What is the best repurposed material for a towel hook?

Metal items like drawer pulls, spoons, and pipe fittings hold up best because they do not absorb water and can support a wet towel’s weight. Wood works too, but it needs a waterproof finish to avoid warping.

Can I make a towel hook without drilling into my walls?

Yes. Mount the hook on a wooden board first, then attach the board with heavy-duty adhesive strips. This works on smooth surfaces like painted drywall or cabinet doors. For textured walls, consider a tension rod or over-the-door hook instead.

How do I make sure my DIY hook is secure?

Always anchor into a stud, a solid cabinet face, or a thick board. Drill pilot holes for screws to prevent splitting. Test the hook with a wet towel and pull it from different angles before using it daily.

Can I use a spoon as a hook without heating it?

Yes, but it is harder. Clamp the spoon handle in a vise and bend it with a heavy hammer over the edge of a workbench. Use slow, firm taps. If the spoon cracks, switch to a thicker metal spoon or heat it gently with a torch.

DIY Kitchen Towel Hook Ideas: 5 Step-by-Step Projects from Repurposed Materials

Why Build a Towel Hook from Repurposed Materials

A DIY towel hook lets you match your kitchen’s style without spending on new hardware. Repurposed items—drawer pulls, old spoons, plumbing fittings—already have the strength and shape needed for the job, so you are mostly doing simple assembly rather than metalwork.

Before starting any project, check the hook’s location. The hook must anchor into something solid: a stud, a cabinet face, or a thick wooden board. Drywall alone will not hold a wet towel’s pull. For rented kitchens, choose a project that mounts on a cabinet door or uses adhesive strips instead of screws.

Every project below follows the same order: gather materials, prepare the repurposed piece, attach a mounting plate or backing, fix it to the wall or cabinet, and test the hook with a damp towel. Read through the whole project once before cutting or drilling.

Work in a well-ventilated area when painting or using adhesive.
Use a stud finder or knock test to locate solid wood behind drywall.
Wear safety glasses when drilling metal or ceramic.

Brass drawer pull mounted on a wooden board as a towel hook

Project 1: Drawer Pull Hook on a Cabinet Door

An old drawer pull or cabinet handle is the easiest repurposed hook. Its screw holes are already spaced to match standard hardware, and the curved shape holds a towel without slipping. You can find pulls at thrift stores, flea markets, or in a box of spare hardware.

Stage 1: Choose a pull that extends at least 2 inches from the surface so a folded towel fits behind it. Stage 2: Hold the pull against the inside or outside of a cabinet door and mark the screw holes. Stage 3: Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the screws. Stage 4: Screw the pull into place, using a washer if the holes are larger than the screws. Stage 5: Hang a towel and give it a gentle tug to confirm the screws bite firmly.

If you do not want to drill into a cabinet door, mount the pull on a small wooden board first, then attach the board with strong adhesive strips rated for the weight. This keeps the cabinet intact and makes the hook removable.

Project 2: Upcycled Spoon Hook from a Thrifted Spoon

A large metal spoon can become a decorative hook with a gentle bend. Look for a spoon with a sturdy handle and a bowl that is not too deep. Silver-plated and stainless steel spoons both work; avoid spoons with hollow handles that may crack when bent.

Stage 1: Clamp the spoon handle in a vise, leaving the bowl pointing up. Stage 2: Heat the handle with a propane torch until it is warm but not glowing—this softens the metal. If you do not have a torch, use a heavy hammer to bend the handle over the edge of a workbench. Stage 3: Bend the handle into a U-shape, with the bowl facing outward. Stage 4: Drill a hole through the flattened end of the handle, or epoxy the handle to a wooden block. Stage 5: Mount the block or screw the handle directly into a cabinet side.

For a no-heat version, use a large serving spoon and bend it over a door hinge or the edge of a sturdy table. The bend does not need to be perfect—the towel will cover most of it. Sand any sharp edges before hanging.

Project 3: Industrial Pipe Hook from Plumbing Fittings

Copper or galvanized pipe fittings make a rugged, modern hook. A 90-degree elbow, a short nipple, and a floor flange are all you need. These parts are sold at hardware stores, but you may also find them in scrap bins or old plumbing projects.

Stage 1: Screw a 3-inch nipple into one side of a 90-degree elbow. Stage 2: Screw a floor flange into the other side of the elbow. Stage 3: Hold the flange against the wall or cabinet and mark the screw holes. Stage 4: Drill pilot holes and screw the flange into place. Stage 5: Slide a towel over the nipple—the elbow keeps it from falling off.

For a softer look, spray-paint the pipe fittings with a primer and color that matches your kitchen. Use a metal primer first, then a rust-resistant enamel. Let the paint cure fully before hanging towels.

Project 4: Clothespin Rail for Light Towels

A row of wooden clothespins glued to a board creates a simple rail for lightweight hand towels or dishcloths. This project is ideal for a narrow strip of wall or the inside of a cabinet door, and it uses materials you likely already have.

Stage 1: Cut a wooden board to your desired length—12 to 18 inches works well. Sand the edges. Stage 2: Arrange clothespins along the board, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart. Stage 3: Apply wood glue to the flat back of each clothespin and press it onto the board. Clamp or weight them until dry. Stage 4: Attach the board to the wall with screws or adhesive strips. Stage 5: Clip a towel into each clothespin.

This hook works best for dry towels or light cloths. A soaking wet towel may pull the clothespins off the board. If you plan to hang wet cloths, reinforce each clothespin with a small screw from the back of the board.

Project 5: Cutting Board Hook from a Broken Board

A cracked or worn wooden cutting board can become a wall-mounted hook rack. The board provides a large surface, so you can add multiple hooks or knobs. This is a good option for a small kitchen where counter space is tight.

Stage 1: Choose a board that is still structurally sound—ignore surface cuts but avoid boards with splits that go through. Stage 2: Sand the board to remove rough edges. Stage 3: Screw three or four cup hooks or small knobs into the board, spacing them evenly. Stage 4: Attach the board to the wall with screws through the back, or use a picture-hanging strip rated for the weight. Stage 5: Hang towels from the hooks.

If the board has a hole or a handle, you can also hang the board itself from a single nail, then use the handle as the towel hook. For a more finished look, apply a food-safe mineral oil finish before mounting.