Bathroom Heating Options: 7 Toasty Bathroom Heating Ideas

Keep warm in style this winter.

Ever stayed an extra five minutes in bed on a frosty morning or dreaded getting out of the shower on a cold winter's evening? These are telltale signs that your bathroom heating is not up to scratch and that it's time to upgrade to a more modern solution.

Gone are the days when the only option to heat your bathroom was the same standard radiator you had in every other room in your house; these days, there are lots of bathroom heating ideas for you to consider. As well as providing the heat required to keep your bathroom beautifully warm; modern radiators can also add to the look and style of your bathroom.

In this heating guide, we will shed light on the different bathroom heating options that are available today.

Why is Bathroom Heating Important?

Bathroom heating is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it greatly improves comfort, making daily routines like showering or bathing more enjoyable. Stepping into a warm bathroom, especially in the winter, turns an uncomfortable experience into a pleasant one. This is especially important in the mornings and evenings when it’s colder.

Secondly, good bathroom heating prevents condensation, which can cause dampness and mould. Bathrooms are naturally humid, and without enough heat, moisture can build up on cold surfaces, leading to mould and mildew. This not only affects the look of your bathroom but also poses health risks. Proper heating keeps surfaces dry and prevents these issues.

Additionally, bathroom heating improves safety. Wet floors can be slippery and dangerous, increasing the risk of falls. Heated floors or radiators help dry up water quickly, reducing the chance of accidents. This is particularly important in homes with elderly people or young children who are more likely to slip and fall.

Finally, modern bathroom heating solutions, like underfloor heating or designer radiators, can make your bathroom look better. These options combine function and style, adding a touch of luxury to the space.

Bathroom Heating Options

We will look at the plus points of each heating option with a keen eye on bathroom size, budget, and style.

1. Straight Ladder Radiators

Ladder style radiators are available in either a straight or curved option. They are a fantastic space saving option, which makes them ideal for any size bathroom. There are smaller (shorter) options that could be perfect for a cloakroom bathroom or ensuite, and there are also tall ladder radiators that work well in a family bathroom. The straight ladder style offers a contemporary look that wouldn't be out of place in any modern bathroom design.

Chrome is a very popular finish, however, ladder radiators are also commonly available in white, black, and anthracite. As well as the different radiator colours, you may also want to consider a quirkier design.

2. Curved Ladder Radiators

Curved ladder radiators are, of course, visually similar to the straight option. The difference, however, is that the curved variety benefits from a 3D design that can work beautifully with other curved fixtures in your bathroom. Perhaps a good example of this is our Orion combination vanity unit, which is designed with a gorgeous curved front facia. A curved ladder radiator coupled with the curved lines of the Orion unit would really complement each other.

Like straight ladder radiators, the curved option comes in a variety of sizes and designs. One other difference between the two styles is that the curved profile is actually a little easier to hang towels on, so it might help out with any person who struggles with tasks like this.

3. Designer Radiators

Designer radiators can add a luxury touch to your bathroom design. As well as being a functional heating system, these designer bathroom heating options can also be a standout feature of your bathroom in their own right. There are some fantastic designer styles to choose from including, wall length vertical designs and chrome plated horizontal radiators.

A designer radiator can certainly add character and personality to your bathroom, and some designs can offer even more than that. Today, it is possible to buy designer radiators with integrated mirrors and even built-in TV screens! One last thing to mention is that the designer radiator valves are sold separately and can be bought online from us.

4. Traditional Towel Rails

Traditional towel rails offer modern heating technology combined with an authentic period look. The design is essentially a traditionally designed column radiator enclosed inside chrome plated pipes. This easy-to-install design is surprisingly compact, which makes them perfect for small bathrooms.

Choosing this style of radiator adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom. When used in the right setting, a traditional towel rail harmonises perfectly with traditional bathroom fixtures and furniture.

5. Electric Towel Rails

Every bathroom heating idea we've mentioned so far operates by tapping into your home's hot water supply. However, there is another way of heating your bathroom using a different utility. Electric towel rails run off your home's electricity supply, which could potentially save you money. Many electric options come with an on and off switch, which means you can turn the radiator on to heat your towel and off again when you leave the bathroom. This is especially handy in the warmer months.

Electric towel rails are available in all the same shapes, sizes and colours as conventional radiators, so you don't have to compromise on style if you go for the electric option.

6. Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is a bathroom heating idea that has really grown in popularity in the last few years. This heating solution requires you to place either electrical wire or piped hot water underneath your bathroom floor, which in turn heats the floor and the rest of your bathroom.

Underfloor heating has become so popular because it means there will be no cold spots on your floor and you can enjoy a more consistent temperature throughout your bathroom. The underfloor option is a good choice if you're installing a new bathroom because you can have the underfloor heating in place before you lay your bathroom floor.

7. Traditional Column Radiators

Traditional column radiators are a practical, functional design that has a timeless look. Perfect for either a contemporary or traditional bathroom design, this style of radiator is available in a multitude of shapes and sizes.

If you're designing a traditionally styled bathroom and you're looking for something a little different, then why not consider a Shaftsbury ornate cast iron design designed by UK heritage radiator brand Paladin.

Another stylish look that is really hotting up is anthracite column radiators. This stunning colour works well in almost any setting, which makes it desirable amongst homeowners.

What is BTU Rating?

One other point that's important to share with you is that all radiators come with a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. A BTU rating is essentially how much heat a radiator will generate. It's good to know this when thinking about the size of your bathroom. As a rough guide, smaller radiators will have a BTU of approximately 1,300, while larger radiators typically score around the 1,900 mark. For more information, read our article on how to calculate BTU.

How Can You Improve Heat Retention in Your Bathroom?

Improving heat retention in a bathroom involves using the right materials and insulation methods to reduce heat loss and boost energy efficiency. Here are some key options:

• Double-glazed windows: Installing windows with two panes of glass and a gap in between acts as an insulating barrier, reducing heat loss and keeping the bathroom warmer.
• Insulated walls and roof: Using insulation materials like fiberglass, foam or cellulose in the walls and roof helps keep heat from escaping, improving overall energy efficiency.
• Floor insulation: Adding insulation under the bathroom floor, especially if it's above an unheated space, can greatly improve heat retention. Materials like rigid foam boards or insulated panels can be used.
• Thermal linings for curtains and blinds: Curtains or blinds with thermal linings add extra insulation to windows, trapping heat inside and reducing warmth escaping through the glass.
• Vinyl flooring: Choosing vinyl flooring, which is warmer than ceramic or porcelain tiles, can help retain heat. Vinyl can also be paired with underfloor heating systems for added warmth.
• Radiator reflectors: Placing reflective panels behind radiators directs heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the walls, improving heating efficiency.

By using these materials and methods, you can create a bathroom that retains heat better, making it warmer and more comfortable year-round.

Have you picked up some bathroom heating ideas for your own bathroom design? We hope you have found this guide useful and that it has helped you make a more informed decision. One last tip is that when you browse heating ideas on the Victorian Plumbing website, you have the option to filter the pages according to radiator size, type, style, colour and BTU rating. Use these filters to narrow down the heating options that are perfect for your bathroom. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your dream bathroom.