Bathrooms tend to be the most functional spaces in our homes, designed for need, not necessarily for style. But I’ve always believed that even the most practical rooms deserve some personality and pizazz.
As a space with lots of hard lines and cold, easy-clean surfaces, it's the small details that make a huge difference in lifting your bathroom's mood.
I didn’t want to rip anything out or spend a fortune, but I did want my bathroom to feel more pulled-together, more considered – and frankly, more fun. I’ve found that adding a bold or whimsical hand towel instantly makes the space feel more considered, for less than $20.
And Anthropologie’s hand towel collection is packed with playful prints and luxe materials that look much more boutique hotel than basic bath.
Think of hand towels the way you’d think of a throw pillow in the living room. They don’t take up much space, but they can change the entire feel of a room.
A beautifully patterned hand towel can feel like a small piece of art; it adds texture, color, pattern, and personality to an old bathroom vanity or powder room. And since they’re relatively inexpensive, it’s a no-commitment way to play with bathroom trends or seasonal updates – like adding the Halloween Icon Cotton Hand Towel Collection from Anthropologie to ready yourself for fall.
Whether it’s a scalloped edge, a bold motif, or an unexpected color combo, what I love most about this quick styling trick is how low effort it is. No tiles to choose, no paint swatches to debate – just a quick towel change, and suddenly the whole space feels more styled.
Below are just a few of the Anthropologie hand towels I've currently got my eye on.
Shop Anthropologie hand towels
I've chosen this la belle vie towel first as this is exactly what I purchased to add some je ne sais quoi to my powder room, and I've had so many compliments from guests! Not only do I love the bold stripe, but it is super plush, too.
The scalloped decor trend isn't going anywhere soon, but if you're nervous to commit to bigger pieces, bringing in some scalloped towels is a great way to dip your toe in. I love this ochre hue, but there are 6 other colors to choose from.
For those who are feeling pattern shy, these hand towels come in four solid colors, including white or beige, and are trimmed with a woven striped hem for a little added fun.
Made from super soft terry, these chic checkerboard towels are made from sustainably sourced 100% cotton, with a cord for easy hanging. In small or big sizes, this print will add serious style points to your bathroom.
Looking to create a cottagecore bathroom? Anthro describes these whimsical towels as 'soft as the breeze', and they're certainly pretty too. Choose from a pink, blue, or yellow floral.
The Minnie towels are some of my favorites. I love this le savon (a.k.a. soap) embroidery, but you can also add a butter yellow sunshine to your basket too. Plus, the wavy trim adds even more fun.
I'm sure there is a long list of bathroom items you need to upgrade, but those often come at a cost. As far as low-effort, no-commitment design choices go, a simple trick of adding a playful new hand towel is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to inject some more personality into the space.
And if you're looking to truly make an impact, Anthropologie is also one of the best places to buy bathroom hardware, so take a look at Anthropologie's bathroom hardware collection for stylish new towel rails, hooks, and toilet paper holders.
