Help & advice
Where should towel rails, hooks and toilet roll holders go?
Last updated: May 21, 2026
These are often left to the very end.
By that point, there are fewer options and you are working around everything else that has already been installed, drilling through tiles, making a mess.
Planning your rails, hooks and toilet roll holders early and positioning them properly makes a big difference to how the room works day to day.
Start with how they are used
These items are used constantly, so they need to be easy to reach.
Think about:
- Where you step out of the shower or bath
- Where you stand at the basin
- How far you want to reach from the toilet...
They should feel natural to use, not something you have to think about.
Towel rails and hooks
Towel rails are often placed based on available wall space rather planned from the beginning where they'd really be most useful. If you plan for your towels in your layout from the beginning, you've a better chance of getting them where you want them to be, and not worrying about trying to fit something retrospectively.
It is better to position towel rails and hooks:
- Close to the shower or bath
- Within easy reach when stepping out
- Where towels can dry properly
Hooks are often more practical than rails, especially in smaller spaces. They take up less space and are easier to use, but you want to make sure you leave enough space between multiple hooks in a row. Towel hooks used for 'the big towels' are typically placed 200mm apart, around chest height so that your towels have the best chance of drying.
Toilet roll holders
You can test this out for yourself next time you're near a toilet with a tape measure! You want the toilet roll holder about 200mm in front of the front of the toilet, and 700mm above floor level.
The toilet roll holder should be:
- Within comfortable reach when seated
- Not too far behind or too far forward
- Not blocked by other fixtures
Fixings and wall support
Anything fixed to a wall needs proper support.
In stud walls, this often means adding timber supports between studs during first fix, especially for anything heavy, used frequently or safety-critical.
Without this:
- Fixings may not hold properly
- You are limited on where things can go
- You end up using weaker fixings and that toilet roll holder is forever at a slant / ready to fall off...
Starting your plan? Read more on what needs to be decided before first fix.
Space and clearances
These items still need to work within your layout.
- Avoid placing them where they block movement
- Make sure they do not clash with doors or drawers
- Keep them within easy reach without stretching
Measuring tape out, read more on key bathroom dimensions and understanding the space needed around them.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a towel rail go in a bathroom?
A towel rail should usually be positioned close to the shower or bath so it is easy to reach when stepping out. You also want enough space around it for towels to dry properly rather than being crammed into a corner.
Are towel hooks better than towel rails?
Hooks are often more practical in smaller bathrooms because they take up less wall space and are easier to use quickly day to day. Rails can look tidier for neatly folded towels, but hooks or a combination are usually better for family bathrooms and everyday use.
How far apart should towel hooks be?
Towel hooks for bath towels are typically spaced around 200mm apart. This gives towels enough room to hang properly and dry more effectively.
What height should towel hooks be fitted?
Towel hooks are commonly fitted around chest height, though the exact height depends on who is using them and what is hanging there. They should feel easy to reach without stretching.
Where should a toilet roll holder be placed?
A toilet roll holder should generally sit around 200mm in front of the toilet and approximately 700mm above floor level. The aim is for it to be easy to reach comfortably while seated.
How high should a toilet roll holder be?
Most toilet roll holders are fitted around 700mm above the floor. This usually works comfortably alongside standard toilet heights in UK bathrooms.
Should bathroom accessories be planned before tiling?
Yes. Planning rails, hooks and holders before tiling helps avoid awkward positioning later and reduces the risk of drilling into finished tiles unnecessarily.
Do towel rails need support inside stud walls?
Often yes. In stud walls, timber supports between studs are usually added during first fix to give heavy or frequently used items secure fixing points.
Why do bathroom accessories come loose over time?
Bathroom accessories often loosen because they were fixed only into plasterboard or weak fixings rather than proper wall supports. This is especially common in stud walls where no timber support was planned.
What is the biggest mistake people make with bathroom accessories?
Leaving them until the very end of the renovation. By that point, wall positions, tiles and fixings are already decided, which often means compromising on where these accessories are going to go.
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