Not having space in a small bathroom to put sopping wet towels can be a big problem. Towels strewn across floors or furniture leads to increased clutter and mildew risks.
In helping homeowners organize their homes, I’ve discovered several hacks for hanging towels. Here is the ultimate guide on where to hang wet towels in a small bathroom.
Where to Hang Wet Towels in Small Bathroom Layouts
To drape wet towels in a bathroom, install a towel bar or ring close to sinks and showers for easy access. You can also use vertical space such as over-shower racks, towel racks, hooks, and shelves.
Another great idea is to contain towels with baskets, hampers, and cabinet organizers. They will neatly store and allow a quick drying process.
It took me some time to understand and come up with innovative ways as well. Ever since I did, my life has been made easier. You don’t have to deal with any more wet, unhygienic towels lying around your room aimlessly!
Are you wondering where to hang wet towels after a shower? Here are the benefits and downsides of the different towel storage ideas.
| Towel Display Ideas | Pros | Cons |
| Towel bar or ring | Space-saving, allow towels to dry faster | Limited capacity |
| Cute baskets | Contain mess, stylish storage | Take up floor space |
| Shower caddy | Use spaces vertically | Need adequate shower height |
| Ladder rack | Lots of drying space | Bulky, needs wall space |
| Tight hooks | Simple installation, versatile placement | Towels bunch up |
| Free cabinet space | Concealed towel storage | Needs cabinet depth |
| Above toilet | Use wasted space | Exposure to germs |
| Under-sink organizer | Easy access from the sink | Moisture damage risk |
| Hooks below sink | Handy by sink | Limited airflow |
| Towel stands | Portable, vertical storage | Risks falling |
| Towel hamper | Contain used towels | Bulky, no drying |
| Cabinet door organizer | Hidden, organized | Needs cabinet depth |
| Vanity side rack | Extra sink space | Limited drying |
| Shower door | Utilizes extra door space | Limited capacity |
| Small metal shelf | Air circulation | Protrudes into room |
| Towel warmer | Dries and warms towels | High cost, installed heat |
1. Combination of a Towel Bar and Rings
Most bathrooms have existing towel rings and bars that you can find in sets. They take up little space and provide enough support to hold the weight of wet towels.
I installed a combination of two towel bars and a few towel rings near the bathroom sink. It’s close enough for convenient access to wipe your hands. You can start with a classic towel bar, like this one from Nolimas.
2. Baskets
Over time, I learned how helpful baskets can be, especially for a room that doesn’t have a lot of towel storage space. Ideally, two baskets should be kept in a small bathroom — one for wet towels and one for dry ones.
This is why I like the AJIODA Metal Mesh Steel Basket. I can put the baskets on the floor, on a cabinet, or drape them in the corner of the bathroom. Here, I can roll towels instead of folding them. This helps save space inside the basket and creates more space for other towels.
3. Shower Caddy
Who says that you need walls for wet towel storage? You can drape wet bath towels on the door to save essential bathroom space. You can also easily put wet towels on shower doors.
But you may not have shower doors that are large enough to do this. You can solve this problem with the Orimade Over-the-Door Shower Caddy. Aside from letting damp towels dry faster, you can also put toiletries in the caddy.
4. Ladder Rack
A metal or old wooden ladder rack provides plenty of bars in the limited wall space. The ladder design allows air circulation around the hand towels for faster drying.
I prefer a free-standing rack like the Adeptus Five-Shelf Ladder Storage. It’s a great rack for draping wet bath towels and holding extra towels for guests. Additionally, it provides more space for toiletries, decorations, and other bathroom accessories.
5. Tight Hook
Towel hooks are great for people like me who hate folding clothes. I simply hang them on hooks instead of piling them on a chair or throwing them on the floor. I like that towel hooks don’t take up much space on the wall.
The KIBAGA Stylish Bathroom Towel Hooks are easy to install. Wet hand towels take a bit longer to dry when hung on hooks, so that is something to keep in mind.
6. Free Space in Cabinets
Install a small cabinet that can hold towels. I installed the Unovivy Tall Bathroom Storage Cabinet. The unit allows you to see the towels and other essentials stored inside.
What I liked best about this towel storage setup was that my hand towels were kept away from water and dust. You can also try to get thin, tall cabinets that do not take up too much room space and are perfect for compact spaces.
7. Wall Space Above Your Toilet
With a floating shelving unit, you can store wet and dry towels. Plus, you get more towel storage for your small bathroom.
I like to use this spot to hold bathroom towels. It is super convenient, and it doesn’t waste any bathroom storage space. You can also add the VANIRROR Wall-Mounted Gray Cabinet. Store your clean towels here so your bathroom looks more organized.
8. Under-the-Sink Organizer
Another simple way to store wet hand towels is to place them on an under-the-sink organizer. You can put the organizer below the vanity to hold wet towels for drying. They are within easy reach after using the sink in a small bathroom.
Storing towels under the sink takes advantage of the empty space. The Avaspot 2-Tier Under Sink Organizer is an excellent alternative to towel racks.
9. Below-the-Sink Hooks
The space beneath your bathroom sink is a perfect spot for towel storage if your sink does not use a pedestal. You could place one or a few hooks on the empty wall below the sink. It’s not ideal, yet it might be your only option in a small bathroom.
With the E-Senior Farmhouse Coat Rack Hooks, hanging towels can still be stylish. I also built an under-sink shelf to store some fresh towels and tissue packs when I run out.
10. Towel Stands
Who said towel stands are out of fashion? Personally, I still love using them, especially for towel storage in a small bathroom. The best part is that a towel stand uses vertical space rather than horizontal space. A towel stand gives you more room to move around in your bathroom.
When placing a towel stand, I suggest you look for storage space in the corner of the bathroom. Unused room space at an odd angle is also a good location. Repurpose the VASAGLE Tree-Shaped Coat Rack and place it in the spot of your choice.
11. Towel Hamper
Dump wet towels in a towel hamper under the sink or in a bathroom corner. This is a temporary storage solution until you take them to the laundry.
I particularly like the Mind Reader Basket Collection. Its wicker design promotes airflow, keeping damp bath towels dry.
12. Cabinet Door Organizer
A cabinet door organizer mounted on the back of a vanity cabinet door is a handy spot for towel storage. Towels dry out of sight inside the cabinet. The door can still open and close easily.
You can put two IVCNRPD Cabinet Door Organizers, one for damp hand towels and another for fresh ones. The mesh design also improves airflow to help the towels dry faster.
13. Towel Rack on the Side of the Vanity
Sometimes, you need to get creative about where to place a hand towel rack or hooks. A vanity will provide extra towel storage space on the side for a hook or two. A small towel rack, like the Kimzcn Bath Towel Ring Hand Towel Holder, will do the trick.
Installing a narrow towel rack on the side of your vanity takes advantage of the empty space. A few can fit in the tight area to let you dry bath towels near the sink in a small bathroom.
14. Drape Over the Shower Door
This is not the most ideal, yet it’s a cheap option if you have a shower door. You can drape smaller towels over the shower curtain bar. A great option is a sturdy shower rod like the TEECK Shower Curtain Rod.
Draping wet towels over the door maximizes the available vertical hanging space. It will allow towels to dry after use in a small bathroom. Be careful not to overload the door or shower rod.
15. Small Metal Shelf
With a small metal shelf, you could drape small towels over the sidebars at the top. A small metal shelf fixed on the wall creates a spot specifically for draping wet towels. In a compact bathroom, this takes advantage of the empty corner space in the room.
When I had a really small bathroom space, I used the NETEL Under-Sink Expendable Organizer. I could reconfigure the shelf depending on the available space.
16. Towel Warmer
Every time I step out of the shower, I love feeling like I am in a spa. The luxurious experience of warm hand towels is a sensation that feels amazing. Towel warmers like the LiveFine Luxury Towel Warmer help create the experience.
I also use them as space heaters in the winter. Showering can feel be an absolute nightmare in cold weather. You will enjoy using a towel warmer if you like wearing soft clothing. You can even allow your delicate outfits to dry in front of a towel rack!
Final tip: Hotels and spas often come up with clever ways to deal with towel storage (wet and dry). Take note of how those places deal with towels to come up with inspiration in your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do You Hang Towels in a Modern Bathroom?
In a modern bathroom, drape or store towels on sleek brushed nickel or chrome hooks, bars, and ladders. These accessories complement the contemporary style. You may also focus on spaces near sinks and showers for functional access.
Are Towel Bars or Hooks Better for Wet Towels?
A towel bar is better than hooks because it allows towels to dry faster than being bunched on hooks. They also provide more hanging space, making them generally better for wet towels. This works as long as they are installed in spots with good airflow.
Where Is the Best Place to Hang Wet Towels?
The best places to drape wet towels are near the shower or tub for easy reach. Consider installing a towel bar on an open wall to allow more air circulation for faster drying.
Conclusion
You can create room in your bathroom space by taking advantage of vertical storage. Racks, hooks, and shelves will provide you with practical wet towel solutions. With these unique towel rack ideas, my guide will help you find the perfect spots to neatly store wet towels.
