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18 best towel rails and racks to keep your bathroom tidy
Is there anything more unpleasant than stepping out of the bath or shower and finding your towel is still wet? Even in the warmer days of summer it's not a pleasant experience, and it's positively ghastly in the depths of January. How to ensure the damp towel mishap never befalls you? The trusty towel rack.
Investing in the best towel rail you can find will make a huge impact on your bathing routine and ensures that you always have dry towels, making it one of the most essential pieces in a family bathroom. Whether you have a tiny bathroom in a rented flat, or a large en-suite, there are so many types of towel rails that there will be the perfect one out there for your bathroom. As such we've rounded up fourteen lovely items to add to your wishlist or buy now.
The best towel rails and racks 2024
For a more traditional towel rail, opt for dark wood, which will work well in a variety of interiors. For unique, vintage pieces, head straight to Vinterior, but for a slightly more contemporary look La Redoute has some great picks. This original Thonet model would be the best towel rail for classically styled bathroom, with its elegant bentwood design.
Other solid wooden towel rack options can be found at Heal's and the Futon Company - we particularly like the folding ladder which can be folded away when not being used, to save space.
Argos isn't known as a go-to destination for homewares, yet this towel rail is rather stylish and extremely affordable. For something less austere and more decorative, this towel rail-cum-clothes airer would be a charming addition to any bathroom.
High street extraordinaire The White Company have a lovely pared back pick. Made from hand-soldered iron, this towel rail has a powder-coated finish and a slim, space-saving profile. For a similar, but more angular shape, head to Dunelm. Their Fulton towel rail has an acacia wood base, and matte-black metal rail, can hold multiple towels at once and, thanks to its freestanding nature, there is no need to fix it onto anything and it can be moved about at your whim.
While more work and cost is involved in getting them installed, a heated towel rail or towel radiator, connected to your central heating system cannot be beaten for the luxury of having your towels dry incredibly fast. It also means you have toasty, warm towels waiting for you when you step out of the bath or shower. This is particularly appreciated during winter, where a rail with a heating element functions as an extra bathroom radiator. C.P. Hart has a plethora of high-quality choices that are ultra stylish without sacrificing durability, and available in a range of finishes.
Anthropologie have two practical little pieces that are rather pretty, too. The bumblebee and bird motifs add a touch of whimsy to their towel stands, whilst the metallic finishes maintain a refined, upscale look.
If you have the option, wall-mounted towel rails are great picks for small bathrooms as they take up very little precious floor space, by utilising wall space. This smaller pick from John Lewis can be used for flannels or hand towels. Zara Home's option in a gold finish is sleek, minimal and comes in two sizes for your bath and hand towels.
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Trust Ikea to come up with a space saving, stylish multi-use piece for £60. This quirky pick is simultaneously a chair, a towel rack and a useful piece of storage–a great option for very small bathrooms where the functionality of its three in one design would be particularly helpful. Looking for a different bamboo towel rail? This John Lewis rack is compact and elegant. Built to hold three bath towels, this slimline design is incredibly strong and sturdy.
Lean-to, ladder towel rails usually feature five or six rungs (or towel bars) making them great for family bathrooms. Do bear in mind that some ladder designs will need fixing to the wall, so might not be great for rentals. This towel ladder from La Redoute is a fabulously rustic choice, retaining some of the natural twists and knots of the wood.
Where is the best place to store towels?
Regular bathroom towel storage, such as a shelf, hanger or hook, typically won’t allow your bath towel or hand towel to get the air it needs to properly dry. However, a towel rack, whether it be wall-mounted or freestanding, will aerate the towels nicely.
What can I use instead of a towel bar?
This is a frequently asked question and the answer is, quite simply, a freestanding towel rack or towel rail. Towel bars often have to be mounted onto the wall and there are a myriad reasons why this may not be possible for everyone. In lieu of this, a freestanding rack is best. There are many lovely options listed below, from a wooden towel rack, to a stainless steel ladder style piece, so you're sure to find something suitable.
How do you hang towels in a small bathroom?
Small bathrooms often result in us having to get a little more creative with storage space solutions. If a freestanding towel rack won't quite fit in the bathroom, an over the door towel rack is a great alternative. It takes up very little space and, depending on the design, will allow for multiple towels to be hung up.
