The humble heated towel rail has moved on from simply a functional object, with heated towel rails now offering striking design elements and unique visual features to the bathroom area. Most electric heated towel rails are energy efficient and easy to install and are available in countless styles and finishes. Many can also be connected to thermostats and timers if required.

Heated towel rail styles

There are three main styles of heated towel rail; ladder, free-standing and individually heated rails. A ladder rail is the most common type of heated towel rail on the market and has two vertical rails with numerous horizontal rails that create the ‘ladder’.

Wall mounted heated towel racks

Wall mounted ladder heated towel rails are available in many different sizes - including width and height options - and are an ideal solution for smaller bathrooms with limited floor space. Individually heated rails are less common. These are heated towel rails that work independently from one another and are connected to the wall rather than to each other with vertical rails on each side.  

Freestanding heated towel rails

Freestanding heated towel rails are a more traditional system and are still a popular style, coveted mainly for their flexibility in terms of being able to move easily and use in different areas as required. 

Heated towel warmer finishes

As well as style, heated towel rails come in various finishes. The most common are chrome, stainless steel and matte black. Stainless steel is generally thought of as the most hardwearing and durable material finish for the bathroom and is available in both brushed and polished finishes. 

Matte black has been popular lately and is often chosen for the dramatic visual appeal it can create in a contemporary bathroom. 

Heated towel rail wiring options

There are various options when it comes to installing a heated towel rack. A plug-in towel warmer works the same way as any other appliance and plugs into the power socket. Hardwired towel racks are generally seen as the safest option and require an electrician to install. Both hardwired and plug-in towel warmers can be operated with timers and thermostats.