Ooooooh, Kate just sent me a photo of her new, installed atomic starburst toilet paper holder — one of the last remaining stock from Rejuvenation’s current supplier. I thought it looked lovely but frankly, I found it very difficult to focus, as I was so OCD-alarmed that the toilet paper was hanging the wrong way. It needs to go OVER! Talk about a timeless design issue: What is your view on this importante topic, dear readers? I invite you to vote and to comment, too.
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85 comments
Douglas Camin @ House on Rynkus Hill says
The final touch is the toilet paper holder. Nice!
We’re an over household here. It just makes more sense to us.
Marcia says
Per the “research” suggestion, I did a search for “toilet paper” 1953-1960 on newspapers.com and found no mention of this debate. I did run across items about jewelled toilet paper holders, musical toilet paper holders (one played The Star Spangled Banner), and air fresheners designed to go inside the cardboard TP roll. I also found that the further back I went from 1960 the fewer articles there were about toilet paper. I have a sneaking suspicion this debate only became public after Ann Landers and Dear Abby became nationally syndicated.
I voted “over” because I’m used to it that way, but I think I use less when it’s under.
Mary Elizabeth says
Um, maybe it’s just me, but because we have to stand when the national anthem plays, wouldn’t the toilet paper playing the tune be inconvenient? Just sayin’.
pam kueber says
Hilarious! THANK YOU!!!! Being the potty-obsessed Pammy that I ammy, I have added this as a follow-up story topic!
Cynthia says
Congratulations to Kate on snagging the beautiful starburst TP holder…now her finishing touches are mostly complete, yes? Also, I voted “over”, but not dogmatically.
amy says
To me, this is the right way! I know I am in the minority here, but it’s how I grew up…
Jan says
I grew up with it over, and my parents still do it that way. But I have far fewer odd debacles with the toilet paper if I put it under! With it over, when I try to pull off a few pieces, it spins on the holder, and I end up with a thousand pieces I have to re-roll onto the roll. But because of the weight of the roll being different with it under, I pull of just the right amount!
But it doesn’t bother me to see it either way. When I’m in a place where it’s over, I just put my other hand on the roll to keep it from spinning out of control.
Steve says
I always put it over, but under really doesn’t bother me. The real question is how blinds should be closed – concave side facing in or out. Believe me; this is a very contentious issue in my household.
Mary Elizabeth says
Now, the position of blinds (slats pointing up or down?) and shades (must they always be opened halfway?) in the midcentury house deserves years of research. I’m sure we can get a government grant to study it.
Mary says
OVER!
TappanTrailerTami says
I’m an over girl….except, I have no paper holder in our main bathroom (???!), and so it sits vertically on the vanity stool that is close by. Then the question becomes – clock wise placement vs. counter clock wise, lol. Mine stays clock wise. I really should invest in a paper holder, but have waited (and waited, and waited) to remodel the bathroom since it will need a new paper holder and towel bars, etc.
Robin, NV says
OVER. Over, over, over. I correct this transgression wherever I see it.
Jay says
What a laugh for a Friday! I grew up in an OVER house because my father wanted it that way so it’s all I know. Fortunately my cat shows no interest in TP or it would likely be all over the floor.