Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Bathroom

The Easiest Way to Upgrade Your Bathroom
(It’s Not What You Think)

If you’re heading into spring and thinking about getting your home and bathroom guest-ready, this is your sign to look beyond the obvious.

Everyone focuses on the big things like paint, lighting, and tile. But honestly? One of the easiest, most immediate upgrades is something way more overlooked:

Your towels.

Light-filled bathroom with marble shower, wood vanity, and soft neutral towels for a warm, lived-in feel
Design: Clouz Houz | Photo: Zee Wendell

Let’s talk about white towels for a second

I love classic white towels as much as anyone. They feel fresh, clean, hotel-like … in theory.

But in real life?

They get dingy fast. They stain easily. And, after a while, they just look … tired.

Yet, they’re everyone’s default choice

Also, I think they fall a little flat, especially in a space where you’ve layered materials, finishes, and color. So, why stop at something so plain?

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Design: Clouz Houz | Photo: Zee Wendell

You don’t have to sacrifice style for “practical”

There’s this idea that towels should be neutral, safe, invisible.

I completely disagree.

Towels are one of the easiest ways to bring in personality without committing to anything permanent. They can soften a space, add contrast, or make a bathroom feel more finished.

Even if you’re not someone who loves bold color, there are many options that still feel elevated:

  • soft stripes
  • subtle patterns
  • tonal neutrals
  • simple trim details
  • fringe or Turkish styles

You can keep things calm and still make it interesting!

Small bathroom with yellow vanity, dark bird wallpaper, and striped towels for added pattern
Design: Clouz Houz | Photo: Zee Wendell

They also just last longer

This is the part no one really talks about. Replacing towels every couple of years feels excessive. And honestly, kind of wasteful.

But with white towels, it almost feels inevitable.

When you switch to color or pattern, you’re not fighting every little mark or bit of wear. They age better, and you’re not constantly trying to keep them looking “perfect.”

I have towels that are probably 10 years old that still look and perform just fine.

And, with a family of five, I gave up on white towels a long time ago. Now, I almost always go for colored solids or subtle patterns — and they hold up so much better!

I’m not buying super expensive, overly precious towels. I usually stick to mid-range, good quality — something that feels nice but can actually be used every day. That’s the sweet spot.

Outdoor wall with striped neutral towel, woven straw hat, and rope leash hanging on hooks, styled above terracotta potted plants and greenery
Design: Clouz Houz | Photo: Zee Wendell

If your bathroom feels a little flat, this might be why

Sometimes it’s not that the space needs a full overhaul.

It just needs something that brings it to life; and towels are an easy place to start.

 

Modern bathroom vanity with black stone sink, brass mirrors, and neatly folded neutral towels
Design: Clouz Houz | Photo: Zee Wendell

Shop our favorites

I pulled together a mix of towels we love to give you a feel for what we gravitate toward. Some we’ve used for client projects, some are on my list, all are good choices.

Roundup of patterned and colored bath towels including striped, fringed, textured, and neutral-toned options for a styled bathroom refresh

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