When it comes to installing new bathroom hardware, eyeballing the placement and measurements is sure to cause some frustration down the line. Not only will it bother you every time you walk into the bathroom, but bathroom hardware that’s installed in a bad spot can actually decrease the functionality of the room.
We’ve put together a handy resource outlining the proper height and placement of the most common pieces of bathroom hardware. One quick tip before starting any project: always keep a level handy to make sure all your new hardware is evenly aligned.
Bathroom Hardware Mounting Heights
- TOWEL BAR: 42 to 48 inches off the ground
- TOWEL RING: 50 to 52 inches off the ground
- ROBE HOOK: 65 to 70 inches off the ground
- TOILET PAPER HOLDER: 26 inches off the ground
- SHOWER ROD: 75 to 77 inches off the ground
- GRAB BAR: 33 to 36 inches off the ground
Keep reading for an in-depth explanation!
Towel Bar
Towel bars commonly measure between 18 and 32 inches. Because of their length, it’s best that they're mounted on the longest wall in the bathroom.
Once you determine the placement, measure between 42 and 48 inches off the ground. This is where a level comes in handy – since there are two bases to mount, make sure they’re both level. Learn more about installing towel bars.
Towel Ring
Towel rings complement towel bars well, especially in a guest bathroom. Hang decorative towels off the bar and use the towel ring to keep a hand towel off the counter.
For functionality, you should install towel rings within a few inches of the sink.
Aim for installing a towel ring anywhere from 50 inches to 52 inches off the ground. Towels should hang freely and not brush against the top of your vanity. If you’re running into a problem, adjust the installation height accordingly.
Robe Hook
Great for hanging both bathrobes and towels alike, robe hooks offer a lot of convenience in a small package. Robe hooks can be installed anywhere in the room, though it’s ideal to keep at least one at an arm’s length of the shower.
Robe hooks should be mounted around 65 to 70 inches off the ground. As long as your towel or robe doesn’t drag on the floor, any height above 60 inches works. Watch our installation video here.
Thinking about installing more than one robe hook? Keep them at least 9 inches apart so your towels and robes won’t touch.
Toilet Paper Holder
Between standard spring-loaded holders and Euro-style holders, toilet paper has never had a more stylish spot to hang! The placement of toilet paper holders is fairly straightforward: they’re either installed on a wall or vanity.
If you’re installing a toilet paper holder directly on the wall, it should be mounted at 26 inches from the floor. The National Kitchen and Bath Association points out that since both standard and comfort-height toilets are under 26", this is a good number to go off of.
If you’re installing the holder on the side of a vanity, measure about 8 inches down from the vanity top.
Shower Curtain Rod
Most shower curtains measure 70 to 72 inches in length, so a good shower rod mounting height is 75 to 77 inches off the ground. Keeping the shower curtain a few inches off the ground will help prevent falls in the bathroom. Read more bath safety tips here.
If you want to fake the look of a taller ceiling, install the shower rod a little higher on the wall and opt for an extra-long curtain.
Grab Bar
One in four people over the age of 65 – roughly 29 million people – suffer from falls each year. Preventing injuries from falls (in the bathroom specifically) can be done by installing a grab bar at the correct height.
It's recommended to mount grab bars 33 inches to 36 inches from the ground depending on the height of the toilet. For more information take a look at the ADA’s Standards for Accessible Design.
If you’re accessorizing your bathroom with new hardware, keep these measurements in mind. They're all standard, but you can adjust it based on your family's height.
