With expert guidance from Bowers in mind, we researched napkin holders with various materials and styles. Our favorite is the OXO Good Grips SimplyPull Napkin Holder, a sleek and functional holder that boasts one-handed refilling. Below, the best napkin holders to add to your table, kitchen countertop—wherever you’d like! The arm stays in place when you lift it, allowing you to refill the tray one-handed. Plus, when you want to store your napkin holder—say, in a pantry or picnic basket—the arm folds flat into the base for easy storage. Since the tray doesn’t have walls, the SimplyPull can hold cloth or paper napkins of various sizes, as well. This napkin holder only comes in one finish, but the stainless steel should match—or at least complement—the fixtures in most kitchens. The material is also super durable, rust-resistant, and easy to wipe clean. Notably, all things considered, the price is very reasonable, too, making this a standout pick in more ways than one. Price at time of publish: $23 We like that it holds different napkin sizes, and you can use it for everyday countertop organization or serving a few delicious dishes to guests. One thing to note about this napkin holder is, while it is made of rust-resistant and heat-tolerant stainless steel, this product calls for hand-washing only. This can make caring for it a bit harder. However, it’s not a dealbreaker in our eyes, since you don’t typically wash your napkin holder often. Price at time of publish: $4 As we mentioned, this product is crafted from the brand’s signature metal alloy. It’s formed through a 15-step casting process to prevent cracking, chipping, and tarnishing, while ensuring a long-lasting finish. Still, hand-washing is best for preserving the material. Price at time of publish: $80 This napkin holder has small cushions on the base to keep it from scratching your table or kitchen countertops. One potential downside is that it’s relatively narrow (1.5 inches), so it can only hold about 30 paper napkins. But this might be a plus if you’re looking for a simple, compact option that takes up minimal countertop space. Price at time of publish: $22 Filling it up is a breeze. Thanks to the arm, you won’t have to worry about your paper napkins blowing away, either. This product is a 7.5-inch square. While slightly larger than standard luncheon napkins, the oversized dimensions don’t affect the look much once it’s full and make it a flexible option for other types of napkins as well. Price at time of publish: $15 This napkin holder is crystal-clear with a modern yet versatile aesthetic. While it features clean lines, the edges aren’t sharp, and non-slip pads on the bottom help it stay in place. If we could change one thing, we would add a center weight to prevent napkins from flying away when the napkin holder is used outdoors. Otherwise, it’s a top-notch product. Price at time of publish: $22 Now, since this napkin holder doesn’t have a center weight, it’s not ideal for outdoor use. Other than that flaw, we have no complaints about this product, though. It’s a bit larger than standard napkins, but this also makes the product more flexible for storing and organizing other types of napkins you may use for dining or serving. Price at time of publish: $35 Weighing 2 pounds, this piece stands sturdily in the upright position. There’s only one color available, but you should have no problem incorporating the neutral white tone into your kitchen counter decor. And, although it’s on the smaller side, it can hold napkins of various sizes. This flexibility makes it perfect for using daily and around the holidays, when you might be entertaining more. Price at time of publish: $30 This storage solution can accommodate napkins of any size. Thanks to the center bar, you can use it indoors or outside without worrying about your napkins escaping into the wind, too. The price is a little steep, but in the end, we think it’s an excellent value given it’s flexibility, quality, and thoughtfulness. Price at time of publish: $45 The natural materials contrast beautifully, while the style goes with just about any decor scheme, from modern to farmhouse to coastal. And you can pair it with matching serving pieces from the Wood and Marble collection, like a fruit bowl or lazy Susan. Now, the interior could be sanded better to prevent napkins from snagging—but, otherwise, this product is an all-around winner. Price at time of publish: $30 While it only comes in a natural finish, the design will complement minimalist, mid-century, farmhouse, and modern kitchen decor schemes alike. The napkin slot is over 2 inches wide, so you can fit a thicker stack of napkins, and the other compartment can hold shaker bottles or condiments of various sizes. We wish this caddy had a handle, but other than that, we have no complaints. Price at time of publish: $20 Material and color affect the style of a napkin holder, and how it will look in your space. “If you store napkins in an open pantry or shelf, you want the holder to be part of the surrounding decor so that they look tidy,” notes Bowers. So, try to find a napkin holder that matches your personal style—plus, fits the size of the napkins you’re hoping to put inside—for the best organization results.
Size
You’ll also want to consider the size of your napkin holder. Flat or tray-style napkin holders can be anywhere from 6 to 10 inches on each side. Some are a bit bigger than standard-sized napkins to accommodate various napkin types—like, our “best rattan” pick, the Dovecove Marionville Napkin Holder. Upright designs tend to be slightly smaller, as the napkins are meant to extend slightly on each side. In addition to ensuring your holder fits standard paper napkins (which are usually 6.5-inch squares) or rectangular napkins, if you prefer, think about how much space your napkin holder will take up on your counter, dinner table, or kitchen island. That way, it doesn’t look too large or small, and doesn’t take up room. you need for serving dishes, utensils, and more.
Organization Features
Many tray-style napkin holders feature center weights to prevent napkins from slipping off or even blowing away when placed outdoors, including our “best splurge” holder, the Nambé Stone Napkin Holder. And some have center bars that not only keep the napkins in place, but also ensure only one is pulled out at a time. Then, there are caddies, which have a slot for napkins, plus an additional compartment (or two) for things like salt and pepper shakers, condiments, or flatware. Think about what you’re hoping to put in your napkin holder and where you’re planning to use it, to ensure you have the best experience.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer and product tester specializing in storage solutions and home design within the commerce space. For this roundup, she interviewed Utah-based professional organizer Tracy Bowers of Organize Simply for buying tips and insight into the different styles of napkin holders. Next, she researched standout options for every budget, narrowing it down to high-quality, functional designs with versatile aesthetics. But, according to Bowers, a napkin holder isn’t necessarily something you use every day. “When it comes to paper napkins, I often create a spot in the same drawer or cabinet that holds other paper goods,” she says, explaining that you can take them out and place them in a decorative holder when the occasion arises. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, covering organizational products, decor, and kitchen gadgets. You can find more of her stories on MyDomaine, Travel + Leisure, and People.
