WALL-MOUNTED TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER DESIGN
A compact toothbrush holder designed to hold one electric toothbrush and two standard manual toothbrushes. It’s built to feel solid without being bulky, and keeps brushes off dirty surfaces so they stay cleaner and dry faster between uses.
Why make it?
Most toothbrush holders are either cheap plastic cups that collect grime at the bottom or bulky organisers that take up too much space. I wanted something hygienic, that is cheaper and easier to clean. Something that feels part of your bathroom, not a disposable accessory.
How it's Made
The holder is symmetrical with a fairly open geometry and curved surfaces. Each brush has its own slot, so they don’t touch each other. The open design allows air to move freely around the brushes so they dry naturally after use. It can be wall-mounted or used as a standalone unit, making it easy to move or travel with. The design has potential for aluminium casting or CNC machining, for a more premium feel
Key Focus
The holder needed to be compact and easy to clean. It had to hold a long electric toothbrush without tipping, keep manual brushes separated, and stay hygienic. It also needed to look good sitting on a counter or mounted on a wall.
Problems Experienced
The early prototypes were 3D printed, which meant figuring out how to hide layer lines and save overhangs. I had to design the shape so it could print without excessive supports and waste material. I also considered how the shape would transfer to aluminium casting, including ensuring sufficient wall thickness and internal geometry.
Where it works?
This holder is designed for everyday bathroom use, where cleanliness and ease of maintenance matter more than decoration. It works well on a countertop or mounted to a wall, keeping brushes separated and off surrounding surfaces. The design suits small bathrooms, shared spaces, and minimalist setups where simple, durable objects are preferred. With minor adjustments such as friction features or seals, it can also function as a compact travel holder.
Materials & Colours
What Was Learned
The holder was 3D printed in black ASA plastic, which I've found holds up well in warm, humid bathrooms.
This project highlighted how small changes in shape can have a meaningful impact on everyday usability. Adjustments to spacing, curvature, and wall thickness affected airflow, drying time, and how easy the holder was to clean. Designing for additive manufacturing also influenced the final form. Considerations such as layer orientation, overhang angles, and surface finish had to be balanced against material use and print reliability. Working through these constraints reinforced the value of keeping designs simple, open, and practical, especially for objects that are handled daily in wet environments.
