I love a project that looks custom and expensive but takes less than an hour to pull together, and this bathroom hand towel ring is exactly that kind of win. By mounting a brass curtain tieback onto a small walnut cutting board, you get a warm wood-and-metal accent that feels boutique-hotel polished instead of basic hardware-store plain.
This is a great beginner project if you want to dress up a powder room, guest bath, or even a kitchen hand towel spot without a big remodel. I’m always looking for little upgrades that make everyday spaces feel more intentional, especially since I don’t have endless time for weekend projects, and this one gives you a lot of style for very little effort.
Materials
Instructions
1. Lightly sand the front, edges, and back of the walnut cutting board with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough spots and help the finish bond evenly.
2. Brush on a thin coat of clear satin polyurethane over the entire board, let it dry, then add a second coat to protect the wood from bathroom humidity and splashes.
3. Center the brass curtain tieback on the upper half of the board, placing it low enough that a folded hand towel will hang freely without covering the whole wood surface.
4. Mark the tieback screw holes with a pencil, pre-drill shallow pilot holes, and fasten the tieback to the board with the #6 x 1/2 inch wood screws so it sits snug and straight.
5. Add felt pads to the back corners of the cutting board so it will sit flat against the wall and avoid scuffing the paint or tile.
6. Hold the assembled piece against the wall where you want it mounted, use the level to straighten it, and mark two mounting points through the upper and lower area of the board where screws will be least visible.
7. Drill the wall holes, install drywall anchors if needed, then drive the #8 x 2 inch screws through the board and into the wall until the board is secure and does not wiggle.
8. Slide a folded hand towel through the brass ring, fluff the bottom so it hangs evenly, and wipe the brass and wood clean for a finished look.
Variations & Tips
Try a different board shape: A paddle-style cutting board with a rounded handle looks especially pretty, but a simple rectangle works too as long as it is thick enough to hold screws securely.
Use the best mounting method for your wall: If you can hit a stud, that is my favorite option for the most solid hold; if not, good drywall anchors are perfectly fine for a lightweight hand towel ring.
Pick the right finish: Satin polyurethane keeps the walnut looking warm and natural, while still protecting it from moisture. I would skip raw oil alone in a bathroom since it needs more upkeep.
Match your bathroom hardware: If your faucet and mirror are brass, this will look extra intentional, but you can use a matte black or brushed nickel tieback for the same idea in a different style.
Keep the towel size reasonable: This works best with a hand towel rather than a bulky bath towel, which keeps the cutting board visible and lets the whole project keep that custom decorative feel.
Make it guest-bath special: In a small powder room, I like pairing this with a crisp white or soft striped towel because the contrast shows off the walnut beautifully and makes the whole space feel more finished without any extra clutter.