Towel bars are a fundamental fixture in every bathroom, providing a practical and hygienic solution for hanging and drying towels. Choosing the right placement for towel bars is vital to ensure they are functional and visually appealing.
This article will delve into the various options for towel bar placement, considering factors such as bathroom layout, available wall space, height of towel bars, size of bath towels, style, and design. Additionally, we will provide expert tips for installing towel bars correctly to achieve a polished and functional result.
Considerations for choosing towel bar placement
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind before you start drilling holes in your bathroom walls:
Bathroom Layout
If you have a small bathroom, you may need to get creative with your towel bar placement due to limited wall space. Consider installing towel bars on the back of your bathroom door or inside a shower niche to maximize the available space.
On the other hand, if you have a larger bathroom, you’ll have more options for towel bar placement. You can install towel bars in various locations, including near the bathtub or shower screen door, on the side of the sink, above the toilet, or behind the bathroom door. When assessing your bathroom layout, consider the available wall space and the areas where towel bars would be most convenient for you and your family’s needs.
Available wall space
The amount of available wall space is another crucial factor to consider when selecting the location for your towel bars. Suppose your bathroom is cluttered with shelves, cabinets, and other fixtures. You should think outside the box when it comes to towel bar placement. Installing towel bars on the back of your bathroom door or inside a shower niche are great options if you have limited wall space.
You can also install a towel bar on the adjacent wall if you have a pedestal sink. Choosing a location where the towel bars won’t interfere with other bathroom fixtures and won’t get in the way of your daily routine is essential. Additionally, ensure that the towel bars are easily accessible and convenient for all household members.
Height of towel bars
It’s crucial to select a comfortable height for everyone using the bathroom. If you have children, place the towel bars lower so they can reach them easily without assistance.
On the other hand, if you’re tall, you’ll want to place the towel bars higher so you don’t have to bend down to reach them. The standard height for towel bars is typically 48 inches above the floor, but this can vary depending on the height of your family members.
To determine the ideal towel bar height, measure the height of your household’s tallest and shortest members and select a comfortable height for both. This will ensure that your towel bars are accessible and convenient for everyone.
Size of bath towels
More oversized towels will require more space to hang, so you must ensure your towel bars are long enough to accommodate them. Look at the size of your towels and select a towel bar length that will allow them to hang without touching the floor.
You don’t want your towels to drag on the ground, as this can compromise their cleanliness and hygiene. Alternatively, you can install shorter towel bars if you have smaller towels. It’s essential to ensure that your towel bars are the appropriate length to accommodate the size of your towels for both functionality and aesthetics.
Style and design
Towel bars come in a variety of styles and designs, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. If you have a modern bathroom, choose a sleek and contemporary towel bar that complements the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. On the other hand, if you have a traditional bathroom, pick a more ornate towel bar with decorative details that match the classic style.
In addition to the style, you should consider the finish of your other bathroom fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads. Select a towel bar with a finish that matches or complements these fixtures to create a cohesive and polished look. You’ll create a cohesive and visually appealing design by choosing a towel bar that matches the style and finish of your other bathroom fixtures.
Where to place towel bars in the bathroom
After considering the different factors that will influence your towel bar placement, it’s time to determine the most suitable location for your towel bars. Here are some of the most common places for towel bars in the bathroom:
Near the bathtub or shower screen door
Installing a towel bar near the bathtub or shower screen door is one of the most practical and convenient locations. This placement lets you easily hang your towel within reach when you step out of the shower or bath. Depending on your needs and available wall space, you can install one or two towel bars. If you have a larger bathroom, you can install multiple towel bars to accommodate everyone in your household. Choosing a location not directly in the line of water from the shower or bath is essential to prevent your towel from getting wet.
Another advantage of placing towel bars near the bathtub or shower is that it keeps the towels off the floor, preventing them from getting dirty or damp. Additionally, by keeping towels within arm’s reach, you can reduce the risk of slipping and falling on a wet floor as you reach for your towel.
On the side of the sink
Placing towel bars on the side of the sink is another popular location to consider. This option is ideal if you have limited wall space or prefer to keep your towels within arm’s reach while washing your hands. You can install one or two towel bars depending on the size of your bathroom and the number of people using it.
If you have a pedestal sink, you can install a towel bar on the adjacent wall to maximize the available space. However, choosing a location that is not in the way of the sink or other bathroom fixtures is essential. You don’t want the towel bar to interfere with your daily routine or make it difficult to use the sink.
Another advantage of placing towel bars on the side of the sink is that it keeps your towels off the counter, providing more space for other bathroom essentials. Additionally, by keeping towels within arm’s reach, you can dry your hands quickly and prevent water from dripping on the floor.
Above the toilet
If you have limited wall space in your bathroom, installing a towel bar above the toilet is a great option. This placement is ideal for small bathrooms where every inch of wall space counts. Installing a towel bar above the toilet allows you to use vertical space that might otherwise go unused.
However, remember that the towels may be a bit further away from the shower or bath, which may be less convenient. Additionally, you should ensure that the towel bar is not in the way of the toilet tank or other bathroom fixtures.
If you decide to install a towel bar above the toilet, you can choose to install one or two, depending on your needs. It’s essential to measure the available wall space to determine the appropriate length of the towel bars. You want to ensure that the towel bars are long enough to accommodate your towels without touching the toilet bowl or the floor.
Behind the bathroom door
This location is handy if you’re struggling to find a convenient and practical spot to hang your towels. Installing one or two towel bars behind the door can provide a convenient and accessible location for drying your towels.
Consider the door’s movement when opened and closed when choosing this location. You don’t want the towel bars to interfere with the door’s ability to open and close freely. Additionally, make sure that the towel bars are not too close to the wall, as this can make it difficult to hang and remove towels.
Inside a shower niche
Installing a towel bar inside a shower niche or shelf is a smart and practical option. This location is ideal if you want to keep your towels within arm’s reach while in the shower. Installing towel bars inside the niche allows you to use available space efficiently and effectively.
To install a towel bar inside a shower niche or shelf, you’ll need to measure the available space and choose a towel bar length that fits comfortably inside it. You can install one or two towel bars, depending on the size of your niche and the number of people using it.
One thing to remember when installing a towel bar inside a shower niche or shelf is that the towel bars may get wet from the shower. This means you’ll need to choose a location that won’t interfere with your showering experience. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the towel bars are securely attached to prevent them from falling off or shifting during use.
