Now’s the Time to Swap Out This Tattered Kitchen Essential
It’s totally affordable too.
Updated Sep 23, 2019 6:16 PM
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It doesn’t have to cost you a whole paycheck to upgrade your kitchen. In fact, by simply swapping out one of your most-used cooking and cleaning essentials, you can make this room feel fresh, tidy, and exciting. Tea towels offer maximum impact in an affordable, accessible package.
Your towel collection may already be expansive, but consider the state of your textiles: If they’re stained from cleaning formidable cooking accidents or worn down from too many cycles in the washing machine, consider swapping them out for fresh ones. A new set of unique kitchen towels won’t blow your budget and can change the vibe of the whole room or, at the very least, add a fun point of interest.
Whether you display your new purchase by hanging it on the oven door, draping it over a cabinet knob, or even just casually tossing it on your countertop, it can make your space feel fresh. Shop our current favorites below.
If You’re All About a Classic
Sometimes, it doesn’t get much better than an ultra-simple black-and-white stripe. This cotton towel from Leif is super soft (aka, it will actually absorb the liquids you want it to absorb), and it even comes equipped with a handy hanging loop.
If You Dream of Living Seaside
Inspired by Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán—where they are woven—these unique kitchen towels can lend a calming vibe even to the most chaotic kitchen. They’re made by a single artisan and make a quality (but reasonably priced) kitchen addition.
If You Can’t Get Enough Sunshine
If you have a lot of spills to clean, consider this linen option. It’s simultaneously quick-drying and lightweight. Best of all, the fibers hold dye well, so they won’t fade in the wash.
If Your Ideal Home Is Quaint and Rural
You really can’t go wrong with a pick from Hearth and Hand With Magnolia by Chip and Joanna Gaines. The subtle floral print of this cream-colored towel set makes for a sweet kitchen accent.
If You Prefer to Keep Things Simple
Minimalists, meet your ideal option: Woven in India using locally sourced cotton, these sleek white-and-gray tea towels are lightweight yet functional. The natural linen weave makes the duo-chrome palette feel even more special.
If You Dream of Rainbows
Let’s be real: Sometimes, you need a lot of towels. This set of five from CB2 comes in plenty of hues that are sure to bring a smile to your face. The waffle weave lends an extra dose of playfulness.
If You Need a New Way to Express Yourself
Skip the towel with a cheeky saying and instead, opt for one that has every letter of the alphabet. What could be more helpful when you need to express yourself in the kitchen? A unique pistachio hue feels particularly refreshing.
If You’re Looking for All the Luck You Can Get
Hamsas abound in Justina Blakeney’s design. This blue option from Jungalow offers a bohemian twist on a kitchen staple, and with its pom-pom fringe, it feels just a little more fun than any other option.
If You Find Yourself Using the Word “Festive” Frequently
Go all-out with both color and texture with the help of this dish towel from Anthropologie. Pops of marigold and confetti-like fringe make this simple piece a recipe for happiness.
If “Subtle” Isn’t a Part of Your Vocabulary
Get your neon fix with HAY’s cotton-polyester towels. This duo—in complimentary colors—can easily energize a kitchen that’s looking for some more oomph. Consider adding them into an all-white kitchen for serious impact.
If You’re Looking to Explore Your Creative Side
A watercolor-inspired tea towel feels perfectly romantic. It might even inspire you to try a new recipe every now and then. This option’s pops of green and red feel perfectly at home in a warm-toned kitchen.
If You’re Nostalgic About Tie-Dyed Summer Camp T-Shirts
Dyed with natural indigo using a Japanese shibori technique, these tie-dye-esque towels give off a boho vibe. Since they’re all hand-dyed, each one is unique—making them feel even more special.
If You Love Spending Weekends at Modern Art Museums
Go graphic with a dramatically painted tea towel from direct-to-consumer brand Pepper. The classic navy tone of these heavy brushstrokes prevents them from feeling too avant-garde.
See more kitchen ideas: Forget About All-White: 13 Kitchen Colors You Should Definitely Try Instead This Food Blogger’s Striking Pink Kitchen Will Fuel Your Appetite for a Makeover Inside a Blue-Tile Dream Kitchen Built From Scratch