DIY: Vine Branch Hanging Towel Rack

Dedicated to the reclamation and reuse of materials, German designer Katrin Arens makes one-of-a-kind furniture and objects using what she calls “abused wood” collected from derelict country houses and carpentry studios. Arens lives in a rustic house in Lombardy, Italy, outfitted with her own designs; she sells her pieces via her website and also takes on interior design projects.

Here is a clever (and easily replicated) idea from Katrin Arens: the low-tech Vine Branch and Rope, perfect as a bathroom towel rack and can be easily recreated with a few simple elements.

Above: A simple knot on both ends of the branch affixes the branch to the rope.

Make your own with a salvaged branch, a length of rope, and a couple of hooks.

Above L: Stainless steel Swing Hooks from Sugatsune; $31.50 at Alema Hardware. R: A less expensive option: Koch Forged Shoulder Eye Screws: $7.74 each from Amazon. To see a video on how to install a ceiling hook, go to About.com.

Above: Natural Hemp Rope; 50 feet for $24.95 at Amazon.

For more on Katrin Arens, see DIY: Slow Design Katrin Arens Plate Rack.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

1:50AM PDT on Apr 21, 2012

very interesting, thanks for sharing this

send a green star

Sisilie B.

10:32AM PDT on Sep 17, 2011

So pretty

Carol C.

6:22AM PDT on Oct 6, 2010

Another good idea.

Ana B.

1:36PM PDT on Sep 12, 2010

Im sure it could be done for less...buying hardware online from snooty name brand companies that make overpriced hardware for people who rather not get their hands dirty doesn't seem to be in the spirit of this item. The item is beautiful in its simplicity and reminds one of simpler days when life was carefree and each day held a bit more magic and possibility. It reminds me of something very close to the earth. And $25 + shipping for rope, yes it is hemp rope BUT it will travel who knows how long only to travel again from intermediary to amazon then next to consumer if at all...what is the carbon foot print of all this money changing hands. I definitely buy sustainable products whenever possible but there is something to be said for supporting local economies and when does buying green/responsibly become counter productive- when items travel too long to get to us? When we slave at jobs we hate just to buy over priced ecologically sound products so we can run home (exhausted I might add) and make something natural that is created from the most unnatural process? The branch is a great idea...Freecycle is a great source to find free items...and I don't think it would hurt to visit the hardware store and just look around to see what fits in your budget. You will find something that works and won't need to buy so much extra you don't need. Be well.

Elle E.

9:37PM PDT on Aug 19, 2010

Love it.

Alicia N.

10:28AM PDT on Aug 14, 2010

My husband made one big one and we use it as a room divider, so cool and natural, besides cheap.

Green G.

11:13AM PDT on Aug 12, 2010

It is old style and showing the traditioanal.It shows freecare to decore meanwhile have it.

Doris K.

4:36AM PDT on Jul 7, 2010

beautiful

Brigitte C.

3:00PM PDT on Jul 5, 2010

Could be a bird perch as well, if you use as a bird perch make sure the wood is coming from a fruit tree otherwise you may poison your bird. Or a hard and non poison wood is Madrona.

Mimi N.

4:03PM PDT on Jul 4, 2010

That is really nice and fresh looking. I wish there was a way to do it for less. However playing with the idea in my head, I would us a slightly larger branch and paint designs on it.