It's time to ditch that boring metal towel bar. Check out these uncommon DIY towel rack ideas.
10 DIY Towel Rack Ideas for Your Spa Bathroom
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Accordion Towel Rack
Accordion peg racks are available in new and vintage versions. You could DIY this towel rack, but keep your eyes peeled the next time you visit a thrift store. They’ve recently made a big comeback in trendy décor. Often they’re used for hats or coats in an entryway, but as shown here by @farmhousewifey, the accordion style hanger works perfectly as a bathroom towel rack.
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Farmhouse DIY Towel Rack
This simple farmhouse style towel rack by @sunshine_valley_wv is a great project even for beginner DIYers. To make your own, cut a wood board to size. (Any board will do, but in this case they used a 1×4 pine board.) Apply stain to the wood for a rustic look. Attach the hooks, then secure the board to the wall — preferably at stud locations — and you’re done!
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Scrap Wood DIY Towel Rack
To make this DIY hand towel rack, @homefullofjoy got creative with some leftover scrap wood. Using wood glue, paint and nails, she created this cute ladder-style rack. The narrow design allows two towels to be displayed without taking up a lot of wall space. Who knew scrap wood had so much potential?
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Driftwood DIY Towel Rack
Here’s a towel rack you can make for free! A distinctive piece of driftwood scavenged from the beach and anchors is all you need to make this towel rack by @shemakes.art. The sculptural shape of the wood not only hold towels, but works as a beautiful piece of natural art.
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Ladder Towel Rack
The towel rack in this space by @kristinegraceinteriors is actually a blanket ladder she repurposed for towel storage. A leaning ladder adds a boho casual feel to your bathroom while functioning as a place to display and dry towels. Plus, it’s a great way to fit multiple towels in a small space, instead of a wide wall-mounted bar or multiple hooks.
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Triangle Hooks DIY Towel Rack
Here’s another hand towel rack made from scrap wood by @stinsonhomeonadime. The simple design and triangle shape of the hooks make it refreshingly unique and modern, and it would blend well with any style bathroom. But if woodworking isn’t in your wheelhouse, check out these minimalist wood hooks to achieve a similar look.
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Leather Loop DIY Towel Rack
To recreate this towel rack from @kiniesdesign, cut two strips of leather. Fold one of the strips in half, then punch or drill a small hole through both layers of leather about 1/2-in. down from the ends. Insert a screw through the holes so the strip forms a loop. Repeat with the second strip. Attach both loops to the wall, then insert a wooden dowel through the loops to form the rack.
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Ceiling-Mounted DIY Towel Rack
Unwilling to drill into the wall tile, @viidenkympinvillitys created this minimal towel rack suspended from the ceiling.
Mount two hooks into the ceiling, then hang the wood rail with rope. The preferred method would be to attach the ceiling hooks to a beam, because towels can be heavy when they’re wet. If there’s no beam available, use a toggle bolt to secure the hooks in hollow plaster or drywall. Purchase simple hooks or create your own from wire coat hangers.
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Barnwood DIY Towel Rack
This simple wood and metal hook towel rack by @thehillcresthouse was made with a rough piece of wood, adding a touch of rustic texture to the space. The modern brass hooks bring a nice contrast to the unfinished wood board.
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DIY Boat Cleat Towel Rack
The metal boat cleats on this wooden nautical style towel rack keep rolled towels secured on each shelf. The vertical layout means you can fit six or more towels in a narrow space. Or if you prefer hooks to shelves, attach the boat cleats to a board and hang a towel from each cleat.
FAQs
Can I DIY a towel rack?
Yes, as shown in the examples above, there are plenty of options for DIY towel racks. “DIY towel racks are simple enough. A $10 pine board, some matte black hooks, and a stud finder get the job done in under 30 minutes,” says bathroom remodeling expert Danny Niemela. “If you want to hang more than three towels, add wall anchors or back-mount the rack to keep it secure.”
Are there multi functional towel racks?
“Yes, multifunctional towel racks are worth considering, but I would skip the electric ones unless there is proper wiring behind the wall,” says Niemela. “Go for shelf-hybrid models where you can stack folded towels on top and hang below. Some even have retractable bars so you can adjust how much space you want.”
How can I customize a towel rack?
A custom DIY towel rack will give you a one-of-a-kind look, or you can modify a regular towel rack design. “You can use standard hardware store items like aluminum bars, matte black pipe fittings, or raw wood to build racks that match the bathroom’s style. Throw in a wood stain or paint to match the vanity, and it feels integrated for under $50,” says Niemela.
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About the Expert
- Danny Niemela is the Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since 2007, he has led high-end and high-tech kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home remodels with a sharp focus on craftsmanship and client experience. ArDan Construction has earned back-to-back “Contractor of the Year” awards from National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
