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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
When it comes to keeping your everyday towels within reach, off the floor, and dry and ready for use, a towel rack is a must-have for every bathroom. But with so many different options, styles, and finishes, choosing the right one for your space can be tricky. So, where should you begin? "For starters, you should decide where the towel rack is going, because this will determine the measurements," says Carlie Rice of Havenly. "Once you know the size of towel rack you want, you can focus on the material."
We researched sturdy, high-quality towel racks made of various materials and styles. Keep reading to discover the best towel racks currently on the market.
Best Overall
Moen Iso 26-15/16" Stainless Steel Towel Rack
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BUILD WITH FERGUSON
Durable and rust-resistant
Versatile color and finish options
Rack and shelf combo
Lifetime warranty
No brass or gold finish
While there's no one-size-fits-all towel storage solution, the Moen Iso Towel Rack checks many boxes. It features a bar at the base for hanging up to two bath towels, plus a shelf on top for placing extra rolled or folded-up bath linens.
Crafted from stainless steel, it's super durable and long-lasting—and you won't have to worry about it rusting from water or humidity. With a mixture of curved and straight lines, the Iso Rack nods to minimalist, modern, and traditional decor schemes alike. You can pair it with other fixtures from the Iso collection to create a cohesive look not just in your bathroom but throughout your home.
Though this towel rack comes in matte black, chrome, and brushed nickel, it's not available in any warm metallic hues, like brass or gold. The wall-mounted design comes with all the installation hardware you need and features concealed screws for a more seamless finish. While it's not the most affordable option we found, the quality is readily apparent, and the manufacturer backs it with a lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $145
Dimensions: 24 x 10.5 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Material: Stainless steel | Mounting Type: Screw-in
Best Budget
Franklin Brass Over the Door Triple Towel Rack with Hooks
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Amazon
Affordable
Space-saving solution
Easy to hang
May affect how door opens
Can damage door frame
If you're on a budget or short on available space, the Over the Door Triple Towel Rack from Franklin Brass is an excellent choice. Designed to hide behind your existing bathroom door, it provides two square-shaped hooks on the top that promise a universal fit on most interior doors. You can simply set it in place, or if you want it to be a little more secure, there are screw holes where you can drill it into your door.
This rack features three wide bars for hanging bath towels and bath sheets, plus two hooks on the bottom for robes or smaller bath linens. It's made of durable steel and comes in your choice of a satin nickel, warm bronze, or matte black finish. However, depending on the size of your door, it could affect how your door opens, but this isn’t an issue for all bathrooms. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you have enough clearance between the door and door frame; if it’s too tight a fit, this towel rack could scrape up your door frame over time. However, for those with limited wall space or on a budget, it’s a versatile and effective solution.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: 24.5 x 18.5 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Material: Steel | Mounting Type: Over-the-door, screw-in
Best Splurge
Rejuvenation Riley 24" Double Towel Rack
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RILEY
Sleek, minimalist design
Includes dual towel racks and storage shelf
Durable and rust-resistant
Expensive
If you're going for a high-end look in your bathroom and are open to spending a little more on fixtures, Rejuvenation won't disappoint. The Riley Double Towel Rack is crafted from solid brass, a notably strong material that resists rust in wet and humid spaces. You can choose from three finishes, including glossy brass, polished nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze.
This thoughtfully designed piece is 24 inches wide, with plenty of room, thanks to its two towel bars and an upper shelf. You can hang full-size bath towels and oversized bath sheets on the bars, then place folded or rolled-up bath linens on top. The Riley comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and features concealed screws for a flawless finished look. Aside from the expensive price tag, we have no complaints.
Price at time of publish: $329
Dimensions: 26.5 x 24 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Material: Brass | Mounting Type: Screw-in
Best Wood
Signature Hardware Wulan Teak Hanging Towel Rack
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Amazon
Renewable material
Naturally moisture-resistant
Ten-year warranty
Pricey
Bottom of rack doesn’t secure to the wall
For those who like organic decor touches and down-to-earth interior design, we recommend the Wulan Towel Rack from Signature Hardware. It's made of solid teak wood, a renewable material that holds up remarkably well in wet and humid environments. You can choose from four stunning finishes, including white wash, gray wash, light ash gray, or natural teak.
This ladder-style fixture features three rungs for hanging towels. It mounts to the wall with concealed recessed brackets and comes with all the necessary installation hardware. Just note that only the upper portion of the towel rack mounts to the wall. The bottom hangs freely, which means it can pull away from the wall as you grab your towels. Beyond the natural beauty of the material, it has a tasteful minimalist-modern appeal. The price is a little steep for this type of product, but with Signature Hardware, you can count on quality. Plus, it's backed by a 10-year warranty.
Price at time of publish: $229
Dimensions: 39.5 x 20 x 4 inches | Weight: 10.5 pounds | Material: Teak wood | Mounting Type: Recessed brackets
Best Heated
Amba RWH-CP Radiant Hardwired Curved Towel Warmer
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Amazon
Warms and dries bath linens
Heats up quickly
Slim, space-saving design
Complex/expensive installation
Takes up substantial wall space
Heated towel racks not only warm up your towels to provide a cozy, spa-like experience when you step out of the shower, but they also help dry your bath linens quickly and prevent musty smells. This one earned a 4.2 out of 5 overall score from our home tester, who loved the sleek design and spacious capacity. (There are 10 curved bars, which are technically supposed to accommodate up to two towels at once, but you might be able to hang more, depending on the size.) While it sits nicely against the wall and doesn’t jut out to take up too much bathroom space, it is worth noting that it will eat up quite a lot of room on your wall once installed.
This electric towel rack is designed to be durable, too. Made of stainless steel, it’s rust-resistant. It also warms up remarkably quickly. Just remember that the installation process does call for hardwiring, so you'll likely want to hire a professional for installation, which will add to the overall price.
Price at time of publish: $300
Dimensions: 32 x 24.5 x 6 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Material: Stainless steel | Mounting Type: Screw-in
Best for Small Bathrooms
Room & Board Slim Towel Rack with Shelf
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Compact
Includes storage shelf
Generous weight capacity
Somewhat heavy
Expensive for the size
If your bathroom is on the smaller side, consider the compact Slim Towel Rack from Room & Board. This combination rack-and-shelf piece is just 21 inches wide, but you can still hang one or two bath towels from the bar, depending on the size and how you fold them. There's also a handy storage shelf above the bars that’s perfect for stashing extra rolled or folded towels, toilet paper rolls, personal hygiene products, candles, small plants, you name it.
Made of powder-coated steel, this piece is easy to wipe clean and suitably durable for damp spaces. At 27 pounds, it's somewhat heavy for such a small rack, but it boasts a 20-pound weight capacity. Plus, it comes with all the necessary mounting hardware, including drywall anchors and screws that match the finish. It is heavy to install, so you’ll want to make sure it’s well supported once mounted.
Price at time of publish: $155
Dimensions: 21 x 10 x 6 inches | Weight: 27 pounds | Material: Powder-coated steel | Mounting Type: Screw and anchor
Best for Large Towels
Kraus Ventus Bathroom Shelf with Towel Bar
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Amazon
Wide bar accommodates bigger towels
High weight capacity
Four finish choices
May require wall studs
For larger towels, such as bath sheets, you need a towel rack that can offer more support. We recommend the Kraus Ventus, a sleek towel rack with a 25.5-inch bar big enough to accommodate two bath towels or sheets. There's also a shelf on top for placing additional folded towels. The rack’s sturdy design has a higher-than-typical weight capacity of 22 pounds, so you won't have to worry about your large, heavy towels causing it to fall off the wall. However, it may require wall studs to mount securely to the wall.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, this piece is made of solid brass, an exceptionally durable and rust-resistant material suitable for wet environments. It comes in four finishes to match your existing bathroom fixtures, including glossy chrome, brushed nickel, brushed gold, and matte black.
Price at time of publish: $120
Dimensions: 25.5 x 8 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Material: Brass | Mounting Type: Screw-in
Best Bar
Moen Genta LX 24 in. Towel Bar
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Home Depot
Strong, rust-resistant construction
50-pound capacity
Simple, modern design
No brass or gold finish
Can rattle or feel loose with improper installation
If you're just looking for a simple towel bar, Moen is a great choice. The brand's Genta LX Towel Bar is made of solid zinc, an incredibly strong metal that resists rust and corrosion in wet and humid spaces. At 2 feet wide, it's big enough to hold two towels or bath sheets. If you have the space and share a bathroom with someone else, you could install two side by side. Since it supports up to 50 pounds of weight, you could also use it to hang clothes to dry, in a pinch.
This simple, modern towel bar is versatile enough to go with most design schemes. The only potential drawback is that it doesn't come in any warm metallic finishes, like brass or gold. If you aren’t careful during the installation process, you can wind up with a loose, rattling towel rack; make sure to follow the instructions carefully. But if you’ve used one before, this towel rack will fit the bill nicely.
Price at time of publish: $36
Dimensions: 24 x 3.5 x 2 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Material: Zinc | Mounting Type: Screw and anchor
Best Freestanding
Yamazaki Steel Bath Towel Hanger
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Amazon
Durable powder-coated steel
Five wide bars
Moveable with minimal footprint
Not ideal for bath sheets
Does take up floor space
Interested in a freestanding model? We like the Yamazaki Bath Towel Hanger. The large-capacity design has four bars on top and an additional lower bar, giving you plenty of available room to stash your daily linens. While it might be slightly too short for bath sheets, it's perfect for hanging up to five bath towels. You can use it to dry other things, too, like swimsuits, pool towels, or clothing items.
At over 2 feet wide, you don't need to fold up your towels to fit them on the bars. The narrow footprint takes up minimal floor space (though you do need to sacrifice some floor space to keep it in your bathroom) and can be placed right up against your wall. Another benefit of this freestanding unit is that you can move it from room to room if needed. Plus, because this rack is made of powder-coated steel, you can bet that it's durable and super-easy to clean.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 29.5 x 25.5 x 6 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Material: Powder-coated steel | Mounting Type: N/A
Best with Shelf
Pottery Barn Mercer Train Rack
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Pottery barn
Extra-wide bar
Durable brass with protective finish
Good for guest bathrooms
Only one finish
Professional installation recommended
We're also big fans of the Mercer Train Rack from Pottery Barn. It's made of drop-forged brass—a process of hammering compressed metal to remove air bubbles and create reliably strong shapes—and sealed with a thickly plated protective lacquer for extra durability and moisture resistance.
This sizable fixture is 28 inches wide, so you'll have plenty of space to hang two towels or bath sheets side by side. There's also a shelf on top for storing extra folded bath linens or other bathroom essentials, making it a stellar choice for a guest bath. Unfortunately, the Mercer Train Rack only comes in one finish (polished chrome). You'll have to assemble it at home, and Pottery Barn does recommend having it professionally installed; however, it shouldn’t be too difficult if you’ve installed a towel rack on your own before.
Price at time of publish: $209
Dimensions: 28 x 13 x 10 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Drop-forged brass | Mounting Type: Screw-in
Best Ladder
Crate & Barrel Jackson Black Towel Ladder
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Crate&Barrel
Five wide bars/rungs
Protective tips and legs
Minimalist statement piece
Only one color
Not ideal for small spaces
Have you considered a ladder-style rack? We love the Jackson Towel Ladder from Crate & Barrel. This rack is made of solid iron and features a chic black finish. Though we wish it came in a few more colors, it makes a subtle statement and could definitely be mixed and matched with chrome or aged brass bathroom fixtures.
The skinny frame and rungs lend to a pared-down, minimalist vibe without sacrificing sturdiness. There are five rungs, each 2 feet wide, for hanging several towels, washcloths, or bath sheets. This ladder is probably too big for most small bathrooms, but if you have the space, it's an excellent addition. We also like that it has felt tips on the top and rubber caps on the feet to prevent slipping and protect your walls and floors from scratching.
While this towel rack is meant to be space-saving, its leaning nature does lead it to take up some floor space in your bathroom. It may not be the best choice for smaller spaces, as it’ll need some extra depth at the bottom.
Price at time of publish: $200
Dimensions: 72.5 x 24 x 1.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Iron | Mounting Type: N/A
Overall, we like the Moen Iso Stainless Steel Towel Rack. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this wall-mounted bar-shelf combo is durable and rust-resistant with hidden hardware and a versatile aesthetic. On a budget? The wallet-friendly Franklin Brass Over the Door Triple Towel Rack might be your best bet. If you can swing the steep price and want something more high-end, go with the Rejuvenation Riley Double Towel Rack.
What to Look for When Buying a Towel Rack
Material
The first thing to consider when buying a towel rack is the material, which matters in terms of both durability and visual appeal. Stainless steel and brass are both great options, as they're rust-resistant in moisture-prone spaces. You'll also find iron models, as well as wooden racks, like the Signature Hardware Wulan Teak Hanging Towel Rack.
"It makes the most sense here to match the metals in your bathroom," says Rice. "If your vanity hardware is brass, for example, go with a brass towel rack."
Capacity
You'll also want to think about the capacity. This is not only how many towels the rack can hold but also how much weight it can support. While heated racks like the Amba Radiant Curved Hardwired Electric Towel Warmer usually have several bars (10, in this case), they're often designed to hold no more than two or three towels. On the other hand, freestanding racks or ladders like the Crate & Barrel Jackson Black Towel Ladder are often large and sturdy enough to hold several towels.
Installation Type
Lastly, pay attention to the mounting type and installation method. Wall-mounted towel racks like the Moen Iso Stainless Steel Towel Rack typically call for screw-in installation, with or without anchors. There are also over-the-door options, like the Franklin Brass Over the Door Triple Towel Rack, that can simply be placed over your door without hardware or screwed in to make them more secure. If you're not up for drilling holes in your wall, consider a freestanding model, like the Yamazaki Steel Bath Towel Hanger.
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Where's the best place to put a towel rack?
"Usually, the longest wall makes the most sense to install a towel rack," says Rice. "Visually, this ensures things don't feel too cluttered." However, she adds that it should also be placed close to your shower and sink. "If it feels hard to find or even a little too far away, it will feel that way to guests, too," she explains. "Try to pick a spot where you can easily access it with a quick swivel."
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How high should a towel rack be?
"Generally, the rule of thumb is to hang your towel rack 42 to 48 inches off the floor," says Rice, explaining that you shouldn't have to reach up to grab a towel. "Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, like if you're working with wainscotting or an oddly shaped bathroom, but you can probably use your best judgment in those situations."
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Do towel racks have other uses?
Towel racks can be used to dry lots of things other than bath linens, including swimsuits, pool towels, and clothing. You could save space with a wall-mounted option and use it to air-dry lots of clothing items in a row on hangers—just be sure to check the weight capacity first. A rack with a built-in shelf could also be installed in an office for stashing office supplies, or in an entryway for storing shoes or hats.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer who specializes in home improvement and decor. For this story, she interviewed Carlie Rice, social media manager at the online design studio Havenly, who provided insight into different towel rack styles and materials. After considering dozens of models from numerous manufacturers, she narrowed it down to visually pleasing options with generous capacities and standout features. Theresa has been covering storage products, organizational solutions, cleaning supplies, and furniture at The Spruce since 2019.