French designer Aleksandar Dimitrov has created a 3D-printed accessory for the humble toilet-paper tube, allowing users to effortlessly convert it into a pen holder (+ slideshow).

The tp Pencil Holder by Aleksandar Dimitrov is printed from polyamide and attaches to the bottom of the cardboard tube left over from the centre of any roll of toilet paper, accommodating a diameter between 36 and 39 millimetres.

The device comprises a round base with a wider circumference than the average tube to create a stable base for the desk tidy, surrounding a grid of bars within an inner circle to prevent items falling through when the assemblage is lifted.

Three prongs join the rings together then project upwards so users can simply plug the piece in to the loo-roll tube.

The accessory can then be used to hold pencils, pens or anything other stationery lying around on a desk in need of more organisation.

It comes in white, black, and limited-edition colours. While the designer has chosen to keep the decor to a minimum, users are free to customise their toilet roll holders in any way they see fit.

The tp Pencil Holder is available from Dimitrov's website or 3D-printing giant Shapeways.

Other companies have also used 3D-printing technology to address the problem of desktop clutter: last month New York-based designers Barbara Busatta and Dario Buzzini released a range of tableware that can be printed out at home on a desktop 3D-printer and used straight away.

Meanwhile American college student Tyler McNaney invented a desktop machine that makes the raw materials for 3D printing by grinding up waste plastic from bottles, wrappers and even Lego bricks.