This guide will be useful if you’ve never installed a towel hook in your bathroom. There are only a few parts and tools you’ll need to get your new towel hook onto the wall.
Typically you install a towel hook with a drill or screwdriver and the hardware that is included with the towel hook that you’ve purchased. The video below shows you exactly how we installed a towel hook in our bathroom in only a couple of minutes.
Do Towel Hooks Need to Go into a Stud?
When it comes to the sturdiness and weight-bearing capacity of your towel hook, anchoring it into a wall stud is always recommended if you can help it, however, it’s not necessary by any means. A stud provides a solid base, ensuring your hook can support heavy towels or robes without issue. To find a stud, use a stud finder or look for visible clues like electrical outlets, as they are often mounted on studs.
That leads to the question, what do you do if there isn’t a stud in the location where you want to place your towel hook?
How Do You Hang a Hook Without a Stud?
If your desired location doesn’t align with a wall stud, you can still securely install a towel hook using drywall anchors. Wall anchors work by expanding inside the wall, distributing weight across a broader area, and offering substantial anchoring when properly used.
Typically, any towel hook that you buy will include a few drywall anchors in its hardware kit. This way you don’t have to worry about buying them separately. To find out if you are drilling into a stud behind your wall, you will need a stud finder to see exactly where your drilling your holes and what your hook will be secured to.
Are Towel Hooks Better than Towel Bars?
Towel hooks and towel bars serve distinct purposes, and the choice between them depends on your specific needs and preferences. Towel hooks are great for saving space and providing quick access to towels, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. On the other hand, towel bars are perfect for neatly displaying multiple towels and allowing them to air dry efficiently.
In our home, we use towel bars for more of a display while using a hook for hanging up a used towel to dry. This way you know which towels are used and you can use them a couple of times before washing them. They will be dry after hanging on your towel hook for several hours.
Where Should Towel Hooks Be Placed in a Bathroom?
The strategic placement of towel hooks enhances their functionality and aesthetic appeal. Consider these locations for installing towel hooks:
- Near the Shower or Bathtub: Hanging hooks close to where you step out of the shower or bathtub makes it convenient to grab a towel immediately without having to get your bathroom floor wet by stepping away from your tub or shower.
- On the Back of the Bathroom Door: If space is limited, use the door’s vertical space to add extra hanging options, optimizing your bathroom’s storage capacity.
Where you hang your towel hook is entirely up to you, but keep in mind where you will be most of the situations that you’re grabbing a towel or robe from the hook!
How High Should Towel Hooks Be from the Floor?
The height at which you mount towel hooks is important for both functionality and aesthetics. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Standard Height: Position towel hooks between 48 to 54 inches (122-137 cm) from the floor as a general rule of thumb. This way your towel won’t be touching the floor when you hang it up.
- Customize to Your Preference: Adjust the height as needed to suit your personal comfort, but avoid extremes to ensure usability for everyone in your household.
- Maintain Consistency: Keep the height of all features in your bathroom consistent for a cohesive and visually appealing look. If you’re not sure how high to hang it, try placing it at the same height as a towel bar or towel ring if your bathroom has either.
Do Towels Dry Faster on Hooks or Bars?
The drying speed of towels can be influenced by how they are hung. Here’s a comparison of drying times between hooks and bars:
- Hooks: Towels typically dry faster when hung on hooks because they are allowed to hang freely, facilitating better air circulation.
- Bars: Towel bars are better suited for towel display and storage. However, towels may dry more slowly due to being folded or layered.
In conclusion, installing a towel hook is a straightforward and rewarding DIY project that can enhance the organization and functionality of your bathroom. By considering factors like stud placement, type of installation, and towel drying speed, you can ensure that your towel hooks not only serve their purpose but also complement your bathroom’s overall design.