Franklin Brass 193105-CBZ Over-the-Toilet Paper Holder Hanging Convenience Basket Holder Shelf for Cell Mobile Phone Holder and Wipes, Classic Bronze

Why I tried a hanging basket under the toilet paper roll

I’m forever looking for ways to add a little storage in tight bathrooms without drilling more holes. The idea behind this over-the-roll hanging basket is simple: hook a small shelf under your existing toilet paper holder and gain a convenient spot for a phone, wipes, or personal items. I tested the Franklin Brass hanging basket in a small guest bath and a larger primary bath to see how well it works day-to-day.

What it is—and the setup you need

This is a light steel wire basket with a classic bronze finish that hooks onto a two-post toilet paper holder. It sits directly under the roll, creating a shallow shelf. Installation is as easy as removing your spring-loaded bar, slipping the basket’s arms onto the posts, and replacing the bar and roll. No tools, no studs, no fuss—at least in theory.

Compatibility is the gating factor. You need:
- A traditional two-post holder with a removable spring bar
- Enough space between the holder and any nearby obstacles (toilet tank, vanity, towel bar)
- Regular-sized toilet paper rolls or a willingness to adjust the basket’s positioning

If you have a single-arm or pivoting holder, or a recessed holder, this won’t work. The basket relies on the two posts to stay aligned and support the weight.

First impressions and build quality

The bronze finish looks better than I expected at this price. The wire is light but not flimsy, welds are clean, and the basket surface is smooth enough not to snag a tissue packet or scratch a phone. It’s minimalist and doesn’t scream “add-on.” With understated lines and a compact footprint, it blends with most traditional to transitional fixtures.

That said, it does project farther from the wall than a bare holder. You’re adding a shelf under your forearm’s natural swing zone, so in very tight spaces, that extra depth matters.

Installation in practice

On my standard two-post holder, installation took two minutes. The only variable was angle and depth. The basket’s arms rest on the holder posts, so you can “clock” it slightly upward or downward before you put the spring bar back in. That angle affects two things: how freely the roll spins and how level the basket sits.

My first try placed the basket too close to the roll. The paper rubbed the wire edge and didn’t unwind smoothly. Rotating the basket a few degrees downward and making sure the springs on the bar were fully seated cleared the interference. On jumbo rolls, the first half of the roll ran a bit tight; on standard rolls, it spun normally once the basket was angled correctly.

Pro tip: With your roll off, test the basket for rotational play. If it wiggles a lot on the posts, your holder’s posts may be too slender or tapered. In that case, a thin felt pad or a wrap of painter’s tape on the inside of the basket hooks can shim the fit and prevent rattle.

Day-to-day use

Used as a phone perch and wipes caddy, the basket does what it promises. It’s close to hand, easy to wipe clean, and keeps small items off the tank lid and floor. I particularly liked it for wet wipes; the pack sits snugly and the lid clears the roll when you angle the basket slightly downward.

For phones, the wire is flat enough that devices don’t wobble, but there’s no lip to stop a slippery phone from sliding if bumped. I wouldn’t park anything precious on the very edge. Weight-wise, it holds a phone and a wipes pack with no drama. I wouldn’t load it with heavy bottles.

Ergonomics and clearance

Here’s where layout matters. In the small bath where the holder sits close to the front of the toilet, my elbow grazed the basket when reaching for paper. It wasn’t painful, just annoying—enough that I removed the basket in that room. In the larger bath, it was a non-issue.

Measure from the face of your holder to the nearest obstruction. If you already find yourself brushing the holder when seated, adding a shelf will make that worse. If your holder is tucked behind you, the basket may be out of the way entirely.

Toilet paper roll compatibility

Roll friction is the most common complaint with any add-on around a holder. In my use:
- Standard rolls spun freely once I dialed in the angle.
- Double rolls sometimes rubbed until they were half-used.
- Oversized “mega” rolls were inconsistent; a few skated just fine, but most brushed the basket wire.

The culprit is usually alignment and roll diameter. The fix is to rotate the basket downward so the roll’s outside edge clears the basket lip. If your holder is mounted very close to the wall or at a shallow angle, you might not have enough angle adjustment to avoid contact with the biggest rolls. If you exclusively buy jumbo packs, this product may frustrate you.

Stability and safety

The basket relies on the spring bar’s compression to keep everything in place. Pulling paper too aggressively can tilt or nudge the basket if your holder is loose or the posts are especially slick. Once I snugged the holder’s mounting plates and added a thin shim inside the basket hooks, it stayed put—even with daily use in the guest bath.

If you have kids who yank at the roll, or if your holder is already wobbly, shore up the holder first. The basket will only be as stable as what it hangs from.

Cleaning and maintenance

The bronze finish resists fingerprints and water spots reasonably well. A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps it tidy. The wire geometry doesn’t collect dust as much as a solid shelf would, and there are no screws to rust or threads to trap lint. If you use wet wipes, occasional drips from the packet lid didn’t harm the finish in my testing.

Tips for success

• Choose the right holder: Two-post, spring-bar designs only. Tighten any loose set screws before adding the basket.
• Test roll clearance: Fit your largest roll and adjust the basket angle before committing. If it rubs, rotate slightly downward.
• Mind the elbow zone: Sit on the toilet and mimic normal movement. If your arm hits the holder now, the basket will amplify that.
• Shim for snugness: A small adhesive felt dot inside each hook can eliminate wobble without marring the posts.
• Use it for wipes first: A wipes packet sits lower than a phone, reducing the chance of roll interference while proving the concept in your space.

What I’d change

I’d love a small raised edge at the front of the basket to keep phones from sliding, and slightly longer hooks with a soft lining to grip a wider variety of post shapes. A tiny degree indicator or notch on the arms would also help users set an ideal angle for roll clearance without trial and error.

Who will be happiest with it

• Apartment dwellers and dorm users who can’t drill for shelves
• Households using standard-size rolls
• Bathrooms where the holder is not in the elbow swing path
• Anyone who wants a dedicated spot for wipes without adding a freestanding caddy

If your bathroom is very tight, your holder sits right next to the toilet front, or you only buy jumbo “mega” rolls, you’ll likely find it more hassle than help.

Recommendation

I conditionally recommend this hanging basket. In the right setup—a sturdy two-post holder, adequate elbow clearance, and standard rolls—it adds genuinely useful storage with a clean look and zero tools. It’s a simple, low-commitment upgrade that keeps wipes and small items close at hand.

However, if your holder is cramped, your rolls are extra large, or your bathroom layout already makes you bump the holder, skip it. The added depth can get in the way, and the roll may not spin freely without careful adjustment. In short: great idea that works well in compatible bathrooms, but it’s not universal. Check your holder style, space, and roll size before you buy.