During the colder months, it’s hard to get out of a warm, cosy bed – especially to make your way to the bathroom. And don’t even get us started on the freezing chills stepping out of a steamy shower!  What if we told you that there are many ways out there to make your bathroom just as warm and cosy and feel like you are stepping into a luxurious spa? From glamourous décor to options hidden out of sight, if you’re looking to turn up the heat in your bathroom, we’ve shared some of our favourite ideas below.

Under-floor heating

If walking on cold tiles is enough to make your toes curl, then consider adding under-floor heating. Available in both electric and water systems, under-floor heating will comfortably heat the floor and as the heat rises, gently heat the entire room. Whether you want the entire floor heated, or just specific areas, such as where your feet rest in front of the vanity or under the toilet, under-floor heating will have you feeling warm and luxurious as you step into the bathroom on a chilly morning, or out of the shower.

Fairly inexpensive to install as part of a bathroom renovation, the running costs of under-floor heating are also surprisingly cost effective compared to other methods of heating such as central heating systems or radiators, and they are relatively maintenance free. While radiators and heat lamps intensely heat the air directly around them (which can create hot and cold spots and drafts around the room) under-floor heating creates an even heat targeted to where you require it.  Another added bonus of underfloor heating is it also combats mould and mildew while making the room cosy and comfortable. As under-floor heating is literally hidden under the floor (hello sleek and clutter free), you will need to install it before your floor finish is laid down so make your decision early on during your renovation if you wish to include it.

Ceiling heating

While hot air may rise in many circumstances, when it comes to ceiling heating, the heat comes from overhead in the ceiling and ensures an evenly warm and comfortable experience with no hot and cold spots. Ceiling heating works by laying heating elements below a layer of insulation in the ceiling which then reflect the heat down into the room. Warming up where it is needed the most, the coldest surfaces in the room will attract more heat energy and as there are fewer cold objects in the room, you will feel warmer. The floor temperature will also rise and become warmer than the air.  Due to the radiating and re-radiating rays, even the hard to reach areas such as under the vanity or under the table will reach the same temperature as the rest of the room.

Ceiling heating has many of the same benefits of under-floor heating such as the even heating ability, health benefits such as mould reduction, no noise and a sleek, invisible-in-the-room appearance.

Heated Towel Rails

For fluffy and toasty towels every day, why not install heated towel rails? In Australia, electric heated towel rails are most commonly used which are operated by an isolating switch, similar to a light switch.  These elegant additions will not only keep your towels evenly dried, soft, fluffy and warm but can also heat up the entire bathroom and reduce condensation.

Unlike other heating options we have discussed that need to be installed during a renovation or build, heated towel rails can easily by retrofitted to your existing bathroom. Coming in many stylish options, heated towel rails can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, free-standing, horizontal, vertical, swivel and are available with a number of different rail configurations. As they dry towels quickly, a heated towel rail will also stop mould and germs from forming.

Electric Mirror Heater

For a truly luxurious bathroom routine, consider adding an electric mirror heater. Designed to remove condensation after a steamy shower, electric mirror heaters will give a clear reflection as soon as you hop out of the shower without the need to turn on a fan or wipe it manually with a towel, leaving streaks and lint behind.

Electric mirror heating works by taping a thin heater pad behind the mirror before it is fitted to wall. As it is added to the mirror, you can use whichever mirror you wish and do not need to buy a new mirror. The heat from the mirror will also reach and warm the objects in the room, giving an overall warm and comfortable experience.  Electric mirror heaters are also a retrofit option that can be installed by a licenced electrician. While there are options available on the market to make your mirror anti-fogging, only an electric mirror heater will also heat the room at the same time.

Bathroom heating does not have to be expensive to install or run and many options have low-to-no ongoing maintenance costs. Due to their soaring popularity, many bathroom heating options also have a modern and elegant look, complementing the room while some, such as the in ceiling and under flooring options, are totally hidden away from sight.

When buying electrical items, we always recommend choosing those that meet Australian safety standards, are from an authorised dealer and always use a licenced electrician for installation. When buying for the bathroom, always make sure that the item is suitable for a wet area and keep the item the recommended distance away from sources of water.

Our team at Mint Kitchen Group appreciate how cold the thermometer can get during the middle of a Melbourne winter and we love incorporating useful features such as temperature control into our projects.  Not only does modern bathroom heating give a luxurious feeling to your bathroom, but it is also a great feature when reselling your home in the future.  If you are renovating your bathroom, consider turning up the heat with these affordable yet luxurious heating options – you will thank yourself on cold winter mornings!

We have five showrooms based around Melbourne and are still taking one-on-one appointments where you can have a personalised experience with one of our specialist designers. Give us a call today to secure your appointment.