14 towel storage ideas for when you can't find space anywhere

Pile on the squish factor

Towel stack featuring colorful, multi striped designs with fringing.
(Image credit: Kip & Co)

Good towel storage may not seem like a room-changing addition to your bathroom, but we promise it's essential if you the space to feel tidy and clutter-free. Especially if you're someone who owns lots of luxury bath towels and is forever battling with where to store them.

If you have just rearranged your bathroom or made some changes, you will be doing everything you can to keep the new space looking clean, serene, and clutter-free, and there are plenty of bathroom organization ideas to help you do that. Because what's the point of investing in super plush and incredibly soft towels if you are just going to hide them away?

But let's face it, nothing is more annoying than going to use the bathroom and finding it strewn with smelly, soggy towels. From freestanding stands to wall-mounted rails, baskets, and boxes, there's a whole heap of creative ways to display your towels.

1. Go vertical with a rustic towel ladder

Rustic towel ladder with coral design towels hanging in a relaxed fashion.

(Image credit: Wayfair)

If you're dealing with a small bathroom, the only way is up with vertical storage! We love ladder towel storage options — both compact and portable, they give you flexibility in terms of what you want to store on the different tiers. You could even display hanging houseplants on the top rung for a Jungalow-inspired flourish. Choose a wooden design to make it feel more like a spa.

2. Label those linens

Organized linen cupboard interior in chic neutrals, with labelled baskets of different linen categories.

(Image credit: @prettynmodernstyle)

If you're lucky enough to have a built-in linen closet or have just enough space to squeeze a freestanding model into your nook, make the most of a sleepy Sunday to get on top of your towel organization. It's not as daunting as it sounds, we promise! Take a page out of @prettynmodernstyle's style book and separate linens into categories to then be folded and stored neatly in dedicated baskets with labels for ease. Phew! You'll finally be able to open the doors without fearing an avalanche.

3. Get your bathroom shelfie on

Glam bathroom with freestanding bathtub and open shelving unit in brass and glass styled with rolled white towels, toiletries and decorative accessories.

(Image credit: @lovetearsandteepees)

If your apartment bathroom doesn't feature any integrated storage, freestanding bathroom shelving frees up vital floor space and provides a chance to bring some personality into a bland, tiled space. 

But don't fall into the trap of cramming the shelves full of hotel shampoos and face masks you never use. Be brutal and have a realistic clutter detox. Use lower shelves to nest neatly folded or rolled towels and style top tiers with fave skincare products.

4. Pile your favorite designs on a stool

Patterned towels in colorful pops - in stack on stool, and hanging on pink towel ladder.

(Image credit: Coosh & Co)

Did you ever understand why your grandma only ever used her "best plates" for special occasions? Sorry gram, but we think it's worth showing off your favorite pieces. With this in mind, take your rebel spirit into the bathroom and make a point out of piling your best towels on a cute little stool. They'll provide a colorful energy burst but are still within reach for drying off. After all, joy comes from using the beautiful things in life.

5. Add luxe details with cute towel hooks

Brass ginko shell design towel hools on wall with chalky pastel patterned towels, round wall mirror, brass tap, round sink, and dried flower arrangement on vanity counter.

(Image credit: @coastal.hills)

Towel hooks and rings are especially useful for storing hand and face towels. Simply drape and shape tonal designs to let your linens dry between uses. 

There are plenty of inconspicuous chrome options out there, but we like a playful metallic design for a chic powder room that's full of unexpected finishes.

6. Branch out with a towel tree

Silver towel tree with relaxed, hanging linens and natural sponge.

(Image credit: Vivaterra)

If you're looking to transform a boring bathroom into a more restorative one, say howdy to this amazing Recycled Metal Branch Coat Tree from Viva Terra. More tree than a rack, we think it would bring a nice touch to your shower space. At 6 feet tall with ample branches for anything you may need to hang, you'll delight in its wonderful design.

7. Roll in a bathroom cart

White bathroom trolley neatly organized with towels and bathroom essentials.

(Image credit: @housetohomepakistan)

Add instant, transportable storage into your small bathroom with a bathroom cart — that's towel storage squared away for you. Choose a compact design that can be nestled beside the sink when not in use to really max out your space. If you've got a thing for DIY, try making your own trolley.

8. Present towels in woven baskets

Cute woven baskets in curved alcove, filled with rolled white towels.

(Image credit: Baddara)

For a simple but super cute towel storage solution, look no further than the humble storage basket. They can do no wrong when it comes to providing effortless nesting potential for all bathroom essentials. They also give a dose of texture, tactility, and handcrafted authenticity to any scheme. If you're lacking floor space, tack baskets onto walls with adhesive hooks and fill them with your fluffiest towels.

9. Turn dead space into a towel nook

Discreet towel nook in white bathroom

(Image credit: @acornhillhome)

Are you planning a bathroom remodel? Be inspired by @acornhillhome's clever example and be sure to get the most use out of every inch of your precious space. 

"When we built the bathroom we had a small space next to the tub that was left over so we decided to add in some built-in shelves," they explain. "In a small house, every ounce of storage makes a difference!"

10. Keep things simple with a peg rail

Simple wooden peg rail with relaxed, boho towels and natural brushes.

(Image credit: @madamelique)

Pinch this towel storage idea and display your relaxed, boho linens on a peg rail. Choose a raw wood design for a laid-back look or switch up the design by painting it in a bright color for some extra contrast.

11. Install a shower caddy shelf with a railing

A gray concrete effect bathroom with cane shower shelf with towel rail feature

(Image credit: Dunelm)

If your bathroom is petite, you'll want your fixtures to work that little bit harder for you. Try a combo design that features a 2-in-1 shelf and hanging rail. And even better, you won't have to do that awkward naked scramble for a towel to dry yourself off since it's right in front of you.

12. Double up with towel racks

A white bathroom with wooden vanity unit and 2-in-1 chair and towel storage

(Image credit: Ikea)

In a snug bathroom, it's always worth choosing a versatile piece of furniture that does two jobs at once. A handy towel ladder chair like the RÅGRUND bamboo chair with towel rack from IKEA (shown above) gives you a spot to hang towels and do a pedi. 

13. Present towel rolls in wire mesh baskets

A modern black and white bathroom with white metro wall tiles and ornately patterned monochome bathroom floor with white towel storage unit, and white wire basket

(Image credit: Homesense)

The biggest challenge with storing towels is keeping them dry and fresh. Avoid solid, synthetic storage bins that won't let your towels breathe, and opt for wire mesh options instead.

14. Use wire wall racks for fluffy towel stacks

Folded neutral towels displayed on a black wire rack with glass bottle and hanging houseplants

(Image credit: M&Co)

We love the industrial look of a wire rack, but mostly you see them used in kitchens or as hallway storage. But guess what? They look great in a bathroom, too. Roll or fold your spare towels into the cubbies and add some decorative items if it feels bare. Think plants, candles, and toiletries that come in brown bottles.

Up next: how to wash your towels and the best ways to keep them fluffy

TOPICS
Content Editor

Holly is a Content Editor at Real Homes, and has previously worked at Future Homes brands including Country Homes & Interiors and Livingetc. She has a background in interior and event styling spanning a decade, which previously took her from coast to city and beyond to Australia. 

Holly loves working with creative minds and discovering fresh, indie brands, and is a firm believer that no home can have too many cushions, unruly blooms or decorative details of happy