A concave toilet-paper holder seems elusive in this redecorator's bathroom

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

June 10, 2004

We are renovating an old bathroom. Several tile people have come in for estimates, and they all have told me that I cannot have a concave toilet paper holder because they are no longer made. One person told me to search the Internet for a vintage tile company. Can you help?

Linda Salierno, Garden City

Try Lenape Bath Products, a division of New Jersey Porcelain. You can call for a catalog (800-367-5644) or visit online at www.lenapebath.com. Recessed porcelain bathroom hardware is not easy to find, but you might be able to improve your chances by visiting www.epreservation.net, an online resource site for antique and reproduction items. Click on the "Products & Services" tab at the top of the home page for a list of companies that sell so-called "repro" and retro bath and home items. A skilled tile installer should be able to build a recessed square hole to act as a toilet-paper holder.