If you are remodeling, you might be wondering how to choose a towel rack for your bathroom. After all, storing and drying your towels will make your towels last longer. So, the decision you make should not be motivated purely by aesthetics. Damp towels are a breeding ground for various bacteria and germs. So, make sure you do your research before making a decision. 

 

Of course, you also want your towel display to fit a modern, newly renovated bathroom. Depending on the tiles, paint, and colors in your bathroom, different designs and materials will make a better fit. For some reason, homeowners tend to dismiss towel racks as secondary to other hardware in the bathroom. Yet, a single suboptimal design choice could completely ruin the harmony of colors and shapes in your bathroom. For this reason, we will walk you through factors and ideas that will help you find the best solution.

How many racks do you need?

If you want to choose a towel rack for your bathroom, the first factor you should consider is the number and placement of the towel rack. You do not want to drill a fresh wall of paint for no reason. Also, make sure you take the measurements carefully - otherwise, you may not be able to place the towel rack properly.

 

Most people have 2-3 towel racks in their bathroom - next to the sink, shower, or bathtub. However, you might want to group a couple of them if you like to have a supply of fresh, dry towels at all times. 

 

Besides comfort, you should also consider their practical benefits. For instance, people who have a bathtub can profit from having a sturdy metal towel rack you can use to balance when you get out of the bath. In contrast, you will not have this kind of support if you place a towel hook instead of a rack. However, keep in mind that the towel rack should not be used for grabbing or leaning as it might not be able to support your weight. 

Consider the size of the towel rack 

Off-the-rack towel bars usually come in various sizes, most commonly 18, 24, and 30 inches. Given that standard bath towels range from 27 to 30 inches in width, you might want to go for longer racks for the shower area. Otherwise, you can always fold the towel in two if it is too wide. Just keep in mind it will take longer to dry. So, it makes sense to buy a couple of smaller, quality linen towels you can store and take out when needed. 

 

Quality beats quantity in most cases, so most homeowners who do not have enough storage space opt to keep their best towels in use. Yet, if you do not want to throw away your towel collection, you can affordably rent storage space. Just ensure they remain intact by packing and storing them properly - preparing towels for storage is essential. 

Consider the installation of the towel rack

In some cases, ease of installation will trump all other factors. Particularly if you think you will change your mind in the future. 

 

Some towel racks are relatively simple to screw in, whereas others might need professional tools or equipment. You will need an electric drill to install a wall-mounted towel rack, perhaps even anchors if you do not have wall studs. The same applies to towel warmers - make sure you have an electrical output you can plug it in. 

 

If you do not want to put holes in your walls, choose a free-standing towel rack. If you lack space in the bathroom, go for the over-the-door option. 

 

You can also choose towel racks with adhesives that can temporarily be glued to the wall. Search for racks with rubber adhesives if you fear industrial glue might damage the tiles. 

Aesthetics and materials

There is a plethora of colors and shapes you can go for if you think the typical silver towel rack is too plain. Plastic towel racks are a temporary option as they are not very durable. However, if you want to try out a specific color or design, you can buy a plastic towel rack and later invest in a more expensive option.

Chrome

Chrome bars do fit into all kinds of color arrangements, but they need to be cleaned frequently, either with soap or water or distilled vinegar. 

Brushed nickel or polished brass

Brushed nickel towel racks have a matte finish while also looking tasteful and luxurious. They are also very easy to maintain. If you want your bathroom to have a stylish yet vintage appeal, go for polished brass. However, consider that this finish is more expensive than others. 

Oil-rubbed bronze

Likewise, oil-rubbed bronze is an excellent alternative to silver and more modern colors and finishes. It will work great with bathrooms that have light-colored cabinets and tiles. An added advantage is its easy maintenance as it does not show fingerprints and water stains. Of course, like the brushed nickel and polished brass, these benefits come at a price. 

Custom color and finish

Finally, if you want to match the towel rack with the colors fixtures, tub, sink, and other bathroom elements, you can order a custom color with a matte finish, for instance. Some homeowners like to make a contrast by using, for example, a black-colored towel rack in a predominantly white or golden bathroom.

Consider the weight capacity

Finally, the last consideration before you choose a towel rack for your bathroom is the weight that the rack can realistically support. Most racks are designed to hold a maximum of 2-3 towels. Also, piling up one towel over the other is not recommended since they won’t dry quickly. If you prefer to have a lot of towels, go for a towel rack that has two or more bars you can make use of or arrange stylistically.

Thanks!

Hank