Towels as Design Accents: Beyond the Bathroom
As the holidays approach, I’ve been thinking of creative ways to refresh my home’s decor and make everyday spaces feel a little more special. While towels might seem like the kind of item destined to stay in the bathroom, they actually have a lot of untapped potential as design accents throughout your home. From kitchens to outdoor spaces to dining tables, towels can offer a surprising blend of style and function.
Here are some unexpected ways to incorporate towels into your decor, along with practical tips for choosing the right styles and materials.
1. Elevating Kitchen Style
Your kitchen is one of the easiest places to incorporate towels as decorative elements. A vibrant hand towel can add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral space, while a textured waffle or linen towel draped over the oven handle instantly exudes warmth and charm. Consider:
- Layering Patterns and Solids: Pair a patterned towel with a solid-colored apron or potholder for a cohesive, curated look.
- Seasonal Touches: Rotate your towels to match seasonal themes – think pastel florals for spring or deep plaids for fall.
- Storage as Display: Roll or fold towels neatly in open shelving or glass-front cabinets for a touch of organization that doubles as decor.
2. Outdoor Spaces: Casual Yet Chic
When entertaining outdoors, towels can become part of your patio or garden aesthetic. Quick-dry or Turkish towels are excellent choices for their durability and lightweight design. Here’s how to incorporate them:
- Lounge Chair Accessories: Drape brightly colored towels over patio chairs to make seating areas feel inviting and vibrant.
- Picnic Essentials: Use a towel as a makeshift picnic blanket or a stylish surface for a charcuterie board.
- Poolside Glam: Select bold, oversized towels and arrange them in baskets near the pool for easy access and a touch of luxury.
3. Dining Tables and Table Settings
Towels aren’t just for cleaning up; they can also bring a unique flair to your tablescape. A soft linen towel, for instance, can act as a rustic yet refined table runner, while smaller towels can replace traditional napkins. Here’s how to use towels in your dining area:
- Layered Centerpieces: Lay a towel across the table and layer it with candles, vases, or seasonal decor for a textured centerpiece.
- Personalized Place Settings: Fold smaller towels into intricate shapes and place them atop plates for an elegant, personalized touch.
- Color Coordination: Choose towels that tie into the overall theme of your dinner party, whether it’s coastal blues for a summer gathering or rich jewel tones for a winter celebration.
4. Creative Uses in Living Spaces
Towels can add softness and style to living rooms and entryways in unexpected ways. For instance:
- Throw Blankets Alternative: Drape a large, patterned towel over an armchair for a quick and affordable way to refresh the look of your seating.
- Pet-Friendly Design: Use decorative towels on furniture to protect against pet hair while enhancing the look of the room.
- Planter Liners: Line indoor planters with a towel for an added layer of visual interest and practicality.
Choosing the Perfect Towel
When using towels as decor, consider the following:
- Material: Opt for high-quality fabrics like linen, cotton, or Turkish cotton, which not only look good but also stand up to wear.
- Design: Opt for personalized towels with interesting textures, tassels, or embroidered details to add a designer feel to your spaces.
- Functionality: Ensure the towels you choose are practical for their intended use, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and outdoor spaces.
Final Thoughts
Thinking beyond the bathroom when it comes to towels opens up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re dressing up a dining table, styling a poolside retreat, or adding a cozy touch to your living room, towels are a versatile and affordable way to transform your home. So next time you’re shopping for linens, consider how a beautiful towel might double as your next great design accent.
