How to Install a Towel Bar in Your Bathroom

By James Fitzgerald

December 04, 2024

Whether you're renovating your bathroom or simply replacing an old accessory, installing a towel bar is an excellent way to add both functionality and style to your space. When installed properly, they not only provide a designated spot to hang and dry your towels, but they can also add a dash of elegance that enhances and complements your bathroom’s design.

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Install a Towel Bar: Step-by-Step Guide

Things You’ll Need

Towel bar kit (including the towel bar, mounting brackets, screws, drywall anchors and Allen wrench)
Pencil and eraser
Measuring tape
Level
Stud finder (optional but recommended)
Electric drill
Drill bits
Screwdriver (optional)
Drywall anchors (if necessary)

Step 1: Determine the Installation Location

In most cases, the ideal location for a towel bar is 48 inches from the floor and within arm’s reach of the shower, bathtub or sink. It should also be clear of any obstructions (like doors or cabinets) that might interfere with the bar or the hanging towel.

Within that general location, use a stud finder to locate the wall studs. While not essential, securing at least one side — but ideally, both sides — of the towel bar to a wall stud will provide a much more secure installation compared to mounting them to the drywall using drywall anchors (usually provided with the towel bar kit).

Slide the stud finder across your desired installation location and use a pencil to mark the studs. If possible, adjust the position of the towel bar so that at least one side will anchor into a stud. If you can’t locate a stud for one or both of the mounting brackets, you will need to secure the bracket into the drywall with drywall anchors.

After you’ve determined where the towel bar will be the most functional, consider the aesthetics by holding the bar against the proposed area on the wall to see if it complements the overall design and layout of your bathroom.

Now that you’ve identified your installation location, hold the bar up against that area of the wall. Place a spirit level on top of the bar and adjust it until it’s level. Finally, mark the outside corners of the mounting brackets on each side of the bar with a pencil.

Step 2: Mark Screw Hole Locations

To measure and mark the screw hole locations for the towel bar’s mounting brackets, start by temporarily inserting the brackets onto the towel bar. Measure the distance between the screw holes on the left and right mounting brackets and write those measurements down.

Remove the mounting brackets, then hold one of the brackets up to one of the corner marks you made in the previous step. Transfer the screw hole locations on the mounting bracket onto the wall with a pencil. Repeat these steps with the second mounting bracket for the other side of the towel bar.

After the screw hole locations for both mounting brackets have been marked, confirm that the distance between the screw hole marks matches the measurement you took when the brackets were installed onto the bar. It’s also a good idea to place a spirit level against the wall, from mark to mark, to verify that they’re level with one another.

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Step 3: Pre-Drill Holes

If you’re anchoring the mounting bracket into a stud, install a drill bit that’s slightly smaller in diameter than the provided mounting screws into an electric drill. If you’re securing the bracket into drywall using drywall anchors, install a bit that’s slightly larger in diameter than the included anchors. With the appropriate bit installed, drill holes into each of the mounting brackets’ screw hole marks.

Step 4: Install Drywall Anchors

Take a drywall anchor and push its tip into the hole. Using a gentle tapping motion with a hammer, tap the anchor until it's flush with the wall's surface. The anchor should fit snugly within the hole. If it’s too loose, you likely used a drill bit that was too large and will need to purchase and install a larger anchor. If the anchor is too tight, expand the size of the hole with a slightly larger drill bit.

Step 5: Install the Mount Brackets

Once the pilot holes are drilled and the drywall anchors are securely inserted, you're ready to install the mounting brackets for the towel bar. Begin by aligning the holes in the mounting bracket over the installed wall anchors or pilot holes in a stud. Using a screwdriver or an electric drill, drive the mounting screws into each of the holes on the bracket. Drive the screws until the screw head is flush with the mounting bracket, but avoid over-tightening, which can damage the drywall anchor, drywall or mounting bracket.

Step 6: Mount the Towel Bar

Most towel bars have a mechanism where the bar slots or rests between the two brackets. Slide each end of the towel bar into the designated openings or notches of the brackets, and ensure the towel bar sits comfortably and evenly between both brackets.

On most towel bars, there will likely be a set screw on the underside or side of the bracket that secures the bar to the brackets. Using an Allen wrench (often provided with the towel bar kit), tighten the set screws until the bar is firmly attached to the brackets. Verify that the bar is securely attached to the wall by giving it a gentle tug.

Finally, erase any exposed pencil marks on the wall and clean up any drywall dust on the floor.

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