AmazonBasics AB-BR800-OR Classic Robe & Bath Towel Hook

It’s never been easier to buy a hook for your home. Whether you’re renting or you own your house, you can outfit each of your walls with handy hooks, perfect for hanging items like clothing, handbags, backpacks and coats.

But nowhere is a hook more useful than in your bathroom. At one time, this meant getting out some power tools and hardware, drilling a hole into the wall and creating damage that you’d have to repair when you move out someday. But advancements in adhesive technology mean you can not only find a hook that will stay in place without screws or nails but also will remove without damage when you’re finished with it.

The first thing to consider as you’re shopping for towel hooks is installation. As much of a pain as towel racks that require a drill or hammer can be, they will hold longer. But you can also find adhesive hooks that easily pull off the wall when you decide to move. Make sure you look carefully at a hook’s adhesive capabilities before you buy to avoid having to replace one when it falls off the wall a few months down the line.

For bathroom hooks, though, moisture is always a consideration. You can’t buy just any adhesive hook and expect it to hold up in the humidity that a shower generates. This is especially true if your hook will be hanging close to your shower area, as is usually the case with towel or robe hooks. Some people choose a suction-cup style hook for shower areas, but these typically only work well for hanging lightweight items like loofahs or washcloths.

Weight capacity is a top consideration when you’re choosing a bathroom hook. If you want to hang a bath towel, you’ll need a hook with a weight capacity of at least three pounds, but five pounds is ideal. Large towels are naturally heavier than midsized ones, but even a medium-sized towel will weigh more once it’s wet. A medium, dry towel will weigh about a pound and a half, but thick, plush towels will weigh more than thinner, less luxurious ones, especially when wet, so keep that in mind.

• Before you hang a towel hook in your bathroom, you’ll want to make sure it will last, especially if you have to mount it with screws. Look for a towel hook that has adhesive strong enough to keep it hanging on the wall for years. If you use it in a shower area, make sure you buy a hook that has moisture-proof features. Some hooks come with separate glue that you’ll need to apply in addition to the adhesive backing, so don’t skip that step, especially if you’re installing in a shower area.
• Another concern when it comes to durability is rust. Premium-quality stainless steel holds up well in moisture-prone areas, as does satin nickel. In some cases, hooks have a finish designed for looks; if that’s the case, make sure the entire build can hold up to moisture.
• Although design preferences are subjective, hook designs can vary dramatically. Make sure you choose one that matches your existing décor. If you’re putting it in a shower area, you may not care as much, but if guests use your shower, it will be on display.
• The good news is you don’t have to be handy with a drill or hammer to install today’s towel hooks. Choose one with adhesive backing and you can just stick it on the wall. If you’re installing on painted drywall, though, make sure you choose one that won’t damage the wall. In some cases, you may be better off going with a hook you need to install rather than one that applies with adhesive.
• Ease of removal is also a big feature of some adhesive hooks. Command’s line of adhesive hooks is known for its pull-and-release method of removal. This means you not only won’t have to worry about leaving a mark on the wall, but you’ll also have the hook off the wall in a matter of seconds.
• The trade-off of easy installation is that some adhesive hooks simply won’t remain on the wall, especially after some time has passed. If you want worry-free lasting adhesion, go with a hook that has to be installed with a nail or screw.
• Before you buy, think about how many hooks you need. Many towel hooks come in sets of one, so you’ll have to buy multiples. If you want to attach two or four at once, though, you can find some multipack sets that may give you a better deal.
• One factor determining how well your hook stays attached to the wall is capacity. A stronger hook will be able to hold even your thickest towels. Keep in mind that towels increase in weight while wet and plan accordingly.