Hey there! If you‘re thinking about putting a towel rack inside your shower, you‘ve come to the right place. As an expert on home renovations with a passion for creating the perfect bathroom retreat, I‘m going to walk you through everything you need to know about shower towel racks.
I‘ll share my insider tips on picking the best spot, choosing the right style, and properly installing your rack for optimal convenience and luxury. I‘ll even throw in some bonus storage ideas to maximize your space! Before you know it, you‘ll have towels at your fingertips and a spa-worthy shower.
So grab your toolkit and let‘s get started!
Benefits of an In-Shower Towel Rack
Having a designated spot for towels inside your shower offers some nice perks:
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No More Dripping Across the Bathroom! Step out of the shower and into a warm, dry towel. No more awkward moments shivering as you track water across the floor.
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Frees Up Wall & Door Storage Your back-of-door & other wall space stays open for bathrobes, art, more storage.
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Prevents Mildew Growth Wet towels left bunched up get musty fast. A shower rack lets them dry out better. I see way fewer mildew issues when customers add a rack.
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Luxury Factor! Nothing feels more spa-like than wrapping up in a fresh towel right as you step out of your steamy shower.
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Easier for Those with Limited Mobility Having a towel ready right there makes showering safer & easier for those who need grab bars or mobility assistance devices when wet.
Types of In-Shower Towel Racks
When it comes to shower towel racks, you‘ve got options! Here are the most common types:
Suction Cup Racks
These utilitarian racks use suction cups to adhered to your shower walls.
Pros:
- Super easy to install – just clean the wall & press on
- Easily repositionable if you want to move it
- Inexpensive, usually less than $25
Cons:
- Suction can fail as moisture gets behind cups
- Only can handle 1 or 2 lightweight towels
- Looks a bit flimsy depending on style
I don‘t recommend these long-term – they never hold up more than a year or two. But they‘re fine for a rental or temporary use.
Tension Pole Racks
These fit vertically between your shower floor and ceiling. Many styles slide horizontally too.
Pros:
- No need to drill into walls – uses tension to stay put
- Adjustable – can raise or lower to the perfect height
- Holds 3 or more towels easily
Cons:
- Not quite as secure as mounted racks
- Visible pole looks clunky to some
- Could slide down over time as tension loosens
I like these for rental or dorm bathrooms where you can‘t alter the walls. The taller ones have great storage capacity.
Wall-Mounted Racks
These permanent racks screw right into your shower walls like a traditional towel bar. They often coordinate with other bathroom hardware.
Pros:
- Most secure option once installed
- Streamlined built-in look
- Match your faucets & accessories
- Range of shapes, sizes & finishes
Cons:
- More complex installation than other types
- Permanent – holes remain if removed
- Risk of moisture damage behind rack
I highly recommend these for their versatility, storage, and safety. Just be vigilant about preventing moisture issues.
Choosing the Best Placement in Your Shower
Picking the right spot for your shower towel rack is key for both function and avoiding water damage. Here are my top tips:
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Height: Install about 6-12 inches above your shower faucet for easy access after washing.
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Distance from Spray: Allow at least 6 inches between rack and shower spray. More if it‘s a rainfall showerhead. You want to keep towels out of the direct water stream.
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Side Walls: Position on the side or back shower walls, not the wall with the shower head. This prevents the wettest contact.
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Clearance: Place at least 4 inches above shower doors or glass panels. This stops the bar catching on them.
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Space: Double check rack size isn‘t obstructing controls, grab bars, or the shower door track before installing.
Take into account who will use the shower most too. Place at a convenient height for users if it‘s kids or anyone needing ADA access. Watch out for slips and falls if it‘s elderly users.
How to Install a Wall-Mounted Shower Towel Rack
Installing a mounted rack takes a bit more effort than tossing up a tension pole, but it will serve you well for years. Here‘s how to do it right:
Gather Your Supplies
You‘ll need:
- Shower towel rack
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- 4‘ Level
- Electric drill w/ charged battery
- Appropriate drill bit (usually 3/16" to fit screws)
- Wall anchors if drilling into tile or drywall
- Screws (often provided with rack)
- Tube of silicone caulk
- Rags for cleanup
Pro tip: Grab some painters tape too to help keep your drill holes centered and evenly spaced.
Determine Placement & Mark Holes
Hold the towel rack against the wall where desired. Use a level to ensure it‘s straight. Mark holes with pencil. Follow the spacing in the mounting instructions.
If you‘re drilling into tile, use a center punch tool to start the holes at the pencil marks. This prevents the drill from wandering.
Drill Holes
Drill holes at all the marked spots using the appropriately sized drill bit. Take care not to drill all the way through the wall.
For tile, use a carbide-tipped masonry bit and apply firmer pressure. Keep the drill plumb.
Insert Anchors
For drywall or tile without studs, insert snugly fitting wall anchors into each hole flush with the surface. Gently tap anchors with a hammer if needed.
Skip this step for wood stud walls and just use screws.
Attach Towel Rack
Place the towel rack over the holes and insert screws through the front plate into anchors or studs. Tighten each screw but be careful not to overtighten.
Caulk Around Edges
Apply a thin, smooth bead of silicone caulk around the bracket edges and holes. Smooth with your finger, then allow 24-48 hours to fully cure before use.
Caulking creates a waterproof seal that prevents moisture from getting behind the rack into the wall.
And that‘s it – now you can start enjoying those just-in-reach towels! I recommend re-applying fresh caulk every year or two as needed to maintain the moisture seal.
Preventing Moisture Damage Behind Your Rack
Even with careful installation, moisture can still seep in behind a mounted shower rack and cause wall damage over time. Here are my best tips for preventing that:
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Drainage Holes: Choose a rack with open drainage holes so water doesn‘t pool on top.
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Limit Wet Time: Take down wet towels after 3-4 hours max to limit moisture contact.
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Periodic Drying: Remove the rack and let the wall dry out completely 1-2 times per year.
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Backerboard: Use moisture-resistant cement board if installing during a shower tile job.
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Waterproofing: Apply special waterproofing tape or membrane behind the mounting area during install. RedGard and Kerdi are great brands.
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Silicone Maintenance: Check caulk edges regularly and reapply anytime there are gaps or cracks. Don‘t allow moisture intrusion!
Catching and addressing any moisture buildup early is crucial to avoiding costly wall repairs later. Take a few minutes after showering to wipe down the rack and surrounding walls with a squeegee to get rid of standing water. Make frequent caulk touch ups part of your bathroom cleaning routine.
Maintenance Tips for Your Shower Towel Rack
With routine care, your shower towel rack should serve you well for a decade or longer! Here are my maintenance recommendations:
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Soap Scum Remover: Use a scrub brush and bathroom cleaner to periodically remove any built-up gunk or mildew, especially in crevices.
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Check for Wall Damage: Look for any dark or bubbling spots on walls behind rack 1-2 times per year. Address immediately to prevent mold.
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Tighten Screws: Check screws every few months and tighten if needed to prevent loosening. Don‘t overtighten!
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Adjust Suction Cups: For suction racks, remove cups and wash walls every 3-6 months. Check cups are tightly sealed.
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Re-Caulk: Have caulk on hand for easy repairs. Reapply anytime it gets moldy or you spot gaps or cracks.
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Corrosion Control: For metal racks, polish with a coat of lemon oil or mineral oil to maintain the finish. Avoid bleaches.
Your towel rack should provide a decade of reliable service. But if you see rust, cracking, or loosening over time, replacement may be needed.
Creative Solutions for Small Showers
What if your shower is just too compact for a full sized towel rack? Not to worry – try these space-saving options instead:
Corner Shelves
Install a small corner wire shelf. Look for slim, corrosion-proof metals so it doesn‘t dominate your showerscape.
Wall Hooks
Simple hooks that screw into grout lines hold towels just fine without a bar. Opt for stainless steel.
Suction Organizers
Small suction-cup bins designed for wet areas can hold neatly folded towels. Hide toiletries in them too!
Niche Shelves
Have your contractor build a recessed shelf into the wall to hold towels discretely.
Floating Ledges
Use waterproof bathroom wood to create a customized floating ledge for folded towel storage.
With some creativity, even the most compact shower can have a spot for keeping towels readily available.
Alternatives to In-Shower Towel Storage
If an in-shower rack just won‘t work, consider storing towels close by:
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Wall-Mounted Towel Bar: Place a bar, rack, or hooks near the shower entryway.
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Under Sink: Use the cabinet under a bathroom sink for rolled towels or a hamper.
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Freestanding Storage: A cabinet or shelving unit adds space anywhere.
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Hidden Storage: Build shelves into wall studs or above the toilet tank.
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Door Storage: Utilize the back of the bathroom door with hooks and over-door racks.
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Temporary Storage: A rolling caddy or cart can be moved in and out of the bathroom as needed.
Get creative with bins, containers, and organizers to maximize every inch!
Proper Care and Storage of Shower Towels
To keep those shower towels fresh and absorbent:
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Wash on Sanitize Cycle: Use hot water and bleach or antibacterial detergent. Skip the fabric softener – it reduces absorbency.
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Dry Completely: Don‘t leave damp towels sitting in the machine. Tumble dry thoroughly after washing.
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Hang to Dry Out: Let towels fully air dry after use before tossing in the hamper. Damp towels get musty fast!
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Designate Hand & Body Towels: Keep separate sets to prevent bacteria spread. Replace them more frequently.
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Avoid Musty Rooms: Store unused towels in a dry, cool spot. Never keep them in humid, mold-prone spaces.
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Replace Frequently: Shop sales and rotate in new towels every 1-2 years for best results.
High-quality 100% cotton towels hold up best over time. With proper care, you should get several years of cozy service from each set!
Bonus: Bathroom Storage Solutions
While you‘ve got your toolbox out, try these tips to maximize storage throughout your bathroom:
- Add floating shelves above the toilet tank.
- Make use of all vertical wall space with mounted cabinets or shelving.
- Install storage racks or drawers inside existing vanity cabinets.
- Use coordinating baskets and bins to neatly organize toiletries.
- Raise up your bathroom sink to create built-in storage space underneath.
- Repurpose a console table or dresser as a bathroom storage piece.
- Take advantage of the often-overlooked space above bathroom doorways.
- Add multifunctional furniture like a storage bench or hamper chair.
With some savvy space planning, you can gain storage while keeping your bathroom tidy and serene. The pros at California Closets and The Container Store offer even more great bathroom storage ideas too.
Okay my friend, that wraps up everything you need to know about installing and using a shower towel rack like a pro! Let me know if you have any other bathroom storage questions. I‘m always happy to help you create your dream spa-like retreat. Enjoy those warm, just-reached towels!
