Towel stands are one of those really creative alternatives to drilling holes in the wall. They're the perfect solution for people who just don't want the hassle of measuring, drilling, checking for level, etc. And those darned drywall anchors can be such a pain. Towel stands are also great for people who like to change things up periodically - the furniture movers and re-arrangers. You know who you are.
There are those at the other end of the spectrum who never want to change anything. Everything is fixed and built in. For the rest of us who can't live without mixing it up, who frankly, if we had our way, would periodically change the floor plan of our house if we could, towel stands were invented. At least that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it; mostly because I am one of those people and I love towel stands.
Bathroom Towel Stand
The biggest argument I've heard against them is that they take up valuable floor space. To which I say, "Just how valuable is that 6 or 7-inch space next to the base boards anyway?" That's the space needed for a towel ladder type stand. The thing I love about these is that you just lean them against the wall and if you have forced air heat, they double as a drying rack.
Ladder towel stands take a whole 30 seconds to "install", and they solve one of my pet peeves - hand towels left on the counter or floor because a small child couldn't reach the ring or bar that he strained to remove the towel from in order to dry his little hands. A hand towel on a lower rung means the towel doesn't have to be removed to be used. Of course, that doesn't mean it won't be, but at least you have a valid reason for correcting the behavior.
Kids aside, counter top towel stands are also a favorite for me because they're great for guest towels. You don't have to have a fancy bathroom to have guest towels; you only have to want guests to use particular towels as opposed to your personal ones. And if counter space is at a premium, you can stash the towel stand after the guests have gone.
I found it really annoying to clean for company, put out all my nice towels and then have to wash every single one of them because almost everyone who used the bathroom had wiped their hands on a separate towel. I use a counter model with multiple towel rings or bars. Everyone seems to want to use a fresh towel, which I suppose is why, (before I instituted the counter top stand routine,) all my personal towels got used.
Other than the practical side of towel stands in general, they really dress up an otherwise ordinary looking bathroom. You can spend as little as and as much as 0 or more. Towel stands are available in a wide variety of finishes and materials; from stained wood to high shine chrome; from bamboo to wrought iron or solid brass. Some floor models come with added features like accessory baskets. Some are even heated; and believe it or not, the heated ones aren't even the most expensive.
Regardless of the size of your budget or your bathroom, you can find a towel stand to fit both. Be sure to take measurements and have fun shopping!