Good towel storage may not seem like a room-changing addition to your bathroom, but we promise it's essential if you want your bathroom to feel tidy and clutter-free.
If you have just remodeled your bathroom, of course, you will be doing everything you can to keep the new space looking clean, serene, and clutter-free, and we have plenty of bathroom organization ideas to help you do that. Because what's the point in investing in the best towels if you are just going to hide them away?
But let's face it, nothing, after all, is more annoying than going to use the bathroom and finding it strewn with smelly, soggy towels...
From freestanding stands to wall-mounted rails, baskets, and boxes, there's a whole heap of creative ways if you're wondering how to display towels.
Towel storage to transform your bathroom
'Nobody likes the sensation of going from a warm bath to placing their feet on a cold hard floor. Make sure you have an electric or heated towel rail within close proximity to the bath, to instantly wrap your body in a warm hug.' says Richard Roberts, Director of Sanctuary Bathrooms (opens in new tab)
1. Add an elegant brass towel rail
In a dark and dramatic black bathroom, a brass towel rail is the finishing touch to finesse this luxe look. Statement, without going OTT, this understated warm metal railing wouldn't look out of place in a 5* hotel. Complete this classy look with matching brass faucets and light fixtures for an effortlessly cool and coordinated feel.
Ideal for ensuites, and WCs, it's just one of many interior essentials if you're on the hunt for very small bathroom storage ideas that are sleek and slimline that take up little to no space.
2. Hang towels over a room divider
Not just for sectioning off a space or providing privacy, a room divider is a suitable piece of furniture to hang towels over. But, rather than buying any ol' screen, choose something that ties into the rest of your bathroom decor. For example, this wooden partition works cohesively in this rustic setup.
3. Purchase a shower shelf with railing
If you're working with a small bathroom, you'll want your fixtures to work that little bit harder for you, and this 2-in-1 towel storage and shower shelf meets that criteria. The french cane towel rail shelf, available at Dunelm (opens in new tab), is perfect for stowing bathing products and a towel – you won't have to do that awkward naked tango for a towel to dry yourself off, as it will be immediately in front of you.
4. Go for chunky cotton baskets
Crafted in chunky woven rope, this pair of Chesil Rectangular Baskets, available from Garden Trading (opens in new tab) in white or grey offer a refreshing alternative to plastic or rattan. These 100% cotton boxes are a quick and affordable way to act tactile texture to shelves and bathroom storage units, house your towels, face cloths, and flannels.
Perfect for guest bathrooms, these vessels give your visitors the VIP treatment.
5. Use an over-the-door solution
Your doors are prime real estate when it comes to towel storage, but rather than casually throwing your drying devices over your doorway, use the vertical space to designate a place to rack them.
This Curl Over-the-Door Towel Rack, from Symple Stuff, available at Wayfair (opens in new tab) is rental-friendly with rubber non-slip feet to protect your bathroom door from scuffs and scratches whilst keeping a firm grip. With space for five sets of towels or garments, this affordable accessory will help you to stay organized.
6. Invest in a heated towel radiator rail
Blend comfort and style by combining your existing radiator with a heated towel rail. Made from high-quality chrome, this overhanging fixture, available from Bathroom Mountain (opens in new tab) looks suave in both traditional and modern bathrooms. Working with your central heating, it can be used to dry wet towels or preheat your towel for added coziness.
8. Add some glam with a decorative towel rail
No one said bathroom organization was glamorous, but if you do want to add a glitzy touch to your washroom – add some glitter. This Harper Towel Store, available from Next (opens in new tab) adds a twinkle to your toilet and bathtub space, with towels sitting nicely in between the nooks. Go for maximum shimmer by choosing lustrous bathroom tiles too.
9. Opt for a multipurpose towel rack with a chair
In a snug bathroom, it's always worth choosing a versatile piece of furniture that does two jobs at once. We love the RÅGRUND towel rack chair by Ikea (opens in new tab). Why limit it to the bathroom? It's the perfect storage buy for a hallway or bedroom, too.
10. Use vertical space with ladder storage
We like ladder towel storage options: they are compact, portable, and give you flexibility in terms of what you want to store on the different tiers.
You can mix neatly-folded towels with a laundry basket at the bottom, and even display houseplants on top.
The Aralia Bathroom Shelf, available from Wayfair (opens in new tab) comes in a dark or light wood color and can either lean against a wall or stand on its own.
11. Keep towels handy on a cute towel ring
Towel rings are especially useful for storing hand and face towels – the circular shape allows you to spread out the towel to let it dry between uses.
There are plenty of inconspicuous chrome options out there, but we like a playful design like this Monkey Towel Ring from Dunelm (opens in new tab) for a child-friendly and cheeky washroom that's full of exotic personality.
12. Stack towels up on a stool for a laid-back look
For a relaxed, versatile towel storage idea, try a stool. They come in all shapes and sizes, foldable or fixed frame, and you can always use them in another room when you have a swap about.
We like the very handsome, solid wood Fiona Stool by Skagerak, available at Amara (opens in new tab), which is the perfect piece for a minimalist bathroom.
13. Choose multi-rail towel storage to save wall space
Brilliant for saving space on a wall, this three arm Brogrund towel holder by Ikea (opens in new tab) can be swivelled left or right to suit your space, and the arms are extendable to be able to hold bath towels as well as hand towels. Smart.
14. Combine a vanity unit with under sink storage
A basin console unit with storage beneath is one of the most practical and space-saving bathroom storage options, especially for small bathrooms.
Pick one with storage drawers rather than a cabinet because it's easier to reach everything quickly. We like the affordable and sleek Godmorgon unit from Ikea (opens in new tab), with the split design ideal for makeup storage too.
15. Display your best towels in a bowl
Wood can add a touch of spa luxury to a bathroom. This effect is easy to create with a well-crafted olive wood bowl, which looks beautiful with rolled-up white towels inside it, plus this material is naturally antibacterial too.
Just be sure not to dump wet towels in it, as this permeable wood will soak up the water. For a similar olive bowl, see Lunya (opens in new tab).
16. Keep towels neat in wire mesh baskets
The biggest challenge with storing towels is keeping them dry and fresh. Avoid solid, synthetic storage that does not let your towels breathe, and opt for wire mesh options instead. Try NATADE wire basket with handles from Ikea (opens in new tab).
17. Get a relaxed look with a freestanding towel rail
If you want a laid-back look for your bathroom, a freestanding towel rail is the perfect find. Choose a steel finish for a contemporary look or dark wood for a traditional bathroom. Our pick is the Bamboo Towel Stand from John Lewis (opens in new tab).
18. Repurpose fruit crates as towel storage
Want a shabby chic look in your bathroom? One of the simplest towel storage solutions is a painted fruit crate turned on its side. Stack them to create endless storage possibilities. These colorful towels can be found at Christy towels (opens in new tab), and similar fruit storage crates can be bought online from Amazon (opens in new tab).
19. Store towels in a felt laundry basket
If you're short on wall space for storage but have plenty of room on the floor, a pretty laundry basket like this pink melange felt basket from Muuto at 2Modern (opens in new tab) is a good towel storage option.
Choose one in a material that allows your towels to breathe, like this felt one. Whether made from wool or synthetic polymer, felt is quick drying and moisture repellent, making it ideal for storing towels.
20. Fold towels on a rustic side table
Not all towel storage solutions have to be made specifically for the bathroom. If you don't have too many towels, a neat little side table may well be all you will need. Take inspiration from the example below, showing towels on a rustic wooden table. For similar table, see Etsy (opens in new tab).
21. Keep towels tidy in wicker baskets
Whether you're looking for a towel storage option for a small bathroom idea, cloakroom, guest bath, or family bathroom, wicker baskets will give your room a neat, country feel. We like the delicate lined baskets in grey from John Lewis (opens in new tab).
22. Hang towels on a ladder
If you are limited on space, a real ladder doubling up as a towel rail will give you lots of storage. Choose one that is made from high-quality wood, and it will last for years. Made from solid oak, this ladder rail is from Lime Lace (opens in new tab). Leaned against a wall, you won't need to take up another weekend with DIY – hurrah.
23. Hang towels over a detachable radiator rail
Stuffing damp towels down the back of a radiator can leave the bathroom paint-stained and rarely results in dry towels. So, why not invest in a simple solution: a radiator towel rack?
DIY-free, it simply hooks over the top of the radiator. This radiator towel rack is from A Place for Everything (opens in new tab) and while it's not life-changing from a design perspective, it does what it says on the tin.
24. Go for a traditional peg rail
Pinch this towel storage idea and display your colored towels on a peg rail. You could have one built into your scheme like the one below or pick one of the plenty of wall-mounted options out there.
Make your towels even more of a feature in your bathroom with some clever paint tricks, doing some kind of color block design is super quick and easy – just check out our feature on color blocking ideas for loads of inspiration.
25. Use wire wall racks for towel storage
We love the industrial look of a wire rack, but mostly you see them used in kitchens or as hallway storage. But guess what? They look great in a bathroom too. Roll or fold your spare towels into the cubbies and add some decorative bits too.
Think plants, candles, toiletries that come in brown bottles that make us think they are fancier and all natural – those sorts of things.
26. Go smart with a 3-in-1 mirror, radiator and rail
Saving one of the most innovative towel storage ideas until last, we found this triple combo long-length bathroom mirror, radiator, and rail a refreshing take on how to display towels. Perfect for modern-day family living, encourage young children to be independent and dry themselves properly with a warm towel, and hang it up in its place.
The Relax Inox mirrored radiator, available from The Radiator Company (opens in new tab) comes in three lengths and widths so you can incorporate this heated technology into your bathroom, no matter what size your space.
What is the best way to store towels?
'If you’re looking to save space in your bathroom, make the most of your wall height by introducing a stylish electric towel rail into the room to open up precious floor space that could be taken up by plumbed in gas radiators,' says Antonio Dengra, CEO at Rointe (opens in new tab).
'By choosing smart-controlled electric heating, you’re choosing a more efficient and cost-saving lifestyle as it's cheaper to install than gas, has no maintenance rates, and lasts longer. With heaters controlled by an app, you can make sure your small bathroom is always at its optimum temperature.'
