Where to Store the Towels When You Don’t Have a Linen Closet
Your extras are fluffed and folded. Now what?
Becky Harris
January 9, 2020
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
When I was planning my bathroom renovation, I knew that one of my issues was towel storage. In my existing situation, they wound up smushed in the vanity underneath the sink’s P-trap, crowded by cleaning supplies and hair appliances. So I turned to Houzz photos for solutions. Here are some of the best ideas I found.
Open Vanity Shelving
With the wide variety of ready-made vanities as well as custom work available, there are all sorts of configurations where open towel storage is part of the vanity. Here’s a lesson from the beautiful photo styling we see on Houzz every day: Neatly folded matching towels are the way to go with this solution. The next few photos illustrate various configurations. See if any of them suit your style.
Find a bathroom designer near you
With the wide variety of ready-made vanities as well as custom work available, there are all sorts of configurations where open towel storage is part of the vanity. Here’s a lesson from the beautiful photo styling we see on Houzz every day: Neatly folded matching towels are the way to go with this solution. The next few photos illustrate various configurations. See if any of them suit your style.
Find a bathroom designer near you
There are many options, including the clean look of this cantilevered vanity with open cubbies on the bottom.
Shop for bathroom vanities on Houzz
Shop for bathroom vanities on Houzz
Here is a modern washstand interpretation of this idea.
If you don’t mind going asymmetrical, try something like this.
If you are a symmetry fan, this one is for you. It has open shelves in the center of the vanity (free from those pesky P-traps).
With baskets. If you don’t have time for that Martha Stewart-esque perfect folding and you like your towels more hidden, you can put baskets on the vanity’s open shelves.
In this bathroom, the wicker baskets add to the beachy vibe, playing off the jute rug and wooden table.
You may opt for loose baskets or for basket drawers on sliders.
In this bathroom, the wicker baskets add to the beachy vibe, playing off the jute rug and wooden table.
You may opt for loose baskets or for basket drawers on sliders.
Casually Collected
An attractive basket, tote bag or box is a good chance to bring texture, color and an eclectic touch into the bathroom. Rolling up the towels into what I call “towel logs” is the best way to store them in a slouchy container like this.
An attractive basket, tote bag or box is a good chance to bring texture, color and an eclectic touch into the bathroom. Rolling up the towels into what I call “towel logs” is the best way to store them in a slouchy container like this.
These vintage crates on casters are another take on the same idea. They add old-timey character to the bathroom in this lake house.
These baskets tuck nicely into the vanity. And their dip-dyed style plays beautifully off the pattern on the floor.
See more basket storage options
See more basket storage options
Hooks
A row of hooks can add a functional and decorative element to a blank wall. But if you will be mixing your damp towels with your fresh ones on a rack like this, make sure the wall behind it can stand up to moisture.
A row of hooks can add a functional and decorative element to a blank wall. But if you will be mixing your damp towels with your fresh ones on a rack like this, make sure the wall behind it can stand up to moisture.
Freestanding Furniture
In a larger bathroom, a freestanding piece like an étagère can make your bathroom more interesting and provide a lot of storage. If you don’t want to worry about folding everything neatly, consider a shelf that incorporates doors or drawers in its design.
In a larger bathroom, a freestanding piece like an étagère can make your bathroom more interesting and provide a lot of storage. If you don’t want to worry about folding everything neatly, consider a shelf that incorporates doors or drawers in its design.
Here a matching freestanding cabinet mixes drawer storage below and doors with grilles on top. A peek through reveals white towels and other neatly organized items.
Recessed Niches
This towel nook is a compelling part of the thoughtful, clean-lined architecture of this bathroom.
This towel nook is a compelling part of the thoughtful, clean-lined architecture of this bathroom.
The wall at the end of the bathtub can be a good spot to place a recessed niche for towels.
Shelves
Built-in. This bathroom combines the idea of the recessed niche with cabinetry that matches the vanity.
Built-in. This bathroom combines the idea of the recessed niche with cabinetry that matches the vanity.
Floating. This option keeps fresh towels handy for those who love a soak. Note that these shelves do not extend over the edge of the tub, or they could be a head-banging risk.
Racks
Over the commode. Speaking of safety, cabinets and racks over the loo are often referred to as “headbangers.” We often forget that, in a tight space, there’s room in this spot for storage. Just make sure you can put it where it won’t keep earning that moniker.
Over the commode. Speaking of safety, cabinets and racks over the loo are often referred to as “headbangers.” We often forget that, in a tight space, there’s room in this spot for storage. Just make sure you can put it where it won’t keep earning that moniker.
Train rack. This strategy may look familiar from stays in hotels — and the product is known as a hotel rack. Installing one is an easy way to combine folded towel storage with a towel bar, and it’s a good solution for a tight space.
Browse towel racks and stands
Browse towel racks and stands
Share: Where and how do you like to store your towels? Are you a folder or a roller? Do you like an all-white collection or a more colorful selection? Please share your ideas with us in the Comments.
More on Houzz
How to Remodel Your Bathroom
Bathroom Storage: Where to Keep the TP?
5 Ways With an 8-by-5-Foot Bathroom
Find a bathroom remodeler
Shop for bathroom products
More on Houzz
How to Remodel Your Bathroom
Bathroom Storage: Where to Keep the TP?
5 Ways With an 8-by-5-Foot Bathroom
Find a bathroom remodeler
Shop for bathroom products
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I like my privacy. 1) I "go" before I leave the house; 2) I try to go to places where I know the toilets are private (London was amazingly accommodating! in this area); 3) Public toilets are disgusting and I carry wipes and I use it to open/close the doors. I don't care how much I love someone (& quite frankly especially if I love them) I do not want to hear them in the "toilet room" or visa versa, so why then bother having a door? This is the most perplexing conversation I've had in ages. It's fun!! :)
This whole discussion about toilets is so entertaining! I'm relieved to see some are as OCD (though if you REALLY have it it's CDO) :-) as I am. Nothing should be near the toilet that one cares about because it will spray the room, as others have stated. Since there is a small space between the porcelain of the toilet and the seat and lid, I often wonder if there is still some spray possible after putting down the seat and lid, especially with high pressure flushing. I have always closed the lid before flushing and have taught my husband and sons to do the same. This is also so that nothing will fall into the toilet and clog it or have to be thrown away (it's been in the toilet, after all). I flush and touch nothing until I wash my hands. I keep the toilet handle and faucets disinfected also, as well as the light switches and door knobs. I used to use lysol spray or cleanser or bleach, but after I developed asthma I discovered Norwex antibacterial cloths that are woven with silver that is activated with hot water. That has made a big improvement in my lung problems. The way to use a public bathroom stall is to open and close doors and lids with tissues or toilet paper in a pinch, if one has no tissues. Also, I always hover unless it's not possible. Then I put masses of TP on the seat if no seat covers are available. I NEVER use the hot air hand dryers because studies have shown they can be germier than toilet seats. Go figure. One time my daughter saw the written instructions for a hand dryer and someone had penned below it "dry hands on pants" so that is also a possibility. :-) If the main door to a public toilet swings out, it's good. If I have to touch it, I again use tissues or TP. There is no way humans can avoid germs at all times, so we just have to do our best. And a lot of bacteria is harmless or even beneficial.
P.S. beautiful bathrooms!