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20 best towel rails and racks to keep your bathroom tidy
Is there anything more unpleasant than stepping out of the bath or shower and finding your towel is still wet? Even in the warmer days of summer it's not a pleasant experience, and it's positively ghastly in the depths of January. How to ensure the damp towel mishap never befalls you? The trusty towel rack.
Investing in the best towel rail you can find will make a huge impact on your bathing routine and ensures that you always have dry towels, making it one of the most essential pieces in a family bathroom. Whether you have a tiny bathroom in a rented flat, or a large en-suite, there are so many types of towel rails that there will be the perfect one out there for your bathroom. As such we've rounded up fourteen lovely items to add to your wishlist or buy now.
The best towel rails and racks 2025
For a more traditional towel rail, opt for dark wood, which will work well in a variety of interiors. For unique, vintage pieces, head straight to Vinterior, but for a slightly more contemporary look La Redoute has some great picks. This original Thonet model would be the best towel rail for classically styled bathroom, with its elegant bentwood design.
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Other solid wooden towel rack options can be found at Zara Home and the Futon Company - we particularly like the folding styles which can be folded away when not being used, to save space.
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If you have the option, wall-mounted towel rails are great picks for small bathrooms as they take up very little precious floor space, by utilising wall space. Zara Home's option in a gold finish, while not a towel rail per se, is sleek, minimal and its three hooks could be used to hang flannels or hand towels. Alternatively, add a touch of Art Deco style to your bathroom with Next's highly affordable rail.
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For a more luxe towel rack, Soho Home have a couple of of wall-mounted rails with lovely design details. The brass Mayfair has a ribbed design and is inspired by Soho House Mexico City, whereas the antique style design of the Charlton has taken influence from the bathrooms of Soho House Paris.
Argos isn't known as a go-to destination for homewares, yet this towel rail is rather stylish and extremely affordable. For something less austere and more decorative, this towel rail-cum-clothes airer would be a charming addition to any bathroom.
High street extraordinaire The White Company have a lovely pared back pick. Made from hand-soldered iron, this towel ladder has a powder-coated finish and a slim, space-saving profile. For a more solid and angular shape, head to Heal's. The Wireworks Towel Rail is made from sustainably sourced oak, can hold multiple towels at once and, thanks to its freestanding nature, there is no need to fix it onto anything and it can be moved about at your whim. It also comes in a paler, ‘natural oak’ finish.
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While more work and cost is involved in getting them installed, a heated towel rail or towel radiator, connected to your central heating system cannot be beaten for the luxury of having your towels dry incredibly fast. It also means you have toasty, warm towels waiting for you when you step out of the bath or shower. This is particularly appreciated during winter, where a rail with a heating element functions as an extra bathroom radiator. C.P. Hart has a plethora of high-quality choices that are ultra stylish without sacrificing durability, and available in a range of finishes.
Anthropologie have some lovely little pieces that are rather pretty, too. The bumblebee motif adds a touch of whimsy to this towel stand, whilst the metallic finish maintains a refined, upscale look. And this delightful towel bar has a pair of Tibetan tigers guarding it on either side.
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Trust Ikea to come up with a space saving, stylish multi-use piece for £60. This quirky pick is simultaneously a chair, a towel rack and a useful piece of storage–a great option for very small bathrooms where the functionality of its three in one design would be particularly helpful. Looking for a different bamboo towel rail? This John Lewis rack is compact and elegant. Built to hold three bath towels, this slimline design is incredibly strong and sturdy.
Lean-to, ladder towel rails usually feature five or six rungs (or towel bars) making them great for family bathrooms. Do bear in mind that some ladder designs will need fixing to the wall, so might not be great for rentals. This towel ladder from La Redoute is a fabulously rustic choice, retaining some of the natural twists and knots of the wood.
Where is the best place to store towels?
Regular bathroom towel storage, such as a shelf, hanger or hook, typically won’t allow your bath towel or hand towel to get the air it needs to properly dry. However, a towel rack, whether it be wall-mounted or freestanding, will aerate the towels nicely.
What can I use instead of a towel bar?
This is a frequently asked question and the answer is, quite simply, a freestanding towel rack or towel rail. Towel bars often have to be mounted onto the wall and there are a myriad reasons why this may not be possible for everyone. In lieu of this, a freestanding rack is best. There are many lovely options listed below, from a wooden towel rack, to a stainless steel ladder style piece, so you're sure to find something suitable.
How do you hang towels in a small bathroom?
Small bathrooms often result in us having to get a little more creative with storage space solutions. If a freestanding towel rack won't quite fit in the bathroom, an over the door towel rack is a great alternative. It takes up very little space and, depending on the design, will allow for multiple towels to be hung up.
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