Safety First: Electrical Standards and Bathroom Zones
Because heated towel rails are electrical appliances, correct placement is critical for safety—especially in wet areas. Follow these standard safety guidelines when installing your heated towel warmer:
- Keep at least 600mm from showers, baths, and vanities
- Mount at least 600mm above the floor
- Choose models with an IP44 rating or higher for splash protection
- Ensure compliance with Australian electrical safety standards
You can install most towel rails in two ways:
- Hard-wired (offers a cleaner, safer, and more permanent solution)
- Plug-in (best for renters or temporary upgrades)
All Eskimo Heat towel rails, including the Gordon and Loop heated towel rails, meet or exceed these requirements—making them a safe choice for any bathroom.
Aesthetics: Let Your Towel Rail Enhance Your Space
Beyond practicality, a heated towel rail should complement your bathroom design. To create a visual focal point:
- Place it on a clear, uncluttered wall
- Avoid installing it above toilets or squeezed into corners
- Opt for finishes that match your fittings and tile palette
The Gordon vertical heated towel rail offers a sleek, architectural look—blending minimalist form with high functionality. Empty, it resembles a design statement, but when in use, it becomes a hard-working drying system that holds up to four towels. By choosing the right spot, you’ll improve the visual flow of your space while also getting a highly effective appliance. Furthermore, always opt for colour samples before buying. That way you can add the sample to your mood board and visualise how it'll match with your tiles or wall surface.
Practicality: Keep Towels Warm, Dry, and Within Reach
Let’s face it—drying towels faster is the entire point of installing a heated towel rail. So don’t place it too far from where you actually need it. Best practice is to:
- Install your towel rail close to your shower, vanity, or bath
- Ensure easy access without obstruction
- For small bathrooms, consider a space-saving vertical model like Gordon
Vertical heated towel rails are particularly effective for fast drying, as towels hang with full contact across the towel rail. This prevents the damp buildup common with bunched towels and helps reduce mould and mildew—a big concern in humid or poorly ventilated bathrooms.
Making Trade-Offs: When the Ideal Spot Isn’t Possible
Sometimes your layout won’t allow for the perfect placement. If you’re dealing with tight walls, door swings, or high-traffic zones, remember:
- Always prioritise safety first. Aesthetics and practicality can be adjusted—electrical safety cannot.
- Fortunately, the Gordon heated towel rail gives you more options. Its vertical footprint, low-profile design, and wall-mount flexibility make it easier to install in unconventional spaces without compromising performance.
Why the Gordon Heated Towel Rail Makes Installation Easier
Designed for both new builds and retrofits, Gordon simplifies towel rail placement:
- Complies with Australian electrical standards
- IP44 rated for splash zones
- Safe to touch (43°C surface temp)
- Vertical design for small spaces
- Fast-drying and energy efficient
- Easy to retrofit or include in your bathroom reno
Whether you’re adding warmth to your ensuite, upgrading for winter, or building from scratch, Gordon gives you the flexibility to install where it works best—functionally and visually. Explore the full range of vertical heated towel rails and find the right fit for your bathroom upgrade.
