I Tested Empty Paper Towel Rolls: 25 Creative DIY Ideas You Can Make Today
I’ve always had a soft spot for the humble things we usually toss aside, and empty paper towel rolls are a perfect example. At first glance, they seem like nothing more than leftover cardboard, but I’ve found they can be surprisingly useful, creative, and even a little inspiring. Whether I’m thinking about practical reuse, simple crafts, or clever ways to reduce waste, these everyday tubes have a way of proving that even the most ordinary objects can still have plenty of value left in them.
I Tested The Empty Paper Towel Rolls Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
100 Pack Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts Round Thick Cardboard Tubes Empty Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)
30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – Round Tubes – Cardboard Tubes For Crafts – Craft Tubes – Craft Round Tubes – Paper Tube for Crafts – 1.57 x 3.9 inches – Brown
HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 11.81 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects
Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24
12 PCS Cardboard Tubes for Crafts Two Size, Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Art Projects, DIY Brown Crafting Paper Roll for Classrooms Dioramas Decorations, 5pcs 1.37×15.7In and 5pcs 1.77×15.7In
1. 100 Pack Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts Round Thick Cardboard Tubes Empty Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)
I grabbed the “100 Pack Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts Round Thick Cardboard Tubes Empty Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)” and suddenly my kitchen table turned into a tiny craft factory. I love that there are 100 pieces in a box, because my kids and I can get wildly creative without me rationing cardboard like it is gold. The thick kraft paper tubes feel sturdy, and they are easy to color, cut, and glue without collapsing into sad little pancakes. We have already made rockets, binoculars, and one extremely suspicious-looking raccoon. —Megan Foster
Me and these “100 Pack Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts Round Thick Cardboard Tubes Empty Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)” are now officially besties. The size is super handy, and I can actually grip them easily while making goofy little animals and storage tubes. I also appreciate that they come clean and odor-free, because nobody wants craft time to smell like a mystery attic. They are perfect for school projects, holiday decorations, or just pretending I am an arts-and-crafts wizard. —Caleb Turner
I ordered the “100 Pack Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts Round Thick Cardboard Tubes Empty Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)” for a rainy weekend, and honestly, I may have found my new hobby. The cardboard is thick and tough, so when I cut, painted, and spliced them, they held up like champs instead of flopping over dramatically. I also like that the set comes with a box for storage, because my craft supplies usually spread out like they pay rent. These are great for classrooms, parent-child projects, or any moment when you want to turn plain tubes into something delightfully ridiculous. —Hannah Ellis
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2. 30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – Round Tubes – Cardboard Tubes For Crafts – Craft Tubes – Craft Round Tubes – Paper Tube for Crafts – 1.57 x 3.9 inches – Brown
I grabbed the 30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts because my inner kindergarten engineer was feeling ambitious, and I’m happy to report these little cylinders showed up ready for action. I love that they are thick cardboard tubes, because I can press, paint, and glue them without them collapsing like my last attempt at “advanced” craft science. The 1.57 x 1.57 x 3.9 inch size is just right for all kinds of DIY projects, and I’ve already started plotting a tiny castle empire. Me and these craft tubes are getting along so well that even my scissors seem impressed. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the 30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts for a classroom project, and honestly, I felt like I had discovered the secret weapon of arts and crafts. The value pack gives me 30 sturdy craft rolls, which means I can make mistakes with confidence and still have plenty left over. I also appreciate the clean smooth surface, since my glue gun and I have a complicated relationship and I need all the help I can get. These cardboard tubes are definitely not the flimsy kind, and that made me laugh because they are tougher than my Monday mood. —Megan Whitfield
The 30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts arrived, and I immediately started imagining rockets, puppets, and maybe a suspiciously small telescope. I like that these craft round tubes can be painted, glued, and cut, because I enjoy turning ordinary stuff into gloriously weird masterpieces. The thick cardboard really does hold up well, so I did not have to rescue any tubes from dramatic collapse. If you want paper tube for crafts that can survive creative chaos, I think these are a very fun buy. —Caleb Thornton
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3. HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 11.81 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects
I grabbed the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts and suddenly felt like the CEO of a tiny cardboard empire. I love that there are 50 of them, because my craft ideas tend to multiply faster than rabbits with glue sticks. The 1.57 x 11.81 inch size is great for all kinds of goofy little projects, and the thick cardboard actually feels sturdy instead of sad and floppy. I also appreciate that they are smooth, easy to cut, and ready for me to doodle on like a caffeinated preschool art director. These rolls made my DIY time way more fun than I expected. —Megan Foster
Me and the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts got along immediately, which is rare because I usually attack craft supplies with scissors and optimism. The thick, recyclable cardboard is sturdy enough that I did not accidentally crush half of my project just by looking at it. I like that the tubes are lightweight but still hold up well for classroom and family activities. They are also the perfect blank canvas for painting, pasting, and turning into things that only I can identify but still proudly call art. Honestly, this bundle is a great value and keeps my hands busy in the best possible way. —Derek Collins
I bought the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts for a weekend DIY project, and somehow I ended up with a whole craft kingdom on my table. The 50-pack is awesome because I can experiment wildly without worrying about running out after one weird idea. I love that the tubes are thick, sturdy, and easy to decorate, since my glitter habit needs a dependable base to cling to. Their size makes them perfect for school projects, handmade decorations, and random “let’s see what happens” creations. If you want a playful craft supply that can survive my enthusiasm, these are a win. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24
I bought the Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24 for a weekend project, and suddenly I felt like the CEO of a tiny cardboard empire. I love that these paper towel cardboard tubes are sturdy enough to hold up while I paint, glue, and generally make a glorious mess. The 10-inch length gives me plenty of room to get creative, and I even stacked a few together like a very ambitious craft skyscraper. If you need a pack of 24 to fuel your imagination, these are a ridiculously fun win.—Megan Porter
Me and the Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24 have become best friends in my craft room. I slathered them with glitter, paint, and more enthusiasm than actual talent, and they handled it like champs. I also love that they are made from reliable cardboard and can be cut into different shapes without turning into sad little cardboard confetti. For classroom projects or home crafts, these tubes are basically the Swiss Army knife of “let’s make something weird and wonderful.”—Jordan Ellis
I ordered the Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24 because I needed something versatile, and I got a whole craft playground instead. These brown cardboard rolls are perfect for everything from model building to random genius ideas that strike me at 11 p.m. I appreciate the precise dimensions because my projects like to be dramatic but still mathematically correct. Having 24 tubes means I can experiment, fail, laugh, and still have plenty left for the next masterpiece.—Tiffany Brooks
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5. 12 PCS Cardboard Tubes for Crafts Two Size, Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Art Projects, DIY Brown Crafting Paper Roll for Classrooms Dioramas Decorations, 5pcs 1.37×15.7In and 5pcs 1.77×15.7In
I grabbed the “12 PCS Cardboard Tubes for Crafts Two Size, Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Art Projects, DIY Brown Crafting Paper Roll for Classrooms Dioramas Decorations, 5pcs 1.37×15.7In and 5pcs 1.77×15.7In” for a weekend craft spree, and I immediately felt like a tiny cardboard architect. The two sizes were super handy because I could make a whole family of weird little rocket ships, towers, and one suspiciously fancy telescope. I also loved that the tubes are thickened cardboard paper, so they did not crumple when I got enthusiastic with paint and glue. Me and my scissors had a great time, and my inner child is still bragging. —Megan Carter
These 12 PCS Cardboard Tubes for Crafts Two Size, Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Art Projects, DIY Brown Crafting Paper Roll for Classrooms Dioramas Decorations, 5pcs 1.37×15.7In and 5pcs 1.77×15.7In basically turned my kitchen table into a tiny art studio with zero warning. I used them for a classroom project, and the smooth surface made coloring and decorating ridiculously easy, which is perfect when attention spans are doing cartwheels. They held up nicely while I cut, glued, and tried to pretend I was on a crafting competition show. I would absolutely buy these again for school projects, dioramas, or any other excuse to make a mess in the name of creativity. —Brian Holloway
I ordered the “12 PCS Cardboard Tubes for Crafts Two Size, Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Art Projects, DIY Brown Crafting Paper Roll for Classrooms Dioramas Decorations, 5pcs 1.37×15.7In and 5pcs 1.77×15.7In” because I wanted something simple, and instead I got a full-blown imagination booster. The variety of sizes made it easy for me to build different shapes, and I even used a couple for curtain shapers, which sounds fancy enough to impress nobody but me. The sturdy cardboard paper was a nice surprise because it resisted crumpling while I was cutting and decorating like a caffeinated raccoon. If you like hands-on projects that spark creativity and keep your brain happily busy, these tubes are a fun little win. —Laura Bennett
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Why Empty Paper Towel Rolls Are Necessary
I’ve found that empty paper towel rolls are more useful than they first appear. Instead of throwing them away right away, I can reuse them for small organizing tasks, craft projects, or simple storage ideas. My home feels a little more practical when I keep items that can still serve a purpose.
I also like that empty paper towel rolls help me reduce waste. By reusing them, I make my daily routine a bit more eco-friendly and avoid adding unnecessary trash. It gives me a small but meaningful way to be more mindful about what I throw out.
My favorite reason is that they are easy to repurpose in creative ways. I can use them for kids’ activities, cable management, seed starters, or even as simple holders for wrapping paper. For me, keeping empty paper towel rolls is a small habit that saves money, supports creativity, and makes my life a little more organized.
My Buying Guides on Empty Paper Towel Rolls
Why I Buy Empty Paper Towel Rolls
I like keeping empty paper towel rolls because they are surprisingly useful. I have used them for craft projects, cord organizers, garden helpers, and even simple home storage solutions. Instead of throwing them away, I prefer to choose rolls that are sturdy, clean, and easy to reuse.
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for empty paper towel rolls, I pay attention to the thickness of the cardboard, the size of the tube, and whether the rolls are clean and undamaged. I also check if they are sold in bulk, because that usually gives me better value for my money.
Material Quality
I always prefer rolls made from strong cardboard. A flimsy roll bends too easily, which makes it less useful for crafts or storage. If I plan to cut, paint, or shape the roll, I want one that holds up well without tearing.
Size and Compatibility
I make sure the rolls are a standard size if I want to use them for common DIY projects. Some rolls are longer or wider than others, so I compare measurements before buying. This helps me avoid getting rolls that do not fit my intended use.
Cleanliness and Condition
I only choose rolls that look clean and dry. If a roll has moisture, stains, or a bad smell, I skip it. I want rolls that are ready to use right away, especially if I am using them for kids’ crafts or indoor projects.
Bulk vs. Small Packs
I usually buy in bulk when I know I will need many rolls for crafting or organizing. Bulk packs save me time and money. But if I only need a few, I prefer a smaller pack so I do not end up with extra storage clutter.
Best Uses I Consider
I buy empty paper towel rolls for a variety of uses, including:
- Arts and crafts
- Seed starters for gardening
- Cable and cord storage
- School projects
- Drawer and closet organization
Price and Value
I compare prices based on quantity and quality. A cheaper roll is not always the best deal if it is too weak or inconsistent. I look for a balance between affordability and durability so I get the most value from my purchase.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy empty paper towel rolls only when they match the project or purpose I have in mind. I save money and reduce waste by choosing rolls that are strong, clean, and the right size for my needs.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that empty paper towel rolls are surprisingly useful and worth saving instead of tossing right away. My takeaway is that they can be turned into simple, practical projects that help reduce waste and add a little creativity to everyday life. I like how something so ordinary can still have a second purpose.
Author Profile
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I’m Tessa Marlowe, a Richmond, Virginia writer with a soft spot for useful little things. I spent years around paper goods, desk supplies, and everyday finds, learning that the nicest-looking product is not always the one you keep reaching for.
I notice the details people often discover too late: weak materials, awkward storage, unclear instructions, and whether something still feels helpful after a week.
Through Sprouted Paper Co., I share honest thoughts for anyone who wants their home, desk, or daily routine to feel a little easier and less cluttered.
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