If your hand towels keep slipping off the bar, try these simple hanging ideas to keep them secure, neat, and looking pretty too.
There are many ways to hang hand towels, from hooks to more decorative clip designs. But if you prefer something simple, a plain rectangular towel is often the most flexible for kitchen or bathroom use.
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Plain hand towel is also great when you want something loose and easy to grab, though there are times when it slips and you just want it more secure. Take a look at these simple ideas to hang them better so they stay in place.
4 easy and neat hand towel hanging ideas
Draping a hand towel over the bar is probably the quickest way to hang it. But it doesn’t always stay in place, especially in homes with kids using it too.
If you’re tired of picking up hand towels from the floor or constantly readjusting them, here are four easy, practical, and pretty hanging methods you can try.
Idea #1: The necktie fold
A smart, tapered fold where the top of the towel is wrapped tightly, creating a neat triangular flare on the bottom. This fold reminds me of a necktie, which is how it got its name.
Instructions
- Fold the towel vertically so it becomes one-third of its original width.
- Drape the towel over the bar, keeping the back section slightly shorter than the front.
- Wrap the shorter back section around the front section to create a loop, then tuck it down into the knot to secure it.
- Gently pull down the front section, then spread and adjust it to look like a tie.
This simple method can make a plain towel look a little more polished and secure at the same time. It’s great for busy kitchens or bathrooms where towels are constantly being used.
Idea #2: The scarf loop
Tied with a simple loop, the towel is threaded through itself to resemble a classic French-knotted winter scarf. It gives the towel a relaxed, cosy look while keeping it neatly in place.
Instructions
- Fold the towel lengthwise, bringing both edges towards the centre, then fold it again in the middle.
- Drape the towel over the bar to form a loop at the top.
- Pull both ends down gently.
- Adjust so the left and right sections are equal in length.
This method turns one towel into two separate sides, which is useful when two people share the same towel. Each person gets their own drying area without overlapping, so there’s no contact with the other side.
Idea #3: The bow tuck
This fold creates a bow-like shape at the top of the towel. The rest flows down smoothly, like a little apron.
Instructions
- Fold the towel into a narrow vertical strip, then fold it in half widthwise.
- Drape it over the bar, leaving the folded loop hanging halfway up.
- Put your hand through the loop, grab both loose ends, and pull them through the loop.
- Gently pull and adjust the two sections until they are equal in length, then shape them to resemble a bow tie.
This method adds a nice decorative touch to the hand towel without needing anything extra. It’s both pretty and still easy to use.
Idea #4: The classic drape
A timeless, minimalist approach where the towel is neatly folded vertically and draped flat over the bar. To make it more secure, a few small hidden pegs or clips are added on the inside.
Instructions
- Fold the towel lengthwise, bringing both edges towards the centre, then fold it again in the middle.
- Drape it over the bar and adjust so both ends hang at an equal length.
- Use small clothes pegs to clip the hidden inner sections so the towel sits neatly and stays securely in place.
- Adjust the pegs so that they are not visible from the front.
This method is probably the easiest way to keep your hand towel in place so it doesn’t slip off the bar. It’s quick to set up and gives a clean, simple look.
No more slipping towels!
With just a few simple folds, you can keep your hand towels secure and your space looking tidy. Give these a try and find the one that works best for you.
