The humble paper towel plays an essential role in most kitchens. From cleaning up spills to drying dishes, a roll of paper towels can make cooking and cleaning much easier.
But with so many potential places to store them, where exactly should you put paper towels in your kitchen?
Prime Kitchen Locations for Paper Towels
When deciding where to place paper towels in your kitchen, you first need to think about convenience – where do you use them most? Here are some of the most popular spots to consider:
Near the Sink
The sink area tends to be the epicenter of mess in most kitchens. Whether you’re washing dishes, rinsing produce, or cleaning your hands, having paper towels within arm’s reach of the sink is extremely useful.
Pros: Very convenient and accessible. Easy to grab a towel for drying hands or cleaning up spills.
Cons: Takes up precious counter space. Paper towels may get splashed and dirty.
On the Countertops
Resting a paper towel holder on a countertop is probably the most common placement. It keeps them visible and close at hand without permanently mounting anything.
Pros: Convenient access and flexible placement. Easy to move or remove the holder.
Cons: Takes up counter space. Can look cluttered. Paper towels may unwind and fall onto counters.
Inside Cabinets & Drawers
Stashing rolls of paper towels discreetly inside a cabinet or drawer clears up counter space while keeping them readily available.
Pros: Frees up counter area. Keeps kitchen looking tidy. Provides storage for extra rolls.
Cons: Inconvenient to access; requires opening cabinet/drawer each time. Paper towels may get dirty or wet if stored under sink.
Under Wall Cabinets
Mounting a paper towel holder underneath wall-mounted cabinets puts them in a handy spot without sacrificing precious counter space.
Pros: Convenient but out of the way. Saves room on counter tops. Keeps paper towels clean and dry.
Cons: Position may make towels hard to reach. Can’t easily move holder location. Requires some installation.
Alternative Kitchen Locations for Storing Paper Towels
Beyond the most popular placements, there are a few unconventional spots that can work well for paper towel storage too:
Mounted on Appliances
If you have a stainless steel fridge, oven or dishwasher, you could mount a paper towel holder to the side or front using strong magnets.
Pros: Saves counter space. Keeps rolls off countertops. Easy access while cooking.
Cons: Only works for stainless steel appliances. Paper towels may fall off if holder isn’t secure.
Inside Pantry Cabinets
For households that go through a lot of paper towels, consider storing backup rolls or even your current roll inside an easily accessible pantry cabinet.
Pros: Allows stocking up on multiples rolls. Provides out-of-sight storage. Keeps kitchen neat.
Cons: Not as easily accessible for quick tasks. You may forget to refill or buy more.
On Open Shelving
For a casual look, place a freestanding paper towel holder on open shelves alongside cookbooks, decor and other items.
Pros Saves counter space. Contributes to decoration and design. Easy to quickly grab.
Cons: Looks cluttered to some. Unwinds more easily. Takes up display space.
Design Factors for Kitchen Paper Towel Storage
Beyond just finding a convenient spot, there are a few other factors that impact what works best for paper towel placement in your kitchen:
Available Space
The size and layout of your kitchen can determine suitable positions for a paper towel holder. Evaluate counter space, cabinet configurations, appliance locations and overall dimensions. In smaller kitchens, vertical storage on walls or appliance sides is best for saving precious counter real estate. For larger spaces, freestanding holders on countertops or islands can work fine.
Aesthetic Appeal
Today’s paper towel holders come in a huge range of styles, colors and materials to match your kitchen’s decoration. A sleek stainless steel holder might suit a contemporary space, while a decorative bronze option feels right for traditional kitchens. Make sure to pick an option that aligns with your overall design vision.
Ease of Refilling
It’s inevitable that you’ll need to replace an empty paper towel roll now and then. Opt for positions that allow you to conveniently insert new rolls without a struggle. Wall-mounted bars allow rolls to easily slide on, while holders with a freestanding base provide ample room to switch out rolls hassle-free.
Child & Pet Safety
If you have kids or pets, be mindful of paper towel placement that could get them into trouble. Make sure holders are stable and secure so they can’t be pulled down. Avoid spots within reach of little hands. Consider high wall mounts or inside cabinet installations.
Clever Ideas for Built-In Paper Towel Holders
For a seamless look and premium convenience, you could opt to incorporate custom built-in holders right into your cabinetry or countertops. Here are some clever ways to integrate paper towel storage:
- Under-Cabinet Cutouts: Cut a hole in the base cabinet to hold rolls while allowing just the edge of the towels to feed through.
- Retractable Drawers: Dedicate a small drawer with a drop-down bar for neatly storing and dispensing paper towels.
- Pantry Hatch Doors: Cut an access hatch into pantry cabinetry so rolls are out of sight but still easily accessible.
- Recessed Countertop Holders: For an upscale look, install holders inside countertops to discretely dispense paper towels when needed.
- Beside the Sink: Design custom narrow pull-out cabinets right next to the sink to access paper towels.
Key Takeaway: Clever built-in options like under-cabinet cutouts, retractable drawers and recessed countertop holders provide both seamless style and convenience.
Important Safety Tips for Kitchen Paper Towels
While paper towels elevate convenience in the kitchen, take care regarding placement from both a decor and safety standpoint. Here are tips for optimizing functionality while minimizing risks:
- Avoid Heat Sources: Never place paper towels directly next to hot appliances like stoves, ovens and toasters where they could easily ignite.
- Anchor Holders: Use weighted bases or wall-mount holders securely to prevent tipping and injuries.
- Mind Moisture: Don’t store paper towels where they might get wet near sinks or under leaky pipes which ruins them.
- Reinforce Freestanding: If setting a holder on a counter or tabletop, make sure the base is sturdy and wide enough to prevent tipping.
- Watch for Unraveling: Position holders out of high foot traffic zones so they don’t get bumped and unravel easily.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On Counter | Convenient access | Takes up space, cluttered look |
| Under Cabinets | Convenient, frees up counter space | May be hard to reach for some |
| Inside Cabinets/Drawers | Hides clutter | Inconvenient access |
| Open Shelving | Saves counter space | Looks cluttered |
| Mounted on Appliances | Saves counter space | Only works for stainless, may fall |
| Inside Pantry | Allows stocking multiples rolls | Forget to refill |
FAQs
Where is the most convenient place to put paper towels in a kitchen?
The most convenient spot is often on the countertop near the kitchen sink. This allows you to easily grab a towel for drying hands and cleaning spills during food prep. Under mounted cabinets and custom built-in holders near the sink also provide handy access.
Should you put paper towels near a stove?
It’s not recommended. The heat and flames from a stove can be a fire hazard. Best to keep paper towels a safe distance away on an adjacent countertop or mounted on a wall or fridge.
What is the best way to mount a paper towel holder to the wall?
When wall mounting a paper towel holder, optimal height is generally between 36-48 inches high. Make sure screws anchor securely into wall studs and consider including screw-in towel bars or spring-loaded spindles for easy paper loading.
Can you put wood glue on paper towels?
No, the fibers in paper towels aren’t suitable for wood glue. For best results with wood glue, it’s recommended to use a damp cloth or sponge applicator instead of paper products. The fibers can get stuck in the glue leading to weak bonds.
Conclusion
Finding the right place for your paper towels comes down to a balance of convenience, space constraints, aesthetics and safety.
Take detailed measurements of your kitchen during the planning process to determine optimal placement specific to your unique layout and style.
