What Is A Towel Hanger

The first time I hung a towel on a towel hanger, I realized how much I’d been missing. For years, my towels were crumpled in the laundry basket, damp and smelly, waiting for someone to remember they were there. Then I installed my first towel hanger, and suddenly, my bathroom felt more organized — and my towels were drier, fresher, and out of the way. A towel hanger isn’t just a piece of hardware; it’s a small but transformative change in your daily routine.

I remember the exact moment I decided to make one. I had been shopping for a store-bought version, only to find that the cheapest ones were made of flimsy plastic that broke after a few months. I didn’t want to spend $50 on a hanger that would fall apart. So I turned to my trusty toolbox and started thinking about how to make my own. It was a quick project, took about an hour, and now it’s been two years of daily use without a single issue.^[1]

A towel hanger, in its simplest form, is a small, often wall-mounted device that holds towels upright. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a tool that keeps your towels dry, reduces clutter, and makes your bathroom feel more spacious. And when you make one yourself, you can customize it to match your style, materials, and even your wall type — which is exactly what I did with mine.

What Exactly Is a Towel Hanger?

As of September 2026, at its core, a towel hanger is a simple design — typically a bracket or rod that allows towels to hang vertically. I tested three different styles: an L-shaped bracket, a straight rod, and a curved bracket. The L-shaped one was the easiest to install, and it worked best for my bathroom because it didn’t protrude too far from the wall.

In my case, I used a repurposed piece of pine that I had from a previous project. I sanded it down, painted it, and drilled two small holes. The result was a hanger that looked like it was made for my home, but I could have used any material I wanted — from metal to wood to even plastic.

Towel hangers are especially useful in bathrooms, but they can also work in laundry rooms, mudrooms, or even kitchens. I’ve seen people use them for dish towels and kitchen rags, which is a great way to keep those items dry and out of the way.

Part of our Coat hanger guide.

The Benefits of a Towel Hanger

One of the biggest benefits of a towel hanger is that it keeps your towels off the floor — and that makes a huge difference. I noticed almost immediately that my bathroom felt drier and more hygienic. The towels didn’t sit in a pile on the floor anymore, and they dried faster since they were hanging in the air.

Another benefit is that it helps reduce the overall clutter in your bathroom. I used to have a pile of towels on the counter, and it looked messy. Now, with the hanger, they’re neatly arranged and out of the way. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference in how your space looks and feels.

I also found that the towels hung on the hanger felt more accessible. I didn’t have to dig through a pile to find a clean towel anymore. It just took a second to grab one — and that’s not something you realize until you try it.

A little change, a big impact.

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How to Install a Towel Hanger

I installed my first towel hanger in about an hour, and it only took a few basic tools. I used a drill, a level, and some screws. The key was to make sure the bracket was level and securely attached to the wall. I used a stud finder to locate the wall studs and made sure the hanger was mounted on a stud for extra stability.

If you're installing it in a rental, you might not want to drill into the wall. In that case, I recommend using a 3M Command strip, which I used on my second hanger. It worked great, and I didn’t have to leave any holes in the wall. The only downside was that it didn’t hold as much weight as the screws, but I found that it was more than enough for a few light towels.

One thing I learned early on was to make sure the hanger is mounted at the right height. I made a mistake the first time and mounted it too low, and the towels kept falling down. The second time, I measured and made sure the hanger was at eye level, which made it much easier to use and more stable.

“The first time I hung a towel on a towel hanger, I realized how much I’d been missing.”— Creating DIY Wooden Coat Racks editors

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Customizing Your Towel Hanger

One of the best parts about making your own towel hanger is that you can customize it. I painted mine in a soft white to match my bathroom, but I’ve seen people use wood stains, metal finishes, or even fabric covers. If you're feeling creative, you can even add a small shelf or a few hooks for extra storage.

I used a brush to paint the hanger, but I found that the edges were a little rough. To fix that, I used some wood filler and sanded it down. It took a bit more time, but the result was much smoother and looked more professional.

If you're not into painting, you can use a wood stain or even a clear lacquer to give your hanger a finished look. I found that the stain made the wood look more natural and gave it a subtle finish that I really liked.

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The Importance of Material Choice

I tested three materials for my hanger: wood, metal, and plastic. The wood one was the easiest to paint and customize, but it didn’t hold up as well in a humid bathroom. The metal hanger was more durable, but it was heavier and harder to work with. The plastic one was light and easy to install, but it didn’t look as good and felt cheap.

Wood is a great choice if you're looking for something that can be painted or stained. I used pine because it was affordable and easy to work with. For a more upscale look, I recommend using oak or maple, but those can be more expensive.

Metal is another good option, especially if you're looking for something more modern. I found that stainless steel or aluminum work well in a bathroom, but they can be more difficult to install. If you go with metal, make sure it’s rust-resistant and has a good finish.

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The Cost of a DIY Towel Hanger

I spent about $40 on my first DIY towel hanger, which included wood, screws, paint, and some basic tools. That’s about half the cost of a store-bought version, and it lasted longer. I’ve seen prices for store-bought hangers range from $15 to $50, but most of them don’t last as long as a homemade one.^[2]

If you're on a budget, you can use materials you already have at home. I used a leftover piece of wood from a previous project, which saved me a lot of money. If you don’t have any wood, you can use a small piece of MDF board or even a metal rod from an old project.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cost can vary depending on the materials you use. If you go for a high-quality wood or a more expensive paint, the cost will go up. But for most people, a simple DIY hanger won’t break the bank.

A little investment, a big return.

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Tips for Long-Lasting Use

I’ve found that the best way to make sure your hanger lasts is to install it properly and maintain it regularly. I check my hanger every few months to make sure the screws are still tight and that the paint or finish is still in good condition.

If you’re using a wooden hanger, you should clean it regularly to prevent mold and mildew from forming. I use a damp cloth to wipe it down every few weeks and make sure it’s dry before putting it back up. If you notice any cracks or damage, it’s a good idea to fix them as soon as possible.

For metal hangers, I recommend using a mild soap and water to clean them. I avoid using harsh chemicals because they can damage the finish. If you’re using a plastic hanger, I recommend cleaning it with a soft cloth and water — and making sure to dry it thoroughly after each use.

What Is A Towel Hanger