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All you need to know about buying the right towel rail for your bathroom. bathroom stainless steel basin
When it comes to contemporary bathroom design, towel rails are often preferred over standard radiators – and we can see why. There’s nothing better than stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a warm, fluffy towel. Towel rails are a smart, space-saving addition to bathrooms, offering not only practicality but a sleek, designer look. Plus, the warmth from a heated towel rail provides extra heat in your bathroom, creating a cosy environment on even the chilliest of days.
'Bathrooms tend to have limited space available but the last thing you want in the colder months is for the room to be freezing,' says Simon Morris, marketing manager at The Radiator Company. 'If you'd love the comfort of toasty warm towels when you step out from the bath, and would like to keep the chill off the room as a whole, consider investing in a towel rail.
'Space is often a consideration when choosing a towel rail but you also need to ensure you have enough hanging space on the rail to accommodate everyone's towels. One of the first things you need to ask yourself is how many people use the bathroom, and how many towels are you likely to have?'
When investing in a towel rail, watch out for where the wall hanging brackets are located, Simon warns: 'Brackets often sit between the cross bars at the back and limit the hanging space down the middle for damp towels. Look for ranges with brackets on the outside collectors to increase hanging space.'
From ladder towel rails to traditional cast iron towel rails, and even compact designs for a smaller bathroom, there's a myriad of styles on offer. Towel rails also come in various forms, such as electric, dual fuel and even freestanding. If you're considering a heated towel warmer, you’ll need to think about what power source you’ll be using to heat it. There are three main power sources for heated towel rails:
Fans of industrial decor will love this black ladder towel rail. Designed with practicality in mind, there are several size options available to offer space for multiple towels. Pair with white brick tiles for a contemporary look.
Not everyone wants to go through the hassle of installing a heated towel rail. Freestanding towel rails maximise storage in your bathroom whilst offering a sleek and stylish look. This contemporary towel rail is designed with four sections, providing ample space to hang towels.
Featuring a panelled design and a stone grey painted finish, this heated towel rail from Victoria Plum complements ultra modern bathroom spaces. The dual heating element can heat up a whole room – as well as towels – making it an ideal option for family bathrooms.
Who said bathrooms have to be cold, sterile and white? Add a splash of colour to your bathroom with this punchy orange towel rail. The asymmetric design not only offers practicality when hanging towels but acts as a striking focal point in the room.
With its double towel bars, upper towel rack and wall-mounted design, this chic gold towel rail is the ultimate space-saver. Simply mount on the wall with fixing screws and add your favourite fluffy towels. The heavy duty design means you can place your large bath sheets on top without having to worry.
A perfect pairing for homes with a traditional feel, this cast iron-style heated towel rail exudes elegance and class. The white column insert gives this towel warmer a period look, whilst the brass heating elements provide snuggly warmth throughout your bathroom. Style with vintage bathroom accessories to complete the look.
Featuring a sleek industrial metal frame, this over-the-door hanging towel rail from Mano Mano is ideal for small bathrooms that lack floor space. With a four bar design, it can hang enough towels for the whole family. Simply hang over a door up to a thickness of 5cm and it's ready to be used.
Incorporating brushed brass in your bathroom is a simple way to make it look expensive – as proven here by this luxury heated rail from Royal Bathrooms. It has 12 rounded bars to hang plenty of towels and even comes with a five year guarantee.
Cool and contemporary, this black towel warmer features clean lines and curved edges to create an ultra-modern look. Plus, it's powerful enough to heat the whole room.
Amplify your bathroom storage with a five-tiered towel rail. This affordable option from Argos is designed with elegant curves to complement a traditional bathroom scheme. Practical as well as charming, it can be easily moved around the room to create more floor space.
Featuring a versatile design that can be hung left or right, this modern towel warmer provides ample space for hanging towels. It has a unique singular vertical bar shape, making it easier to hang towels in a hurry. It's an ideal option if you're after a high-end, luxury look.
Redesigning your small bathroom and unsure if you can incorporate a towel rail? You'll be pleased to know that even small bathrooms with limited wall space can have the luxury of a towel rail. Compact towel warmers are an essential for small bathrooms, with this contemporary anthracite option sizing up at just 60cm x 40cm.
If you're revamping your bathroom and want to create a space with wow factor, opt for a horizontal towel rail. Designed with a slimline profile, this steel grey radiator provides a contemporary storage solution that will maximise space under windows and over baths.
Laura Hill is the Homes Ecommerce Editor for House Beautiful UK, covering the latest shopping trends, budget interior buys and new homeware collections. Since 2016, Laura has written extensively across the home, DIY, garden, retail and property sectors, covering the latest product launches from big brands like John Lewis, Habitat and Dunelm. Her work can be found across publications such as House Beautiful, Country Living and Prima, as well as being translated for ELLE Japan. Before joining House Beautiful, Laura was a writer and editor at major DIY retailer B&Q for six years, specialising in editorial content across kitchens and bathrooms. Laura studied at Bournemouth University, where she completed a BA in Media Communications. When Laura isn’t testing that viral homeware product you’ve been eyeing up on TikTok or finding the best Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day deals, you’ll find her researching the best budget DIY hacks or tackling her latest room renovation. Follow Laura on Instagram at @laurahillyy.
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