Keep Kitchen Towels Organized In Style With A Simple & Affordable DIY Wood Project

Dishtowels are a necessary yet spatially frustrating kitchen accessory. They're never where you leave them and often take up space better served by something else. Everyone has their own method of storing them. Some get hung on oven handles, others on cupboard knobs, and others still get folded into drawers. While there are some creative ways to use tea towels around your house, it would be nice to have an equal number of creative ways to organize them. Fortunately, there is one great countertop solution.

The answer to this problem is simple and country chic: a dish towel ladder. The rungs neatly hang them, keeping counters clear. Swap in your favorite designs whenever you buy a new one or when it's time to ring in a new season. The only issue with this simple yet genius piece of decor is the price tag. Designs are available on Amazon for $20.99 and Michaels for $28.99. However, with a little elbow grease and some DIY grit, you could make your own for less and customize it to match your cozy kitchen. Check out these two options to make your own.

The first way to attempt this project is to use affordable Dollar Tree DIY items to instantly organize your kitchen towels. YouTuber Country Lily DIY Decor completes her design with three 18-inch medium-density fiberboard signs. While the exact models she used may not be available, the 24-inch crafter's square wooden hanger from Dollar Tree for $1.25 can be separated into three vertical planks with a saw for a similar effect. Use two planks as the outer rails and cut the last one into three equal-sized rungs. Connect the rungs to the rails with hot glue and use spackle to fill dents and holes before painting on a coat of acrylic paint using a small brush.

For the second method, you'll need one square wooden dowel measuring ¾-inch by ¾-inch by 36 inches long (Home Depot sells these for $4.17) and a round dowel ⅝-inch by ⅝-inch and 36 inches long (also available at Home Depot for $5.24). Gather six small nails, a hammer, glue, wood stain, and a saw. Cut the wood dowel in half and the round one into thirds. Coat one end of each small dowel with wood glue and stick them onto the square board every 4½ inches. Use a nail to secure them and repeat on the other side. Stain the entire project and let it dry for 24 hours. Finally, decorate to your taste using your choice of accessories.

Whether you go with the Dollar Tree or Home Depot woodworking method, the result is an adorable leaning ladder to hang tea towels. While it serves a purpose, you can elevate the project by adding your own personal touches. Distress the paint, or accessorize your creation by painting stencils. Craft stores carry a wide range of patterns, like a sweet wildflower design from Michaels for $5.99. If you or a friend owns a vinyl cutter like a Cricut Maker, you could stick your own pattern onto the rungs for a professional finish. Add ornaments and themed towels for different seasons and holidays. There's also the option of turning it into a free-standing ladder.

As it is, this project leans against the kitchen wall to maintain its balance. If you feel like going the extra mile, create a base. All you need is a 1-inch by 4-inch by 1-foot board. Pick one up at Home Depot for around $4.45 per linear foot. Stain the wood to the color you used for the rest of the design and center the ladder's feet two inches into the width of the plank. Adhere with glue and two small nails and stand it wherever it looks best on your counter. One of the best strategies for decluttering your home is proper organization. Use your new affordable DIY towel holder to display your favorites for years and keep them right where you need them.