Putting a towel rack above the toilet is a common question that many homeowners face when designing their bathrooms. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding where to install towel racks in relation to the toilet. In this article, we will explore the key factors to weigh when determining if placing a towel rack above the toilet is right for your bathroom.
Page Contents
The Pros of a Towel Rack Above the Toilet
Here are some potential benefits of mounting a towel rack above the toilet:
- Convenience – Having a towel within arm’s reach when you are using the toilet or getting out of the shower is very convenient. You don’t have to walk across the bathroom dripping wet to reach a towel.
- Space Saving – Bathrooms are often small, so mounting a towel rack above the toilet can save precious wall space. The area above the toilet is often an empty wall area that can be utilized.
- Easy Access – A towel rack mounted above the toilet is very easy to access. You don’t have to bend down or reach up high to grab a towel.
- Aesthetics – A towel rack above the toilet can provide nice symmetry and balance to your bathroom layout.
Overall, the main appeal of putting a towel rack above the toilet is the convenience factor. For many homeowners, having a towel within easy reach is a high priority when using the bathroom.
The Cons of a Towel Rack Above the Toilet
However, there are also some downsides to consider with mounting a towel rack over the toilet:
- Odors – Having moist towels hanging directly above the toilet can lead to increased odor if the bathroom is not properly ventilated.
- Cleaning Difficulty – It can be awkward reaching over the toilet to clean a towel rack mounted above it.
- Limited Space – Longer towels may hang too low when draped over a rack above the toilet.
- Dripping Water – Water dripping from wet towels could drip onto the toilet or floor around it.
- Style Preference – Some homeowners simply don’t like the look and style of a towel rack mounted over the toilet.
The main concerns with this location have to do with practicality – odors, awkward cleaning, limited towel length capacity, and potential dripping water.
Towel Rack Height Above Toilet
If you do opt to install a towel rack above your toilet, the exact height placement is important. Here are some guidelines:
- Minimum Height – The bottom of the towel rack should be at least 24 inches above the top of the toilet bowl cover. This helps minimize odor transfer.
- Comfortable Height – For best ergonomics, install the towel rack 36-48 inches above the floor. This places towels within easy arm’s reach.
- Watch the Door – Make sure the towel rack does not interfere with the ability to fully open the bathroom door.
Measuring carefully and finding the optimal height that works for your bathroom layout is key to making a towel rack over the toilet both accessible and comfortable to use.
Alternatives to Towel Racks Above Toilet
If you decide that placing a towel rack above the toilet is not ideal for your space, here are some other options to consider:
- Wall Mounted – Place towel racks on any other available wall space in the bathroom.
- Back of Door – Hang towel racks on the back of the bathroom door if wall space is limited.
- Free Standing – Utilize a free standing towel rack that can be placed in any convenient location as needed.
- SpaceSaver Rack – Install vertical towel racks that slide into tight spaces between studs.
- Shelf Rack Combo – Incorporate a towel rack into bathroom shelving or cabinetry.
Getting creative with towel rack placement can help maximize your storage and access to towels in the bathroom. Place them wherever convenient, out of the way spots exist.
Key Considerations
Here is a summary of the key factors to consider when determining whether or not to mount a towel rack above the toilet:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenience and ease of access | Odor transfer to towels |
| Space saving | Awkward cleaning access |
| Allows use of small wall spaces | Dripping water onto toilet |
| Provides visual symmetry | Limited towel length capacity |
You’ll need to weigh the benefits of convenient access against potential odor, cleaning, and dripping issues. Take bathroom ventilation, rack height, and your towel sizes into consideration.
Conclusion
Whether or not to mount a towel rack above the toilet comes down to your own personal preferences and bathroom layout constraints. Many homeowners decide this is a convenient, space-saving location that adds functionality to an often empty wall space. However, it also carries some risk of increased odors, awkward cleaning, limited towel length capacity, and potential dripping water.
If installing a rack above your toilet, carefully consider height placement and check that longer towels will not hang too low. Make sure to maintain proper bathroom ventilation. Alternatives like wall mounted racks, racks behind doors or on shelves may also be good options if the space above your toilet presents too many challenges.
With some careful planning, a towel rack above the toilet can be a useful addition to many bathrooms. But also know when it makes more sense to opt for alternative placement locations to create the best towel access and storage solution for your space.