Hang out a while

Put the finishing touch on a powder room or change up the design of a bath large or small with a standout towel ring (or two). It’s a decorative accessory that definitely earns its keep, placing a towel close at hand.

While towel bars still do the heavy lifting, holding bath sheets and the like, rings allow for a bit more creativity. Today’s designs go beyond basic circles, with squares, rectangles, and hook-like open-sided shapes.

Styles ranging from Colonial to contemporary offer a wide array of finishes, too, from deep bronze and black to warm brass and gold to silvery chrome and pewter. Stay in the same finish family as your other bath fittings if you want to play it safe, or go for bold and choose a contrasting tone.

Keep reading to see 19 towel rings we think are tops.

Styling: JJ Chan/Halley Resources

Sink: Veer Pedestal Sink with Widespread Faucet Holes in White; Kohler

Faucet: Artifacts Bell Bathroom Sink Spout in Vintage Nickel; Kohler

Handles: Artifacts Bathroom Sink Lever Handles in Vintage Nickel; Kohler

Towel: Karla Copper Hand Towel; CB2

Past Present

ACORN

Made of: Lacquered iron

Size: 7 5⁄8" H × 6 1⁄4" W × 2 3⁄4" D

Highlights: This forged ring takes its design cues from spear-tipped strap hinges of the colonial era. $45; House of Antique Hardware

Mix Master

SIGNATURE HARDWARE

Made of: Brass and porcelain

Size: 9 ½" H × 7 3⁄4" W × 2 3⁄4" D

Highlights: White accents make this bronze-finish ring a standout. $29;

Signature Hardware

Right Angle

FRANKLIN BRASS

Made of: Die-cast zinc

Size: 6 ½" H × 6 ½" W × 3 3⁄8" D

Highlights: A brushed-nickel finish lets the beveled backplate on this open-sided ring really shine. About $17; Home Depot

Big Help

IKEA

Made of: Stainless steel and zinc

Size: 9 1⁄4" H × 8 1⁄8" W × 2 1⁄8" D

Highlights: This sizable chrome-plated open ring could easily handle a bath towel. $13; IKEA

Fab Frame

ATLAS HOMEWARES

Made of: Brass

Size: 5 ½" H × 7 7⁄8" W × 2 7⁄8" D

Highlights: A glossy gold finish and an eye-catching silhouette give this ring a luxe look. $104; Atlas Homewares

Tuscan Style

TOP KNOBS

Made of: Zinc alloy

Size: 8" H × 7 1⁄8" W × 3 ½" D

Highlights: This open ring has an antiqued-bronze finish that draws attention to its details. $71; Top Knobs

Gilded Age

AMEROCK

Made of: Zinc

Size: 5 7⁄8" H × 6 7⁄8" W × 2 15⁄16" D

Highlights: Sized just right for a hand towel, this brushed-gold ring makes a bold statement. $41; Amerock

Subtle Hint

MOEN

Made of: Stainless-steel-plated zinc alloy

Size: 8 3⁄8" H × 6" W × 3 1⁄4" D

Highlights: Lively coppery glints shine through this model’s oil-rubbed bronze finish. $31; Moen

High Shine

BRIZO

Made of: Zinc, brass, and steel

Size: 6" H × 6" W × 3" D

Highlights: This sleek, open square has a neat, tailored look that can go either traditional or modern. $116; Brizo

Shape Up

DELTA

Size: 7 3⁄4" H × 7 1⁄16" W × 3" D

Highlights: Unmatched finials on the ends distinguish this Victorian-inspired open ring. $58; Delta

Heavy Metal

RESTORATION HARDWARE

Size: 8 ½" H × 7 ½" W × 3 ½" D

Highlights: A chrome finish enhances this 1930s-influenced style. $75; Restoration Hardware

On Edge

PFISTER

Size: 4 15⁄16" H × 7 19⁄32" W × 3 1⁄8" D

Highlights: A gleaming distressed finish plays up this oil-rubbed bronze hook’s wide, curving arm. $44; Pfister

Showstopper

KOHLER

Size: 8 3⁄8" H × 7 ½" W × 2 11⁄16" D

Highlights: In polished chrome, the striking octagonal shape of this Art Deco–inspired ring is hard to miss. $232; Kohler

Fine Detail

Made of: Brass and zinc alloy

Size: 7 1⁄16" H × 6 1⁄8" W × 2 1⁄4" D

Highlights: Brushed nickel shows off the backplate’s basket-weave design. $70; Atlas Homewares

With a Twist

AMEROCK

Made of: Zinc

Size: 8 1⁄4" H × 6 3⁄16" W × 2 7⁄16" D

Highlights: With a birdcage finial and a dark, oil-rubbed bronze finish, this open ring has a traditional feel. $41; Amerock

Bold Brass

Made of: Drop-forged brass

Size: 8 1⁄4" H × 7 ½" W × 2 ½" D

Highlights: A rich aged-brass finish and lozenge-shaped finials enhance this ring’s handsome heft. $75; Restoration Hardware

Well Crafted

Size: 6 ½" H × 7 ½" W × 2 5⁄8" D

Highlights: This ring’s warm bronze finish and simple square backplate have a goes-with-anything appeal. $50; Signature Hardware

Squared Away

Size: 8 1⁄16" H × 7" W × 3 3⁄8" D

Highlights: A pillowed square shape and stepped backplate distinguish this pale-gold piece. $67; Top Knobs

Vintage Look

Size: 7 3⁄4" H × 6" W × 3 ½" D

Highlights: This open ring’s squared-off edges and nearly-black bronze finish evoke Craftsman style. $49; Delta