When setting up the perfect bathroom, an important decision is choosing the right towels. From bath towels to washcloths, various towel sizes serve different purposes.
Two towels that often cause confusion are guest towels and hand towels. Though they have similar names, guest and hand towels have key differences in their dimensions, intended use, and benefits.
Towel Size Comparison
The most noticeable difference between guest towels and hand towels is the size. Though a guest towel is bigger than a washcloth, it is smaller than a hand towel.
Here is an overview of standard guest towel vs hand towel dimensions:
| Towel Type | Standard Size |
|---|---|
| Guest Towel | 30×50 cm, 12×20 inches |
| Hand Towel | 50×100 cm, 20×40 inches |
As you can see, a hand towel offers significantly more surface area and fabric to absorb water. The shape is also different—hand towels tend to be longer rectangles while guest towels are closer to squares.
Typical Use Cases
In addition to the size difference, guest towels and hand towels serve unique purposes. People typically utilize these towels in the following ways:
Guest Towels
- Drying hands in the powder room
- Drying face after washing
- Small hair towel for short styles
- Gym bag addition
- Guest suite bathroom
Hand Towels
- Drying hands near bathroom sinks
- Wrapping wet hair after shower
- Using after handwashing
- Adding a pop of color to decor
- Displaying neatly in main bathrooms
While you could use a hand towel for anything a guest towel does, the smaller guest towel works better for compact spaces. The hand towel’s larger proportions make it ideal as an everyday linen.
Key Takeaway: Guest towels conveniently fit in powder rooms and gym bags, while hand towels excel as workhorse towels for drying hands and hair.
Absorbency and Other Factors
In addition to intended use, there are a few other key differences between guest towels and hand towels:
Absorbency
Due to the extra surface area, a hand towel tends to be more absorbent than a guest towel. With nearly twice as much fabric, hand towels can soak up more moisture.
However, both towel types should still effectively dry skin without leaving behind dampness. Pay attention to the grams per square meter (GSM) as an indication of softness and absorbency.
Decor
Guest towels often feature decorative details like embroidery, patterns, and vivid colors. They add flair when displayed in a bathroom. Hand towels tend to be plainer to work well as daily use towels.
Price
With more fabric, hand towels typically cost more than guest towels. However, decorative guest towels can also command higher prices. Generally hand towels range $10-30 USD and guest towels $5-15 USD.
Use Frequency
You will likely reach for hand towels multiple times per day, while guest towels see occasional use in powder rooms or for guests. So hand towels should be changed more often.
Pros and Cons of Guest and Hand Towels
Here is a comparison of some advantages and disadvantages of using guest towels vs hand towels:
Guest Towels
Pros:
- Compact size fitting small spaces
- Often feature decorative accents
- Lower cost
- Perfect for gym bags and travel
Cons:
- Less absorbent due to size
- Requires more frequent laundering
- Too small for drying lengthy hair
Hand Towels
Pros:
- Maximizes moisture absorption
- The right proportions for hand drying
- Easy to neatly fold and display
- Works for all hair lengths
Cons:
- Takes up more room in decor
- Higher price point
- Plain styles lack decorative flair
Neither towel is necessarily “better”—they each offer unique benefits depending on your needs. Evaluate both pros and cons when deciding between guest and hand towels.
Key Takeaway: Guest towels provide portability and style at lower prices, while hand towels excel in absorbency and hair drying with subtly decorated looks.
Recommendations for Bathrooms
When designing your dream bathroom, utilizing both guest and hand towels can optimize the space. Here are some recommendations on pairings:
- For Powder Rooms: Add a stack of brightly colored guest towels to pull together sophisticated decor.
- For Ensuite Bathrooms: Invest in soft hand towels for couples to use after showering and handwashing.
- For Frequent Guests: Supply guest suites with guest towels for a polished presentation. Provide hand towels in shared main bathrooms.
- For Gyms: Pack a guest towel in your gym bag to wipe equipment and soak up sweat.
As you arrange bathrooms, choose towel sizes suiting each areas’ needs. For example, prioritize absorbency in master and common baths with hand towels and decorative flair in powder rooms with guest towels.
Mix textures, colors, and materials like waffle and organic cotton to make the space welcoming. Having the right assortment of towels encourages proper use while preventing drying issues or wasted money on sizes offering no benefits.
| Space | Recommended Towels | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Room | Guest Towels | Provides pops of color without taking up space |
| Master Bathroom | Hand Towels | Maximizes absorbency for after bathing |
| Ensuite Bathroom | Hand Towels | Gives his & hers towels for showering & styling hair |
| Gym Bag | Guest Towel | Portable for wiping equipment with color options |
| Guest Bedrooms | Guest Towels | Lower cost option still looks polished |
| Kids Bathroom | Hand Towels | Durability to withstand frequent use |
| Main Floor Bath | Hand Towels | Family members can dry hands after washing |
Key Takeaway: Use decorative guest towels in powder rooms and affordable hand towels in high-traffic family baths. Supply guest rooms with guest towels and master baths with larger hand towels.
FAQs
What are fingertip towels?
Fingertip towels are very similar to guest towels, typically measuring slightly smaller, around 11 x 18 inches. Some people use “guest” and “fingertip” towels interchangeably.
What size should towels be for a bathroom?
For the main bath areas used most frequently, hand towels around 50 x 100 cm work best for hand drying and hair wrapping. Pair them with bath towels measuring 70 x 140 cm to complete the set.
What towels do hotels use?
Most hotels utilize hand towels (50 x 100cm) or similar sized fingertip towels (40 x 65cm) in rooms. These efficiently dry hands after washing without taking up too much space.
How many towels should you own?
A good rule of thumb is to own at least two bath towels per family member. Include hand towels based on the number of sinks. Allow for at least one set of replacement towels in case others are dirty.
How often should you replace towels?
Aim to replace bath towels every two to three years. Hand towels and washcloths may need annual replacement depending on use frequency. Higher quality towels like waffle cotton can last over five years with proper care.
Conclusion
When designing your dream bathroom, choosing the right linens is key.
Guest towels and hand towels both have excellent yet distinct applications.
