The Best Towel Racks

Buying Guide for Towel Racks

Why buy a towel rack?

“Why not?” may be a more apt question. Towel racks are super functional fixtures. They offer a place to hang towels of all kinds: hand towels, dish towels, washcloths, bath towels, hair towels, etc., to help them dry off faster. Towel racks can look nice, too. Keep an eye out for models that you think would elevate the decor of your bathroom or kitchen.

What should you look for in a towel rack?

• Size: How many towels will you be storing on your rack? What size are your towels? What kind of space are you working with? It’s important to ensure the towel rack you choose is suitable for the room you put it in.
• Style: Are you looking for a rack to store your clean towels or to dry towels after use? This will influence the type of rack you buy. Also, think about the decor style you’re going for. If your bathroom has rustic or modern decor, you may choose a model that complements the space’s existing theme.
• Material: Most towel racks are made of metal, but they don’t all look the same. A common base layer is steel or zinc alloy. Both are rust and corrosion-resistant, so they last and look good for longer. Perhaps more important in terms of looks is the type of finish. A zinc alloy metal rack may have a chrome-colored or black matte finish. Consider both the quality and looks of the materials used in the rack you’re considering.

How much should you expect to spend on a towel rack?

Prices vary based on materials, design, size, and function. They range from $14 to $30, so they’re affordable and reliable options for most people. If you’ve been dreaming of a deluxe towel warmer towel rack complete with a built-in timer, you can have it; they just tend to cost closer to $200. However, if you don’t need the high-tech bells and whistles in a towel rack, our top picks have reliable functionality and amazing value.

Our Picks for the Best Towel Racks

Pros: This streamlined, classic-looking towel rack requires no installation tools. It has four water-resistant adhesive strips, which outperform their less reliable suction cup alternative. You can stick this metal towel rack with a satin nickel finish on almost any surface, including glass, wood, tile, fiberglass, mirrors, and painted walls. If you decide to move it from one place to another, you’ll see why this is a damage-free towel rack: no sticky residue or holes to cover up.

Cons: This isn’t a large or heavy-duty towel rack, so oversized or heavy towels are not ideal for hanging on this product.

Bottom Line: Stick this Command hand towel bar in whatever room you may need a towel without having to drill any holes. It works great for lightweight items and looks sleek in most settings.

 

Pros: Featuring a clean, minimalist design that comes in chrome and brushed nickel, this hand towel ring from Moen is a great budget-friendly addition to any contemporary bathroom. It has mounting hardware and a handy template to make installation a breeze. Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile stylistically and is thus unlikely to clash with your existing bathroom fixtures.

Cons: This product doesn’t come with drywall anchors. Also, it isn’t the most sturdy option for households with many kids.

Bottom Line: If there are kids at home that won’t be able to resist hanging from a wall-mounted towel ring, steer clear of this product. Otherwise, it offers amazing style and functionality for the price.

 

Pros: This wall-mounted towel rack is a great option for those looking to maximize space in a compact bathroom. The holder can be easily mounted to any wall, freeing up space and keeping your bathroom looking tidy. Its multi-arm design can hold even more towels than a traditional towel rack while taking up less space. It also includes a nifty hanging hook for your toiletry bag or other essentials.

Cons: This product might be too small for bathrooms with plenty of wall space. Also, it will likely require you to fold full-size bath towels before hanging them.

Bottom Line: While this isn’t the most sturdy or decorative towel rack on the market, you’ll find it’s nearly impossible to locate a product that holds as many towels while taking up so little space.

 

Pros: This stylish towel rack is made of durable manganese steel with laser-cut integrated molding for a delicate, long-lasting, rustproof, and waterproof towel rack. Plus, the matte surface makes the rack easy to clean. It’s sure to bring a bit of style to your bathroom. There are five oversized hooks in total perfect for bulky towels or robes.

Cons: Some say they were disappointed with the rack’s smaller size.

Bottom Line: Go bold with this decorative, sturdy five-rack towel hanger. It makes a nice focal point on a bathroom wall.

 

Pros: This towel rack offers six tiers of vertical arm storage for clean, rolled towels. Thanks to the open design, it’s quick and easy to grab a towel as needed while adding a decorative touch to your bathroom. The wall-hanging design is suitable for just about any space—above the toilet, beside the sink, next to the shower, or on an empty wall. The durable rust-resistant finish is stylish and easy to care for.

Cons: Some people found that larger towels don’t fit as well on this rack.

Bottom Line: The design is compelling but subtle—just the right combination for upgrading a bathroom. It’s a great towel rack for large families and singles alike.

 

Pros: If you’re seeking a surprisingly sturdy towel rack perfect for a small bathroom or guest bathroom, this model from Auledio is one to consider. Not only is it effortless to install for those who don’t feel comfortable mounting a conventional towel rack, but it also offers an adjustable design to help fit the size of your door. It can also be used in a closet to hang ties, scarves, or other accessories.

Cons: This product may scratch your door, so it may be worthwhile to cushion its arms with a thin piece of foam. Also, it’s fair to note that the product arrives unassembled.

Bottom Line: This over-the-door towel rack is a fairly versatile option for those who need something simple and effective. Hang your bathrobe or other bathroom essentials for easy convenience and organization.

Final Thoughts

Towel racks are such a great addition to the bathroom or kitchen because they offer the opportunity to keep the space and your towels clean and tidy. More than that, towel racks can spruce things up according to your taste.