What Is This Mysterious Black Spiral Next to the Toilet? The Answer Is Unexpected
October 12, 2026
source: Reddit
Moving into a new residence can produce a number of unforeseen events. For example, you may find an odd-looking switch, a concealed area for storing items. Or a unique object that makes you wonder what the former residents did with it.
After finding a black metal coil in her bathroom, she was left with the same question.
An odd looking item was positioned in-between the bathroom sink’s cabinet and the toilet. This object contained a number of circular metal rings. Which created a spiral like form and had a small curved hook on the lower end. Although it seemed useful, its function was not apparent.
Was this a toilet paper holder? A rack to store something unique? Perhaps it was an accessory that came out of a prior bathroom remodel.
Fortunately, the answer was much simpler than expected.
The Mystery Metal Coil Is Actually a Hair Dryer Holder
Despite its unusual appearance, the fixture is a metal coil hair dryer holder.
The spiral shape will enable you to place your hair dryer into the center of the circle so that it remains vertical and accessible.
The holder allows for the hair dryer to be kept in a specific location on the wall, as opposed to being stored on the bathroom counter or stuffed into a drawer.
The open metal construction also makes it easy to grab the dryer when needed.
At first glance, the design may appear odd. However, it is an easy fix for one of the most common issues within a household: how to keep the countertops in a bathroom organized and clutter free.
Why Would Someone Install a Hair Dryer Holder Next to the Toilet?
The location is probably what makes this particular fixture so confusing.
Most individuals anticipate discovering a hair dryer in close proximity to a bathroom mirror or an electrical source. However, this storage unit is positioned at a height that is below the top of the vanity and above the bottom of the toilet on the wall.
A reasonable explanation for this might be that the last homeowner wished to open up some space around the sink. In addition, the short wall next to the cabinet provided a perfect spot to attach the holder and keep the counter-top clear.
Wall mounted hair dryer racks can be found in many bathrooms today. They have become very popular with hotels, salons, and homeowners as a way to store their hair dryers.
While some are made of a plain band, others have a design on the surface of the metal that is formed by a series of spirals as seen in this photo.
Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the correct one.
If you happen to come across an unusual looking, spiral shaped holder attached to the wall in your bathroom, take a second glance at what you are looking at. You could be seeing a hair dryer holder that has been waiting for someone to begin using it.
The strange small piece of hardware that is currently being discussed will likely make much more sense once you have learned what it actually is.