When redesigning our bathrooms it can be hard to know what are the best pieces of furniture and equipment to implement, not just for the design and aesthetic of your room, but also for your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. A particular decision that often has people struggling is choosing between the traditional radiator or a heated towel rail. Both have their pros and cons, and we're here to offer you a radiators vs heated towel rails guide, so you can be sure to make the best decision for you and your space.
Radiators
Radiators are the optimum way of heating the whole room when implemented in a bathroom. They're great for larger spaces if you're searching for a way to ensure every inch of the space is heated. Their large surface area provides the perfect heat source to cover all areas. They use water that gets heated inside the radiator, which then conducts the heat and radiates in around the rest of the room.
Above, Athens Matt Black Triple Column Horizontal Traditional Radiator 600x1190mm
Heated Towel Rails
Heated towel rails are a great alternative to the traditional radiator style. They do what their name suggests, in that they heat your towels, but are not as effective at heating your whole room. Standard heated towel rails will connect to the same central heating system as your traditional radiators, but tend to emit less heat. Electric heated towel rails come with an electric element which is what heats up the fluid inside, warming the towel rail and the area near to it.
Above, Madrid Electric Matt Black Designer Heated Towel Rail 1200x450mm
What are the benefits of radiators?
They provide heat coverage to the whole room
They can be controlled using your normal thermostat
Radiators can offer dry air for damp bathroom environments, protecting the room from mould
Ideal for larger rooms
They provide an optimal amount of warmth in the colder months
Provide adjustable temperatures for comfort
What are the benefits of heated towel rails?
They save space in smaller rooms
Allow for more installation opportunities
Heat up quickly
They can be more eco friendly compared to gas options
Provide an additional storage option for towels
Prevents damp and cold towels
Can be wall mounted to save floor space
More design options available
What are the disadvantages of radiators?
They can dictate your room layout
Can be slow to heat up
Don't offer many design choices
Can be bulky in smaller spaces
Can result in draughts/ cold spots
Not overly energy efficient
Have sharp corners
What are the disadvantages of heated towel rails?
Can require professional installation
They aren't overly efficient at heating the whole room
Can get too hot to touch
Confusing options on the market
Can't be easily moved around after first installation
