How to Make a DIY Towel Rack

Creating a DIY towel rack is a simple yet rewarding project that can add a personal touch to your bathroom or kitchen. It’s a cost-effective way to organize your space while showcasing your creativity.

How to Make a DIY Towel Rack

Whether you’re upcycling materials or starting from scratch, this guide on How to make a DIY towel rack will walk you through the steps to design and build a towel rack that suits your style and needs.

Why Make a DIY Towel Rack?

Making a DIY towel rack allows you to customize it according to your personal style and space. You can choose the materials, color, size, and design that best fit your taste and budget.

Moreover, creating something with your own hands gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It also promotes sustainability by reducing waste and repurposing old items.

Materials Needed

Wood or Metal Dowels:

You can use old broom handles and curtain rods or buy wooden or metal dowels from a hardware store. Make sure to measure the space where you’ll be installing the towel rack and get enough dowels to fit.

Hooks:

Choose hooks that are sturdy enough to hold towels and match the style of your towel rack. You can opt for decorative hooks for a more unique look.

Screws:

Make sure to use screws that are appropriate for the material of your wall and suitable for holding the weight of the towel rack and towels.

Drill:

A drill is necessary for attaching the towel rack to the wall and making holes for the hooks.

Sandpaper:

If you’re using wooden dowels, sandpaper can smooth out rough edges and help achieve a polished look.

Paint/Stain (optional):

If you want to add color or give your towel rack a different finish, you can use a paint or stain of your choice.

 Your Towel Rack 
a Different Finish

8 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Make a DIY Towel Rack

Step 1: Measure and Cut 

Start by measuring the space where you plan to install your towel rack. Use a tape measure to determine the width and length of the area to ensure the rack will fit perfectly. Once you have your measurements, transfer them to your chosen dowels or rods and mark where to cut. Use a saw to carefully cut the dowels to the desired size.

If you’re working with wooden dowels, sand the edges after cutting to smooth out any rough surfaces and prevent splinters. This step ensures your towel rack will not only fit well but also look clean and professional.

Step 2: Sand the Dowels (Optional) 

If you are using wooden dowels, sanding them is an important step to enhance the overall appearance and feel of your towel rack. Use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the dowels, removing any rough spots or splinters. Focus on the edges as well, as these areas can be particularly sharp after cutting.

Once the dowels feel smooth to the touch, you can optionally follow up with fine-grit sandpaper for an even more polished finish. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want a professional-looking result and a safer touch for everyday use.

Step 3: Paint/Stain (Optional) 

If you are using wooden dowels, this is the stage where you can add color or finish to your towel rack. You can choose to paint or stain the dowels depending on the look you want to achieve. Use a brush or cloth to apply an even layer of paint or stain on all sides of the dowels and let them dry completely before moving on to the next step.

The painting/staining step is completely optional, and you can choose to leave the dowels as they are if you prefer a more natural look.

 Finish to Your 
Towel Rack

Step 4: Mark Drill Holes 

Take one of the dowels and mark where you want your hooks to be placed. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure that the marks are evenly spaced and aligned. Make sure to leave enough room between each hook for towels to hang comfortably.

It’s also essential to mark the spots where you will drill holes for mounting the towel rack on the wall. Measure and mark these spots according to your specific preferences, making sure they are straight and aligned with each other.

Step 5: Drill Holes

Using a drill bit that is appropriate for your chosen screws, carefully drill holes into the marked spots on the dowel. Make sure to hold the dowel steady and drill straight to avoid any cracks or damage.

Next, drill holes into the wall where you marked for mounting the towel rack. Make sure to use a level to ensure the holes are straight and aligned with each other.

Step 6: Attach Hooks

Once all the holes are drilled, it’s time to attach your hooks. Start by screwing in each hook onto its designated hole on the dowels. Use a screwdriver or power tool if needed, but be careful not to over-tighten.

The hooks should be securely attached, and the dowels should not be able to spin or move around.

Step 7: Mount Towel Rack

With all the hooks attached, it’s time to mount your towel rack onto the wall. Carefully align the holes on the wall with those on the dowels and insert screws through each hole. Use a screwdriver or power tool to secure the towel rack in place.

Make sure everything is straight and aligned before tightening the screws completely.

Step 8: Hang Your Towels

Congratulations! You have successfully created your own DIY towel rack. Now, it’s time to hang your towels and admire your work. You can also add some finishing touches such as a decorative sign above the towel rack or some plants to add more personality to your space.

Following these simple steps on How to make a DIY towel rack, you can create a unique and functional towel rack that will enhance the look of your bathroom or laundry room. Get creative with different materials, colors, and designs to make a towel rack that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Enjoy! 

Unique and Functional
 Towel Rack

Additional Tips

  • You can use different materials for the dowels, such as PVC pipes and bamboo sticks, or you can even repurpose old curtain rods or broom handles.
  • Get creative with paint or stain and add patterns or designs to your towel rack for a more unique look.
  • If you want a more rustic look, you can leave the dowels unfinished or use distressed paint/stain.
  • Consider adding a shelf at the top of your towel rack for additional storage space.
  • Use anchors and toggle bolts for extra support if needed, especially for heavier towel racks.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different designs to find what works best for your space.
  • Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating your own personalized DIY towel rack!  So go ahead, grab your tools, and get started making your very own towel rack today. Happy crafting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Long Does It Take to Make a DIY Towel Rack?

A: The time it takes to make a DIY towel rack depends on your skill level and the materials used. On average, it can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. The more complex the design, the longer it may take.

Q: What Tools Do I Need to Make a DIY Towel Rack?

A: The essential tools you will need are a saw, sandpaper, drill, level, and screwdriver. You may also need additional tools depending on the materials and design of your towel rack.

Q: Can I Use Different Materials Instead of Dowels?

A: Absolutely! You can use different materials such as PVC pipes, copper pipes, or even old wooden hangers to create a unique towel rack. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold towels and match the style of your space. So be creative and have fun with your DIY project!

Q: Can I Paint or Stain the Towel Rack After It’s Assembled?

A: Yes, you can paint or stain your towel rack after it’s assembled. However, it may be more challenging to ensure an even and thorough coverage of the dowels, so it’s recommended to do this step before assembling the towel rack.

Q: Can I Use This Method to Make a Towel Rack for My Kitchen?

A: Absolutely! This DIY towel rack method can be applied to create a functional and stylish towel rack for any room in your home, including the kitchen. You can customize the design and size according to your specific needs and space.  So go ahead, get creative, and make a towel rack that perfectly fits your style and space. 

Make a Towel Rack
 That Perfectly

Conclusion

Designing and building a DIY towel rack can be a fun and fulfilling project that allows you to unleash your creativity while also providing practical functionality.

By following these 8 simple steps on How to make a DIY towel rack, you can have a custom-made towel rack that adds charm and convenience to any room in your home. So why buy an expensive towel rack when you can make one yourself? Get creative and start building!

Photo of author

Jennifer Branett

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