DIY: Dinosaur Toilet Paper Holder: A Quirky and Colourful Home Hack
Jurassic Loo: A Prehistoric Way to Hold Your TP!
I've always been a huge fan of dinosaurs and have incorporated them into my home décor in various ways. So, when I moved into my new London home, it was only natural to find creative ways to showcase my love for these prehistoric creatures. That’s when the idea struck—why not transform a dinosaur (specifically a diplodocus) into a fun, colourful toilet paper holder? This outside-the-box idea is simple, budget-friendly, and adds a playful touch to any bathroom!
What’s even more exciting? When I participated in The Big Interiors Battle (CH4), I had to redesign a bathroom, and of course, I reused this quirky idea!
Why This DIY Project is a Game-Changer
If you love home décor that stands out, this project is for you! Not only does it bring a playful charm to your space, but it's also a great way to upcycle old toys, making it a sustainable and budget-friendly option. Plus, who wouldn't love a dinosaur guarding their toilet paper?
Materials You'll Need:
To get started, here are the materials you’ll need for this colourful DIY project:
A dinosaur toy (preferably a long-necked one like a diplodocus)
Paint pots in various colours
A pot of primer
A paintbrush
Drill with appropriate drill bits for plastic
Clear sealant (spray or brush-on)
LET'S DIVE INTO THE TUTORIAL
Step 1: Find the Perfect Dinosaur
I needed a dinosaur with a long neck that could hold a toilet paper roll while making it easy to remove and replace. A diplodocus was the ideal choice, but you can experiment with other dinosaurs—perhaps one with a horn? I found mine on Amazon, but second-hand shops or repurposing an old toy are great options too!
Step 2: Prime the Surface
Once I had my perfect dino, I used a paintbrush to apply primer. The texture of my dinosaur was a bit sticky, so priming helped smooth it out. If your dinosaur has a slick surface, a light sanding before priming will improve paint adhesion.
Step 3: Get Creative!
Now for the fun part—painting! I used electric blue from YesColours to match the blue background, creating a bold and cohesive look. Feel free to go wild with a mix of playful colours, patterns, gradients, or even a metallic finish! Feel free to go wild with patterns, gradients, or even a metallic finish!
Step 4: Seal the Paint
To protect your colourful masterpiece, apply a clear sealant over the paint. This will help prevent chipping and fading, especially in a humid bathroom. You can use a spray or brush-on sealant for a long-lasting finish.
Step 5 (Optional): Mounting the Dino
In The Big Interiors Battle, I had to work with a compact bathroom featuring a wall-hung toilet. To make my dino TP holder functional in that space, I drilled its foot into the vanity. If you need extra stability, this is a great option.
Tips for Success:
Choose a sturdy dinosaur – Avoid flimsy plastic that could bend under pressure.
Experiment with placement – If drilling isn't an option, consider adhesive hooks or a custom stand for support.
Make it multi-functional – Your dinosaur can also hold hand towels or extra rolls for added practicality.
Conclusion: Bring Some Fun into Your Home!
This DIY dinosaur toilet paper holder is more than just a quirky home hack—it's a fun and expressive way to add personality to your space. Whether you're a dino-lover like me or simply looking for a unique touch in your bathroom, this project is a winner.
Want to embrace more colourful and creative home décor ideas?
Check out my online course, Colour Your Home Happy! It's a fun, interactive experience designed to help you break free from design rules and create a colourful home that reflects your true personality ✨.
Show Off Your Creation!
I’d love to see your DIY dinosaur TP holders! Share your creations on social media and tag me @rainbow.shaker so we can spread some prehistoric joy together!
Happy crafting 🦕🎨!