Key Takeaways
- Towel rings are compact and ideal for small bathrooms, especially for hand towels near the sink.
- Towel bars are better suited for bath towels and allow for faster, more hygienic drying.
- Rings are easier to install and take up less space, while bars offer more capacity and versatility.
- Towel bars come in multiple sizes and configurations, making them suitable for shared or larger bathrooms.
- Many bathrooms benefit from using both: a ring for hand towels and a bar for bath towels.
Explore The Benefits of Towel Rings and Towel Bars
If you’re updating your bathroom and considering adding a towel ring or a towel bar to your bathroom, getting the right one maximizes the functionality of your bathroom. They each have many styles and designs to choose from, and they both offer multiple benefits that add value to your bathroom. Read on to determine which design best aligns with your needs.
When to Use a Towel Ring
A towel ring is the perfect solution for a small bathroom. It’s ideal for hand towels rather than bath towels due to its size and design. Towel rings are stylish and functional additions to your bathroom.
Benefits of Towel Rings
- Ideal for small bathrooms, powder rooms and half baths.
- Compact and take up very little wall space when mounted.
- Work for washcloths and hand towels and allow for easy access when placed near the sink.
- The average towel ring is about six to eight inches in diameter. A swinging towel ring may need more clearance for it to move comfortably.
- Easy installation and its small footprint won’t overpower the space.
Towel Ring Types
There are two types of towel rings: open and closed. An open towel ring has a gap in its shape, allowing towels to be slid on or off from left, right or center. Although this design adds convenience, it may slightly increase the risk of the towels slipping off compared to a closed towel ring.
A closed towel ring features an unbroken circle that’s designed to securely hold washcloths or hand towels without them slipping off. Traditionally, these shapes are round, but they’re now available in other shapes, including square, rectangle and oval.
Mounting Types
A wall mounted towel ring is a space-saving solution. A freestanding countertop towel ring also works if your vanity or counter has adequate space. This is a good option if you want to avoid drilling holes into your walls.
Towel Ring Colors and Finishes
Matching your towel ring hardware color to the bathroom fixtures creates a cohesive and spacious feel. You’ll get everything from warm and luxurious to classic elegance.
When to Use a Towel Bar
Towel bars offer the space to spread a towel out across the bar so it can dry faster, preventing the growth of bacteria and mildew. Towel bars are usually secured to the wall in accessible spots, making them convenient to use.
Benefits of Towel Bars
- Versatile and can accommodate towel sizes from washcloths to bath sheets.
- Towels dry faster and more completely since they can spread out, which improves air circulation and reduces mildew.
- Depending on the length, it can accommodate a large towel more comfortably or two smaller towels.
- More size options and configurations to choose from (ex. standard sizes, double bars, swing-arm bars, etc.)
- Standard towel bar sizes are 18, 24 or 30 inches. A 24-inch towel bar is the most common length for full-sized towels, and a 30-inch towel bar is suitable for oversized towels or two towels folded in thirds.
Towel Bar Type
The type of towel bar you choose depends on the number of towels you would normally hang simultaneously. If you have a large family, you might benefit from one or two four-tiered towel bars. If you have a smaller family, single towel bars or a double towel bar should work.
Towel Bar Colors
Coordinating your tile bar colors with the rest of your bathroom hardware creates a cohesive look that makes the design of your bathroom more appealing. Some popular colors are below.
For Your Consideration
While towel rings and towel bars can hang everything from washcloths to super-sized bath sheets, there are other items you might want to consider for your bathroom as well. Towel racks are stylish options that let you store or hang multiple towels in tight spaces. Towel hooks turn empty wall space into additional hanging space. Bathroom hardware sets handle the coordinating for you, with most sets including towel rings and towel bars. Baskets also make an appealing place to store unused towels and they look good in many bathroom decor schemes. Over-the-toilet storage cabinets save on space and you can hide towels inside or, if you have a little more space, a proper linen cabinet would look lovely.
A Tale of Two Towel Holders
If you’re deciding between a towel ring and a towel bar, your choice typically comes down to your space and your needs. Towel rings are a perfect match for small bathrooms or wherever space is at a minimum. Where space isn’t a problem, a towel bar works and offers better drying for larger towels. Sometimes, in a busy, full bathroom, you go for both.
Ready for an upgrade? Shop online for a new towel ring or towel bar. Better yet, shop your local Lowe’s where you can have a hands-on experience with the different colors and finishes. When you need help, a friendly Lowe’s Red Vest associate is on hand to assist you.
Towel Ring vs. Towel Bar FAQs
Below are some of the most asked questions that may help you as you come to a decision on tow rings or towel bars.
Should I Choose a Towel Ring or a Towel Bar?
It depends on your needs. Use a towel ring for hand towels and small spaces, and a towel bar for larger bath towels in primary or high traffic bathrooms.
Do Towel Bars Dry Towels Better Than Towel Rings?
Yes, towel bars allow towels to hang fully open, improving airflow and reducing moisture buildup. That means no musty odors and less lingering bacteria.
Are Towel Rings Only for Small Bathrooms?
They work best in small bathrooms or powder rooms, but you can use them in any space for convenient hand towel access.
What Size Towel Bar Should I Get?
A 24-inch bar is standard for most bath towels, while 30-inch towel bars work well for larger or multiple towels.
Can I Use Both a Towel Ring and a Towel Bar?
Yes, using both is common — rings near the sink for hand towels and bars near the shower for bath towels.