Towel Bars and Rings
One way to join practical storage and beautiful decoration is to add more towel bars and rings to your bathroom. You probably already have at least one bar for your bath towel. If you don’t have a separate place to hang a hand towel, consider adding a smaller bar or ring near the sink. Keep in mind a bar offers a little extra hanging space, so go with that option if it fits. Furthermore, you can use towel bars or rings as a design feature, as well as a space-saving way to store clean towels. Simply line up a few bars or rings on the wall—stacking them vertically is often an efficient use of space—and hang some of your best-looking towels for display. This can make the bathroom feel more cozy and spa-like, and it will free up space in your linen closet.
Wall Shelves
If you sometimes find yourself lacking a fresh towel as you step out of the shower, consider installing a wall shelf. On it, pile several folded or rolled towels that look neat from a design standpoint and are convenient to grab when you need to dry off. A shelf can even fit over an existing towel bar to maximize your vertical storage space. Shelving also can add plenty of style to your bathroom. Think industrial pipes, a distressed look, a wall cubby, or multiple asymmetrical shelves. It’s a chance for you to put your creative stamp on the space.
Over-the-Door Towel Racks
If you’re really lacking space, consider an over-the-door towel rack. These units range in storage space from a simple, single bar to a system with bars, hooks, and shelving. Choose whichever style is most functional for you while remembering this storage solution can easily look cluttered if you don’t hang items neatly. Another factor to keep in mind with over-the-door systems is whether the bathroom door is open or closed while your towels dry. If your towels are stuck between the door and a wall, they won’t dry well, which can lead to bacteria growth.
Towel Stands
If you have a bit of unused floor space—such as a corner near the tub or shower—consider a towel stand. This decorative option is meant to display towels a little more fully than other storage methods, so take advantage if you have a set of pretty towels you want to show off. Many towel stands also come with a small shelf for extra storage. You can use it for decorations—such as stylish jars of bath products or a small plant—or to hold some of your regular bath items.
Heated Racks and Bins
There are few things that compare to the feel of a warm towel when you walk out of the shower or bath. Heated racks and bins are pricier than other towel storage options, but they can make a small bathroom feel absolutely luxurious. Bins do take up floor space, so they might be challenging to fit depending on your bathroom’s size. But a compact heated rack can easily replace an existing bar or shelving unit.
Over-the-Toilet Units
Over-the-toilet storage units use vertical space that’s typically empty in a bathroom. These units are a good alternative if your space is lacking a medicine cabinet or linen closet. They allow you to store toiletries and towels right in the bathroom where you need them, rather than in some closet down the hall. First, take precise measurements around your toilet. If the unit you select is simply a cabinet above the toilet, make sure it will fit your available wall space and mount it roughly 2 feet above the toilet tank. (You can vary its height depending on your personal preferences.) If your unit has legs that extend to the floor on either side of the toilet, allow at least a few inches of breathing room on each side, so you can easily slide it into place. Most units come in sizes that work with standard toilets.
