Whether you rent and can't make improvements, have a non-traditional tub placement, or just need more towel real estate, free-standing towel bars are an easy solution. From ladders to heaters, here's the splurge versus save roundup of towel racks of all shapes and styles.
Metal Finish, Rack:
• Etoile Freestanding Towel Rack, Waterworks, from $2,035
• Neu Home Standing Towel Rack with Shelf, Walmart, $25.97
Swing-Arm:
• Floor Towel Rack, Crate & Barrel, $99.95
• Zenith Pole Caddy, Amazon, $19.97
Wood, Rack:
• Butler Plantation Cherry Blanket/Quilt Rack, Wayfair, $169
• Lohas Bamboo Freestanding Towel Rack, The Storage Store, $56.99
Ladder:
• Windsor Towel Ladder, Waterworks, $845
• Stainless Steel Towel Ladder Rack, The Storage Store, $63.99
Heated:
• Freestanding Hooped Towel Rail, Drummonds, from $3,850
• Free Standing Towel Warmer, Vintage Tub & Bath, from $153.99
(Images: as linked above)











Ercol Bar Stool
I'm glad these have become more popular. When I bought my house I had to buy a small blanket rack to hang towels on because I couldn't find one ANYWHERE. The bathroom has a full size window instead of wall space for a towel bar. I consider that a reasonable trade!
towel ladder that looks like old grandma poster bed for how much??? geeez...I really feel like i am in the wrong business.
"Etoile Freestanding Towel Rack, Waterworks, from $2,035"
- if you have $2K to spend, wouldn't you be better off using that money remodeling the bathroom?
I bought this towel rack on amazon for $130, and it's totally awesome. We bought it with a timer, so it turns on in the morning and we have warm towels for our morning shower, and then again at night. We even save money on laundry because in the winter the towels dry on it, and don't get that horrible mildew smell.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DIXBL/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
It's a makes you feel like you're having a luxury when it's actually affordable. I love it!
I have a freestanding, heated towel rack in the master bath. It's been giving good service for almost 10 years now. Because of lack of availability back then I had to purchase an imported unit, from England. But I love it. It keeps the towels dry and crisp. I use it year-round. The thick cord is not too attractive, but I tuck most of it behind a freestanding storage unit.
Glad to know there are towel racks out there for nearly $4k should I ever want one.
My partner bought me a heated towel rack early on in our relationship when we still had separate houses and I was renovating a bathroom. I think it cost $400+ and unfortunately it didn't fit the bathroom. Fortunately it's perfect for the house we got together -- there was barely room for a couple of hand towels on the wall rack, but removing a makeup vanity station left an ideal spot near the tub for this rack. We were hoping its heat would keep the bathroom warm in winter even if the rest of the house was kept at 64 or so, but alas. Having the warm towel is a plus, though, and they dry out faster after you're done. My partner lays his clothes over the rack (it has a LOT of rods) so he can have toasty underwear and socks ...