20 towel storage ideas

After a modern alternative? When space is at a premium it’s a good idea to go double duty with a multipurpose storage solution.

'Having a warm bathroom is one of life’s little luxuries; there’s nothing worse than having a shower and stepping out into a freezing cold room,' says Nick Duggan, managing director at The Radiator Centre. 'Today’s modern bathroom radiators can warm your room whilst also providing a handy place to store towels and robes, with the added benefit that they are lovely and warm when you come to use them.

'There are a wide variety of choices on the market in both vertical and horizontal designs, many of which include optional extras such as hooks, bars or shelving built into their design for practical storage.'

Pictured: I-Ching towel radiator, The Radiator Centre

Sometimes, quirky ideas are the best ones. A luggage rack, new or old, is a great solution guaranteed to give your bathroom or utility room, an individual and eclectic look. They have a handy rack for clean folded towels and hooks underneath, so they can be used for towels to aid drying. And if it comes with a mirror, that’s even better.

Pictured: Otto luggage rack with mirror, Graham & Green

If you want to keep your towels tucked away out of view then consider a cabinet. It could be part of your bathroom furniture or a freestanding design that you’ve repurposed from another room or bought at a flea market or antique store. What it’s crafted from matters – the damp nature of bathrooms means it needs to be something that can withstand the moisture. This uber stylish design from Garden Trading is made from steel with on-trend smoky ridged glass.

Pictured: Adelphi cabinet, Garden Trading

If you’re a minimalist at heart, look for a modern take on an old design. The classic round towel hanger is a great option for small bathrooms or downstairs toilets. It’s also easy on the eye, giving you the chance to show off decorative hand towels. It can be hung right next to the basin for drying hands after washing. This neat design has a stained oil oak top and metal ring, making it a stylish choice.

Pictured: Ferm Living towel hanger, Nest

We've loved the ladder storage idea for the last few years, but this new design gives you more bang for your bucks. Slimline and including three types of storage – somewhere to sit, a shelf and a towel rack – this gem from IKEA is made from bamboo which is ideal for humid areas too.

Pictured: Rågrund bamboo towel rack chair, IKEA

'Freestanding organisational ladders or suction towel rails provide near-instant solutions for towel storage and will eliminate any risk of cracking expensive tiles by drilling,' says Simon Glanville, managing director at A Place for Everything.

This smart design works brilliantly on shower screens, as Simon explains: 'With the suction rails, simply attach to your bathroom tiles or glass shower screen for a handy close-to-hand towel rail when stepping out of the bath or shower. They’re smart and unobtrusive – and super versatile as you can move them to any location!'

Pictured: Suction towel rail, A Place for Everything

Ideal for pretty much any room, the good old basket is also a win for towels – though generally the hand size fits best. They're good for ensuites and cloakrooms where space is a little tight. Just remember to give them a good roll up so you can pack in a few.

Pictured: Bathroom accessories from B&M

Often, the best towel storage ideas are those that take up little space yet still look stylish. Case in point: Shaker-style hooks are classic and useful.

'Hanging bath towels on hooks in the bathroom is a practical and stylish option. It offers convenience, allowing the towels to air dry efficiently while remaining easy to access, and it can also save space in comparison to bars or racks, making this an ideal option for more compact bathrooms,' say Emily and Jonathan Attwood, founders of Scooms.

Pictured: Egyptian cotton bath towels in pearl grey, silver grey and white, Scooms

Freestanding towel storage offers a practical way to keep them hung up but also with the flexibility of being able to move it to suit you. A traditional-style towel rail will allow your towels to fully dry out too, which is essential to stop them getting damp after use.

Get the look: Bamboo freestanding towel rail, Graham & Green