How to Heat a Cold Bathroom

How to Heat a Cold Bathroom

21st Dec 2022

When it comes to choosing the correct heating source for your bathroom, it can be a minefield. When building your dream bathroom, you may consider your  bathroom furniture which shower style would work best in a family bathroom, perhaps you want to relax in a large bath, or incorporate an LED Bluetooth Mirror. But bathroom heating is just as important to consider.

Customers ask us all the time; “ What’s the difference between a Radiator and a heated towel warmer?

In simple terms, radiators are more efficient at transferring heat; their job is to keep your room at an optimum temperature, whereas heated towel warmers or heated towel rails do just that ‘Heat your Towels’, offering minimum heat output.

But there is a third option to consider, underfloor heating.

To help you make your decision on what is the best product for you, it is important to consider the dimensions of the bathroom you are buying for, the window type and heat source.

modern bathroom with anthracite black heated towel rail

Heated Towel Rails

What is a  heated towel rail? Basically, it’s an alternative to a radiator in a bathroom design, constructed with bars to easily hang towels, or even your robe, keeping you cosy when you come out the shower.

Customers tend to opt for a heated towel rail instead of a radiator, as it can house towels, whereas radiators tend not to have that capability. There are two variations; Standard and Electric. A standard heated towel rail tends to be more budget friendly, constructed to work in conjunction with your central heating system, whereas an electric heated towel rail works off your electricity, perfect for those who don’t have the ability to plumb into the central heating system.

Another consideration is affordability. At Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms, we have a wide range of heated towel rails to suit any budget, check out our top 3 below.

The Marco Heated Towel Rail

Down at the bottom end of the budget scale, we have the Marco, one of our customer favourites. Featuring a contemporary curved design, the Marco Heated Towel Rail is available in classic Chrome, White and Grey, with various heights and widths, from only £59.95.

The Fiennes Heated Towel Rail

At a mid-level price, the Fiennes is an utterly stunning contemporary design ready to bring your bathroom from zero to hero. Featuring 3D curved bars in slick anthracite, or classic white, the Fiennes is available in 3 three heights so suit any bathroom size or shape, from only £149.95.

The Amaldi Heated Towel Rail

Finally, at the top end of the budget, we have Amaldi. Coming complete with large stylish straight bars for you to keep your towels nice and warm, the Amaldi is available in Anthracite, Chrome as well as Black Nickel, from only £179.95.

Top Tip: White Heated Towel Rails and Radiators emit more heat than chrome ones do because of their painted finish.

 Heated Towel Rails

L-R: Marco, Fiennes, Amaldi

Bathroom Radiators

Radiators are found in every room of the home, and your bathroom is no exception. You might think of that classic white single panelled radiator that you had in your home growing up, don’t worry, that’s not what we’ve got for you. At Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms, we have a wide range of designer, contemporary and stylish options for you to choose from including colosseums, floor standing, and classic styles, as well as budget options and high end options.

Kartell Radiators

Get an absolute bargain with Kartell. Our range of budget radiators, perfectly suited to any room of the home, including the bathroom. Prices start at only £15.95 for a white single panelled radiator, with multiple sizes available. This modern style is simple yet extremely functional.

Colosseum Radiators

At the mid-range price, we have the Colosseums. A colosseum radiator is made up of connected bars, to evenly distribute heat. By choosing a colosseum radiator you’ll quickly boost the style factor of your bathroom design, as well as providing an excellent heat source. These modern radiators are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, you can even opt for a horizontal version. However, the taller versions have the power to create a designer look and feel in your home, available in unique colours to help you create the perfect look. Available from only £179.95.

The Balmoral Traditional Floor Standing Radiator

At the top end of our radiator offering is the Balmoral Traditional Floor Standing Radiator. With its unique, vintage design, this clever radiator allows multiple towels to be dried simultaneously with minimum effort. Available for £239.95, the Balmoral is an ideal option for a traditionally styled bathroom.

When scrolling through heating options you may notice that each come with a BTU output number, this is an important consideration when purchasing a Heated Towel Rail or Radiator – check out more info below.

Bathroom Radiators

L to R: Kartell, Colosseum, Balmoral

What is a BTU number?

To help you make the right choice, consult an on-line British Thermal Unit (BTU) calculator, as this will advise on the level of BTU output required to heat your bathroom.  Once you have established this, simply check the BTU output of the radiator or towel warmer you would like to purchase to ensure it meets requirements. 

As a rule, the higher the BTU number, the higher the heat output and vice versa so ensure you choose the right product for your space.  Too big and it will be too hot, too small, and it will be too cold. However, don’t despair, your plumber will also be able to advise on the recommended BTUs and best products for your requirement.

Calculate your BTU Output Number.

Underfloor Heating

Can’t stand the chilly bathroom floor any longer? We have the solution –  underfloor heating. At Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms, our underfloor heating system sits beneath ceramic or porcelain tiles, and helps you keep those cold tiles warm. Can underfloor heating replace radiators? YES. This system is an excellent alternative to incorporating a radiator or heated towel rail and can help keep your bathroom at a comfortable temperature. Thermostatically controlled, you choose the perfect temperature for you and your family’s needs.

Underfloor Heating

But how does it work?

A series of electric wires are held in position by a mat that can be quickly fitted beneath your tiles. This is known as a ‘dry system’ and is the easiest underfloor heating to install because it does not require a network of pipes to be fitted below the floor. The temperature is controlled via a small touch screen control panel that you would have installed in a convenient location in your bathroom. This thermostat can be programmed, like your central heating, to come on at a certain time each day, or you can switch the system on as and when required, adjusting the temperature accordingly.

What’s the benefits of underfloor heating?

  1. It will help to heat your Bathroom, saying goodbye to those cold mornings
  2. It will keep those cold tiles nice and warm when the temperature drops
  3. It can actually help prevent mildew in your bathroom, because there’s a regular heat source drying out the condensation
  4. Any splashes from the shower or bath will be quickly dried
  5. Extra heat in the air will help to air dry bathroom towels
  6. Safe, easy to use and control depending on your needs
  7. Cost efficient for small bathrooms
  8. Available in a range of mat sizes to suit all bathrooms from 1/m2 to 8/m2
  9. Reliable heat source, evenly heats the tiles and the bathroom at a lower temperature to ensure a constant stable temperature
  10. Safer in the bathroom than a radiator with toddlers and small children because the temperature is always low and controlled

So, whether you go for a classic radiator, modern heated towel rail, or luxurious underfloor heating, at Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms, we have something to suit your style, bathroom size, and budget.

I f you have seen something you like, or would like more information on, give us a call, email or send us a DM on our social channels, we’d be more than happy to help.

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