Ditch Your Boring Towel Stand — This 80s Thrift Find Has Way More Style

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Bathrooms can sometimes be difficult to decorate due to their many practical requirements which make certain decorative features unsuitable. However, there are a few items which can not only add plenty of visual charm to your space, but which also serve an important purpose. Towel holders, for example, are helpful for allowing hand towels to dry out after being used. But why opt for a boring version when you could thrift an alternative which comes with its own unique retro charm?

Wicker towel stands are one of the '80s home decor trends that are begging for a comeback. Their unique woven style is great for cultivating a cottagecore, shabby-chic design in your bathroom and unlike mounted towel racks, they are portable. This means that you can move them around if you need more counter space or if you decide you want your hand towels nearer to the bathtub, shower, or sink. Finally, the shape of these standing towel holders — multiple circular rings attached to a central pole — gives them a striking, almost sculptural look. This makes them great for adding visual interest to your bathroom without the need for extra decor pieces. These retro towel stands can be sourced from online auction sites and may even be available at your local thrift store or antique shop if you are willing to be patient and check regularly. So, once you grab one you like, let's look into how you should care for it to ensure it looks its best and functions well in your home.

Whether you're looking to bring the cottagecore aesthetic into your bathroom or you simply like the idea of an easy-to-install, mobile towel rack, it is important to think about how to use these retro 1980s wicker holders for the best impact. First, find out what your retro towel stand is made of. Plastic synthetic wicker is largely waterproof, meaning it can hold up well when bearing wet or damp towels without too much disfiguration or discoloration. On the other hand, natural wicker — woven from organic materials like bamboo or rattan — is not naturally resistant to water. Synthetic wicker typically feels like plastic to the touch, whereas natural wicker tends to feel more organic or wood like and is often unpainted. If you find that your thrifted '80s towel stand is natural wicker, it may be best to use it for alternative purposes — such as holding scarves and jewelry, or for displaying purely decorative towels — to prevent the growth of mildew and discoloration of the wicker.

Another key practical consideration is counter space. While you may be enchanted by the impressive, sculptural aspect of these retro towel stands, if your bathroom has very little real estate, then they may not be feasible in that room. Instead, why not use one as a creative way to style your kitchen towels? This can be a great way to add height and visual interest to your kitchen counters while also displaying some of the tea towels or hand towels you like best.