Creative Ways To Hang Kitchen Towels

Kitchen towels are one of the most frequently used items in our homes. Having them easily accessible and organized can make time spent cooking and cleaning more enjoyable and efficient. With so many creative options for hanging towels, you can declutter counters and customize them based on your style.

Introduction

A kitchen towel is such a necessity. From drying hands and dishes to wiping up messes and spills, we use them countless times per day. But with limited counter space, it’s tricky finding a home for them that keeps them handy without feeling cluttered.

Thankfully many clever solutions can get them off counters and optimize that precious real estate for meal prep and serving. With a bit of creativity, you can find the perfect organizational system tailored to your kitchen’s footprint and aesthetic.

Overview of Towel Hanging Options

There are several approaches to hanging kitchen towels:

• Mounted racks and rods
• Over cabinet and drawer hanging
• Tension pole racks
• Wall-mounted shelves and ladders
• Freestanding towel racks
• Built-in kitchen storage and organization systems

We’ll explore the pros, cons, and best placement for each category. With small modifications, many can work in rental spaces too.

Factors To Consider

Before shopping for a new towel hanging solution, assess your needs and kitchen layout. This will help narrow options to find your best fit.

Kitchen Size and Layout

Consider the dimensions, traffic flow, and existing storage pieces already in your cooking space. Measure between appliances, cabinets, and counters to understand open wall space versus vertical room over counters and inside deeper cabinets.

Galley and apartment kitchens should focus on vertical real estate, while spacious gourmet kitchens can incorporate freestanding and tabletop options.

Homeowner or Renter

If you own your home, permanently mounted racks and built-in storage are great forever solutions. Renters, on the other hand, will want an easily removable organization that won’t damage walls or cabinets.

Tension pole racks, over-cabinet options secured with hooks rather than screws, and freestanding towel ladders accommodate short- and long-term renters best.

Style Preference

Beyond where you want to hang towels, what aesthetic are you going for? Options come in sleek stainless steel, rustic wood pegs, industrial pipe designs, and basketweave holders. Mix and match to complement existing decor and kitchen style.

Budget

From thrifty DIY towel ladders to custom cabinetry overhauls and everything in between, you can spend as much or as little as your budget allows on kitchen towel storage. Set realistic expectations based on what you can spend.

Daily Usage

Consider how often you reach for towels – are they primarily for drying hands at the sink or for removing hot dishes from the oven? Look for open bars and rods that promote air circulation so damp towels dry out. And make sure placement provides ergonomic access to those high-traffic task zones.

Best Places to Hang Kitchen Towels

Now that you know the main towel-hanging options and factors that play into the decision-making process, where exactly should towels live in your cooking space?

Here are five prime locations to install your new organization solutions for an orderly, clutter-free kitchen.

1. Near the Kitchen Sink

The sink area sees the most day-to-day action, making it smart to keep towels readily available here. Opt for swing arm paper towel holders, wall-mounted bars, or tension caddies between the sink and an adjoining upper cabinet.

You spend lots of time at the sink washing produce, dishes, and your hands. Having a towel nearby helps maximize efficiency and cut down on drips and spills around the work area.

2. By the Stovetop and Oven

From pulling hot pans in and out of the oven to keeping splatters contained on the cooktop, towels play a pivotal role in stove and oven safety. Mounting rods near these appliances or hanging options from their handles position towels right where you need them.

Pot clips, drawer pulls, built-in racks above the oven door, and custom inserts next to the range offer quick access as you maneuver sizzling dishes.

3. On Islands and Peninsulas

For spacious kitchens with ample counter space, freestanding racks shine on islands and peninsulas. Their mobility means you can relocate them as needed. But they still offer handy towel storage as you pivot from sink to stove to additional prepping space.

Sleek stainless steel uprights blend modern metallic finishes, while ceiling-high hanging rods make great use of vertical real estate in expansive kitchens with high ceilings.

4. Inside Pantries

Can you reclaim any shelving real estate inside existing pantries to house kitchen linens? This clears counters without compromising access.

Try hanging expandable tension rods or small over-the-door options on available wall space. Or install custom built-ins when remodeling for optimized organization. Use storage just for towels or incorporate it into general kitchen gear organization.

5. At Backdoor and Garage Entries

Don’t forget those towels used out in the garage and mudroom! Integrate customized organization here too. Home entryways see dirty shoes and hands in need of quick cleanup before tracking a mess into cleaner interior rooms.

Having an easily reached towel cuts down on grime. Opt for utilitarian wall-mounted options that can handle some abuse. Industrial pipe brackets and wooden ladder designs withstand outdoor exposure well while emphasizing function over fashion.

Top 10 Creative Ways to Hang Kitchen Towels

The options covered so far provide a general overview of hanging approaches. Now let’s get specific with ten uniquely creative kitchen towel storage and display ideas to inspire your organization project.

All improve access, visibility, airflow, and volume capacity compared to boring old drawers and jumbled linen closets.

1. Over Cabinet Towel Rack

This space-saving rack mounts on cabinet face frames with adjustable hooks along the bottom to hold towels. Mount below soffits or upper cabinets to maximize vertical storage. Angle brackets on the back provide security.

Use spring-loaded poles to accommodate cabinets of various widths or sizes snuggly between appliances. These slide-out towel racks stow compactly when not in use.

2. Wall-Mounted Rail Systems

In place of traditional towel bars drilled into walls, static rail racks provide a sleeker alternative that also expands hanging capacity. Multiple towels hang securely from the rails with S-hooks, clips, or loops.

Opt for stainless steel, black metal, or bronze finishes. And combine rail components to stretch across entire walls as needed – behind sinks, surrounding stoves, above counters or prep zones.

3. Hanging Pockets and Baskets

Love the farmhouse look? Hanging pockets, soft storage cubes, and woven baskets lend a rustic vibe while neatly corralling towels of all sizes.

Macrame and hemp give an earthy feel; elegant open weaves elevate the aesthetic. Group several for family sized storage capacity. Use Command hooks for hanging to protect rental walls.

4. Clip-On Ladder Rack

No available wall or cabinet face space? Try moveable ladders that grip to countertop edges. Spring loaded arms provide security and stability without hardware mounts.

Wood and metal finish options feature shelves, rungs, or removable fabric bins for tidy towel folding. Bonus – these ladder racks also provide additional storage for spices and dry goods when not holding soaked kitchen linens.

5. Inside Cabinet Drawer Organizers

Maximize existing drawer space with custom inserts like divided utensil trays also helpful for neatly stacking bar mops, tea towels, and washcloths. Look for bamboo, acrylic, and mesh options to aid air circulation and visibility of contents.

Use drawer organizers in cabinets near appliances and the kitchen triangle work zones to enablegrab and go convenience. Label dividers clearly so the whole family remembers where things belong.

6. DIY Ladder Towel Rack

Want serious style points with a handmade creation? Use inexpensive wood laths, planks, copper pipes, upcycled pallet pieces or salvaged barn wood.

Assemble DIY ladder-style towers fully customized to your exact wall space parameters and rustic design aesthetic. Perch them permanently on the wall, prop against countertops, or hang on hooks for moveability that suits rental spaces.

7. Over Fridge Cabinet Towel Bar

An often overlooked vertical storage space primed for towel hanging lies on top of refrigerator units, especially builtins or tall large appliances. Variable width tension rods or custom fixed bars maximize this “dead zone”.

Use spring loaded telescoping rods if you ever replace or relocate refrigerators. Permanent wooden dowel rods also work for longtime homeowners unlikely to remodel soon. Keep the space above the fridge clutter free with tidy folded towel storage up high.

8. Adhesive Hook Towel Racks

Love sleek, modern designs unencumbered by bulky hardware? Adhesive hooks now provide incredible weight bearing capacity to securely hang storage items without damaging walls. Used creatively,they anchor unique towel storage solutions.

Try strong metal adhesive hooks in artistic shapes – chevrons, curves, angles, arcs. Or buy sets of domed hooks on adjustable slide strips to mount in custom configurations across backsplashes, beside appliances, behind sinks – anywhere you need towels kept conveniently close.

9. Under Cabinet Towel Bars

Install slim profile towel bars across the largely unused space directly beneath both upper and lower cabinet runs. Choose stainless steel, black metal, oil rubbed bronze or vivid matte finishes for handy hidden storage that looks clean, not cluttered.

Use spring loaded telescoping bars so length adjusts if you later change out kitchen cabinetry. For renters, Command adhesive screwless clips also provide security without damaging existing cabinetry during use or removal.

10. Built-In Cabinet Towel Drawers

For the luxury kitchen remodel, integrate custom slots for towel storage into cabinet builds. Architect cabinets with wide vertical drawers made specifically to file folded towels, potholders, rags, and aprons.

Built-in organizers provide both ample capacity and an appealing unified look. Include cabinet face notches so housekeepers can easily grab just what they need. Open storage keeps contents visible and ventilation optimized.

Tips for Hanging Wet Towels

Proper drying is crucial for longevity and preventing mildew smells. But tossing damp towels over oven and cabinet doors or kitchen chair backs inevitably annoys others in your household.

Follow these pro tips for neatly hanging freshly soaked linens to dry fully over time.

• Use oversized bars and racks with plenty of draping room, not confined hooks crammed closely together
• Allow airflow circulation on all sides
• Incorporate mesh or slatted hanging racks when available over solid surface bars
• Hang towels openly without doubling over or bunching up sections
• Position towel storage in naturally well lit, ventilated rooms near exterior windows and HVAC vents
• Replace faded stained towels annually for maximum moisture absorption and cleaner kitchens
• Wash regularly in hot water cycles and safe bleach alternatives to sanitize

Do’s And Don’ts

To make the most of your new kitchen towel organization, follow these basic dos and don’ts.

Do…

• Edit down overstuffed linen closets and drawers to just what you actually use regularly
• Shop multiple big box and online stores to compare available hanging options before deciding
• Measure carefully before installing permanent mounted racks to futureproof changes
• Frequently launder dirty towels for longevity and food safety
• Assign a “dirty towel” bin for quick separation until washing to train kids

Don’t…

• Overbuy trendy organizers unlikely to suit future kitchen layouts
• Allow wet towels to sit untouched more than 8 hours before laundering
• Force oversized towels into undersized hanging racks
• Dry hands on germy used dish towels between cooking tasks
• Drape towels over pulls and handles near hot appliances

FAQs

You probably still have a few questions about finding your perfect kitchen towel hanging solution. This FAQ covers the most common queries.

Are tension pole racks secure enough for heavy usage?

Yes, when sized properly and installed correctly, spring loaded tension pole racks reliably withstand repeated use, even for obese towels. Longer width poles over 20 inches wide especially anchor better. Just be sure to occasionally check adjustable clamps and slide locks haven’t loosened over time and retighten if necessary.

Where should I put towel storage in a small galley kitchen?

Look directly above the oven and stove tops often unused vertical real estate. Mount short racks to take advantage of this high space without impeding actual cooking. For sink zones in narrow galleys, consider corner mounted shelves, freestanding caddies that tuck into countertop edges, or over cabinet doors racks to maximize every inch.

What’s the best towel hanging idea for rental apartments?

Opt for adjustable tension rods or spring loaded racks that clamp securely to countertops and cabinet face frames without requiring hardware or nails pounded into walls. These removable organizational solutions typically cost under $30, install in minutes, yet still provide sturdy service until you relocate. Adhesive hooks also work for light duty towel holding.

Final Thoughts

With so many clever options available today at every price point, there’s no need to settle for dull drawer stacks or towel avalanches cascading off counters and appliances. Bring order to your kitchen with hooks, racks, poles, and more specially designed to corral these hardworking linens.

Give damp towels room to breathe so they dry fully between uses. And make frequently handled kitchen linens easily accessible from key workflow zones. Bonuses – tidy appearance and clearing clutter from limited surface space for actual meal prep and serving.

There’s a perfect towel hanging solution tailored to your kitchen’s proportions and style. Take measurements, assess your storage needs, and then confidently install racks to handle high-traffic towel usage for years to come. Both cooking and cleaning get easier when you know exactly where to grab what you need quickly.