Where to Store Your Towels When You Don’t Have a Linen Cupboard
Your towels are fluffed and neatly folded. So now what do you do with them?
Becky Harris
28 December 2017
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
When I was planning my recent bathroom renovation, I knew one of my issues was towel storage. In my existing bathroom, they always ended up squashed in the vanity unit underneath the basin’s U-bend, crowded by cleaning supplies and hair appliances. So I searched Houzz photos for towel storage solutions and here are some of the best ideas I found.
Display them on a vanity unit
With a wide variety of ready-made vanity units and bespoke models available, there are all sorts of configurations where open towel storage is part of the design.
Here’s a great example: neatly folded matching towels are the way to go with this solution. The next few photos illustrate various storage ideas – see if any of them suit your style.
With a wide variety of ready-made vanity units and bespoke models available, there are all sorts of configurations where open towel storage is part of the design.
Here’s a great example: neatly folded matching towels are the way to go with this solution. The next few photos illustrate various storage ideas – see if any of them suit your style.
There are many options available, including the clean look of this cantilevered unit with open cubbyholes at the bottom.
Here’s a modern washstand interpretation of this idea.
If you don’t mind going asymmetrical, try something like this.
If you’re a fan of symmetry, this one’s for you. The vanity unit has open shelves in the centre (free from that pesky U-bend).
Tuck them in a basket
If you don’t have time for perfect folding and you like your towels more hidden, simply put baskets on the vanity unit’s open shelves.
In this bathroom, the wicker baskets add to the beachy vibe, playing off the jute rug and wooden table.
You may opt for loose baskets or basket drawers on sliders.
If you don’t have time for perfect folding and you like your towels more hidden, simply put baskets on the vanity unit’s open shelves.
In this bathroom, the wicker baskets add to the beachy vibe, playing off the jute rug and wooden table.
You may opt for loose baskets or basket drawers on sliders.
Keep it casual
An attractive basket, tote bag or box is a good way to bring texture, colour and an eclectic touch to the bathroom. Rolling up the towels into what I call ‘towel logs’ is the best way to store them in a slouchy container like this.
An attractive basket, tote bag or box is a good way to bring texture, colour and an eclectic touch to the bathroom. Rolling up the towels into what I call ‘towel logs’ is the best way to store them in a slouchy container like this.
These vintage crates on casters are another take on the same idea; they add old-time character to the bathroom.
These baskets tuck nicely into the vanity unit, and their dip-dyed style works beautifully with the pattern on the floor.
Hook it up
A simple row of hooks adds a functional and decorative element to a blank wall. But if you’re mixing damp towels with fresh ones on hooks like these, make sure the wall behind it can stand up to moisture.
A simple row of hooks adds a functional and decorative element to a blank wall. But if you’re mixing damp towels with fresh ones on hooks like these, make sure the wall behind it can stand up to moisture.
Choose freestanding
In a larger bathroom, a freestanding piece like an étagère can make your bathroom more interesting and provide a lot of storage. If you don’t want to worry about folding everything neatly, consider having a shelf that incorporates doors or drawers in its design.
In a larger bathroom, a freestanding piece like an étagère can make your bathroom more interesting and provide a lot of storage. If you don’t want to worry about folding everything neatly, consider having a shelf that incorporates doors or drawers in its design.
This matching freestanding cabinet mixes drawer storage below and doors with grilles on top. A peek through reveals white towels and other neatly organised items.
Want a clutter-free bathroom? Check out these essential storage solutions
Want a clutter-free bathroom? Check out these essential storage solutions
Create a niche
This towel nook is a key feature of the thoughtful, clean-lined architecture of this bathroom.
This towel nook is a key feature of the thoughtful, clean-lined architecture of this bathroom.
The wall at the end of a bath can be a good spot to build a recessed niche for towels.
Build in shelves
This bathroom cleverly combines the idea of the recessed niche with cabinetry that matches the vanity unit.
This bathroom cleverly combines the idea of the recessed niche with cabinetry that matches the vanity unit.
Float on
This option keeps fresh towels handy for those who love a soak. Note that these shelves don’t extend over the edge of the bath, or they could be a head-banging risk.
Thinking of trying glass shelving? See why it’s clearly a good idea
This option keeps fresh towels handy for those who love a soak. Note that these shelves don’t extend over the edge of the bath, or they could be a head-banging risk.
Thinking of trying glass shelving? See why it’s clearly a good idea
Don’t forget the loo
Speaking of safety, cabinets and shelves over the loo are often referred to as ‘headbangers’. We often forget that, in a tight space, there’s room in this spot for storage. Just make sure you put it where it won’t keep earning that moniker.
Speaking of safety, cabinets and shelves over the loo are often referred to as ‘headbangers’. We often forget that, in a tight space, there’s room in this spot for storage. Just make sure you put it where it won’t keep earning that moniker.
Add hotel chic
This design may look familiar from stays in hotels – the product is known as a hotel rack. Installing one is an easy way to combine folded towel storage with a towel bar, and it’s a good solution for a tight space.
This design may look familiar from stays in hotels – the product is known as a hotel rack. Installing one is an easy way to combine folded towel storage with a towel bar, and it’s a good solution for a tight space.
Where and how do you like to store your towels? Are you a folder or a roller? Let us know in the Comments section.
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I like my privacy. 1) I "go" before I leave the house; 2) I try to go to places where I know the toilets are private (London was amazingly accommodating! in this area); 3) Public toilets are disgusting and I carry wipes and I use it to open/close the doors. I don't care how much I love someone (& quite frankly especially if I love them) I do not want to hear them in the "toilet room" or visa versa, so why then bother having a door? This is the most perplexing conversation I've had in ages. It's fun!! :)
This whole discussion about toilets is so entertaining! I'm relieved to see some are as OCD (though if you REALLY have it it's CDO) :-) as I am. Nothing should be near the toilet that one cares about because it will spray the room, as others have stated. Since there is a small space between the porcelain of the toilet and the seat and lid, I often wonder if there is still some spray possible after putting down the seat and lid, especially with high pressure flushing. I have always closed the lid before flushing and have taught my husband and sons to do the same. This is also so that nothing will fall into the toilet and clog it or have to be thrown away (it's been in the toilet, after all). I flush and touch nothing until I wash my hands. I keep the toilet handle and faucets disinfected also, as well as the light switches and door knobs. I used to use lysol spray or cleanser or bleach, but after I developed asthma I discovered Norwex antibacterial cloths that are woven with silver that is activated with hot water. That has made a big improvement in my lung problems. The way to use a public bathroom stall is to open and close doors and lids with tissues or toilet paper in a pinch, if one has no tissues. Also, I always hover unless it's not possible. Then I put masses of TP on the seat if no seat covers are available. I NEVER use the hot air hand dryers because studies have shown they can be germier than toilet seats. Go figure. One time my daughter saw the written instructions for a hand dryer and someone had penned below it "dry hands on pants" so that is also a possibility. :-) If the main door to a public toilet swings out, it's good. If I have to touch it, I again use tissues or TP. There is no way humans can avoid germs at all times, so we just have to do our best. And a lot of bacteria is harmless or even beneficial.
P.S. beautiful bathrooms!