Given that much of what goes on in the bathroom involves being mostly unclothed, this should be the one room that feels warm and cosy – yet all too often not enough thought and planning goes into heating a bathroom.
For many people, the go-to heat source in their bathroom will be a heated towel warmer – but is this enough? With so many other heat sources on offer, it might just be time to consider some alternatives, or to reassess the current set-up you are using.
If you are regularly stepping out of your shower or bath into an icy cold space that leaves you shivering, fear not. We spoke to the experts in order to garner their advice on not just the best ways to warm up a bathroom in winter with heating, but also for tips on other, quick and easy-to-implement ways to keep the heat in and the cold out.
Will a towel rail alone heat a bathroom?
When it comes to bathroom radiators, heated towel rails come in all kinds of sizes and forms these days, from those designed to look like traditional column radiators, to models that look like sculptural works of art. They can be plumbed into your central heating, run off electricity or even dual fuel and are a brilliant way to ensure your wet towels stay warm and dry – but can they effectively heat a bathroom as the sole heat source?
"We get this question a lot, and the honest answer is that a single towel warmer doesn't always work as the only way to heat a bathroom," reveals Sean Hogan of Aventus Eco. "This is especially true in the UK climate. They're great at what they're supposed to do, which is to warm your towels and clothes, and they do give off a little background heat, but they're not usually made to heat a whole room to a comfortable temperature.
"You see, bathrooms naturally lose heat very quickly. You have a lot of airflow to get rid of moisture, such as a wall that faces the outside, and sometimes pretty big windows," explains Sean. 'Because of these things, the heat flow (BTU or Watts) from a normal towel warmer isn't enough to stop the heat loss. If you only depend on it, you might still feel cold when you get out of the shower, and that could even cause towels to dry slowly, which can cause moisture problems. We usually recommend having two heat sources: one for general warmth, like a towel warmer, and one that is especially made to meet the full heat needs of the room."
That said, Olivia Marshall, brand category manager at Plumbworld says that, in some cases, a single towel warmer can work.
"One heat source should be fine if you have small bathroom and the space is well insulated," advises Olivia. "However, you may want to consider an additional heat source if you have a larger room. Adding an additional heat source, such as another radiator or underfloor heating, can create a more comfortable temperature and help evenly distribute the heat around the room. This will also help to reduce issues such as lingering condensation, damp and mould – common problems in a bathroom."
Additionally, it is possible to combine a radiator with a towel rail all in one stylish unit, according to Nick Duggan, MD of The Radiator Centre. "Some designer radiators come with towel rail attachments, giving the best of both worlds by providing high heat output as well as warm towels," says Nick. "The choice of designs nowadays is vast, so if you’ve only considered the standard ladder-style type, you may be surprised to see the huge range of shapes and designs available."
Sean Hogan is founder of Aventus Eco, a renewable energy and heating company based in Scotland, dedicated to helping homeowners reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions, and future-proof their properties. They specialise in the design and installation of air source heat pumps, solar PV systems, and battery storage solutions.
Olivia Marshall is the Brand Category Manager at online bathroom and kitchen retailer Plumbworld. She works with a wide range of household brands and specialises in products and topics relating to bathroom, kitchen, heating and plumbing.
Nick has over 20 years of experience in central heating and radiators, leading the team at one of the UK's largest independent suppliers.
Should a bathroom have two heat sources?
If a heated towel rail alone is not enough to effectively heat a bathroom, does that mean you should supplement it with an additional heat source – and if so, which is best?
"Even though a single towel warmer is great for warming towels, it rarely gives off enough heat to warm a whole bathroom," says Gordon Chalk, MD at Next Level Underfloor Heating and Screed Solutions LTD. "We almost always suggest another main heat source for warming the room along with a towel warmer for extra comfort."
"Typically, there are three main types of heat sources available for homeowners to choose for bathroom heating," explains Olivia Marshall. "These are radiators, heated towel rails and underfloor heating. Some of these heating choices will be dependent on the size, shape and style of your bathroom, as well as the type of home you live in, so it’s always worth consulting a professional before you make your decision."
Along with co-MD Alan Houghton, Gordon has been working in the industry for over 15 years. His mission is to help property owners get warmer and more comfortable with underfloor heating and proper floor screed.
Bathroom radiators
If you have the wall space to spare, fitting an additional radiator into your bathroom can be a great way to ensure it is heated effectively in winter.
"Radiators have changed a lot since the old days when they were just those big, bulky panels," points out Sean Hogan. "You can get vertical designs that are sleek and look great – and when you fit a TRV, they become very easy to control and heat the air very quickly. The most important thing is to make sure it's the right size for the room's heat loss."
"Column radiators offer a more traditional style and look, but are just as efficient as a modern radiator," says Olivia Marshall. "They are offered in a wide range of sizes too, from the traditional horizontal shape to a taller, vertical option that help to maximise space in smaller rooms. Column radiators can be bulkier in their design than panel radiators though.
"Panel radiators are a great option for bathroom heating as there’s often a wide range of styles and sizes for homeowners to choose from and they can be both vertical and horizontal, making them a great choice for homes where space might be at a premium," continues Olivia. "A panel heater is generally easy to install and should fit directly into your central heating without any problems, plus their high heat output ensures that bathrooms of any size remain warm during the winter months."
Shop bathroom radiators
Perfect for adding a classic touch to your bathroom, this column radiator features a handy heated rail for your towels but will also kick out some warmth – 1847 BTUs in fact (for the T50 model).
Depending on the size of your bathroom, this stylish matt black heated towel rail might be all you need to keep it warm given its large dimensions and high heat output of 1831 BTUs.
If you want a minimalist heat source in your bathroom that blends in seamlessly then look no further. Available in a huge range of sizes, the fine-textured matt white finish is perfect for all kinds of spaces.
Underfloor heating
Using underfloor heating as a main source of bathroom heat, with a towel warmer too is, for many, the ideal set-up.
"One thing that always jumps out to me as the best is underfloor heating," says Sean Hogan. "It gives off an amazing, even heat that rises from the floor and makes those cold bathroom floor tiles seem like a faraway memory. When combined with a low-temperature device like a heat pump, it works even better, and the warm surface of the floor helps dry up any spills or remaining wetness quickly."
"Also, UFH solves the common problem of bathrooms not having enough wall space so helps with bathroom storage," picks up Gordon Chalk. "Wet UFH systems set in a ground layer are the best choice for new builds or major upgrades because they provide strong and efficient heating. Electric UFH mats are a quick and easy-to-install option for smaller repair projects or places where floor height is an issue."
Electric heaters
While some people are a little fearful of fitting an electric heater in a bathroom, they can actually work surprisingly well – particularly in retrofit situations.
"Electric bathroom heaters rely on your home’s mains electricity supply rather than the heating system," explains Olivia Marshall. "They can be turned on by a simple on-off switch, meaning the heat is instant and on-demand compared to a conventional radiator which takes longer to heat up the room.
"Homeowners must ensure that electric bathroom heaters are designed specifically for wet areas and have a clear IPX4 rating, meaning it’s safe and protected if it’s splashed with water," continues Olivia. "They should also be installed by a qualified electrician who will ensure it’s safe to use in the bathroom areas."
What are the other ways to keep a bathroom warm in winter?
Along with your heated towel rail and, if needed, additional heat source, there are other ways to keep a bathroom feeling warm. These include:
- Flooring material choices: This one is particularly important if you don't have UFH. "Tiles and natural stone can often feel cold underfoot during the winter months," says Olivia Marshall. "Choosing an alternative flooring material can make your bathroom feel a bit more comfortable, such as vinyl, cork flooring or wood effect floors. Using a thick bath mat or laying a bathroom-friendly rug can also help to reduce the shock of a cold floor when using your bathroom in winter."
- Upgrading insulation: "It is very important to insulate the outside walls and the space right above the bathroom with good insulation," says Gordon Chalk. "This will keep the heat in and make your heating system work less."
- Draught proofing: "You wouldn't believe how much cold air can get in through tiny cracks in doors, windows, and even your house's vent fan," warns Sean Hogan. "You can stop these cold air currents by putting silicone sealant around window frames, installing good door sweeps, and making sure extractor fan vents close properly when not in use."
- Thermal blinds: "An insulated blind can help to retain warmth in the evenings and reduce drafts," advises Olivia Marshall. "Ensure you choose a blind that is suitable for bathrooms and moisture resistant to prevent any issues with bathroom mould."
- Wall panelling: "Consider swapping tiles for wall panelling. Wood is a good natural insulating material, with panels being completely waterproof and providing a contemporary look," says Olivia Marshall. "Another great option is PVC panelling, which can provide homeowners with luxurious effects such as marble, stone and terrazzo, without the huge costs and are typically warmer than traditional tiles too."
- Using your extractor fan properly: "Make sure your bathroom extractor fan is shut when not in use to prevent hot air from escaping and creating a draughty environment," suggests Olivia. "Many modern extractor fans have grills that close automatically when they’re not in use, preventing cold air from getting into your home."
Shop cosy bathroom essentials
Not only is this vinyl an affordable bathroom flooring choice, but, thanks to its thick foam backing, it will feel warm underfloor – plus it is super simple to lay and robust enough for everyday wear and tear.
This stylish, bathroom-friendly linen-effect blind will not only keep out prying eyes from your space, but also features a reflective backing that forms a thermal barrier to keep the cold firmly out of your bathroom.
Put a stop to draughts ruining your bathroom experience with this easy-to-fit draught excluder tape which is self-adhesive and easy to cut to size yet won't budge once in place, even when wet.
FAQs
How do you choose the right size heated towel rail?
The best bathroom radiators are correctly sized and getting the size of your heated towel rail just right is key to ensuring not only that it can hold all the towels you need it to, but also that it provides some degree of warmth.
"An exact heat loss estimate is always the key to choosing the right size for any heat source, even a towel warmer if you want it to make a real difference to the room's warmth," explains Sean Hogan. "We don't just guess. We look at the room's length, width, and height, as well as how many exterior walls there are. Windows also play a big role; the size and number of panes (single, double, or triple) affect how much heat is lost. There's also the insulation, or lack of it, in the floor, walls, and roof. We'll look at the temperature you want (most bathrooms are kept a little warmer, around 21–24°C) and how fast your vent fan takes air out.
"A professional will use all of this information to figure out how much heat your bathroom needs – generally in BTUs or Watts – to stay at the temperature you want it to be even on the coldest days. Once we know that number, we can choose a towel warmer, heater, or UFH system that has a total output that meets or just goes above that need. You shouldn't choose a towel rail based on how big it looks; you should always check how much heat it puts out."
If you are not just feeling the chill in your bathroom right now, but throughout the house, there are some easy upgrades to make that will make the world of difference. Make sure you understand about draught proofing windows properly – and check for gaps around doors too. Check your radiators are running as they should – if they aren't heating up they may need bleeding, or there could be a problem brewing with your boiler.
