In a small bathroom the radiator has to earn its place. The best choices use wall height rather than floor space, do two jobs at once, and are sized to the room's real heat loss rather than to the biggest model that fits.
For the general checklist, see our radiator buying guide.
Use the wall, not the floor
A tall, narrow towel rail or radiator takes little floor and wall width. Check projection (how far it stands from the wall) as well as height and width, because in a small room it determines how much space you lose beside the bath, shower or door.
Make it do two jobs
A heated towel rail warms and dries towels and contributes heat to the room, which can replace a separate radiator and towel hook. Browse bathroom radiators and heated towel rails. Examples include the DQ Heating Kylo heated towel rail, the DQ Heating Liana stainless steel towel rail and the DQ Heating Vulcano T designer towel rail.
Check the heat, not just the fit
A compact rail only works if its output matches the room. Small bathrooms can still lose heat through an external wall or window. Get a first estimate from our BTU calculator, then compare it with the product's published output at your system's ΔT. Our radiator size guide explains the process.
Where to place it
- Within reach of the bath or shower, but not where it will be splashed or knocked.
- Clear of door swings, window opening and storage.
- Close to existing pipework, which can reduce the installation work.
Central heating or electric?
If the pipes are close, a central heating rail shares your existing system. If not, an electric towel rail may be easier, but it needs a suitable electrical arrangement and, because bathrooms are special locations, any fixed electrical work must be done by a suitably qualified electrician. See electric vs central heating towel rails for the comparison.
Measurements to take
- Available wall height and width, including clearance from fittings.
- Projection allowance including valves.
- Pipe centres and where the pipes enter the room.
- Distance from the bath or shower.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by size alone without checking output.
- Forgetting the projection of the valves.
- Placing the rail where a door or towel will block it.
In short
Go tall and narrow, choose a dual-purpose towel rail, check the output for the room and confirm the pipe positions before you order.