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Best Towel Racks Reviewed and Rated for Quality
Suzanne Lee
Have you ever faced the embarrassment of having a guest come over, use your bathroom, and grimace at the musty smell of your damp towel? Or having nowhere to store extra towels except shoved under your bathroom cabinet? Whether you are living in an apartment complex, sharing a bathroom with four other people, or have a bathroom as big as a Manhattan studio, a towel rack is one necessity your bathroom needs. If you’re still draping your used towels over your shower door, it might be time to upgrade your household look. Towel racks aren’t exactly at the top of our minds when it comes to home decor, but it isn’t hard to find stylish, chic, and inexpensive bathroom additions that will make your life a whole lot easier. Not only do they serve as a functional tool for drying your damp towels, but they can also serve as decorative pieces that make a statement in your bathroom. Below are ten towel racks that can upgrade any bathroom.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 12 hrs of research
Stylish design
Available in two different finishes
Meant to last for many years
Customizable
Easy to install
10 Best Towel Racks
1. Delta Ara
Stylish design
Available in two different finishes
Meant to last for many years
Customizable
Easy to install
Pricier compared to other towel bars
This Delta Ara is an exclusive part of the Delta collection, with a sleek, contemporary design that is suitable for any bathroom. With its geometric angles and minimalist style, it can be easily coordinated to match bathroom accessories, like the faucet and shower handles. Coming in both chrome and stainless steel styles, this towel bar is meant to last without corrosion from water and mold for many years.
Sleek Design
This will dress up any bathroom with it’s a modern design. When you don’t want anything clunky in your bathroom, this slender but strong bar provides an air of sophistication.
Easy Installment
This comes with all the equipment you would need to install and hang this bar in your bathroom. No need to look for extra screws laying around your house- this product comes with all the hardware you would need!
Cohigh-quality
This towel bar is made from high-quality chrome and stainless steel, so buying one can last you for years to come. Because the metal is formed by zinc, it is meant to increase durability, making this product well worth the price.
2. Kohler Devonshire
Different options to choose from
Comes with mounting plate
Made from high-quality material
Matches with other Devonshire pieces
A bit pricey
Don’t want to spend time researching and want to go for a no muss no fuss look? This towel bar is a simple and sleek bar that will go with any bathroom. Made from premium material, this towel bar is meant to last. Also coming in at 30 inches, this slender but powerful bar can hold your heaviest towels.
Multiple Finish Options
This bar comes in three stunning finishes- vibrant brushed nickel, vibrant brushed brass, and polished chrome. It is easily customizable to your current bathroom fixings so they can match effortlessly.
Easy Installment
This comes with a sturdy mounting template, so anyone can install this product. Customers say that the bar does not budge at all once it has been mounted.
Cost and Value
A little more costly than the previous bar, but the wide array of options, durability, and classic look put that at the top of the list.
3. Umbra
Easily movable
Sleek finish
Heavy base so it doesn’t tip over
Can hold four 9” X 15” hand towels
Can be used in the kitchen or bathroom
Does not hold larger towels
If you’re looking for a decorative piece to place your hand towels throughout your bathroom without installation, this is the towel rack for you. This compact, stylish towel tree can fit on just about any countertop, is free-standing, and most importantly, comes with a base that can hold all your miscellaneous items (never misplace your earrings again!).
Free Standing
No drilling, measuring, or hammering of any kind here- talk about an easy installation! This is a free standing towel rack that can be easily moved when desired. It’s also compact and lightweight, so it can be easily placed on any surface.
Comes with a base
Not only does this come in strong metal using a chic, metal finish, but the base of this towel rack can also serve as a holding dish for miscellaneous items, such as jewelry. This towel bar is perfect for those who like to keep their bathroom orderly and clean.
Cost and Value
The price point is well worth what you’re getting. This is also relatively cheaper than the other two towel racks mentioned above, keeping in mind that this rack is meant for hand towels and not larger bath towels.
4. InterDesign Forma
Easy installation
Very affordable
Fits on most cabinet doors
Comes in various finishes
Might be loose depending on door size
Need a place to put your dirty kitchen towel that’s not… draped over the sink? I don’t know how many times I have accidentally dropped my hand towel back in the dirty sink water because I didn’t have a rack to place my towel. This easy-to-install over cabinet towel bar is the answer. All you need is a cabinet door, and voila! Instant towel rack.
Price Point
Your dinner probably costs more than this! This product is a steal that goes a long way! Sometimes we don’t want to break the bank for household items that are just inconvenient to buy, and with this price point, you really can’t complain! This also comes with foam backing so your cabinets do not get scratched!
Convenient
This might be the easiest installation yet! Most kitchens and bathrooms come with cabinets under the sink, and this rack fits like a glove over the tops of cabinet doors. It is easily removable for cleaning as well.
Cost and Value
You don’t have to sacrifice function or aesthetics for a cheaper price point. This is also made from durable stainless steel and is scratch resistant.
5. Moen Align
Easy installation- comes with a mounting template
Lifetime warranty
Sleek, modern design
Quality finishes
The bar itself is considered thin, but durable
Moen is considered one of the world’s leading manufacturers of all things plumbing, home improvement, faucets, bathroom appliances, etc- so it’s no surprise that this towel bar is not only durable, but also quite attractive. Moen is known to set the standard for beautiful, innovative, and contemporary designs, and this sleek towel bar is no exception.
Lifetime Warranty
You know that you’re getting a quality product if it comes with a lifetime warranty. This minimalist bar will add a contemporary look to your bathroom, and will never rust, bend, or break. At 24 inches, this bar can hold the heaviest of towels, and its sturdy mounting plate ensures it will not fall off.
Two Attractive Finishes
This bar comes in two universally complimentary finishes- brushed nickel or chrome finish. If you’re going for a warmer undertone, the brushed nickel adds a flair of luxurious heat, while the chrome finish provides a cooler, reflective quality.
Cost and Value
For a bar that provides a lifetime guarantee, this price point really can’t be beaten. Instead of replacing rusty towel bars every few years, it’s worth it to invest in a quality product that will last throughout the years.
6. KES
Turned up an open-ended ring
Low cost
Quality material meant for durability
Easy installation- comes with mounting template
Might need to adjust horizontal alignment when installing
KES strives to bring elegant bathroom accessories to their customers, and their company mission is to have people start their day in the bathroom in a good mood, starting with tidiness and elegance. Who doesn’t love the feeling of starting their day off right? Even something as simple as the right bathroom accessory can give you that feeling of organization.
Open ended ring
This bar differs from the other ones in that one of the ends isn’t closed off, and is easier to place the towel on and off. The turned up ends ensure the towel won’t slip off. You can even use this for paper towels in the kitchen! The ring is perfect to slip in a paper towel.
Low Cost
Not only is this made from a Type 204 premium stainless steel with added chromium and nickel to protect against rust and corrosion, but the black and brushed finishes don’t exceed $15!
Cost and Value
When you combine a beautiful product made from high-quality materials that is also easy to install, you would expect it to be more than it is. This product can also be used in the closet as a bag holder, in the kitchen as a paper towel holder- so many possibilities!
7. JQK Double Bath
Multiple Sizes
High-quality material
Great separation between bars
Easy to put together with little to no damage done to your walls
Great for a multitude of uses
Reviewers mentioned some of the instructions were missing
Not as easy to screw in if you have thicker walls
The beauty of having a towel rack is the convenience that comes with it. This particular rack is all about providing convenience with quality. Featuring a double bar design measuring at 33.15 inches, this rack allows you to hang more than one towel at a time. Furthermore, you can say goodbye to bunched up towels that never dry completely, due to the length of your rack. This rack has more than enough room to dry your towels the moment they’re hung.
Quality
One aspect of a towel rack many seek yet can’t seem to find is quality. Finding quality racks that aren’t made of cheap plastic or hollow metal is quite the task. This rack removes the cheaply made construction by being made out of T-304 premium grade stainless steel that has been refined. This is done to ensure your rack is protected against natural corrosion and rust. Having this element ensures your rack will remain looking the same all-year-round.
Great Separation
The distance between each bar is important, as you want enough separation that you can hang different towels and they will still dry the same. Featuring a 2.36-inch separation gap your towels will have flowing air in-between them. Having this particular distance gives you the capacity of drying two thick bath towels at once without having to squeeze them before they're hung. Nevertheless, thanks to this feature you can dry even a yoga mat or more.
Cost and Value
While we have described all the perks of this towel rack, we have yet to mention a feature that adds to the value of the product- comes in multiple sizes! Not only are you getting a quality item for an exceptional price but your rack comes in a multitude of measurements so you can find which one will work best in your bathroom.
8. Kingston Brass Royale
Smaller, compact size
Easy mountable- comes with instructions
Sturdy and long-lasting
Comes in four different finishes
On the pricey side
If you’re looking to match your towel bar to your robe hook to your paper holder to your bathroom faucet, Kingston Brass has all the matching bathroom accessories you need that perfectly complement each other. This towel bar is also perfect for small spaces and comes at 18”.
Perfect for smaller spaces
Most standard towel bars are sold at 24”, so if you’re looking for a smaller option with limited wall space that can hold double the towels, this one is perfect.
Easily Matchable
This bar comes in four different quality finishes (oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, polished chrome, and satin nickel), so you can match your bathroom accessories easily.
Cost and Value
If you’re looking for an 18” bar, it will be hard to find unless you manually cut a 24” bar yourself. Considering this is the one of the only available bars in this length and quality, it’s well worth the price.
9. Gatco Latitude II
Affordable
Many different options
Lifetime Warranty
Hand-crafted, designer quality
Considered Lightweight
Gatco has been a household industry standard since 1977, so you know you won’t be disappointed with this product. This hallmark Latitude II bar belongs to a full collection of bathroom accessories, so whether you purchase this bar alone or the full set, you have up to 4 different finishes in either a single or double bar to choose from.
Designer Appeal
This bar has a very designer, a stylish appeal that you would be surprised it’s less than $30. Hand-crafted and hand-polished, this is a unique, designer quality at a fraction of the designer price.
Different Options to Choose From
Not only does this come in both single and double bar, but it also comes in four glossy finishes (brushed brass, chrome, matte black, and satin nickel) AND in 18” or 24”. There’s no reason why this bar wouldn’t work in your bathroom.
Cost and Value
For its sleek design, range of different options, and lifetime warranty, this bar is a bargain. This also comes with mounting template and hardware and is one of the most affordable items on this list.
10. Soduku
Versatile
Comes fully assembled
Heavy duty
6 different spaces for hanging or showcasing your towels
Cost-effective
Aesthetically pleasing
Lacking in customer service
Can be a bit too small for larger towels
Last but certainly not least, we have a Soduku towel rack. Now this rack is a little bit different from the rest of the options we have mentioned above. This is mainly due to how functional and aesthetically pleasing it is. Measuring at 33.1 in length, 6.5 in width and 2.5 in height this rack is a space savers dream. Not only is it sturdy but it gives you enough room to place 6 towels neatly when dried. Having this rack removes the issue of “okay my towel is dry now where do I place it?” You can easily roll them up and have them displayed beautifully while being able to use them right when you need it.
Multifunctional
This rack not only works great for displaying your towels, and hanging them when they are wet, but it can also we converted to a wine holder. Having this multifunctional feature allows you to find numerous ways of using it, making it quite valuable in the long run. The top rack can even be used to hold bathroom essentials.
Comes Assembled
Many of us love to have beautiful items in the home but hate putting them together. This product removes the hassle and comes fully assembled so you can simply hang it and be done. You will not need screws or pliers simply find a spot and you are good to go.
Cost and Value
When it comes to the value of this rack you are getting a bargain. It’s a two in one product for a cost-effective price. So much so, you might want to consider purchasing more than one.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
When thinking of buying a towel rack, it’s important to consider the design you want your bathroom to have. Are you thinking of a more contemporary, modern look? Do you like a more rustic, southern feel? Or perhaps you’re going for a more hi-tech, industrial ambiance? These factors play into what kind of bathroom accessory you want to purchase. It’s also important to consider other bathroom accessories you want to purchase to match. Towel bars can range in design finishes from:
*Single, double, triple towel bars
*Towel bars with shelves
*Towel warmers
*Towel bars with swing out rings
*Towel bars with rings, hooks, or pendants
*Hanger towel bars
*Wall mounted towel bars
*Towel bars with suction cups
*Portable towel bars
*Hand towel bars
As you can see, this list is already pretty long but the list goes on. Before heading over to purchase a towel rack, take a look around your home, apartment, room, what have you. Ask yourself if you need just a hand towel rack to place on your sink, or if you have multiple roommates that need a place to hang their own towel. Maybe you don’t want your towels to be visible at all and want them stored under your bathroom cabinet so it’s out of sight. You don’t want your bathroom accessory to stick out like a sore thumb, so decide how best it would fit in your home.
Application
You would think that hanging up two rods is a piece of cake. However, if you’re trying to do this by yourself, you might be mistaken. Think of how hard it is to put a fitted sheet on your bed by yourself! It’s important to review the product and see if it comes with any type of mounting guide, template, or screws. You might live in a place where you’re not even allowed to drill holes in the wall, so you may have to look into a free-standing towel rack or a portable towel rack. Before you purchase the rack, look out for:
Wall anchors- it’s important that the rack comes with a wall anchor or mounting template so that’s easy to install if you’re by yourself. Using a stud finder or good old pencil, use the templates to mark the screws into the wall. Make sure you’re marking the templates at a comfortable height to grab! If the towel rack is for your children’s bathroom, don’t forget to keep in mind where they would reach to grab the towel!
Installation instructions- You would be surprised how many products are out there that come in a box with no instructions and just a pair of screws. While I’m sure instructions for virtually anything can be found online, you don’t want to go through that extra hassle of searching through the internet for a simple task.
Ability to purchase it installed- this may not be an option for simple towel bars, but for those hi-tech towel warmers that are meant to hang on the wall, you might consider having a professional come to your home and install it. The towel warmer on the list has an extra option to “purchase installed,” and sometimes, convenience wins. Plus, you don’t want to hurt yourself in the process in case the towel warmer is too heavy to install on your own.
Features
Like the design of the towel bar, the finish (coating) adds a different dimension of aesthetics to your particular towel rack. You might have a modern, minimalistic design to your home- in this case, you would not want to buy a 9 prong towel bar that’s made out of wood. That might be more your style if you have a more homey, rustic charm.
Not only does the finish add on to the design of the product, but it also determines the type of quality it is. You should look for these type of finishes to ensure that your towel rack lasts a long type without rust or corrosion:
Nickel: Nickel is highly corrosion resistant. If we’re getting into science, nickel provides a wide range of stainless steels in different families that allow for long-lasting durability. Nickel is one of the most common steels used in engineering equipment, so you know that a nickel plated towel bar is meant to last. Some other benefits include resistant to elevated heat temperatures, ability to be cleaned with aggressive cleaning chemicals without damage, and a wide array of colors for finishing results.
Chrome: Chrome is also commonly used in industrial plating. Often used in screws and tools, this powerful material is extremely durable. The hardness of chrome plating ensures that even with constant wear and tear, the plating should protect it. This, like nickel, is also highly corrosion resistant, so all the water, chemicals, and environmental factors should not damage your rack. Chrome accessories are perfect for those who have a contemporary, minimalistic look to their home products. The shiny finish adds a sophisticated touch while maintaining strength.
Oil-rubbed- If you like a more matte, luxurious finish (think matte-black sports cars), then you can look into accessories in the home that are oil rubbed. This gives a subdued, soft texture that gives a unique appeal to your home accessories. Furthermore, we all know that water and oil don’t mix. The reason why, aside from aesthetic purposes, a lot of products that come in constant contact with water are oil rubbed is to prevent future corrosion and damage. If your metal hand towel bar is constantly under the pressure of a wet towel, it will undoubtedly lead to some very unattractive rusting in the future. Oil finishes are also commonly used on wood furniture to give it that lustrous finish. Oil-rubbing is a pain to do on your own, so looking for an oil-rubbed product saves a lot of time, money, and energy.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Style Application Features 
Our home should be our sanctuary and we need to treat it as such. Just like the phrase “You are what you eat,” it’s also important to treat your home and the rooms in your home with respect, and that starts with keeping things clean and fresh. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love staying at hotels for their cleanliness (hopefully). I love coming back to the hotel room knowing that the towels aren’t on the floor and are ready to be used. Towel racks are often overlooked when thinking of home improvement or decoration because we don’t think of them as having style.
If you own a smaller bathroom and can’t find a space for your towel rack, consider having one that hangs from your door. We all know how difficult it can be to find a rack that fits smaller bathrooms with not much space on the wall. Having one that hangs from the door not only allows you to hang your towel as soon as you’re done using it, but it gives you the option of having a towel rack even when your walls don’t allow you too.
Other Factors to Consider
Size
Another important factor to keep in mind is the size of the towel rack. After going through this list of design, finish, and ease of installation, you should be able to find out which size works best for you. If your bathroom is on the smaller side with not a lot of wall space, consider the smaller 18” or discreet, over the cabinet door towel bars. 24” towel racks are the standard size and are meant to fit in most bathrooms, but you do want to make sure that there’s enough space in case you want to hang art or other decorative pieces on your wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What kind of towel rack is right for me?
It’s important to consider the four criteria above when choosing a rack. Even if you’re not redecorating your bathroom from floor to ceiling, considering the design, finish, ease of installation, and size of the towel rack should be a deciding factor in choosing which one is best for you. Consider where you live and your lifestyle factors. If you move apartments often, it might not be best to get a wall-mounting towel rack that you would have to install each and every time. If you’re getting a towel rack for a child’s bathroom, it might not be best to get a sophisticated, chrome polished towel rack with geometric edges for safety reasons. If you’re a female and like to take off your earrings every night before bed and don’t want to take out your jewelry box every time, the portable towel bar with the base might be a good option.
q: Should I buy a heated towel bar?
If your budget allows for it, why not! Sometimes the little joys in the morning can set the mood throughout the entire day. If you have ever spilled a cup of coffee in your car it ruined your mindset for the morning, you know how much morning routines can affect you. Starting off your day with a nice shower, and a warm, heated towel may set the tone for your performance throughout the day. Not to mention, the speed of drying can lessen your laundry load because you’re not constantly drying your wet towels that fall to the floor. If you have a smaller bathroom, the towel warmer may also rid bacteria that may be occupying space in your bathroom.
q: Does a towel rack provide any cleanliness benefits? Why do I need one?
I know it’s easy to hang your used towel over the shower door, or over the sink, or on the floor when you’re in a hurry- I know I have. However, damp items are a gold mine for bacteria to grow in, especially in the heat. If you’re using your towel every day for two weeks and start to notice a musty odor, that is indeed the bacteria that has been breeding over the past couple of weeks. And to think you’re drying your recently washed, clean body with that! Yuck! A towel rack ensures that the towel dries evenly and airs out the maximum surface area. The best way to hang your towel is to fold it and hang it so no folds are creases are there. This is why a long bar or rack is better to use than a towel hanger, where there are still folds and creases where damp areas can foster bacteria. If you don’t care about your bathroom design at all, the bacteria alone should be enough reason to start hanging that towel to dry completely!
q: Where do I purchase towel racks?
Home improvement stores are a good bet to find any type of home accessory, but the overwhelming amount of products and accessories can be daunting, especially without some guidance. Online sale platforms such as Amazon or eBay have entire sections of home improvement and bathroom accessories that are sold at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can see pictures and reviews from other customers who have purchased the product you’re looking for, and get ideas for how they styled up their bathroom!
q: How do I install a towel rack?
There are a number of tutorial videos available online that show you step by step how to install or mount a towel rack, but there are a few steps to make sure that the towel rack is not just attached, but securely attached, to the wall. A few tools you might need are:
Level- this is a cross beam tool that allows for support with a measuring scale for precise measurements on your installation
Painter’s tape- this helps you achieve clean and crisp lines while working on your project
Drill/Drill Driver/screws/screwdriver- to drill screws (if necessary, depending on what type of towel rack you purchase) into the wall
First, you would want to use the mounting template that came with your towel bar. Tape the template to the desired section of your wall and level it so it’s perfectly straight. You don’t want to screw it in slanted.
Use your drills to drill a hole through the template and attach the mounting plates into the holes.
Position the brackets of the towel bar onto the mounting plates.
Insert the bar into the first bracket, and then the second bracket.
Again, the instructions for installation will vary depending on the type of bar you purchase, but these are general guidelines for your standard one bar towel bar.
Hopefully, this list has given helpful information regarding the importance of a towel bar. With these criteria in mind, it should give you a better understanding of what to look for when looking for your next bathroom necessity. Happy shopping!
q: Can I use my towel rack in multiple different ways?
If you purchase a towel rack with some versatility to it, you will be able to use it in multiple ways plus you will also have the ability to move it around your home. Consider how versatile you want your rack to be before purchasing one. Furthermore, you want to do your research on which rack will work best for you.
