Having beautifully folded towels in your bathroom can make it feel so much more inviting and luxurious.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, add a spa-like touch to your home, or simply keep your towels neatly organized, learning some decorative towel folding techniques is a great idea.
Simple Trifold
The trifold is a classic folding technique that’s perfect for neatly storing towels or draping them over a towel rack or bar. Here’s a step-by-step guide to this straightforward fold:
The trifold keeps towels neat and organized while being super simple to do. It’s perfect for daily use or when you have guests coming over.
Key Takeaway: The trifold technique involves just folding the towel into thirds lengthwise and then in half. It’s an easy way to neatly store or display towels.
Rolling Spa Fold
The rolled spa fold makes your bathroom feel like a luxury resort. It’s one of the most popular decorative folds for storing towels in baskets or displaying them on open shelves.
Follow these steps to master the spa roll:
The finished towel roll will be rounded at one end and come to a point at the other. It looks simple yet elegant when arranged in a bathroom.
Key Takeaway: The spa roll involves folding one corner into a triangle, then rolling the towel up tightly from the opposite end and tucking in the point.
Elevated Functional Fold
This technique yields a neatly stacked square towel fold. It’s great for maximizing storage space while also keeping towels presentable for guests. Follow these steps:
This technique does take a bit more time than a basic trifold but is perfect if you want neatly stacked towels. Arrange them on open shelves or in cabinets.
Key Takeaway: The elevated functional fold makes a square towel fold by folding in half lengthwise, then thirds both length and widthwise to conceal messy edges.
Fancy Pocket Fold
If you want to take your towel folding up a notch, try this pocket fold. It’s a bit more advanced but lets you add a decorative accent inside the pocket.
The pocket fold takes some practice but looks amazing. Play around with different washcloths, ribbons, or other decor inside the pocket.
Key Takeaway: The fancy pocket fold involves folding one short end in, flipping over, folding into thirds, then securing a pocket to hold a decorative washcloth or accent.
Pleated Fan Fold
This is another advanced decorative folding technique that looks beautiful draped over a towel rack or bar. It takes some extra time but is worth it for the final look.
The pleated towel with a contrasting washcloth fan makes a real statement in any bathroom. Use colored washcloths for extra pop.
Key Takeaway: The pleated fan fold involves creating narrow pleats in a towel and inserting a fan folded washcloth to create a decorative look.
Roll Fold for Storage
If you’re short on storage space, this rolled technique helps towels take up less room while avoiding creases:
This folding method keeps towels neat and wrinkle-free while maximizing storage space. It’s quick and easy – perfect when you’re short on time!
Key Takeaway: The roll fold technique involves gently folding the towel in half both length and widthwise, then rolling it up loosely to avoid creases while saving space.
Wear-Reducing Fold
Constant folding and hanging of towels can lead to wear and thinning of the fabric over time. This technique minimizes that:
While not the most decorative fold, this method helps extend the life of your towels by avoiding harsh creases from continuous folding in the same spots.
Key Takeaway: Folding towels lengthwise, then loosely widthwise before hanging helps reduce wear and tear from repetitive folding along creases.
FAQs
What are the best towels to use for decorative folding?
Look for good quality, absorbent towels made from materials like cotton and microfiber. Opt for thicker towels that will hold their shape when folded. Standard bath towels around 27″ x 52″ are a good size to work with.
How do I keep folded towels looking nice?
Refolding towels every couple of uses prevents permanent creases from forming and distributes wear evenly. Also wash towels regularly to keep them fresh and lint-free for a neat appearance.
What can I use to decorate fancy folded towels?
Washcloths, hand towels, and bath mats in coordinating or contrasting colors make great decorative accents. You can also use embellishments like ribbons, fabric flowers, or essential oil filled ornaments.
How do I properly store folded towels?
Folded towels can be stood upright, stacked, or rolled in cabinets and drawers. Use open weave baskets or wire racks to allow airflow and prevent mustiness. Or neatly arrange folded towels on shelves.
How do hotels and spas get towels folded so neatly?
Hotels have large commercial laundry machines that produce very wrinkle-free towels to start with. Staff are also trained on efficiently folding towels using seam hiding techniques for crisp, clean folds.
Conclusion
Learning a few key towel folding techniques like the classic trifold or fancy pleated folds can instantly make your bathroom feel more inviting.
Neatly folded towels create a sense of luxury, help keep your space organized, and make a great impression on guests.
