Finishing Phase|Step 25 of 27
Fresh Towels & Bath Mat
New towels instantly upgrade your bathroom. A simple swap with major visual impact.
Time Required
10 minutes
Cost
$40-150
Difficulty
Very Easy
What You Need
- Bath towels: 2 per person using the bathroom
- Hand towels: 2-4 for rotation
- Washcloths: 4-6 per person
- Bath mat: 1 outside tub/shower, consider 1 at sink
Choosing Quality Towels
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
- 300-400 GSM: Lightweight, quick-dry. Good for gym or beach.
- 400-600 GSM: Medium weight. Good daily use balance.
- 600-900 GSM: Plush, hotel-quality. Luxurious but slow to dry.
Cotton Types
- Egyptian cotton: Long fibers, very soft, most absorbent. Premium price.
- Turkish cotton: Dense, plush, gets softer with washing. Great value.
- Pima/Supima: American-grown long-staple. Soft and durable.
- Regular cotton: Budget-friendly but wears out faster.
Color Selection
Safe Choices
- • White (classic, bleachable)
- • Gray (hides stains, modern)
- • Navy (sophisticated, practical)
- • Sage/eucalyptus (spa-like)
Pop of Color
- • Coordinate with wall color
- • Match to accent accessories
- • Consider fade resistance
- • Buy extras from same dye lot
Bath Mat Options
Cotton/Terry
Classic, absorbent, machine washable. Match to towels.
Memory Foam
Plush, comfortable underfoot. Needs non-slip backing.
Teak/Wood
Spa-like, naturally water-resistant. Drains water, never soggy.
Stone Mat
Diatomaceous earth mats absorb water quickly, dry fast. Modern look.
Towel Care Tips
- • First wash: Wash new towels with 1 cup vinegar to remove coating and set colors
- • No fabric softener: Softener coats fibers and reduces absorbency
- • Use less detergent: Residue builds up and makes towels less fluffy
- • Dry completely: Damp towels breed mildew. Dry fully between uses
- • Wash weekly: Replace every 3-5 years depending on quality
Pro Tips
- •Rolled towels: Roll towels instead of folding for spa-like display on shelves.
- •Buy sets: Coordinated sets ensure consistent color and quality.
- •Guest towels: Keep a nice set just for guests - they stay fresher looking.
- •Fold hotels-style: YouTube "hotel towel fold" for professional-looking displays.