Elements such as towel rails that were once considered to be purely functional in a home have now taken on a far greater design emphasis. The heated towel rail was first pioneered in the early 20th century. The early models, often called ‘bath radiators’, were for many years only available as a standard ladder rail. Even when electrical products allowed them to gain popularity in the 1980s, the way they looked altered very little until far more recently.
Today, however, towel rails can play an important role in creating diverse interior statements – with a vast choice of profiles, colours and finishes. They are also no longer just found in the bathroom; they have become a staple in kitchens and utility areas as well.
Manufacturers now offer an extensive range of styles and designs to suit almost any aesthetic. Whether customers prefer curved, tubular, flat, freestanding, contemporary or classic designs, there are countless options available to help bring their vision to life. A growing trend is the side-loading model, making towels easier to access while improving practicality.
In smaller bathrooms, a compact horizontal design is an ideal option to make better use of awkward spaces, such as the wall above a bath or beneath a window. For customers wanting to maximise functionality, options like The Radiator Company’s Quadraqua Electric rail offer a smart combination of heated towel shelving and a radiator panel, creating a stylish feature that also serves two practical purposes.
In addition, towel rails are not just limited to wall mounted designs. Floorstanding ranges are becoming increasingly popular due to their timeless design. For older properties, consider styles with distinctive period features, such as ball joint connections, cast iron radiator sections and antique copper or bronze finishes, such as the Chalfont Floor Standing Towel Rail, to enrich the design themes.
COLOUR IS KEY
Colour has become an important consideration for today’s homeowners and specifiers, with bathroom design moving far beyond the traditional white and chrome finishes of the past. Leading manufacturers will be able to provide an extensive palette of colours, giving customers far more freedom to personalise their space.
Statement finishes including brass and matt black remain highly sought after for taps and shower fittings. Choosing a towel rail in a matching tone or texture can help create a coordinated look throughout the bathroom and achieve a more unified overall design.
For homeowners wanting to add more character and a maximalism decor, then brightly coloured towel rails can become a standout feature. Shades such as blush pink, deep green, mustard yellow, or rich blue allow customers to express their individuality while adding visual interest to the room.
On the other hand, some customers may prefer a more understated appearance and the trend for colour-drenching a space remains hugely popular. In these cases, options like paint-matched finishes should be considered.
For example, The Radiator Company offers colour coordination services, which allows towel rails and fittings to blend discreetly with surrounding wall colours. Requesting colour samples beforehand is recommended as a best practice approach to ensure the perfect match.
It has never been easier to ensure that every aspect of a home matches the homeowner’s ambition. By thinking about the style, placement and colour of a radiator, you can create a design element that enhances the finish of the room and doesn’t detract from it. www.theradiatorcompany.co.uk