Towel Bars, Rings and Racks for Bathrooms

Bar, ring or double bar for the way you hang towels

A bar holds a large bath towel folded in half; a ring suits a hand towel beside a basin; a double bar gives two towels their own rail. Bar lengths such as 18, 24 and 30 inches usually describe the rail, and the end posts add a little to the overall width, so compare the full dimensions to the gap on your wall. Allow room for the towel to hang without touching a door swing or a nearby basin.

What your wall will take: screws, anchors or adhesive

Screw-fixed bars carry the most weight when the screws go into studs or proper wall anchors. In tile, use a bit made for tile or glass and mark the spots before drilling. Adhesive-mounted bars, like the 3M Command type, avoid drilling but only suit smooth, clean, dry surfaces and have a stated weight limit, so check it against a wet bath towel. Polished chrome shows water spots, while brushed stainless hides them better.

Questions about Towel Bars, Rings and Racks for Bathrooms

How high should a towel bar be mounted?

A common height is around 48 inches (122 cm) above the floor, which keeps a hanging towel clear of the floor and within easy reach. Lower it for children, and keep it off the line where a door or shower curtain swings.

What is the difference between stainless and chrome finishes?

Chrome is a thin plated layer over brass, zinc or steel, and it can flake if the plating is damaged. Stainless steel is the same metal throughout, so scratches do not expose a different material, though polished grades show fingerprints more than brushed ones.

Why is a towel or a shower rod listed among the bars?

A few entries are not bars: a printed microfiber towel and a curved shower rod both appear. Read the title for towel bar, ring or shelf, and look for the length and wall projection in the details.