6 affordable ways to heat your bathroom in winter

Forget the freeze! From floor to ceiling, you can warm your bathroom with these cost-effective and efficient solutions.

1. WARM UP YOUR BATHROOM WITH UNDERFLOOR HEATING

If you're planning a new build or looking to renovate your bathroom, consider underfloor heating. Installed while you upgrade your flooring, it can make an enormous difference to bathroom comfort.

There are two main types of underfloor heating: electric and hydronic. Hydronic underfloor heating pumps warm water through pipes. Both types heat the floor evenly and are blissfully silent. Underfloor heating is hidden and unobtrusive, and good for allergy sufferers since it doesn't blow particles around like a fan or AC unit might.

2. ADD A HAND-LOOMED RUG OR QUICK-DRYING BATH MAT

You don't need to spend a lot of money to turn up the heat in your bathroom. Tick boxes of budget, style and comfort underfoot with a heavenly hand-loomed or touch-me Turkish rug.

Also perfect for a pop of colour, choose from natural wool, carefree cotton or sumptuous silk in brightly coloured patterns and style, from traditional Turkish to modern macrame.

3. CONSIDER A HEATED TOILET SEAT FOR YOUR BATHROOM

Once a novelty, toilet technology has come a long way and what a difference it makes! Pimp your toilet for ultimate comfort and functionality with products such as this bidet spa seat, which can be retrofitted.

"Heated toilets are very popular in Europe, particularly in colder climates. We're seeing them grow in popularity in Australia with the increased demand for tech in the bathroom that provides added comfort and increases hygiene," says Daniela.

4. DRY AND WARM YOUR TOWELS WITH HEATED RAILS

A heated towel rail can be as high- or low-tech as your space and budget allow. Go minimal with a single rail or go luxe with a floor-to-ceiling heated towel rail system. Of course, a heated towel rail dries your towel too, so it's warm and ready when you need it.

Slimline models can be hardwired in a new build or renovation, whereas in older homes or where air circulation is limited, a heated towel rail can be 'soft wired' and plugged into a power outlet. This means you can install it yourself.

5. INSTALL THERMOSTATIC MIXERS IN YOUR BATHROOM

This wonderful innovation prevents scalding - which is important if you have kids - and there's no waiting to get the temperature just right before you dash under the shower. A thermostatic mixer will regulate and maintain the temperature and flow of water, set to your own specifications for the ideal wakeup waterfall.

"A thermostatic mixer protects you from sudden fluctuations in water temperature, so even if somebody flushes the toilet or turns on the kitchen tap the temperature of your shower will stay the same," says Daniela.

6. GET AN EXHAUST FAN AND HEAT LAMP COMBO

While the IXL Tastic may conjure images of your mum's 1985 bathroom, a combined exhaust fan, ceiling light and heat lamp is a technology that continues to improve and innovate.

It's an efficient and inexpensive all-rounder that punches above its weight - clearing the air of steam and smells and warming your bod in winter, making that transition out of the shower less of a shock. Want mood lighting? There's a multi-option LED globe that allows you to choose from 'warm', 'cool' or 'daylight' light.

Source: homebeautiful