Buyer’s guide to bathroom heating

As we move to warmer months, now is the perfect time to update your bathroom heating. However, enjoying fresh, warm towels should be a treat all year round. In fact, there are so many towel rail options to choose from in terms of size, style, colour, and functionality, you should find you’re spoilt for choice. So, here’s all you need to know about the latest bathroom heating ideas from business development manager Jody Loram:

With a slight bow within the design, our latest Cavell model merges perfectly with its lacquered finish. This beautiful towel rail combines style and contemporary comfort. The Black Nickel lacquer showcased here creates a stylish finish

Why buy a heated towel rail?

Well, to start, these are no longer seen as a luxury item in the bathroom. In fact, a heated towel rail can make the perfect addition for a practical bathroom heating solution. Think daily bath times for multiple person households, such as families or house shares. This form of bathroom heating can provide the perfect place to store towels and keep them toasty and dry. Depending on the style and size you choose, a towel rail can provide ample space for damp bathmats too. So, you may no longer need to drape them over the bath to leave them to dry. In addition, hanging used towels on the back of a door will be a thing of the past. You can find out mote about the benefits of heated towel rails in a previous blog here.

Short on space? Our Hungerford model is part of our Essential Luxury handmade collection. This beautiful towel rail measures a neat 685 x 685mm and comes in a classic chrome. You can even choose between central heating, dual fuel and electric-only installation to suit any bathroom size

When it comes to picking bathroom heating solutions, always start by determining the heat output you need. This is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and will vary depending on a variety of factors. You will need to take into account the size of your room, windows and doors, and even the type of walls encasing it. British bathrooms are not always blessed with an abundance of space. So, there may be limited options in terms of where you can install your bathroom heating.

If you’re carrying out a complete renovation, then this will instantly open up your options for different bathroom heating ideas. Otherwise, if you already have a plumbed radiator or towel rail in your bathroom that you’re simply looking to replace, make sure to note down the exact measurements. Don’t forget to include the distance between the pipe inlets, so you’ve got every measurement, before you start shopping around. And when looking at bathroom heating ideas, it’s also important to factor in energy efficiency when budgeting. After all, low running costs could balance out investing in a higher quality design at the outset.

As a classic-style heated towel rail available in two widths and five heights, our popular Orion design can be given a modern twist thanks to its choice of finishes. In fact, we have more than 300 to pick from, including stylish textured styles, standard chrome and hundreds of RAL colours

How does bathroom heating run?

It’s important to decide whether you want your bathroom heating to be part of your central heating, have an electric-only installation or the best of both worlds with a dual-fuel model. Some of our designs come in all three options, so the choice could be down to you!

Design-wise, always check if you need to buy additional valves or accessories. Also, find out whether the pipework rises from the floor or wall before making a decision. This is crucial because this could impact on ease of installation in an existing bathroom. It’s also worth noting that all electric heaters must have a minimum IP rating of IPX4 , which means they’re protected against water splashes. And they need to be installed at least 0.6m from a bath or shower.

Looking for traditional bathroom heating ideas? Our Essential Luxury handmade collection offers a range of models with timeless design and modern functionality.

Shapes and styles

Now you’ve aware of some of the more practical considerations when it comes to bathroom heating, it’s time to look at your style options. Picking a shape and size is largely down to personal preference. So, consider the look and feel you want to create in your new bathroom. Wall-mounted and floor-standing heated towel rails usually have plenty of space to keep your towels toasty. And minimalist radiators may serve more of a purpose in terms of keeping your overall bathroom dry. So, you may want to consider accessories, such as additional shelves or hooks in the bathroom to ensure there are adequate storage solutions. Consider the overall projection of different designs when browsing bathroom heating ideas. So, this way, you’ll know what will fit into your bathroom space comfortably.

Luckily these days there are hundreds of different styles to choose from. Our new Azura heated towel rail is an ultra-modern design with plenty of hanging space. The textured Anthracite finish showcased here is on-trend for 2021 too. Watch this space as it is due to launch very soon

Colours and finishes

Our heated towel rails and bathroom radiators tend to come in a choice of different colours and finishes to suit both your style and budget. While chrome is a timeless classic, these days you can find other popular metallic finishes. These include glamorous golds and brass tones, as well as more modern looks such as matt black or white. Many of our contemporary models are available in a choice of RAL colours, and you can even colour-match with your favourite Farrow & Ball or Little Greene paint shades for some styles.

The Rosa is a quality product, which has been inspired by the latest sophisticated bathroom designs. Shown in a dazzling rose gold, lacquered finish, this classic towel rail has a modern feel

As members of the Manufacturers’ Association of Radiators and Convectors MARC, at DQ Heating, we have a huge range of high-quality bathroom heating ideas to suit any space and style. Check out our latest ranges to find your favourite design here.