Give Your Kitchen Island a Purpose with a Stylish Towel Bar

Is your beautiful kitchen island sitting there looking a little bare? Spice up its style and get some function out of your island by installing a chic towel bar. Mounted near the sink, a towel bar adds a dash of decor while keeping hand towels within easy reach. No more walking across the kitchen with wet, soapy hands to grab a towel. An island-mounted towel bar also clears up precious counter space by getting towels up and off your counters. With loads of modern designs to choose from, it's an easy upgrade that makes your life a little simpler.

Follow this guide to unlock your island's potential with the addition of a perfectly placed towel bar.

Select a Bar That Matches Your Style

Today's options go far beyond basic chrome. When choosing a towel bar, think about the look you want to achieve. Is your kitchen decor modern and sleek? Or does it have a more traditional farmhouse vibe? Select a bar that coordinates with your existing finishes and hardware.

For contemporary kitchens, stainless steel bars in brushed, satin, or polished finishes have a clean, streamlined appearance. Matte black metal brings understated elegance, while polished nickel and bronze have a warmer, more traditional look.

Straight, Curved, or Double

The most common style is a straight horizontal bar, but for a little flair, try a gentle arc shape. Double towel bars allow you to hang his-and-hers towels side by side. Bar shapes and sizes range from 12 to 24 inches.

Make sure to note the towel bar's weight capacity when choosing the size. Aim for at least 10 pounds so it can handle a couple of standard hand towels.

Use and Placement

Consider your typical kitchen tasks. Is this just for quick hand drying? Or will you hang heavier dish towels to air dry? Mounting closer to the sink is ideal for convenient access while washing dishes.

Measure the bar's length to ensure your island has enough clear counter space on either side. You generally want at least 8 inches of clearance from the bar ends to the counter's edge.

Install Your Bar at the Optimal Height

A towel bar should sit high enough over the counter to tuck towels out of the way, but not so high it's a stretch to reach. Most fall in the 42 to 48-inch height range.

Take into account who will be using it most when deciding where to mount it. If adults mainly use your kitchen, install toward the upper end of the range. Place it a bit lower for kids.

Mark Placement and Check Clearances

First, confirm your desired placement doesn't conflict with lower cabinets or drawers. Hold the bar in position and open any nearby drawers to verify sufficient clearance above and below the counter.

Use a pencil to lightly mark the center points for the mounting brackets. Double check your marks are level before drilling pilot holes.

Drill Pilot Holes and Mount Anchors

What's behind your island surface? Drilling into wall studs provides maximum stability. If installing into tile, stone, or concrete, use wall anchors designed for that material.

Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the anchor diameter. Tap anchors gently into the holes until they sit flush with the surface. Take care not to crack delicate stone or tile.

Insert Brackets and Mount Your Towel Bar

With your holes prepped, attach the bar brackets directly into studs or anchors using the provided screws. Position the brackets evenly spaced for optimal support.

Carefully slide the towel bar into the brackets. Thread the Allen head screws into the bracket sides to firmly secure the bar.

Once tightly mounted, take a step back and admire your work! Add a little decorative flair by draping over your prettiest tea towels or kitchen linens.

Keep Your Bar Looking Great

Periodically wipe down your bar to keep it free of dust and grime. For stainless steel and nickel finishes, rub gently in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.

To maintain its fresh look, launder kitchen towels before they become too dingy. Replace any towels that start to pill or fray. Neatly folded towels will keep your island looking organized.

Style Your Island Zone

Consider adding complementary accent pieces to create an island vignette. Mount a utensil rack or shelves nearby for frequently used cooking tools. A ceramic planter or glass vase filled with fresh blooms enhances the area.

With open shelves on the end? Arrange neatly stacked cookbooks, trays, or baskets of fruit. The options are endless for styling your new island towel bar zone.

With an easy DIY towel bar installation, you can add style and purpose to your kitchen island. No more hand towel hunts across the kitchen. Everything you need is now right at your fingertips.

Modern designs and finishes blend seamlessly into your decor. When guests drop by, your pretty tea towels on display add a subtle yet welcoming touch. Any empty corner of countertop space transforms into a handy towel station.

Looking for more ways to boost your island's capabilities? Consider adding a paper towel holder, extra shelving, or under-cabinet lighting. With a simple, stylish towel bar, you can bring both form and function to overlooked areas of your kitchen.