Fixtures Phase|Step 13 of 27
Replace Towel Bars & Hooks
Swap dated brass or chrome for coordinating modern finishes.
Time Required
30-60 minutes
Cost
$30-100
Difficulty
Easy
What to Replace
- Towel bar: Main bar near tub/shower for bath towels
- Hand towel ring/bar: Near sink for hand towels
- Toilet paper holder: Wall-mounted or freestanding
- Robe hooks: Behind door or near shower
Choose Your Finish
Golden rule: Match your towel bar finish to your faucet and showerhead finish.
Matte Black
Modern, dramatic, shows fingerprints. Pairs with white tile.
Brushed Nickel
Versatile, hides water spots. Works with most styles.
Chrome
Classic, affordable, easy to clean. Can look dated if shiny.
Brushed Gold/Brass
Warm, trendy, adds warmth. Best in neutral bathrooms.
Installation Steps
1
Remove old hardware
Unscrew mounting brackets. Some have set screws on bottom. May need Allen wrench.
2
Check if holes align
If new brackets fit existing holes, great. If not, you'll need to patch and drill new holes.
3
Mark and drill (if needed)
Use level to mark holes. Drill with appropriate bit. Use wall anchors in drywall.
4
Mount brackets
Secure brackets to wall. Check level. Attach bar or hook to brackets.
Placement Guidelines
| Item | Height from Floor |
|---|---|
| Towel bar | 48" (or 48-52" for tall users) |
| Hand towel ring | 48" (towel bottom at 20-22") |
| Toilet paper holder | 26" and 8-12" from toilet center |
| Robe hook | 65-70" |
Pro Tips
- •Buy a set: Coordinated sets look more polished and often cost less than buying pieces separately.
- •Use wall anchors: Don't rely on drywall alone. Towel bars take a lot of pulling force.
- •Consider hooks: Multiple hooks sometimes work better than a bar - each person gets their own.
- •Patch old holes: If old holes will be visible, fill with spackle and touch up paint first.