DIY Spa Water Dispenser: How to Repurpose an Old Salt & Pepper Shaker

A five-minute upgrade for your bathroom counter, made almost entirely from scraps.

Some of my favorite projects start with things I already have lying around, and this one is a good example. I had a set of salt and pepper shakers from my mother-in-law, and instead of letting them collect dust in a cabinet, I turned one into a mini spa-style water dispenser.

Why You’ll Love This Project

It’s the kind of project that takes almost no time or money, but changes how a whole corner of a room feels. An heirloom shaker gets a second life, a nearly-empty skincare bottle stops heading for the recycling bin, and your bathroom counter gets a little spa-day upgrade. Swap the cap or the glassware and you’ve got a completely different look for the season or the room.

What You’ll Need

• Salt or pepper shaker (glass or ceramic works great)
• Empty cap from a skincare bottle (like The Ordinary)
• Paint (optional, for the cap)
• Drill with a small bit
• Glass cups for styling

How to Make It

1. Remove the original cap.
Take the cap off your salt or pepper shaker and set it aside (or repurpose it elsewhere).

2. Prep your spout.
Use the cap from an empty The Ordinary skincare bottle. The shape is just the right size and profile for a spout.

3. Paint the cap.
Paint the cap to match your color scheme and let it dry completely.

4. Drill the hole.
Use a drill to make the cap’s opening slightly larger, so water flows through easily.

5. Flip and assemble.
Screw the painted cap onto the shaker, then flip the whole thing upside down. That’s your dispenser.

Styling Ideas

• Add a tray. A small tray keeps drips contained and makes the whole setup feel intentional.
• Pair it with glass cups. I used ones from Hobby Lobby for an affordable, spa-like touch.
• Give it a home. I displayed mine on my linen storage cabinet for an easy, polished bathroom moment.

Have scraps of your own you’re not sure what to do with? This is exactly the kind of project that proves almost anything can get a second life.