This sculptural chrome-plated freestanding towel holder from Axor Massaud, $1,506, makes a much grander statement. Available at Hydrology, 435 N. LaSalle St., 312-832-9000. Made from beechwood cellulose fiber, Italian-made towels from Legna by SDH ($75 each) feel like silk but wash and dry like cotton. They stack slim in the closet and will drape wonderfully on your new towel tree. Available at Arrelle Fine Linens, 445 N. Wells St., 312-321-3696; arrelle.com

Photography by Leonard Gertz