Designer advice: How to get the most out of heating your bathroom
When it comes to creating a bathroom that feels luxurious, comfortable and beautifully designed, heating is often the quiet hero. It shapes the atmosphere of your space, enhances your daily routine and ensures your bathroom feels inviting every time you step inside. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or looking to elevate your existing room, here, James, Senior Designer and Showroom Manager, from Ripples Wokingham explains how to get the most out of heating your bathroom.
Start With the Right Heat Source
Your choice of heating sets the tone for the entire space. The key is selecting something that not only delivers comfort but also works beautifully with your design.
Underfloor Heating
The gold standard for modern bathrooms. Underfloor heating distributes warmth evenly, removing cold spots and creating a gentle, ambient temperature underfoot. It’s discreet, efficient and ideal for tiled floors.
Heated Towel Rails
More than just a heating source, a statement towel rail adds personality and practicality. They warm the room and keep your towels perfectly soft and cosy - a small luxury you’ll appreciate every day.
Dual-Fuel Options
For year-round comfort, consider dual-fuel radiators or towel warmers. They run on your central heating in winter and switch to electricity in summer, giving you total flexibility.
“Tiles, when used thoughtfully, can create a dramatic transformation in even the tiniest of bathrooms. By opting for larger formats, light colours, vertical arrangements and reflective finishes, you can make your small bathroom feel much bigger - and make a big impact on the overall design.”
-Danielle, Showroom Owner and Designer Ripples Lindfield
Layer Your Heat for Maximum Comfort
Just like interior design, bathroom warmth benefits from layering. Combining underfloor heating with a towel rail or radiator creates a balanced, consistent heat source.
Underfloor heating provides ambient heat.
A towel rail adds targeted warmth and a touch of comfort.
A design-led radiator can warm larger bathrooms effectively while becoming a style feature.
This layered approach feels luxurious and ensures no corner of your bathroom is overlooked.
Consider Your Materials
Some materials hold heat better than others, making your bathroom feel warmer for longer.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles conduct heat beautifully with underfloor systems.
Natural stone retains heat, creating a premium, spa-like feel.
Warm-toned brassware and accessories can visually warm up a space, even before the heating comes on.
Choosing the right materials can dramatically enhance your heating system’s efficiency and your daily experience.
Be Mindful of Ventilation
Good ventilation protects your heating investment. Warm bathrooms can create humidity, so ensure you have:
An effective extraction fan, ideally humidity-sensing
Adequate air circulation
A design that avoids heat being lost unnecessarily
A well-ventilated bathroom not only feels better, it also prevents mould, protects surfaces and keeps your heating system operating at its best.
Tailor Your Heating to Your Lifestyle
Your bathroom heating should reflect the rhythm of your daily life. Think about when the room is used most, whether it’s early morning showers, evening wind-down routines or a mix of both, and choose a system that supports those habits. Smart controls make it easy to programme warmth exactly when you need it, so your bathroom always feels comfortable without wasted energy.
Elevate the Experience With Finishing Touches
It’s often the smaller details that make the biggest difference. Heated mirror pads, plush bath mats, warm lighting and well-placed towel rails all contribute to a space that feels cosy, calm and considered. These subtle additions might seem minor, but together they create a beautifully welcoming bathroom you’ll enjoy every single day.
Thoughtful heating turns your bathroom into a calm, comfortable retreat - one that works beautifully with your lifestyle and design. Whether you’re exploring underfloor heating, upgrading your towel rail or planning a complete transformation, our expert designers can help you create a space that feels warm, welcoming and unmistakably you.
Book a design appointment with your local Ripples showroom today and discover how heating can transform your bathroom into a sanctuary.
For more bathroom advice from our team of specialist bathroom designers, download or request a copy of our free Style Guide.
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