The humble hand towel serves an important role in keeping our hands clean and dry after washing up. But it can also be so much more – a decorative display that adds flair, warmth, and personality to a space. The hand towel holder you choose makes all the difference.
Explore an inspiring array of options for placing and showing off pretty tea towels, flour sack towels, or decorative hand towels. From DIY wall mounts to driftwood branches, a hand towel holder can infuse style and function into your home.
Pick the Best Spot for Your Hand Towel Holder
When selecting the perfect spot for your hand towel holder, consider both function and form. You’ll want it placed conveniently to dry your hands after washing up at the sink, but the location should also complement your decor.
Some of the most popular spots for hand towel holders include next to the bathroom sink, near the kitchen sink, or on the side of the refrigerator in home kitchens. Think about traffic flow when deciding. You don’t want it so close to the sink that you’ll bump your hip bones into it when standing at the sink. Allow enough clearance.
Also, think about your towel holder’s visibility. A creative, decorative one can double as wall art when placed in a noticeable spot. Or you may want an ultra-discreet holder that blends into your wall color.
Lighting is another factor. Having your hand towel holder positioned where there is much light means those 2 am trips to the bathroom or kitchen won’t require fumbling in the dark for a towel.
Consider whether you’ll use your hand towel holder for anything other than dry hands. Some styles can also hold a hand towel for wiping up spills on the counter or stove. Others accommodate paper towels for grabbing on the go. Decide if you want features like shelves or hooks for added functionality.
Lastly, install your hand towel holder at a height that’s comfortable for you and other household members to easily grab the towel. The standard height is 36-48 inches above the floor. Make sure it aligns nicely with your decor if placed next to other fixtures like toilet paper holders.
With some smart planning, your hand towel holder can be stylish, functional, and perfectly placed in your home.
Combine Form and Function
When selecting a hand towel holder, you’ll want to look for options that match form and function. This little piece of hardware should be just as practical as it is decorative.
On the functional side, look for a hand towel holder constructed from materials like thick gauge steel, solid brass, or strong polymers that will hold up well to daily use – including tugging and pulling on the towel. Metal finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or satin nickel complement most decor styles.
Consider handy design features like a spring-loaded mechanism that allows for easy one-handed loading of towels yet keeps them securely in place. Or choose a holder with a weighted bottom to keep the unit steady and prevent tipping.
For open-concept spaces, choose options with round posts versus squared corners to prevent injuries. Flexible holders with adjustable arms allow you to customize them to hold towels of varying sizes.
On the style side, you’ll find hand towel holders ranging from basic utilitarian to ultra-chic. Playful sculptural shapes, colored glass orbs, graceful curves, and nature-inspired motifs infuse personality. Materials like ceramic, wood, or woven rattan bring natural texture.
With so many options, you can find the ideal blend of fashion and function to suit your space. The hand towel holder quickly goes from mundane to dazzling with the right combo.
Pick Perfectly Sized Hand Towels
You want to pick hand towels sized proportionally to your holder so they don’t sag down or need excessive bunching. The standard hand towel size is 16″ x 30″, which fits most average holders. For larger holders, go up to 18″ x 32″ size towels. Or use a petite 12″ x 16″ towel for compact spaces.
In terms of materials, 100% cotton towels are absorbent workhorses that can withstand frequent washing and drying. For softer luxury, look for ones with a cotton linen or cotton-modal weave. Terrycloth and waffle weave towels offer extra absorbency.
For the kitchen, consider using lint-free and quick-drying microfiber or flour sack towels. Paper towels can also load into holders, but use sparingly and look for recycled ones.
It’s smart to purchase hand towels in multiples of the number of holders you have – like 2, 3, or 4. This allows you to easily rotate out laundered towels.
Color, texture, and pattern options are endless for designer looks. Solid white or light towels show less grime. Darker hues are great for hiding spots or everyday use. Monogrammed and embellished choices add flair.
Visit stores armed with your holder’s measurements and material preferences. Then you can zero in on the perfect hand towels to maximize your holder’s functionality.
DIY Hand Towel Holders from Hangers
One of the easiest DIY hand towel holders utilizes wire hangers and involves just a few simple steps.
- To start, take two wire coat hangers and straighten them out.
- Use pliers to bend each one into a rounded U shape.
- Next, bend the hook part on each hanger outward to create a space in between for the towel. Make sure the hooks face the same direction.
- Then use wire or string to tie the two hangers together at the tops to join them.
Now you have a handy custom hand towel holder ready to mount using screws or strong adhesives. Installing removable 3M hooks on the wall offers a damage-free option. Place your towel across the opening you created.
You can spray-paint the hangers any color you like to match your decor. Wrapping the hooks in colorful yarn or fabric scraps adds extra flair. Or just use them as-is for an industrial look.
This project takes just minutes, costs pennies, and creates a functional work of art. You can make a few in different sizes and shapes for holding towels in the kitchen, bathroom, or even by the pool. Install them horizontally or vertically – the styling options are endless.
Who knew a couple of old wire hangers could morph into a designer hand towel holder? This crafty upcycle is an easy weekend DIY project with spectacular results.
Display Hand Towels with Wall Mounts
Wall-mounted hand towel holders free up precious counter space and keep things tidy. They also let you show off pretty tea towels, flour sack towels, or decorative hand towels like miniature works of art.
Minimal modern designs like rectangular or round chrome, copper, or wooden bars give towels space to hang freely. They have an airy, floating effect on the wall. Or make a bolder statement with black wrought iron fleur-de-lis holders.
Warm up your decor with natural wood mounts made from bamboo, teak, or maple. Match the wood tones to your cabinetry for a cohesive look. Carved wood mounts with leafy, ocean, or farmhouse motifs add rustic flair.
Iron scrollwork mounts are elegant and eye-catching. Look for ones with extra embellishments like crystal accents or curlicue flourishes. Ornate cast iron mounts with vintage motifs create an antique feel.
No wall space? Choose over-the-cabinet or pantry door towel mounts. Some feature handy shelves above or below to double your storage. Mount them on the side of kitchen islands or bathroom vanities to have towels right where you need them.
Wall-mounted holders keep hand towels at the ready while contributing decorative flair. Choose designs that complement your decor, and then highlight them with your favorite flour sack tea towels or decorative hand towels.
Craft Hand Towel Holders from Driftwood
For coastal and farmhouse decor, hand towel holders made from weathered driftwood add natural warmth. You can purchase ready-made driftwood holders or DIY your own unique creation.
Start by searching for elongated, branch-shaped pieces of driftwood on beach trips. Look for ones around 1-2 feet long with interesting twists and turns. Sand down rough spots. Drill 2 holes near each end of the branch.
You can find ready-made metal or wooden towel rods that insert into the holes. Or visit the hardware store and purchase long screws and cap nuts to make your own coordinating rods. Cut metal piping or wooden dowels to size.
Insert the rods through the holes in the driftwood branch and fasten them with the cap nuts. Then mount your creation using heavy-duty wall anchors suitable for wood. Add nautical accents like sea glass, shells, or netting for extra charm.
Mini versions of the towel holder are delightful for hand towels in the bathroom. Or go large scale with chunks of weathered driftwood branches mounted horizontally. Add longer piping or wooden rods through the holes to dangle bath-sized towels.
Natural, organic, and strikingly beautiful handmade driftwood towel holders add breezy style anywhere you place them. Display them indoors or outdoors for an essence of coastal tranquility.
Upcycle Ladder into Hand Towel Holder
Ladders aren’t just for reaching high places. With a little imagination, you can upcycle an old wooden ladder into a charming hand towel holder perfect for a farmhouse, cottage, or rustic decor.
Look for a small, old wooden ladder no more than four feet tall. You’ll use the bottom two rungs to hold the towels. Sand or strip the paint if needed to bring out the natural wood undertones.
To add interest, consider painting or staining the ladder. Distressed creamy white or light blue paint gives a timeworn feel. Vintage-inspired stains like chippy gray or pickled green infuse character. Or keep its natural wood.
Now attach some decorative hooks running parallel to the bottom rungs. Search for unique options like black wrought iron fleur de lis hooks. Or incorporate wooden knobs, cleats, or rings. Space them evenly to hold the rolled hand towels.
Be sure to securely attach the ladder to the wall with heavy-duty anchors. Now drape your prettiest hand towels over the hooks. Add some wreaths, flowers, or signage to the higher rungs.
Give towels and linens the cottage treatment by displaying them on this charming upcycled ladder-turned towel holder. You’ll infuse loads of farmhouse style into your space with this DIY project.
FAQ
What are some good hand towel holder locations outside the kitchen and bathroom?
Consider placing hand towel holders in handy spots like:
- Near the laundry room sink for quick clean-ups
- In the garage, mud room, or poolside for messy hands
- On an outdoor kitchen island
- In your home office wipe whiteboard markers
- By the front door to freshen up before guests arrive
How do I properly wash and care for my decorative hand towels?
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent
- Dry on low heat or air fluff setting to prevent shrinkage
- Never use fabric softener or bleach on decorative towels
- For embellished towels, wash gently by hand
- Replace worn-out towels to keep your holder looking fresh
What are quick ways to jazz up basic hand towel holders?
- Paint or spray paint a funky color like teal or lemon yellow
- Wrap the metal bars with colorful yarn or fabric
- Use patterned vinyl wrap to create a two-tone look
- Surround plain holders with a wreath, flowers, or candles
- Attach hooks above and below for extra storage and display
- Add letterboard-style inserts with inspirational quotes
- Embellish with three-dimensional add-ons like bows or flowers
Conclusion
With so many creative ways to hold and show off hand towels, you’re sure to find options that suit your unique style. Whether you favor breezy coastal charm, rustic farmhouse coziness, or sleek modern minimalism, your hand towel holder can make a stylish statement.
Have fun hunting for designs that marry form and function while showing off your favorite hand towels. Soon this humble little piece of hardware will have you excited to wash up and get drying!
