Up until recently, a heated towel rack was considered a luxury item in someone's home. It was seen as something only the upper class would invest in or one of the perks of staying at a fancy hotel. Heating technology and design have come a long way in the past decade, making heated towel rails accessible for the majority of us now as well.
With many different materials and designs to choose from, you can find the perfect towel rail to suit your budget and needs. There's nothing quite like reaching out for a dry, warm towel every time you need one, so use this towel rail guide to find the perfect one.
What is a Towel Radiator Used For?
Towel radiators not only heat a room but also provide a space to warm and dry your towels and clothing.
Use towel radiators to dry and heat towels, wet clothing, socks, and dressing gowns. You can also place shoes near the towel rack if they need drying out. Keep in mind that delicate clothing and synthetics heat up much quicker and are sensitive to temperatures so don't leave them on the heated towel rail for too long.
If you use your towel rail to hang heavy items like thick duvet covers, jackets or large towels then go for a towel radiator that is large enough and made of strong material to provide ample support to your fabrics. If you simply need to hang a small hand towel or intend to use it for décor and aesthetics, opt for a smaller-sized heated towel rail that can act as a chic accessory to your room.
What Size Towel Rail Do I Need?
Most of the time this will depend on the size of your room. There's an array of towel rail sizes to choose from so it will be easy to get your hands on a towel rail to fit a large family bathroom or even a small kitchen or cloakroom.
Towel rail sizes range from 300mm to 1,900mm in height and 300mm to 1,800mm in width. Measure the wall against which you would like the towel rail to be installed, leaving ample room for pipes and heat output. You should also take into consideration the thickness of the towel rail itself and how far it will stick out from your wall.
Our BTU Calculator will help you make this decision. Just add in the dimensions of your room with window information and how much exposure that room gets to obtain your British Thermal Unit (BTU) figure.
Different Types Of Towel Rails
Apart from the size of your towel rail, you can choose what type of finish you like, what colour goes with your room, and also how the towel rail will be powered.
Gas Towel Radiators / Central Heating Radiators
Your home might be powered by a gas boiler that is connected to a thermostat through a central heating system. If this is the case then you will need a gas radiator that can be piped into your existing heating system.
Electric Radiators / Electric Towel Rails
These types of radiators are powered by your main electric supply and can be turned on or off individually when you want. Electric radiators and electric towel radiators are a popular choice for people living in flats, shared accommodations, and high-rise buildings. Because these are powered by electricity, they can be installed at any time, even after the rest of your property is fitted out or if you move into a space that doesn't have one.
Dual Fuel Radiators
Dual fuel radiators are also another popular choice for towel rails today and give you the best of both worlds - gas and electric.
You can choose which energy source you need at the time of use. This way, even if your central heating system is turned off, such as during the summer months, you can still use your towel rail independently through electricity.
Different Styles Of Towel Radiators
Towel radiators have been around for decades. So it's no wonder they now come in a wide choice of styles and designs. Have a look below at just a few of the different styles that are available at Designer Radiators Direct.
Column Towel Radiators
Column towel radiators are usually in the style of a column radiator that's surrounded by one or multiple heated towel rails. They are very useful if you need a stronger towel radiator for a large bathroom or would like extra towel space in your kitchen.
Flat-Panel Towel Radiators
Flat panel towel radiators have a more sleek design. Instead of having rounded tube-like towel rails, they have a flatter, thinner look. They can be handy for warming or drying clothes and towels as they have more surface space than the rounded rails. They also offer a more modern look to your space. They are available in ladder radiator styles or single panel styles.
Ladder Towel Radiators
The classic design that everyone knows. Not much needs to be said about these ladder towel radiators. They are favoured by many people and you’ve most likely owned one yourself at one point.
They are brilliant for their towel hanging space, impressive heat outputs, and affordable prices. They now come in a range of finishes and designs so they are no longer limited to the bathroom. They can add style and function to kitchens, cloakrooms, and more.
Shelf Towel Radiators
These shelf towel radiators are the definition of modern technology. Rather than having the simple ladder radiator design, they instead have useful shelves that are great for storing towels, adding candles or when used in living rooms, kitchens, and hallways, they are a fantastic way to boost your aesthetic by adding picture frames and ornaments.
One of the best things about these shelf radiators is that you don’t need a shelf on every section, so you can still make use of hanging towels and clothing on the heated towel rails. These are incredibly useful if you are limited on space whether it be your bathroom, living room, or hallway.
The modern “hidden radiator” look means it looks stylish in any space.
Small Towel Radiators
Worried you won’t have enough space for a towel radiator? Then worry not! We have a wide selection of smaller towel radiators to fit in rooms where space is limited. Don’t be deceived by their size. Many of these smaller towel rails offer exception heat outputs and can easily heat a smaller room.
Designer Towel Radiators
Many modern designer towel radiators have unique designs and styles to choose from. They are amazing for adding character or luxury to any space. With many giving the appeal of decorated art sculptures for the wall. If you're looking for something to stand out as a main feature in your room then have a look at our modern towel rails.
Coloured Towel Radiators
Towel radiators are no longer just chrome or white. You can now find an array of simple and designer coloured towel rails in a vast choice of finishes. Take a look at our Lux Heat Range for a great example of our coloured towel rails and painted radiators. You can choose the perfect finish to match your aesthetic or create a bold and unique look.
Some of the Lux Heat Finishes Include:
- British Racing Green
- Sunburst Orange
- Poppy Red
- Pastel Pink
- Galaxy Blue
- And Much More!
View our full range of Lux Heat finishes here.
Don't just stop there. Why not create a running theme throughout your property with matching bespoke coloured radiators. These fantastic radiators are available in both horizontal and vertical designs.
Choose The Right Towel Rail For Your Needs
Before investing in a heated towel rail, think about what you will use it for and how often. There is no point in installing a radiator in a room that doesn't get used very often. If you intend to use the radiator to dry your towels daily, remember to switch it off during the summer months or other long periods when you don't need it.
When hanging multiple items on your towel rail, be careful not to overcrowd it as smaller items may get burnt under the weight of heavier ones. Spread towels out to ensure that the whole fabric gets dry and warm equally.
Contact Us For Help & Advice
Can't find what you are looking for? If so take a look at our modern towel radiators or traditional towel rails to suit your aesthetic. Or take a look at our range of towel radiators to see the full collection. Need electric? We have a wide range of electric towel radiators to choose from so shop today.
Visit our sales page today if you are looking for a high-quality radiator at a bargain price. With massive discounts on designer radiators, you won't want to miss it!
If you have any questions regarding any of our towel radiators or other products please contact us today. Our award-winning customer service team is more than happy to help you find your dream radiator.
