How to Install Towel Ring: A Step-by-Step Guide for DIY Beginners

 Towel rings are small but mighty bathroom accessories. They’re not just about aesthetics—they play a functional role in keeping hand towels within reach and helping your bathroom look organized and polished. The good news? You don’t need to hire a professional to install one. With a few tools, some attention to detail, and the right instructions, anyone can do it. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install towel ring step by step.

Whether you’re revamping a small powder room or updating your master bathroom, this tutorial will give you the confidence to handle the job yourself. For more DIY home improvement tips, ideas, and inspiration, don’t forget to check out Scrappy Geek—your go-to hub for all things DIY and practical living.

Why You Should Install a Towel Ring

Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why a towel ring is worth adding to your bathroom setup:

• Space-saving: Towel rings take up minimal wall space—perfect for small bathrooms.
  
  

• Functional: They keep hand towels dry, off the counter, and easy to access.
  
  

• Affordable: Most towel rings are budget-friendly and come in a variety of finishes to match any bathroom decor.
  
  

• Stylish: A small hardware change like this can instantly modernize your bathroom’s look.
  
  

Now that you’re sold, let’s walk through the process of how to install towel ring like a pro.

What You’ll Need

Most towel rings come with the mounting hardware you’ll need. Just make sure you have these basic tools and materials on hand:

Tools:

• Pencil
  
  

• Level
  
  

• Tape measure
  
  

• Drill
  
  

• Screwdriver
  
  

• Anchors (if not drilling into a stud)
  
  

• Stud finder (optional)
  
  

Materials:

• Towel ring kit
  
  

• Screws (included in most kits)
  
  

• Wall anchors (if needed)
  
  

Choosing the Right Spot

Placement is everything. You want your towel ring to be both functional and visually balanced. The standard height for installing a towel ring is 48 inches from the floor. If it’s in a kids’ bathroom, consider lowering it to 36–44 inches for easier reach.

Also, install the towel ring about 20 inches away from the sink or vanity so towels don’t dangle into the sink basin. Use a level to ensure your mounting bracket is straight before drilling any holes.

Step-by-Step: How to Install Towel Ring

Step 1: Mark the Placement

Hold the towel ring bracket up to the wall where you want it installed. Use a pencil to mark the screw holes. Double-check with a level to ensure it’s straight. This small step saves big headaches later.

Step 2: Check for Studs

Use a stud finder to determine whether you're mounting into drywall or hitting a stud. If there’s no stud, you’ll need wall anchors to ensure the towel ring stays firmly in place.

Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes

Using a drill bit that matches the size of your screws or wall anchors, drill holes at your pencil marks. For drywall without a stud, insert wall anchors after drilling.

Step 4: Mount the Bracket

Use a screwdriver to fasten the mounting bracket to the wall using the screws provided. Make sure it's snug but don’t overtighten—you don’t want to strip the screws or damage the wall.

Step 5: Attach the Towel Ring

Slide the towel ring onto the bracket and tighten it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves a small set screw that you tighten with an Allen wrench or screwdriver.

Step 6: Test It Out

Give the towel ring a gentle tug to make sure it's secure. Hang a hand towel and step back to admire your handy work!

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Install

• Use masking tape to hold the bracket in place while marking holes, especially if you're working solo.
  
  

• Don’t skip the level—crooked towel rings are more common than you think.
  
  

• Choose matching finishes if you're updating other hardware in the bathroom at the same time (e.g., towel bars, toilet paper holders).
  
  

• If the towel ring feels loose after installation, double-check that the set screw is fully tightened.
  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Installing Too High or Too Low

Stick to the 48-inch guideline unless you're making the bathroom kid-friendly. A poorly placed towel ring is uncomfortable to use and looks off-balance.

2. Forgetting Anchors

If you’re not drilling into a stud, always use wall anchors. Skipping them could cause your towel ring to loosen or even fall out over time.

3. Not Measuring Twice

It may be a cliché, but it's true—measure twice, drill once. Fixing misplaced holes in drywall is doable but adds unnecessary work.

Style Ideas and Alternatives

Want to get creative beyond just learning how to install towel ring? Here are a few style options to consider:

• Double towel rings: Great for couples or shared bathrooms.
  
  

• Swivel rings: Provide more flexibility and motion.
  
  

• Suction-based rings: Ideal for renters or temporary solutions—no drilling required.
  
  

Don’t forget to coordinate with your faucet, shower fixtures, and cabinet hardware for a cohesive look.

When to Call a Pro

Installing a towel ring is generally a beginner-level DIY task. However, if you’re working with tiled walls or plaster, you may want to consult a professional or use a special tile drill bit. Cracking the tile is a risk if not done properly.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to install towel ring might seem like a small task, but it’s one that brings a lot of functional and visual value to your bathroom. In under an hour, you can complete this beginner-friendly project and enjoy the satisfaction of a DIY job well done.

Remember to use the right tools, follow the measurements closely, and don’t be afraid to add your personal style with finishes or alternative designs. Little upgrades like this one add up to a polished and organized space.

For more helpful DIY tutorials, clever home hacks, and lifestyle tips, head over to Scrappy Geek. From weekend projects to delicious recipes, it’s a resource you’ll want to bookmark and return to often.