Tips For Choosing A Heated Towel Rail

Would you like warm fluffy towels on a cold winter's morning? Is your current bathroom cold when you hop out of the shower? Shopping for a heated towel rail but not sure which one to buy? Read on to find out how to select one that will suit your bathroom. 

Heated towel rails are mainstream and one of the most sought-after fixtures for the bathroom these days. A heated towel rail keeps your towels fresh and hygienic by discouraging the growth of mould and mildew. This indulgence is now an affordable option for any bathroom.

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Modern, minimalist bathroom heated towel rails are the way to go. They are energy efficient and an easy to install alternative to towel rails connected to a gas central heating or hydronic heating system. In the old days, heated towel rails were often connected to the central heating system and only worked if that system was turned on. Electric heated towel rails are independent operating systems and can be connected to thermostats and switches to only heat up when you require it. 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE

There are three main types of heated towel rails.

Ladder Rails – The most popular style, featuring two vertical bars with multiple horizontal rungs, creating a sleek ladder look. Available in a range of widths and heights, they’re perfect for saving wall space while doubling as a stylish towel holder.

Individually Heated Rails – A minimalist choice available on either vertical or horizontal layouts, connected discreetly through the wall for a clean, contemporary finish.

Free-Standing Rails – A classic option that offers flexibility and effortless installation. Simply plug into a standard outlet and enjoy warm towels anywhere in your bathroom.

Photos from Renovator Store and Bathroom%20Stock%20photos%20by%20Vecteezy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vecteezy

SELECT A FINISH THAT ELEVATES YOUR SPACE

Still undecided? Take a quick look around your bathroom space and soak up the vibe. Heated towel rails come in a stunning range of materials and finishes, from sleek chrome to highlighted golden hues and even warm-toned copper. Here are some popular styles to effortlessly upgrade your space!

Chrome is perfect for classic, minimalist style bathrooms. Proven and tested to match any aesthetic and withstand the test of trends.

Matte black is highly popular with modern bathrooms and architects specifying the latest in trends. It has a real appeal because of its neutral matte tone and its contrast with other colours and surfaces in the bathroom or kitchen.

Gold heated towel rails are gaining a crowd, thanks to its warm and highlighting tone. If you're looking for a pop of colour, this one is a must! Opt for a champagne, rose gold, or a toned-down gunmetal for that subdued avante-garde style.  

MATCH THE SIZE TO YOUR NEEDS

When choosing a heated towel rail, consider these factors:

• Bathroom size – larger bathrooms can accommodate bigger rails.
• Number of users – more people means more towels, so a larger rail is best.
• Towel load – if you use several towels, look for more rungs or wider bars.

A rail that’s too small won’t dry towels effectively, while one that’s too large wastes energy. For family bathrooms, the biggest size available is usually the most practical, as it can simultaneously hang multiple towels at once without overcrowding your bathroom space.

Photos from Renovator Store

LET STYLE REFLECT YOUR BATHROOM'S PERSONALITY

Choose a heated towel rail that complements your bathroom’s style. Traditional designs work well in classic or period-style homes, while modern finishes like chrome, white, or matte black suit contemporary interiors.

You’ll also want to consider the shape and design details. Curved or straight rails, along with arched or straight tops, can help create the look that best fits your bathroom.

PICK THE WIRING OPTION THAT WORKS FOR YOU

There are two options when installing a heated towel rail.

A plug-in unit is like any other electrical appliance and plugs into the power socket. A plug-in unit is not as safe as the hard-wired system and you need to ensure proper precautions are taken to keep the environment safe. A heated towel rail should never be installed inside a shower or directly above a bathtub as can increase the chance of electrical shock.

Hard-wired units will need to be integrated into the house's electrical system and require a licensed electrician to install. Hardwire conceals the wiring to a wall switch or smart timer.

Most systems can be operated with an on/off switch or with a timer. A timer will allow you to turn on your towel rail before your bath and shower each day so it's warm and toasty when you get out.

THINK ABOUT SMART TIMER CONTROL

This feature allows users to keep the temperature at a particular level.  With a touch screen thermostat, you can program your heated towel rail to switch on in the morning even before you wake up. You can also program it to turn off at a certain time so you save energy when it’s not needed.

Photo from Renovator Store

Other benefits of heated towel rails are:

• They help prevent the musty smell when towels are damp for too long.
• They make towels more hygienic and minimize damp-loving bacteria which can form on damp towels.
• They provide more comfort when drying yourself versus a cold wet towel.

Invest now in a heated towel rail to add some style to your bathroom and dry your wet towels quickly and conveniently. 

Photo from Pexels

If you’d like further assistance in selecting your heated towel rail, contact our friendly customer service team at 1800 RENOSTORE, or just click the green live chat icon at the bottom right corner of the page, or send an email to service@renovatorstore.com.au.  

Finally, we’ve added the below infographic to give you a quick overview of how to choose a suitable heated towel rail.