When dealing with a small bathroom, finding places to store and hang towels can be a challenge. However, with some clever solutions, it is possible to maximize your storage and keep towels readily available even when space is limited. In this article, we will explore different techniques for hanging towels in a bathroom with minimal square footage.
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Assess Your Bathroom Storage Needs
The first step is to take stock of how much towel storage you require. Consider the following questions:
– How many people use this bathroom? The more users, the more towels you’ll need storage for.
– How often are towels used and washed? Towels used multiple times a day or by multiple people will require more hanging space than those used less frequently.
– What sizes of towels do you need to accommodate? From hand towels to bath sheets, measure your largest towels to estimate space requirements.
– Will you be hanging both hand towels and bath towels? Plan for two different styles of hanging to keep towels organized.
– Do you need a place to hang wet towels to dry? Drying space is in addition to clean storage.
Take measurements of your existing storage and map out what space you have available before devising a hanging solution. Understand your towel use habits and needs before committing to any one approach.
Maximize Wall Space
In small bathrooms, you need to take advantage of every inch of available wall space when hanging towels. Here are some tips:
– Install towel bars that extend the entire length between studs. Choose 18-24 inch bars.
– Position towel bars strategically around the sink, toilet, tub and shower for convenience.
– Use wall-mounted racks or rails above the toilet as extra drying space for hand towels or washcloths.
– Consider S-hooks along the wall or over the door to hang hand towels or robes.
– Install a standing towel ladder if there is room in a corner.
– Use bath caddies with built-in hooks that mount to the wall around your shower or tub.
Measure carefully so you don’t overcrowd the space. But make sure to take advantage of all open wall areas to maximize your hanging capacity.
Utilize the Backs of Doors
The back of the bathroom door is prime but often overlooked real estate for hanging towels in a small space. Add hooks, bars and racks to take advantage of this hidden spot.
– Use over-the-door hooks on the top and bottom of the door to hang towels and wet bathrobes.
– Install an over-the-door towel bar across the entire width of the door. Choose one with a cradling mechanism to hold towels in place.
– Consider door racks or mesh holders that mount to the door and provide storage for folded washcloths and hand towels.
– Hang a multi-rung towel ladder over the door when it is open for additional drying space.
Just be conscious of how frequently the door is used and allow adequate clearance. But the door can be an invaluable vertical space for bath towels, hand towels and more.
Creative Solutions for Small Spaces
When standard wall-mounted bars and racks still don’t provide enough storage, get creative with your towel hanging solutions. Some ideas include:
– Tension corner rods or spring-loaded poles that fit diagonally into corners above the toilet or sink.
– Floating shelves with integrated towel bars and hooks mounted creatively on the wall.
– Tiered hanging baskets that mount to the wall and allow towels to be stacked vertically.
– A standing towel valet on wheels that can be moved around as needed.
– Command hooks with hanging straps positioned around moldings and medicine cabinets for damp washcloths.
– Suction hooks inside the tub or shower for hanging wet towels to dry.
– Tension rods across alcoves, recesses or spans of wall with less than 36 inches of space.
When you’re limited on wall space, don’t be afraid to bring in specialized storage solutions. Be creative both with the products you use and their positioning in the room.
Choose the Right Towel Bar Hardware
The specific towel bars, hooks and racks you choose can make a big difference in your storage capacity. Keep these considerations in mind:
– Opt for longer bar lengths of 18 inches or longer. Extend to fit between studs or across the entire door.
– Look for towel bars with compact mounting plates to conserve space.
– Choose pivoting towel rods that swing out from the wall when needed.
– Use molded hooks for hanging over doors and in awkward areas.
– Favor towel racks with shelves above to double hanging and folded storage.
– Select hardware finishes and styles to coordinate with your bathroom’s overall decor.
Take time to evaluate the variety of towel bar options available. The hardware itself plays a role in maximizing your usable hanging space.
Fold and Roll for Compact Storage
While hanging space is key, you’ll likely also need some towel storage solutions that organize folded towels neatly and compactly. Options include:
– Stacked open-front towel cabinets that allow you to neatly fold and view contents.
– Freestanding or mountable towel organizers with integrated shelving and racks.
– Rolling towel carts that can be tucked under sinks or in corners.
– Wall-mounted cabinets for concealed folded towel storage. Add rails inside for hanging laundry bags.
– Bins or baskets to corral washcloths, hand towels and bath towels separately.
– Shelves above washer/dryers to hold folded towels.
Neatly folding towels Marie Kondo-style can actually maximize the space. Combine that with efficient organizing products and accessories for the rest of your linens.
Tips for Hanging Towels to Dry
It’s just as crucial to have spots to hang damp towels to dry in a small bathroom. Make the most of what you have with these tips:
– Use shower curtain rods or tension poles across tubs and showers for draping wet towels.
– Install non-permanent drying racks that can be set up as needed and stored when not in use.
– Allow towels to hang until fully dry before folding to avoid mildew smells.
– Position towel hooks and bars away from toilets and sinks to prevent splashing as they drip dry.
– Upgrade to towel warmers that both dry and heat towels for comfort and convenience.
– Use removable suction cup hooks inside the shower or tub when drying space is extremely limited.
Don’t dry towels bunched up on the floor or draped over cabinet doors. Take steps to allow them to hang fully open until dry.
Upgrade Storage with Style
While being creative with your towel storage solutions, also consider the style element. For a put together look:
– Choose coordinating finishes for your hardware and accessories. Mixing metallics can work with an eclectic vibe.
– Hang towels in a way that looks neat, orderly and visually balanced.
– Find storage bins, baskets and caddies that complement your shower curtain and bathmats.
– Accent with decorative hooks, shelves, cabinets and towel stands for flair.
– Pare down to the essentials so things don’t look cluttered.
With a mix of fashionable form and function, your necessities don’t need to look messy. Aim for a curated look adapted to work specifically for your small bathroom.
Conclusion
No matter the size of your bathroom, carefully planning where and how to hang towels is essential for both storage and style. Take time to map out your needs, get creative with hardware positioning, maximize all available space, incorporate specialized storage solutions, allow for proper drying room and upgrade accessories for decorative appeal. With the right approach, you can hang towels in an organized, accessible and fashionable way even in the tightest quarters. Use these tips and tricks to devise a towel hanging strategy custom-fit for your small bathroom.