A thoughtfully placed towel bar is both a functional necessity and a decorative statement in a master bathroom. Strategic towel bar placement allows for easy access as you exit the shower, while complementing your overall style. With some planning and practical design tips, you can optimize your towel storage and display for convenience and aesthetics.
We’ll also share creative ideas for installing multiple bars in spacious master suites and problem-solving small or awkward layouts. Plus, useful guidance on choosing complementary styles and expert installation practices for secure, level bars placed just where you need them.
Standard Height and Placement Guidelines
While allowing some flexibility, there are recommended measurements to follow depending on your height and master bathroom setup.
Common Installation Height
The typical height range to install horizontal towel bars for easy access is 42 to 48 inches above the floor. This positions towels within comfortable arm’s reach when stepping out of the shower or bath. If towels hang too high, stretching to grab one is awkward. Conversely, reaching down too low after showering can feel uncomfortable.
Proximity to Shower and Bathtub
Consider mounting a towel bar 6 to 18 inches away from the entry and exit points of showers or bathtubs. Place just outside the shower curtain rod or bath enclosure so a towel can be easily grabbed before water drips onto the floor. This close proximity also brings towels within reach for drying off or wrapping up after bathing.
Strategic Spots in Small Master Bathrooms
While limited on space, small bathrooms can still accommodate properly placed bars. Get creative with these uncommon but useful locations when working with a cramped master suite.
Inside the Shower
Install a slim towel bar safely inside a master shower or tub surround. Stainless steel or aluminum bars with silicone adhesive provide corrosion resistant adhesion without drilling holes. Position the bar around shoulder height on the wall farthest from the shower head. This keeps towels dry until ready to wrap up after turning off water.
On Back of Door
Make use of vertical real estate on the backside of the bathroom door by mounting an 18-24 inch towel bar near its base. Install just high enough to avoid hitting your feet when entering but still within reach. Hang hand towels or lightweight bath towels that won’t tug excessively on hinges or hardware.
Beside Vanity Mirror
Optimize space beside master bathroom vanities by installing short, 12 to 16 inch horizontal towel bars. Their compact size allows mounting between the vanity top and cabinets just below the mirror. Use handy towel bars like these to hang hand towels for wiping up splashes after washing hands or faces.
Maximizing Space in Large Master Bathrooms
Sprawling master suites with ample square footage offer flexible options when incorporating one or more towel bars.
Inside Walk-in Showers
Capitalize on spacious walls lined with tile or moisture-resistant materials by installing towel bars inside large walk-in showers. Opt for rust-proof stainless steel bars able to withstand steam and humidity. Position multiple bars spread out across each area of the enclosure for hanging towels within easy reach from any spray.
On Spacious Walls
Make use of long stretches of open wall by mounting extended towel bars ranging from 48 to 72 inches wide. Anchor sturdy steel or zinc bars horizontally at comfortable heights for you and other household members. Spread towels across the full bar for organized drying and decorative display in a large, luxurious master bath.
Multiple Towel Bars
When square footage allows, install two or more smartly-positioned towel bars to accommodate hanging needs. Place individual towel bars at varying heights beside each sink and adjoining shower entry and exits. Separate bars for hand towels and larger bath sheets prevent sizes from mingling. Clearly designated towel storage results in better organization.
Choosing the Right Towel Bar Style
Available in array of sizes and finishes, select towel bars to align with the master bathroom’s decor and functional requirements.
Bar Length
Measure between preferred mounting points to determine ideal bar length. Standard bars range from 18 to 48 inches, though custom or extended lengths up to 96 inches suit large open walls. Adapt bar size to available space for holding desired towel quantity without crowding.
Design and Finish
Match towel bar shape and finish to other hardware and fixtures in the master bathroom. Curving bars, squared ends, or sleek rectangular profiles made of matte black, polished chrome, nickel, and more coordinate with cabinet pulls, showerheads and vanity lighting.
Folding Versus Fixed
Hinged or folding towel bars conserve space when folded against walls compared to fixed horizontal options. But they stand sturdily without screws or toggle bolts holding them in place. Consider security, brackets versus magnets, and weight capacity when selecting folding over fixed or vice versa.
Installation Best Practices
Properly mounting towel bars ensures safe, secure support for daily use over many years. Prepare walls properly before attaching hardware.
Finding Studs
Locate wood studs behind drywall using a stud finder to mark spots for drilling pilot holes. Center towel bar brackets over studs for the most reinforcement. For tiled walls, use toggles to anchor behind grout lines cleanly.
Selecting Fasteners
Choose corrosion resistant screws made of stainless steel, zinc alloy or nickel for a durable hold. Match finishes to towel bar hardware for consistency. For decorative caps, select screw heads to complement finials. Ensure fasteners meet towels bar weight capacity and anchor depth requirements.
Maintaining Proper Spacing
Allow several inches between mounted towel bars and surrounding fixtures or walls. Align multiple towel bars evenly, centered on tiled shower niches or symmetrical on vanities. Level bars precisely to keep towels hanging straight. Leave enough clearance for easily grabbing towels without obstruction.
Accessorizing with Hand Towels
Supplementary guest and hand towels require strategic placement near master bathroom hand washing areas and entryways.
Secondary Towel Bar Height
For hand towels accessible while standing at sinks, install second bars 32-36 inches high. This positions smaller drying towels for wiping hands and faces just below standard bath towel mounting height at a natural reach.
Mounting by the Sink
Locate hand towel bars on vacant sections of walls beside bathroom sinks or on vanity side panels. Opt for 8 to 12 inch bars in chrome, nickel or finishes matching faucets. Install vertically or horizontally centered between thecountertop and bottom cabinets.
On Bathroom Cabinets
Mount space-saving corner shelves with integrated towel bars on narrow sides of vanities or medicine cabinets. Opt for durably constructed, wall-mounted shelves that match cabinetry finishes. Use to stage decorative hand towels visible from the central area of the bathroom.
Achieving an Organized Look
A towel bar’s utility need not detract from the master bathroom’s tidy, polished aesthetic. Coordinate drying necessities with the decor.
Coordinating with Room Decor
Select style, shape and finishes for master bathroom hardware that intentionally complement your towels. For example, combine classic Waffle Weave linens with cylindrical Double Bar towel rings in an elegant black finish mounted at genteel heights.
Folding and Storing
Prevent towel clutter from accumulating by folding dry bath towels in thirds and consolidating them to a single bar or shelf area. Store seldom-used beach and gym towels out sight in cabinets instead of draping over multiple bars haphazardly between uses.
Establishing Consistent Locations
Encourage tidiness by establishing designated areas to return towels after every use. Leave no guessing or searching for where towels belong by training everyone to hang them on the same bar or hooks after showers, not tossed randomly around the bathroom.
With smart planning and expert-advised towel bar placement suited to your personal space and lifestyle needs, both practicality and style shine through. Follow standard measurements or tweak to fit, while expressing decorative flair through your choice of materials, textures and colors. The master bathroom remains clutter-free as towels take their rightful place hung high, stowed near sinks or folded neatly between uses.
Strategically installed and well-incorporated bars check the boxes for accessibility, aesthetics and organization. No more damp discarded towels or hunting through a disarray of sizes and textures when thoughtfully devised towel storage solutions create bathroom wide consistency.
