Creating a Designer Look in your Bathroom with Towel Rails

By Zephyr and Stone

Looking to create a designer bathroom on a budget?

Grouping three towel rails together with carefully considered spacing does just that. It’s simple and inexpensive, and really takes your bathroom space to the next level.

Scandinavian bathroom design with black towel rail and grey bathroom tiles by Zephyr and Stone

Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Project Ensuite

And it seems we’re not alone in our love for the effect this simple design feature creates. Grouping your towel rails provides visual balance on the wall and valuable drying space. Opt for single heated rails if your budget allows, or standard rails for just as much aesthetic impact.

towel rail black bathroom design with marble backsplash

Design • McKimm

Using contrasting towel rails, like these black ones on white or light tiles, adds even more impact to your design. Ensure your towel rail is colour matched to your tapware to create cohesiveness within the space.

towel rail for bathroom Carole Whiting and freestanding white bathtub and big bathroom vanity mirror

Design • Carole Whiting

Determine the position of your towel rails before or at the frame stage of your build or renovation, and install fixing blocks within the wall at heights accordingly. These in-wall blocks will be the anchor for your towel rails, providing a solid fixing point. Take a photo and record the heights to ensure there is no guesswork after the wall is lined or tiled. In recording your heights, ensure you allow for any changes in floor level if the area is yet to be screeded or tiled.

Zephyr and Stone Scandinavian Bathroom Design with grey shower tiles and shower niche

Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Project Ensuite

But now for the most important detail - just how far apart do you install your rails?

There are no hard and fast rules, however, 270mm - 300mm apart generally works well. Pictured below, our Scandi project features towel rails installed 270mm apart. These 800mm wide towel rails provide ample width for drying two large towels side by side. To ensure there is enough space for adequate drying of two towels, an 800mm or 900mm wide rail is recommended. The third rail is the perfect place to hang a floor mat to dry.

Zephyr and Stone towel rail black with grey shower tiles and shower niche in Scandinavian bathroom design

Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Project Ensuite

Zephyr and Stone towel rail bathroom layout design and grey bathroom tiles in Scandinavian bathroom

Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Project Ensuite

But why stop at three? Four or five grouped rails look equally good — and are the ultimate solution for a bathroom design where there are two or more users.

Tom Robertson Architects towel rail black with bathroom chips tile design

Design • Tom Robertson Architects

So what do you think? Have we convinced you to add a third towel rail in your new bathroom?