Towels are necessary in our daily lives, but we regularly find ourselves scrambling to find a place to dry our used towels. Nowadays, bathrooms have the best gadgets to help keep things neat. The freestanding towel rack has replaced the old practice of hanging them over the best bathtub tray or shower.
Towel racks can be useful for a variety of reasons. We'll look into that later, but one major benefit is that it inhibits the growth of bacteria on the towel. In addition, the best towel racks can be found in a wide range of sizes, designs, and materials, elevating the look of any bathroom.
While choosing the best free standing towel rack can be daunting, we've researched extensively and found some of the best freestanding towel racks to ease your search.
Our top pick is the MDesign Large. This standing towel rack is built with durable materials and comes in different colors, making it easy to choose one that complements your bathroom decor. Our second choice is the Organize It All, which only came second because it can't hold heavyweight towels, but its sleek chrome design suits a minimalist bathroom and is easy to clean and maintain. The third freestanding towel rack we selected is Bofeng 3 Tiers which has simple and distinctive features, giving it a modern design perfect for any part of your home.
Also, if the freestanding design is your cup of tea, check out our reviews of the best freestanding bathtub.
Why Do You Need a Towel Rack?
Every bathroom requires a solution for hanging bath towels. A freestanding towel rack can be the ideal solution if you're renting an apartment or a house and are concerned about making holes in the walls.
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Towel stands are helpful in drying towels and are a smart addition to guest bathrooms when you have many visitors who need a place to lay their wet towels and washcloths.
Without a towel rack, a bathroom isn't complete. Here are some of its benefits.
1. Better Hygiene
When left damp, towels become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria that completely undermine the practice of good hygiene. Of course, towels will still need to be used, but we can do our part to keep bathrooms cleaner.
Towels dry faster when stretched out on a towel rack; this method also helps decrease bacteria and other germs spread.
2. Additional Storage Space
Those who tell you that installing towel holders requires more area in your bathroom or kitchen are misleading. To maximize space, towel racks usually have six to eight hooks, shelves, or racks.
You occupy a lot of space by dispersing your clothing and towels all over the house. However, you can make more room by folding them on shelves or hanging them on freestanding towel racks.
3. Organization
Organizing your bathroom accessories is simple with a freestanding towel rack. While hooks and bars can help us arrange our towels, shirts, and bathrobes by hanging, freestanding towel racks are great for layering products. In addition, installing one can help you keep your bathroom clean and organized overall.
The most effective models are those that dry clothes quickly and easily while being simple to put up and transport. These crucial considerations have been applied to all of our choices. Below are the best freestanding towel racks in the market today.
8 Best Free-standing Towel Racks
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1. MDesign Large Freestanding Towel Rack
- STYLISH STORAGE: Towel holder features three bars for hanging...
- BUILT-IN SHELF: This towel rack is perfect for holding your...
- FREE-STANDING: Make the most of unused space in your bathroom -...
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Made of strong steel wire with a durable...
- THOUGHTFULLY SIZED: Measures 12" x 25" x 34" high
The MDesign Large Freestanding towel rack best provides a nice balance between design and functionality. The unit's availability of different colors stood out for us and is one example of its versatility. We could choose from 5 distinct colors: bronze, black/brushed, silver, white, and white/brushed. This variant made it easier to match the unit to our decor.
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The long, curved edges are similar to thin timber limbs shaped into a framework like a wicker. We found that the curve and rounded design gives it a natural appearance. The whole towel rack is built to last thanks to its tough steel wire construction and rust-resistant finish.
Its lower built-in shelf design caught our attention. It boasts a grill design, making it the ideal alternative for carrying smaller bathroom accessories that would be unstable on slatted-style shelves. We used the spot for holding decorative candles and little bottles.
Installation is simple. It takes a few minutes to put together, and no special equipment or skills are needed. We found it easy to click or fit the various parts in place, and the end piece easily twists into position to secure them.
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2. Organize It All 3 Bar Bathroom Towel Drying Rack
- Easily dry & store bathroom towels
- 3 bars for hanging towels wet or dry towels
- Bottom resistant, chrome finish
- Easy to clean-wipe down
This Organize It All Towel Drying Rack, finished in sleek chrome, perfectly represents a minimalist design that has become a hallmark of contemporary bathroom design. In addition to being corrosion-resistant, rustproof, and mildew-proof, we noted that the chrome mixes beautifully with other chrome fixtures in our bathroom.
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Glass and acrylic are two other materials we saw in this product. The three hanging bars made of transparent acrylic helped create more space while also serving as a useful bar for drying our towels. Furthermore, the acrylic was quite simple to maintain and didn't damage or discolor our towels.
This rack has ample space to hang three towels with dimensions of 9.88" x 23.12" x 34.25". However, the layout made hanging our larger bath towels a bit difficult. But smaller guest-size or hand towels work best with the rack's staggered and sloping design.
You can install the unit without the glass shelf if you need to add an inch or two of vertical space. Alternatively, you can hang your largest towels from the back rail.
Even though tempered glass is four times as robust as regular glass, the glass can present a significant risk if you have small children or animals.
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3. Bofeng 3 Tiers Black Metal Towel Rack
- 【Size】17.71x 8.66x 33.86 inches / length x width x height,...
- 【High quality】Made of strong steel, strong, will not rust,...
- 【Easy to assemble】Our towel rack comes with an assembly...
- 【Multi-function】Three-layer design, it can be used to store...
- 【Worry-free after-sales service】We provide one-year warranty...
As the adage goes, variety is the spice of life. We're not talking about spice racks, but this freestanding towel rack comes in two and three levels with various stylish colors and wood grains.
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You can quickly and simply transform your bathroom into a luxurious spa with its simple features and distinctive appearance, thanks to its modern industrial design. It is made of robust steel and has a long-lasting anti-rust effect guaranteeing stability and durability. Using the assembly manual and the tools provided with this unit, it took us no time to set it up and get it ready for use.
The three-layer design provided enough space for us to store towels in the bathroom. We also used this simple, stylish towel rack to display quilts in our bedroom. Although it is small with a simple appearance, the design is very stylish to use in any part of your home. The freestanding towel rack is a perfect size that you can easily fit in the bathroom.
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4. Kings Brand Coffee Brown Furniture Free Standing Towel Rack Stand
- Kings Brand Coffee Brown Metal Free Standing Towel Rack Stand...
- Keep your towels, slippers and other items organized and off of...
- Coffee finish, this three-bar bathroom rack provides plentiful...
- Dimension: 18.25"W x 12"D x 27.5"H.
- Simple assembly required.
Although this fourth pick did not make it to the top pick, it is one of our favorite pieces. There's something timeless about this Kings Brand Coffee Brown Furniture Free Standing Towel Rack Stand.
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Kings Brand can't be avoided, and there's a good reason for it. According to customer reviews, this brand is among the top competitors in this market. This rack complements rustic themes with its lovely coffee-brown color. We loved the metal color and found it to be a great alternative if you don't like chrome or black units.
This rack can blend beautifully with any home decor, despite having a traditional rack shape. It brings a wrought iron railings vibe that was common in mid-century homes.
With 19.25" between its surface and the first bar, the lower shelf provided plenty of room to accommodate our folded towels, blankets, and other bathroom essentials. Despite being made of metal, this model is highly portable thanks to its lighter weight(3.99 lbs) than the other options on our list.
Assembling it and moving it between rooms is also very easy. However, the size of this unit is one of the main flaws we found. The large towels we hung on the rack hid the lovely pattern. Despite this, we found the towel rack to give lots of value, considering its price and quality.
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5. King’s Brand Antique Style Pewter Finish Towel Rack
- Kings Brand Furniture Antique Style Pewter Finish Metal Free...
- This antique style towel stand is perfect for hanging quilts,...
- Dimensions: 29" x 13" x 31".
- Simple assembly required.
We recommend the King's Brand Antique Style Pewter Finish Towel Rack for bathrooms with a classical design. This piece, which features a lovely antique bronze finish and a uniquely Tuscan look with scrollwork and flora theme, is equally as much a fashion statement as it is a valuable bathroom storage solution.
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The three towel bars give you a wide variety of hanging possibilities. This model, like previous ones, works best for drying regular bath towels, but we noted it doesn't have the vertical height required for larger styles. The lack of extra storage alternatives like shelves or baskets further restricts its functionality.
However, one major advantage that stood out for us is the portability of this towel rack. It is easy to transfer this rack to any location and adjust its position because it weighs only 7.6 lbs. Additionally, we didn't struggle with bulky wrought iron components during assembly. Anyone can assemble it quickly because it is so simple.
Although the unit is specifically designed for the bathroom, the appealing aesthetic would look good in any part of the house. We used it to air clothing in our bedroom or store blankets in the living room.
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6. MyGift Freestanding 2-Tier Black Metal And Bamboo Towel Bar
- MODERN TOWEL BARS: Freestanding 33-inch tall towel stand in black...
- 2-RUNG STORAGE: Three towel bars provide ample space for multiple...
- METAL & BAMBOO: Industrial metal and natural bamboo creates a...
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for hanging towels in a bathroom, drying...
- SPECS: 33.3 H × 17.7 W × 8.5 L (in inches).
This freestanding towel rack from MyGift is the perfect accessory for a contemporary home. We found it to be perfect if you don't want to overcomplicate your space.
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The beauty of this piece is that we could use it in various ways, including hanging towels in a bathroom, drying clothing in a laundry room, and storing blankets in a bedroom. It doesn't look like a typical bathroom towel rack, and its simple elegance doesn't limit it to the bathroom. It can also fit properly in the modern living area, bedroom, and bathroom.
This 33.07" x 17.71" x 8.26" rack is different from other models in that it only has two towel rails instead of the typical three and lacks a lower storage shelf. This unit features a traditional metal and natural wood combination and is black and tan in color. You can create an intriguing contrast by combining the industrial and the natural worlds.
In addition to being robust and sturdy, it is also hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. We noted that it doesn't expand or contract like other woods, and thanks to its durability, it withstood prolonged use without showing signs of wear and tear.
Unfortunately, the metal base did not work well for our small bathroom shower tiles. Moving and placing this item could be noisy. However, you can resolve the issue by using adhesive rubber feet, although doing so would require additional spending.
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7. The Original Sula Versatile Teak Towel Rack
- Purchase Includes AquaTeak Premium Teak Oil for Ultimate...
- All Stainless Steel Non-Corroding Hardware & Adjustable Rubber...
- Superior Design -- AquaTeak Has Been Featured in Architectural...
- Naturally Water Resistant & Durable (Indoor or Outdoor Use)
- Five Year Warranty & 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee!
If you don't like the metal or chrome finish, why not try a wooden towel rack? Although not everyone enjoys that style, wood is a great complement to the modern look of a metal or chrome bathroom.
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This towel rack is made by hand out of teak wood, which has been treated to make it weatherproof and water resistant. With dimensions of 22.5" x 11.25" x 34" and a weight of 9 pounds, we found it to be strong and sturdy enough to hold our largest beach and shower towels.
We applied AquaTeak's Premium Teak Oil regularly to keep your towel rack looking rich and new and preserve the deep finish of the rack. The base is also ideal for storing extra guest towels or sandals. Rubber grips are included to increase stability on slick terrain.
On the downside, The Original Sula Versatile Teak Towel Rack is small in size and can only carry up to 3 towels.
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8. Asta Spa Teak Towel Ladder
- Fully assembled
- Plantation grown grade A solid teak with hand sanded silk-smooth...
- Naturally water resistant and durable (for indoor or outdoor use)
- Featuring 4-Bar ladder design
- Perfect for showers, baths, or swimming pools
Don't be fooled by the slanted position of this towel holder. The fact that we didn't need any tools or other fixtures to position this unit in our bathroom qualifies it as a freestanding model. As its name implies, this rack has a spa-like appearance that gives any room a relaxing vibe. The wood finish is quite attractive and adds a touch of nature to your bathroom.
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This rack feels high-quality since it is made entirely of pure teak wood. Although we are hesitant to use wood in the bathroom, we noticed that this teak bathroom towel shelf was resistant to moisture, humidity, and mildew because of the water-repellent transparent finish.
We placed the base of this rack at a distance of 14 inches from the wall to create a solid structure, enabling us to use its towel-holding ability. Also, we added rubber pads on the ends of the rack to avoid leaving marks on the walls and floors.
This pre-assembled rack is a great choice for busy homeowners who are eager to finish their bathroom setups. It can hold multiple towels, making it ideal for homes that need more space to hang towels.
However, Asta Spa Teak Towel Ladder does not come with wall or floor anchors, and you might wish to choose an anchored model if you have small children or animals.
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How Do You Choose the Best Freestanding Towel Rack?
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When shopping for a towel rack, look for one that can endure the high humidity and temperature levels seen in bathrooms. Here are the key features to consider when looking for a freestanding towel rack for your bathroom.
1. Size
Towel racks come in various sizes, but an 18-inch rack is generally considered appropriate for a compact bathroom. Standard-sized towels can be hung but must be folded in half first.
Even though a 24-inch rack is ideal for hanging full size bath towels or any other bulky items, you need to fold the towel in half once more.
Towels may be hung neatly and efficiently from a 30-inch towel rail without the need for folding. So, a 30-inch towel rack is a good investment if your bathroom is large enough.
2. Material and Finish
Stainless steel won't at any point rust or corrode in the moist environment of a bathroom, making it a superior material to plastic. Regarding finishes, chrome is a well-known and traditional option that complements vintage silver-toned plumbing fixtures.
But now, you can order towel racks in a wide range of metal finishes, including brushed nickel, polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black.
3. Weight Capacity
Since most towel rack styles tend to handle one or two towels, they rarely have a large weight capacity. Towel racks or bars should not be confused with grab bars used in bathrooms as a safety measure to prevent trips and falls.
Standard towel racks are not nearly as strong and should not be utilized for support, whereas grab bars can handle 250–500 pounds. The weight capacity of freestanding towel racks is typically higher than that of wall-mounted studs requiring anchors or adhesive types.
4. Additional Features
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Some freestanding towel racks come with additional features, such as shelves and hooks to hang more towels, while others come in various colors or finishes.
Although most towel racks are made of metal, such as stainless steel, chrome, or alloy, you can get others that are made of wood or bamboo, which are more environmentally friendly.
5. Functionality
Functionality is also a significant consideration when looking for a freestanding towel rack. Are you planning to use your standing towel rack for a couple of towels, and that's it, or will you have a stack of several towels and require shelves for storing towels and other bathroom essentials?
Some towel rack brands design units you can fold up, and others have cabinet space. Decide on what you will use the standing towel rack for, and then you can shop for what fits your needs.
Also, the type of towels you buy, either regular, light, or medium-weight towels, can affect the material of the freestanding towel rack you're buying. Wooden and heavier metal towel racks are best suited to heavier loads, while lightweight towel racks get the job done for medium and light towels.
Therefore, it's important to keep all your needs in mind when searching for the right freestanding towel rack for you.
6. Style
Freestanding towel racks are not typically discrete pieces of furniture. Therefore, choosing a style that coordinates with your bathroom decor is important. An excellent way to keep the bathroom interiors cohesive is by matching the towel rack finish to the drawer or faucet hardware.
For instance, if you choose a wooden unit, the finish should complement the floor and wall tiles or have a similar shade to the bathroom cabinetry.
7. Ease of Assembling
Freestanding towel racks are easier to assemble than wall-mounted units, and many don't require tools. Some can also be used right out of the box. Nonetheless, if you have to assemble the unit, ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid invalidating the model's warranty.
8. Do You Need to Anchor Your Freestanding Towel Rack to the Floor?
Towel racks that stand on their own are constructed to be stable and won't topple over. Moreover, they normally weigh very lightweight, so any injuries sustained from a fall won't be too severe.
However, if there are noisy children or pets in the house, you may want to think about a foldable device that can be put away when not in use. Try building your own floor anchor instead, as most freestanding units lack anchoring gear.
Freestanding Vs. Wall-Mounted Towel Rack
A beautiful freestanding towel rack can be an attractive alternative in a large bathroom, giving your towels plenty of areas to dry and air out between usage.
However, consider a wall-mounted towel rack if you are short on floor space. If you're a tenant with a small bathroom, consider an over-the-door towel rack that won't leave any holes in the wall to fix up when you go.
Tips To Consider With A Freestanding Towel Rack
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- When you don't use your freestanding towel holder daily, dust accumulates on it over time. To clean the rack, you can use a moist, lint-free cloth. Before cleaning the rack, lightly mist the damp towel with some white distilled vinegar to provide a little disinfectant and odor-eliminating power.
- Consider where each rack and accessory should go before you make a purchase. You don't want to buy a towel rack just to decide that it would look better elsewhere. You would need to go back and measure if the area will fit the space.
- If you are a visual learner and the product instructions seem unclear, you'll find YouTube extremely useful.
- The length of the towel rack should be taken into account while comparing prices.
- While you can DIY a freestanding towel rack, it is easier and faster to purchase one.
Frequently Asked Questions on Freestanding Towel Racks
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1. Do towels dry better on hooks or bars?
If you got a lot of wall space near the tub or shower, towel bars are an excellent option. For small bathrooms that have multiple bathrooms, hooks are a great option. Installing a hook for every person who will use a particular bathroom will ensure that nobody uses the wrong bath towel.
2. What can I use instead of a towel bar in a bathroom?
Instead of using a towel bar in your bathroom, you might want to think about using a towel hook or bar, which provides another way to maximize hygiene and prevent the spread of bacteria.
3. What is the best material for a towel rack in the bathroom?
While some of the most common and affordable towel bars are made from wood and plastic, the outstanding options are constructed with stainless steel and brass. These materials are well suited for bathroom fixtures because they are resistant to corrosion and rustproof, even in humid environments.
4. How do you store towels in a bathroom without storage?
To store towels in a bathroom without storage, you can install an adjustable rack on the back of the bathroom door to hang towels, washcloths, and any needed bathroom essentials or add a rack to the inside of a closet door to store folded towels. Also, you can add hooks on any open wall space or above the toilet to create extra room for towel storage.
5. Is aluminum or stainless steel better for a bathroom?
Aluminum has good corrosion properties, and it does not rust. However, stainless steel takes advantage here because it has chromium, giving it a protective film and superior corrosion resistance. Also, stainless steel is non-porous, giving it more corrosion resistance.
6. How big should a towel bar be?
18, 24, and 30 inches are the most common towel bar sizes. Each towel bar can be installed and used effectively in different situations. For smaller bathroom and powder rooms, 18-inch towel bars are sufficient for both folded bath towels and hand towels. On the other hand, 24 inches towel bars are great for both small and large bathroom spaces.
7. How do you pick a durable freestanding towel rack?
Towel racks are exposed to extreme conditions in the bathroom, and therefore you need a unit built to withstand intense heat and moisture. Look for units that are rust-proof, easy to clean, or have a protective coating.
However, most towel racks are designed with bathroom use in mind, so they'll incorporate these protective features into the overall design. Also, different materials require specific protective measures. For instance, you may need to periodically rub wax or linseed oil on your wooden unit to maintain its waterproofing properties.
Conclusion on Freestanding Towel Racks
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The right freestanding towel rack can turn an otherwise practical piece of furniture into your bathroom's centerpiece; it can catch flying clothes, hold your towels, and with some models, store your extra toiletries. We've sampled our top picks to lessen your struggle but always keep in mind the buying guide and ensure your choice matches your overall style to keep your bathroom décor streamlined.
