Goodbye Boring Towel Holders –– This '50s Find Is An Elegant Bathroom Addition

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Most towel holders nowadays aren't much to look at. If you're lucky, you'll get the tiniest bit of ornamentation that helps to spruce things up, but they're far from a statement piece. While there's nothing wrong with a boring towel holder, they don't feel all that right, either, and in a small space like a bathroom, every item has a big impact on the overall look. If you've been feeling like your space is a bit bogged down by those boring necessities, consider turning to the design decisions of the past. Kimble's towel bars are still relatively simple and just as functional as modern options, but they provide an indisputably mid-century modern flair that's sure to give you a break from the bland.

Rather than relying purely on metal, porcelain, or plastic like most options out there, Kimble's towel bars are made out of a long tube of bent glass secured to the wall with chrome flanges. To modern eyes, the design is an interesting detour away from the current go-tos, but considering the company's primary stock, it was more than likely a utilitarian choice. Kimble Glass Company mostly made glass used in optical, laboratory, and mechanical settings, even producing the first practical rectangular cathode ray envelopes for use in televisions. Retro TVs are now all the rage, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem like Kimble's foray into bathroom decor ever really took off.

While these Kimble glass towel bars were quite affordable back in the day — some with original packaging have them priced at just 49 cents — they're unfortunately a bit pricier on the resale market. Sellers on resale websites like eBay and Etsy often list them for between $65 and $85. There is a chance you'll be able to score one for a better price on local sites like Facebook Marketplace, but if you're not seeing much luck, consider checking out the thrift or salvage stores in your area for in-person deals. Branding on these bars is minimal unless you luck out and find one with the original tag, so also be sure to expand your search to include mid-century glass towel bars in general — there's a solid chance a few unidentified Kimble bars have slipped through the cracks.

While installing a towel drying bar in your bathroom is bound to upgrade the space on its own, consider pairing it with other mid-century inspired accents to really sell the look. A vintage chrome toothpaste holder would really finish off the '50s vibe, as would a few pastel accents, whether it's a simple hanging hand towel or a full reno featuring colored tile. Not enamored with this era? Kimble's simple glass towel bar would also look right at home in a more modern setup, paired with sleek lighting, cool-toned fixtures, an angular vanity, and glass accents throughout the space.