I love a bathroom project that looks boutique-hotel pretty but is still practical enough for real family life, and this little cotton swab station checks every box. By arranging small clear glass salt cellars on a round brass lazy susan, you get a tidy, easy-to-spin organizer for cotton swabs, cotton rounds, floss picks, hair ties, or whatever small essentials tend to clutter up the counter.
This is a wonderful beginner project because there’s no complicated building involved, just smart assembly and a few finishing touches that make it look polished and intentional. I’m especially fond of projects like this in hardworking spaces like bathrooms, where even a simple upgrade can make everyday routines feel a little more special.
Materials
1 round brass lazy susan base, 10 to 12 inches wide
Instructions
1. Wash the glass salt cellars in warm soapy water, rinse well, and dry them completely so they look crystal clear on the tray.
2. Wipe the brass lazy susan base with a dry polishing cloth, then clean the top surface with rubbing alcohol so the adhesive can grip properly.
3. Set the salt cellars on the lazy susan before attaching anything, spacing them evenly in a circle with enough room for the lids to lift off comfortably.
4. Place a small amount of clear museum gel or removable mounting putty under each cellar, then press each one gently into place so it stays put while the tray spins.
5. Test the lazy susan by giving it a slow turn, and adjust any cellar that shifts so the arrangement stays balanced and smooth.
6. Fill two of the salt cellars with cotton swabs, standing some upright and layering others loosely so they look full and easy to grab.
7. Fill two more salt cellars with cotton rounds, fanning them slightly instead of packing them flat so the containers look generous and pretty.
8. Use the last cellar for floss picks or hair ties, depending on what your household reaches for most often in the bathroom.
9. Put the lids on the filled cellars, leaving one or two slightly angled or easy to lift if you want quicker access for daily use.
10. Set the finished station on the bathroom counter and give the brass one last buff so the whole piece feels intentional, warm, and guest-ready.
Variations & Tips
For picky family routines: If everyone in the house has different habits like mine do, give one cellar to each category you reach for most often, such as cotton rounds, swabs, flossers, hair ties, or small claw clips.
For a fuller look: Don’t underfill the glass containers; this project looks best when each cellar is nicely packed and visibly abundant rather than half empty.
For easy cleaning: Use removable museum gel instead of permanent glue if you want to lift the glass off later for a deep clean or to change the layout.
For a softer style: Pair the brass base with white cotton-only contents for a spa-like look, or add a few neutral extras like tan hair ties for warmth without making it look cluttered.
For guest bathrooms: Keep one cellar just for individually useful items like floss picks or a few wrapped makeup remover pads so overnight guests can help themselves.
For small counters: Choose a 10-inch lazy susan and four cellars instead of five if your vanity is tight on space, but keep the circular layout so it still has that charming finished look.
Pro tip: Before setting the station in place, spin the tray once with everything loaded; that quick test tells you right away whether the weight is even and whether any cellar needs a tiny adjustment.