danke schön Katrin :-) Credit cards must be one of the worst inventions ever, I leave mine at home now, it’s safer that way.