I had carefully selected matching towels, a bath mat, and other essentials to make the space feel homey.
But something still felt off – the towels never looked quite right just folded on the countertop or draped over the shower rod.
Then it hit me – I needed a dedicated spot to hang them!
A stylish towel ring was the perfect solution to add both functionality and a decorative touch.
If you’re looking to instantly elevate your bathroom’s look and keep towels tidy, towel rings are a small addition that makes a big impact.
But where you place them matters just as much as the ring itself.
Consider these top chic and convenient towel ring placement ideas to find the perfect spot in your space.
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Next to the Vanity
Positioning a towel ring right beside your bathroom vanity or sink is arguably the most common and practical placement.
This spot makes it easy to grab a hand towel right after washing up.
For a balanced look, center the ring on the wall about 8-12 inches to the side of your sink and 48 inches above the floor.
If you have a wide vanity with two sinks, you may want to add a ring on either end for symmetry and so each person has a designated towel.
Choose a ring finish that complements your vanity hardware for a cohesive look – brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze are classic and versatile options.
Above the Vanity
If your vanity is compact or you prefer towels in closer reach after washing your hands, consider placing a towel ring directly above the vanity or sink.
Mount it a few inches above the vanity backsplash or countertop so towels can hang freely without brushing the surface.
This placement also works well if you don’t have available wall space on either side of your sink, like in a small powder room.
An arched towel ring can add architectural flair above your vanity.
On the Side of a Vanity Cabinet
Is your vanity a built-in cabinet that extends all the way to the wall?
You can still incorporate a towel ring without drilling into the wall by mounting one directly onto the side panel of the vanity.
Position it near the front edge of the cabinet for easy access and so it doesn’t interfere with opening drawers.
This unexpected placement feels modern and keeps walls sleek, especially in a bathroom with statement wallpaper or tile you don’t want to disrupt.
It’s also a great option for rental homes where you may want to minimize holes in the walls.
Built into the Vanity
For the ultimate seamless look, have towel rings built right into your custom vanity.
This involves cutting holes in the vanity top or side and inserting metal rings – it’s a job best left to a cabinetmaker unless you’re experienced with woodworking.
The result is an integrated towel storage solution that doesn’t protrude from the wall or vanity.
It’s an elevated touch for a high-end, custom bathroom remodel.
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On the Back of a Cabinet Door
The inside of a vanity cabinet door is valuable hidden storage space.
Mount a towel ring here to free up wall space and keep towels out of sight when not in use.
This trick works best on a cabinet that contains items you don’t need to access multiple times a day, so opening the door to retrieve a towel isn’t a nuisance.
Stow extra washcloths here or designate it as a discreet spot to hang a damp hand towel to dry.
Next to the Tub
If you have a freestanding bathtub not adjacent to the vanity, dedicate a towel ring within arm’s reach for easy access before and after a relaxing soak.
Place a ring for bath towels 48-56 inches above the floor on the closest wall.
If your tub is in an alcove, you have a few options – add a ring to the wide ledge wall or on the side wall just outside the shower curtain or door.
For towels that do double duty for showering and bathing, an adjustable height double towel ring lets you customize the heights to your needs.
On the Side of a Linen Cabinet
Have a linen cabinet or closet near your bathtub to store extra towels and supplies?
Put the side wall to use by adding a towel ring here as well.
Rings work better than bars for this spot since folded towels may fall off a bar when you open and close the door.
If you’re really tight on wall space, you can hang a lightweight robe or towel from a ring placed directly on the side of a linen cabinet too.
Below a Floating Vanity Shelf
Open shelving and floating vanities are on-trend in bathrooms for their airy, modern look.
But they can leave you wondering where to put a hand towel if there’s no wall space around the sink.
A clever solution is to mount towel rings directly to the underside of the shelf or vanity.
This floating effect is sleek and space-savvy, turning an otherwise unused area into a designated towel spot.
Just make sure to position the ring far enough back from the edge that towels don’t drip on the floor when wet.
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Flanking a Mirror
If your bathroom mirror extends wall-to-wall above a vanity, consider flanking it with towel rings.
Centering matching rings on both sides of the mirror creates an elegant, hotel-inspired look.
This placement is best for tight spaces where there isn’t room for towel rings directly next to the sink.
It also works well if you want to hang decorative hand towels that are more for show than everyday use.
For double vanities, towel rings on both sides of a shared center mirror ensure each person has their own designated ring.
Next to the Toilet
No room for a towel ring anywhere else?
The wall space next to your toilet is likely underutilized.
Consider adding a ring here to hang a decorative hand towel.
Place it at least 12 inches above the toilet paper holder so items don’t overlap.
This is a good spot for a hand towel you use to quickly freshen up during the day without washing up at the sink each time.
On the Back of the Bathroom Door
Towel rings aren’t just for hand towels – they provide a tidy storage solution for bulkier bath towels too, as an alternative to a towel bar.
If you lack wall space for a full-width bar, mount a ring or two to the back of the bathroom door instead.
Aim for a height of 48-56 inches, depending on your door style and clearance needs.
This hidden towel spot is great for kids’ bathrooms or to hang damp towels to dry between uses.
Choose rings with a wide diameter to accommodate plush bath towels.
As Part of a Towel Bar
Can’t decide between a towel bar and rings?
Some manufacturers offer combination units with a full-length bar for bath towels and rings on the ends for hand towels.
This double-duty piece provides flexible storage and makes good use of wall space.
Combo units with swiveling rings are even more versatile – you can rotate the rings to the sides when using the bar or to the front for easy access to hand towels.
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Integrated into a Shelf or Rack
Towel rings can also be part of a wall-mounted storage rack or shelf.
These multipurpose units have a surface on top for storing toiletries or decor and hooks or rings below for towels.
They make the most of limited wall space by providing multiple functions in one fixture.
Rack styles with an integrated towel ring feel less cluttered than those with protruding hooks.
Look for shelves with raised edges to keep items contained.
As you can see, towel ring placement is all about blending practicality and style to match your unique bathroom layout and needs.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and look beyond the standard locations – even small bathrooms often have unexpected spots perfect for a chic towel ring.
Which of these ideas would elevate your bathroom?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
