Towel Storage Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Having a small bathroom can present challenges when it comes to storage and organization. Towels take up a lot of space, so finding ways to store them neatly can free up valuable room in a cramped bathroom. With some clever solutions, you can maximize every inch of space and keep your towels tidy but easily accessible. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best towel storage ideas to make the most of your small bathroom.

Use Over-the-Door Hooks

One of the simplest ways to add towel storage in a small bathroom is to install over-the-door hooks on the back of the door. Look for over-the-door hooks with rubber or foam padding to prevent the towels from slipping. Stagger the hooks at different heights to accommodate hand towels, bath towels, and washcloths.

Over-the-door towel hooks are an ideal solution because they utilize the empty vertical space behind the door. Just make sure the door has enough clearance to open and close without catching the towels. Leave at least 2 inches of space between the door and towels when closed.

Install Shelving Above the Toilet

Another prime spot for towel storage in a small bathroom is above the toilet. This vacant wall space is perfect for mounting shelving or cabinetry. Floating shelves are an easy option – just space them out at different heights for folded towels. For a enclosed storage look, try wall-mounted cabinets with doors.

When installing shelving over the toilet, place the bottom shelf at least 12 inches above the top of the tank for comfortable reach. And don’t forget the clearance needed for the toilet lid to open fully. If space is really tight, consider a wall-mounted metal magazine rack for neatly rolling up washcloths and hand towels.

Use Space Under the Sink

Under the bathroom sink is precious real estate in a small space. Install an organizer with built-in shelves or baskets to hold spare towels and washcloths. Look for one that fits the width of your sink cabinet precisely.

Alternatively, you can add tension rods across the cabinet to hang towels from. Place the rods different distances from the bottom of the cabinet to create towel “steps”. Use shower curtain clips or rings to hang the towels. This utilizes all the available vertical space under the sink.

Install a Ladder Shelf Near the Tub

Ladder shelves with towel bars are specifically designed to hold towels within arm’s reach of the tub or shower. Position one near the entrance to your shower or bathtub for easy access. Look for a ladder-style shelf with at least 3 or 4 rungs to accommodate multiple towels.

Pro Tip: Place the ladder shelf slightly off-center, closer to the side of the tub you exit from. This puts the towels in the perfect spot to grab immediately after bathing.

Use Wall-Mounted Racks and Rods

Wall-mounted racks and rods are ideal for small bathrooms because they get your towels up and off the floor. For a sleek, modern look, install a floating stainless steel or brass rod about 6 feet up the wall. Fold your towels over the rod neatly.

For more traditional styling, mounted towel bars with brackets have a classic bath accessory feel. Place 2 bars vertically, one above the other, to hold more towels in a small space. And wall-mounted racks with angled arms keep towels readily available but out of the way.

Stow Towels in Rolling Storage Cart

A rolling cart with woven baskets or shelving is handy for stowing towels in a small bathroom. Tuck the cart in an out-of-the-way spot like next to the vanity or behind the door. Look for one on casters so you can easily roll it out when you need a towel.

When shopping, make sure to get a cart narrow enough to fit into your open floor space. The height should also allow proper door clearance. Just avoid overloading the cart to prevent tipping.

Use Freestanding Shelves and Ladder Towel Racks

Freestanding, movable storage like shelves and ladders let you take advantage of any available space in your small bathroom. A classic towel ladder can stand in a tight spot between the vanity and tub. Or place a slender shelf under a window to hold towels and bath accessories.

Look for lightweight furnishings made from bamboo, metal, or plastic – materials that won’t corrode in the humidity. Add style with pretty baskets to hide towels. Just remember to keep furnishings away from water sources like the sink and tub.

Install Recessed Shelves Into Wall Niches

Take advantage of wasted space between wall studs by installing recessed shelving in small voids. Cut into the drywall to create shallow niches for neat folded towel storage. You can make the niches any size based on your needs.

This is a good DIY project if you have basic carpentry skills. Make sure to measure carefully so shelves fit neatly between studs. And take precautions not to cut into any electrical wiring or plumbing hidden in the walls.

Suspend Cabinets Above the Vanity

Make use of the “dead space” above your bathroom vanity by installing suspended cabinets. Floating wall cabinets can hold folded stacks of washcloths and hand towels within easy reach. Look for cabinets with glass doors to prevent damp towels from getting musty.

Measure the area above your vanity carefully so you get cabinets that fit precisely. Leave enough clearance so the doors don’t hit your faucet or counter decor. Proper installation is key to prevent water damage.

Stack Towels in Bins on Open Shelving

For a super simple storage solution, use bins and baskets on open shelves. Fold towels neatly and stand them upright in lidded bins. You can find bins in sizes ideal for washcloths and hand towels.

Grid-style open shelving has plenty of space for bins. Or fill a tall freestanding rack with woven baskets to stash towels out of sight. Just avoid fully closed baskets that prevent ventilation and cause musty odors.

Hang Towels From Hooks on the Wall

Basic hooks on the wall offer an easy way to hang towels for drying after use. Place hooks high enough so towels don’t drag on the floor. Position them near the shower or tub for easy access.

Adhesive hooks stick on tile or plaster walls with no tools required. For stud walls, use screw-in utility hooks. Opt for hooks with round edges that won’t snag or pull on your towels. And install them high enough so a towel hangs fully open without bunching up.

Roll Hand Towels Inside a Metal Basket

For an elegant way to present guest towels, use a metal basket to hold neatly rolled hand towels. Arrange them vertically like scrolls inside a chrome or nickel finished basket. Place the basket on a shelf, vanity top, or console table.

When guests visit, they’ll be impressed that you have neatly folded towels at the ready. Just empty out the soiled hand towels and refill the basket with fresh ones as needed.

Store Towels in Freestanding Cabinet With Hamper

A space-saving option is a freestanding cabinet with built-in hamper. Look for one with a removable mesh laundry bag to tote wet towels to the washing machine. Up top, the cabinet has shelves to store dry, folded replacements.

This lets you stash everything in one piece – fresh towels up top, dirty ones down below. The cabinet contains towel mess to one footprint. And the locking door keeps your towels free of mildew smells.

Use Tension Rods In Tight Spots

Don’t overlook those awkward narrow spaces in your bathroom. Install spring-loaded tension rods to use for hanging towels. The rods adjust to fit precisely between walls or in thin openings like between the vanity and toilet.

Tension rods neatly hang bath towels, keeping them up off the floor. Position one near the shower to have a towel handy for drying off. Use another to hang hand towels beside the sink. The spring-loaded poles stay secure without damaging walls.

Hang Towels on Back of Door

The back of your bathroom door is prime real estate for hanging damp towels to dry. Install over-the-door hooks, or simply drape towels over the top of the door. Just be sure to have adequate ventilation in your bathroom to prevent moisture buildup.

You can also hang a towel bar on the back of the door itself. Opt for a style that fits over your door – don’t use one meant to be screwed in, as the moisture could warp the door.

A few hooks or a towel bar uses the door space efficiently and keeps towels off the floor and vanity. Just make sure towels don’t get crushed when opening and closing the door.

Use Tension Shelving In Tight Areas

Tension shelving is designed to fit in those awkward narrow spaces where traditional shelves won’t work. The adjustable-width shelves simply wedge between two walls or against the backsplash.

Tension shelving comes in various lengths, so measure your space and get the right size. Use them to hold neatly folded towels in a slim area beside the vanity or tub surround. The grip of the shelves keeps them steady without requiring drilling or hardware.

Add a Slide-Out Drawer Under the Vanity

Maximize every inch under your bathroom vanity by installing slide-out drawers. They take advantage of all the unused space towards the back that’s hard to access. Custom fitted drawers can hold a surprising amount of towels and toiletries.

Hire a carpenter to build a custom pull-out drawer to match your vanity width precisely. Or look for ready-made drawer kits that slide into existing cabinetry. Just be sure it has full extension for easy access to the contents in back.

Use Lidded Baskets on Shelving

The humidity in bathrooms can lead to musty towel odors if ventilation is poor. An easy fix is to store towels inside lidded baskets which allow air flow but keep moisture under control.

Wicker and woven baskets look great on open shelving and have natural ventilation. Or choose baskets made of breathable cotton or canvas. Avoid fully sealed plastic bins that can trap dampness. Lidded baskets keep towels fresh longer.

Install a Corner Shelf for Triangular Storage Space

Take advantage of wasted space in the corner of your small bathroom by installing corner shelving. Triangle-shaped shelves fit nicely into tight angled corners, creating storage areas where you don’t typically have any.

These shelving units come in various sizes, some with multiple ledges for towels and toiletries. The triangular design makes the most of an often overlooked area. Just be sure the shelf depth fits precisely into your corner space.

Hang Towels on Wall Hooks Behind the Door

The space behind your bathroom door is prime real estate for hanging towels. Install wall hooks on the wall behind the door, staggered at different heights for hand towels, bath towels, etc.

Opt for hooks with padding or rubber grips so towels don’t slide off. Place them at least 1-2 inches from door trim to prevent scraping. Hooks utilize wasted vertical space and keep towels accessible but out of sight.

Store Towels Inside Bed Bath and Beyond Interdesign Linus Wall Cabinet

The InterDesign Linus Wall Cabinet is perfect for neatly stashing towels in small bathrooms. It mounts to the wall, keeping your towels organized while freeing up precious floor space.

This wall-mounted cabinet features two generously sized shelves behind tempered glass doors. The doors keep dust at bay while the open backing allows ventilation to prevent odor buildup. Install it near the shower or tub for easy access.

Use an Over-the-Tank Storage Shelf for Folded Towels

Most of the air above your toilet tank goes unused. Take advantage of this space with an over-the-tank storage shelf. These shelves sit right on top of the tank, providing a spot for neatly folded towels, toilet paper, and other bathroom essentials.

Look for a shelf that matches the width of your tank precisely. It should have a lip that hangs over the tank edges slightly for stability. Make sure no parts obstruct the tank lid from opening fully. Then just neatly fold and stack towels on the shelf.

Hang Towels on Back of Bathroom Door Over-the-Door Towel Rack

An over-the-door towel rack utilizes the empty space on the back of your bathroom door to hold damp towels. Look for one with ample rack space and strong over-the-door hangers that grip securely.

Position the towel rack high enough so towels don’t drag on the floor. Check that it has enough clearance to prevent pinching when opening and closing door. Then simply drape washed towels over rack to dry – instant storage!

Use Tiered Hanging Baskets to Double Towel Storage

Double your hanging towel storage with tiered wire baskets that hang from a single hook. The baskets sit neatly on top of each other, allowing you to hang multiple rolled or folded towels from one hook.

Tiered baskets come in different sizes and configurations to hold hand towels, wash clothes, and bath towels. Stagger the arrangement of towels for easy access to each. The vertical design keeps towels off the floor and maximizes space.

Add Shelves or Cabinets Above Toilet Window

If you have a small window above your toilet, take advantage of the unused space around it for towel storage. Flanking the window, install shelves or wall-mounted cabinets for folded towels and toilet paper.

Floating shelves can abut the window neatly on both sides. For an enclosed cabinet look, frame out the window and add doors. Proper measuring and centering are key so the storage pieces align symmetrically around the window.

Use Multi-Hook Hangers on Wall or Door

Multi-hook hangers allow you to hang multiple towels from one space. The hanger rods extend out to provide 2-3 towel hooks on one wall-mounted base. Or look for over-the-door versions to hang on bathroom door.

Stagger the towel hooks at different heights and depths to maximize the hanging area. Hang hand towels, bath towels, and washcloths all in one spot. The rod design prevents towels from slipping off hooks.

Install Wall-Mounted Baskets

Keep rolled towels and toiletries tidy with wall-mounted baskets. Wire mesh cubes mount directly on the wall to hold bathroom essentials without taking up counter space.

Small mesh baskets are ideal for rolled washcloths. Look for ones with Classic hooks that allow you to take them on and off the wall easily. Place them near sink or shower within arm’s reach.

Add a Sliding Towel Rack Under Shelf

Under-shelf towel racks slide out when you need a towel, then tuck away neatly when not in use. Install below a shelf or vanity overhang, mounted flush to the wall. Slide the rack out to access towels.

This clever space-saving idea keeps towels hidden but close at hand. Look for a sliding rack with full-extension so you can access the entire depth fully. And get a size that fits precisely in your space when closed.

Use Wall-Mounted Ladder Towel Rack

Ladder-style towel racks stand vertically on the wall, with rungs acting as towel bars. This lets you hang several towels in a vertical column, utilizing wall space efficiently.

Look for a ladder rack with at least 4 bars to hold all your towel sets. Place it near the tub or shower for easy access when bathing. The ladder design keeps towels off the floor and maximizes your bathroom’s square footage.

Hang Hand Towels on Wall Hooks by Sink

Simple wall hooks allow you to hang hand towels by the sink for guests to use. Adhesive hooks stick on tile or plaster walls with no tools needed. For stud walls, use basic screw-in utility hooks.

Look for hooks with rounded edges that won’t snag or pull on the towels. Install them about 48-52 inches above floor – high enough so a hand towel hangs fully open without bunching up.

Use An Over-Cabinet Towel Bar

Take advantage of the unused space above your bathroom vanity or sink cabinet. Install an over-cabinet towel bar that mounts to the wall just above the cabinet top.

Look for a bar with towel arms that extend far enough to avoid hitting the cabinet or mirror. Position it to hang drying hand towels or small washcloths washed at the sink. You can find towel bars in finishes that coordinate with your fixtures.

Add a Towel Rack Under the Vanity

Make use of the vacant space under bathroom vanities by installing an under-cabinet towel rack. Positioning is key – allow enough clearance between the rack and floor for towels to hang fully without bunching.

Opt for a stainless steel or chrome finished rack so it doesn’t detract visually. You can often find towel racks with suction cups or adhesive for easy mounting without drilling holes. Use this out-of-sight spot to hang damp hand towels.

Incorporate Towel Storage Into Shower Niche

Many showers have an indented niche for shampoo and soap. Take advantage of this built-in space by placing a rack inside for folded towels and washcloths.

There are small shelves and hanging racks made specifically to fit inside standard sized shower niches. Or install a tension rod across the recess to hang damp towels after bathing. Just make sure any accessories are moisture resistant.

Use Mounted Wall Racks With Hooks

Wall-mounted racks with hooks allow you to neatly organize damp towels. Look for sturdy racks with steel hooks and hang them near shower or tub.

Space hooks at different heights to hold washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels. The wall-hugging design keeps towels organized and out of the way but easily accessible. Make sure hooks extend far enough from the wall so towels don’t slip off.

Hang Towels From Handle On Side of Vanity

Many vanities have decorative drawer pulls or handles that go unused on the side near the wall. Take advantage of this wasted handle space by hanging a towel from it.

Drape a hand towel or washcloth neatly over the handle. The towel will hang perfectly at arm level for drying off hands at the sink. Just avoid pulling too hard when removing towels to prevent loosening or detaching the handle.

Get Creative with Unused Drawers Under the Vanity

Maximize every inch of space under your bathroom vanity or sink. If any small drawers go unused, implement them to neatly store rolled washcloths and hand towels.

These narrow but deep drawers are ideal for upright rolled towels. Consider adding dividers or small baskets to keep towels organized. Use drawer organizers to store bath accessories


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