A guide to towel sizes based on function and everyday needs

What towel sizes are commonly used?

In practical terms, towels can be divided into:

• small towels measuring around 30×30 cm,

• hand towels measuring around 40×70 cm, and

• bath towels measuring around 70×140 cm.

The right towel size generally depends on the activity. Small towels are easier to place near the washbasin or carry in a bag, while a 70×140 cm towel provides a larger surface area for drying your body after a shower.
Therefore, before choosing based on colour or design, first determine who will use the towel and what it will be used for.

1. Small 30×30 cm towels for compact needs

A size of around 30×30 cm is suitable as a washcloth, face towel, or small towel for everyday needs. Its compact size means it does not take up much storage space, making it suitable for bathrooms with limited storage.

One available option is the MOLNVAKT small towel 30×30 cm. This product is made from 100% cotton and uses low-twist yarn to create a soft surface.

In addition, you can also choose the VALLASÅN 30×30 cm, with a fabric weight of 285 g/m². Its relatively lightweight density helps the towel dry quickly, making it practical if you need several small towels to use in rotation.

This size is also convenient to place in a small basket or drawer near the washbasin, so it is easy to reach without taking up too much bathroom space.

2. Hand towel size 40×70 cm for the washbasin area

If a 30×30 cm towel feels too small for drying both hands, a 40×70 cm size can be a more flexible choice. It is long enough to hang beside the washbasin while remaining compact compared with a bath towel.

The VÅGSJÖN hand towel 40×70 cm is one of IKEA's options for this purpose. The towel has a density of around 400 g/m² and is made from cotton. Its medium density makes it absorbent while allowing it to dry relatively quickly for everyday use.

For homes shared by several family members, you can provide a different colour for each person. This simple approach helps distinguish between towels without having to add many storage accessories.

To keep the arrangement practical, pair the towels with hooks or vertical shelving. You can find more ideas in the IKEA bathroom shelf inspiration guide.

3. Bath towel size 70×140 cm for everyday use

A 70×140 cm towel is a practical choice when you need a towel to dry your body after a shower. Its surface area is larger than that of a hand towel, while the size remains easy enough to fold and store in a bathroom cabinet.

For everyday use, you can consider the VÅGSJÖN bath towel 70×140 cm with a density of around 400 g/m². The lower the fabric surface density, the faster a towel tends to dry, while a higher density generally provides greater absorbency.

If you prefer a thicker texture, the GULVIAL bath towel 70×140 cm has a fabric weight of 500 g/m² and is made from 100% cotton. Low-twist yarn helps create a soft and smooth texture.

Another option is the BROKGLIM bath towel 70×140 cm with a density of 650 g/m². This series is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and features extra-thick terry with high absorbency.

Read also: How to choose durable and functional bathroom accessories

Do not just look at size, also consider g/m²

Two towels measuring 70×140 cm may not necessarily provide the same experience when used. One important difference is g/m², or grams per square metre, which indicates the density of the fabric surface.

In the IKEA collection available in 2026, for example, VÅGSJÖN has a density of around 400 g/m², GULVIAL around 500 g/m², while BROKGLIM reaches 650 g/m².

Towels with a lower value tend to be lighter and dry faster. In contrast, towels with a higher density may feel thicker and offer greater absorbency. Choose based on your habits, including how often the towels are washed and the ventilation conditions in your bathroom.

How to choose the right towel size for your bathroom

Start by determining the function of each towel. Use the following guide:

• Choose a 30×30 cm towel for drying your face, hands, or other light needs.

• Keep a 40×70 cm towel near the washbasin so it is easy to use after washing your hands.

• Use a 70×140 cm towel to dry your body after a shower.

• Consider the available storage space and hanging area before deciding on the number and thickness of your towels.

• For a small bathroom, choose towels that are not too thick so they do not require too much cabinet space.

• Combine several towel sizes according to their function to make storage more efficient and keep the bathroom tidy.

Also pay attention to how you care for your towels so they remain comfortable to use:

• Wash towels before use to help improve their absorbency.

• Follow the care instructions on the product label.

• Avoid excessive use of fabric softener, as it can reduce the absorbency of some types of towels.

Read also: Simple and aesthetic bathroom design inspiration

Complete your bathroom with the right towel sizes

The right towel size makes the function of each textile in the bathroom clearer. Small towels are for compact needs, hand towels are for the washbasin, and bath towels are for drying the body.

You can also choose the level of thickness according to your preference without filling the space with textiles that are not appropriately sized.

Explore a variety of sizes, colours, and materials in the IKEA Indonesia towel collection and find a combination that suits your routine and bathroom arrangement.

FAQ about towel sizes