17 DIY Kitchen Towel Holder Ideas for 2026

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Kitchen towels always end up in the wrong place-on the counter, over the sink, or bunched on cabinet handles. 

A good towel holder solves that without taking up extra space or ruining your kitchen’s look. The best part is, you don’t need to buy anything expensive. 

With a few simple materials, you can make a holder that fits your layout and style. In this article, you’ll find smart DIY kitchen towel holder ideas that are easy to build, space-saving, and practical for everyday use.

Why DIY Kitchen Towel Holders Make Sense

A DIY kitchen towel holder lets you control both function and placement instead of forcing a store-bought option to work. 

You can fit it exactly where you need towels most—near the sink, stove, or prep area—while matching your kitchen style. 

DIY options are also budget-friendly, easy to customize, and great for small kitchens where every inch of space matters.

Dowel Bar

A simple wooden dowel makes a clean and budget-friendly towel holder for any kitchen. Mount it on the wall, between cabinets, or near the sink using basic brackets or leather loops. 

Paint or stain the dowel to match your cabinets for a built-in look. This idea works best in minimalist or farmhouse-style kitchens.

Cabinet Rod

Turn the inside or outside of a cabinet door into a smart towel storage spot using a slim metal rod. This keeps towels hidden but easy to grab while cooking or cleaning. 

It’s ideal for small kitchens where wall space is limited and helps keep countertops clutter-free without drilling into visible areas.

Leather Loop

Leather straps add warmth and texture while holding kitchen towels stylishly. Secure one or two leather loops to the wall, cabinet side, or island using screws or rivets. 

This works beautifully in modern rustic or Scandinavian kitchens and pairs well with wooden cabinets and neutral color palettes.

Hook Rail

A wall-mounted hook rail lets you hang multiple towels in one organized line. Use wooden, metal, or vintage-style hooks depending on your kitchen style. 

Install it near the sink or stove for quick access. This option is practical for busy kitchens where towels need to dry properly between uses.

Tension Rod

A tension rod works perfectly inside cabinets, under the sink, or between two walls. It installs without drilling and can be adjusted to fit tight spaces. 

This is a great renter-friendly solution that keeps towels neatly hung and easy to dry while staying completely hidden from view.

Magnetic Strip

Attach a strong magnetic strip to the wall or inside a cabinet and clip towels using metal clips. This creates a sleek, modern towel holder that saves space and looks clean. 

It’s especially useful in small kitchens where hooks or rods would feel bulky or crowded.

Ladder Rung

Reuse a wooden ladder rung as a rustic towel holder by mounting it horizontally on the wall. The natural wood adds character while providing space for multiple towels. 

This idea fits farmhouse and cottage-style kitchens and works well near sinks or prep areas.

Pipe Bar

Industrial-style pipes can be assembled into a sturdy towel bar using basic fittings. Mount it on the wall or kitchen island for a bold, functional look. 

This holder is durable, easy to customize in length, and pairs well with modern, industrial, or loft-style kitchens.

Hanging Basket

A small wire or woven basket can double as a towel holder when mounted on the wall or cabinet side. 

Roll or fold towels and tuck them inside for a neat, casual look. This idea works well in cozy kitchens and adds a bit of texture while keeping towels within easy reach.

Rolling Pin

Repurpose an old rolling pin into a charming towel bar by mounting it with simple brackets. The wooden handle adds a vintage kitchen touch and feels playful yet functional. 

This works especially well in farmhouse or cottage-style kitchens and looks great near baking or prep zones.

Under Shelf

Install a slim rod or rail underneath an open shelf to hang kitchen towels discreetly. This keeps towels off the counter while using otherwise wasted space. 

It’s a clean, modern solution that works best in kitchens with floating shelves or open cabinetry.

Clip Holder

Use sturdy clips attached to a wooden strip or metal bar to hold towels securely. This setup makes it easy to swap towels quickly and keeps them fully visible for faster drying. 

It’s practical for busy kitchens and adds a slightly industrial or utility-inspired look.

Spoon Hooks

Old metal or wooden spoons can be bent into hooks and mounted on a board or directly on the wall. This creates a playful and vintage-style towel holder with lots of character. 

It works well in eclectic or farmhouse kitchens and is a great way to upcycle kitchen utensils you no longer use.

Corner Bar

A short towel bar installed in a corner makes smart use of awkward wall space. It keeps towels accessible without interrupting the main kitchen layout. 

This idea works especially well near sinks or prep corners and helps maintain a clean, uncluttered look in smaller kitchens.

Sink Rail

Mount a slim rail along the side or back of the sink to keep towels right where you need them. 

This setup is practical for drying hands quickly and helps keep water from dripping across the kitchen. It’s ideal for compact kitchens with limited wall or cabinet space.

Rope Loop

A thick rope loop secured to the wall creates a casual, coastal-inspired towel holder. It’s easy to install and adds texture without feeling heavy. 

This idea works well in relaxed kitchens and pairs nicely with wooden counters, white cabinets, or beach-style décor.

Handle Mount

Attach a towel directly to a drawer or cabinet handle using a loop, clip, or snap. This keeps towels exactly where you work most and requires no extra hardware. 

It’s a simple, budget-friendly solution that’s perfect for quick kitchen upgrades.