A heated towel rail is an excellent solution for keeping your towels warm and cosy while also ensuring that an essential home space like the bathroom remains comfortable. It is therefore important to consider where to install it, especially if the room is small and space optimisation is necessary for everyone's convenience.
What is the difference between a heated towel rail and a designer radiator?
Like radiators, heated towel rails are part of a home's heating system, but upon closer examination, some differences can be found.
- As mentioned earlier, designer radiators are part of a home’s interior design while also serving the purpose of heating the space.
- Heated towel rails, on the other hand, have a specific function reserved for the bathroom: they keep towels warm while also ensuring the right level of thermal comfort.
- Designer radiators include different types of radiators, from cast iron to steel and aluminium models, which are installed in other rooms of the house. Heated towel rails, however, are mostly made of steel.
- Radiators come in various sizes, but they are generally larger than heated towel rails, which are designed to take up less space while still being efficient.
Focusing specifically on heated towel rails, they can be connected to the central heating system, allowing hot water to circulate inside and generate heat. Alternatively, there are electric heated towel rails, where the heat is produced by an electric resistance through which the current passes.
From this perspective, they are similar to radiators that form part of the classic designer radiator category and are also available in electric versions.
Where to place a heated towel rail in the bathroom?
The placement of a heated towel rail in the bathroom depends on several factors, including design. This heating element now responds to certain style requirements to create harmony within the space.
From this perspective, high-quality heated towel rails not only come in a wide range of colours but also in two distinct shapes:
- vertical heated towel rails – more traditional;
- horizontal heated towel rails – more modern and innovative.
For example, a horizontal heated towel rail requires a larger area for installation and can be positioned above the bathtub or, alternatively, along a wider wall.
Since their function is to warm towels and heat the room, vertical heated towel rails are often placed near the sink or sanitary ware, as well as close to the shower.
Another popular location is next to the door, especially when the bathroom is small. In this case, it is always advisable to ensure the door remains closed to prevent heat loss and maintain a properly heated room.
Of course, it is essential to consider the layout of the plumbing and electrical systems to find an installation solution that does not require extensive building work, which could cause inconvenience.
What are heated towel rails dimensions?
The positioning of a heated towel rail is influenced by its size, including height, width, and depth. Depending on the model, the depth typically ranges from 6 to 15 cm.
This information is available in the product’s technical data sheet. When considering the installation of a designer radiator, it is always advisable to consult an expert technician who can provide useful guidance on the required heat output, meaning the power of the radiator or heated towel rail, calculated based on the size of the room to be heated.
This is a key step to ensure the bathroom is neither too hot nor too cold. Once installed, heat distribution can be even more efficient with the use of smart home technology, such as smart thermostatic valves, which offer:
- remote control via a smartphone app;
- instant and precise temperature adjustment;
- real-time updates, even when away from home;
- the ability to set the desired temperature before returning home, ensuring a perfectly heated bathroom for a well-deserved moment of relaxation.
How much does it cost to install a heated towel rail?
The cost of installing a heated towel rail largely depends on the chosen model and the complexity of the installation process.
Labour costs must also be considered, as they vary depending on the professional carrying out the installation.
The price of a heated towel rail itself also depends on the model. For a high-quality heated towel rail that ensures good performance, prices generally range between 170 pounds and 550 pounds, with the upper end including premium models.
