How to Build a Homemade Towel Warmer

A towel warmer can be a luxurious addition to your bathroom, always offering a warm towel after a shower or bath during cold winter months. Manufactured versions of these devices can be quite expensive. Make your own towel warmer with some of the items you may already have, or with some inexpensive additions.

There are 2 ways to go about building a towel warmer. You can find a heating vent in your bathroom, while the other means purchasing an inexpensive electric heater.

Locate Heater Vent

Some older homes do not have any type of heater vent in the bathroom. At the same time, some newer homes use radiant heating so will not have a heating vent either. If you do not have one then you will need to purchase an electric heater.

Mark Location

Set the towel warmer several inches above the heating source. If you are going to use a small electric heater, you should have at least 36-inches between the heater and the towel. Using a level, mark an area to locate the towel rack.

Build Square Rack

With some 1x2-inch lumber, cut 2 pieces at 24-inches and 1 piece at 10-inches for your towel rack frame. Connect them in a 'U' shape with wood screws. Drill a small hole at the end of each 24-inch side to locate the pin for the swivel mounting bracket.

Cut one more piece of 1x2-inch lumber to 36-inches to act as a brace that lifts the towel rack away from the wall. Cut a 45° bevel on both ends so it will sit flush against the wall when not in use.

Apply Finish to Rack

Before attaching to the wall, apply a stain and varnish to give the wood a finished look. You can also give the wood a coat of paint to match your walls or other bathroom furnishings.

Attach to Wall

Using your level line, install the towel rack with small swivel brackets. Drill pilot holes into the wall and insert drywall anchors. Screw the swivel brackets into the anchors and make sure there is a solid hold. Attach the towel rack to the swivels with the swivel pin.

Using small hinges, attach the brace board to the wall at an appropriate length so it will be able to swivel out with the towel rack and hold it up securely.

Place Heat Source Under Rack

Whenever you jump into the shower, extend the towel rack, and place your towel over it. Place the heat source under the rack, if using a heating vent, it is already there, so just turn it on. When you finish your shower, your towel will be nice and warm.