Bathroom interior design is notoriously tricky, and striking the balance between the pretty and the practical can often prove to be an unenviable task. Whether you’re adding a little life to an en-suite, or giving your main bathroom a monumental makeover, choosing the right towel warmer will undoubtedly be part of the design process. 

When it comes to towel warmer selection, there are three key elements to consider: finding the perfect shape, size and finish. Whilst shape and size depend on the spatial aspects of your washroom, the finish is all about your aesthetic.

Afterall, heated towel racks don’t just bring warmth and comfort to your bathroom; they’re a statement design feature too. We’ve put together a few of our favourite heated towel rail finishes that could breathe new life into your bathroom…

Beautiful Brushed Gold

Probably the hottest trend for 2022, brushed gold hardware offers a sumptuous focal point in bathroom interior design. The metallic lustre of  Sorano in Brushed Gold delivers an elegant statement and the gentle shimmer catches the light gorgeously. This high-end finish complements warmer colour palettes exceptionally, so pair with velvety emeralds and deep navys to really set the senses alive.

Matte Black Moment

Matte black hardware is the gift that keeps on giving. Once predicted to be a fleeting trend: strong, matte black hardware is now the defining feature of contemporary kitchen and bathrooms design. Most commonly seen in taps and small fixtures, a heated towel rail like Ortona in Matte Black is a big, bold expression of how matte black hardware can be a dominant feature of strong, modern bathroom design.

Classic Chrome Kiss

Sometimes, classic just works best. A bright, lustrous chrome towel warmer like Kontour Square in Chrome delivers the high-shine finish that characterises timeless bathroom design. Perfect for catching and reflecting light, chrome towel warmers are a simple way to make smaller spaces appear bigger and brighter. Chrome finishes are ideal for cooler colour palettes: think icy blues and silvery greys for the perfect marriage. 

Sumptuous Brushed Nickel

The muted, understated cousin of chrome, brushed nickel is ideal if you’re trying to achieve a slightly more subdued metallic finish. Favoured in traditional bathroom design schemes, the deeper tones of Vasto in Brushed Nickel (pictured above) provide a stunning focal point that complements warmer colour palettes perfectly.

Wow with White

For something a little more out the box, matte white towel warmers are the daring choice for the trend-setters out there. Sorano in Matte White is a powerful modern design feature, perfect for imbuing a sense of calm and serenity whilst offering a signature, focal point in your washroom. A brighter, fearless take on modern design, a matte white towel warmer is the forward-looking choice if you’re willing to make a statement with your bathroom hardware.

Find your perfect towel warmer finish with ICO

ICO is passionate about bringing beautiful bathrooms to homes across North America. Our towel warmers, vessel sinks and accessories are stunning fixtures, designed to bring beautiful design accents to your home.

We’re proud to offer generous warranties and first-rate customer service. By working together with trusted dealers, we bring affordable luxury with contemporary and classic designs to you. If you want to learn more about towel warmers, browse our collections or find your nearest ICO dealer.

Perched atop the bathroom counter, a vessel sink offers a stunning focal point in contemporary washroom design. From perfectly rounded bowls and sleek rectangular sinks, through to asymmetrical basins and delicate oval styles: there’s a vessel sink to complement bathrooms of all aesthetics. 

Vessel sinks don’t just look gorgeous – they’re super simple to install and space saving alternatives to traditional washbasins. If you’re planning on adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom, then a vessel sink might just be the most chic and easy way to do so! 

What is a vessel sink?

Vessel sinks sit on top of the countertop or vanity. Best suited to washrooms, they’re often small to medium sized basins that aren’t pre-fitted with faucets. Typically, faucets are placed anywhere around the perimeter of the sink, either fitted into the countertop or into the wall. In order to avoid splashback and spillages, it’s important to consider the placement of the faucet in relation to the vessel sink, ensuring that the spout is directly over the drain or center of the sink. 

The benefits 

Vessel sinks are decorative design pieces that add character and style to modern bathroom design. But there are a whole host of benefits that come with installing a vessel sink.

Simple to install: Recessed sinks are costly and cumbersome. Vessel sinks eliminate the need to cut out space for large sinks – all they require is a small hole for the drain to fit! 

Style options: Guaranteed to catch attention, vessel sinks come in a huge range of shapes and styles, so you’ll find something to blend cohesively and elevate your existing design scheme.

Space saving: Vessel sinks typically occupy less space than recessed or pedestal sinks. This frees up space on your vanity for all those essentials that you need to keep on display or close to hand. 

Shapes & sizes

The most exciting thing about installing a vessel sink is finding the perfect shape for your space. Whether it’s rounded, angular, curved or asymmetrical: the right vessel sink will deliver a luxury accent to your design aesthetic. 

Deep & Round

One of the more traditional styles, Calma Gabrielli’s smooth lines and traditional shape bring a sense of comfort and solidity to the bathroom space. Defined by its generous size and classic symmetry, this confident vessel sinks minimizes splashback and fits seamlessly into contemporary washroom design. The artisanal composition of hardwearing mineral rock promises an easy-to-clean, non-porous and hygienic surface.

Sleek & Sharp 

For the ultra-modern design enthusiasts, Calma Allegri delivers bold, angular character in abundance. Delicate yet solid, this unique rectangular vessel sink has been crafted to command attention in your home. Like all Calma vessel sinks, it’s finished with a high-quality UV-resistant Gelcoat that helps it retain its stunning lustre for years to come.

Oval Chic 

For a deep, plump oval style, the Calma Puccini is the only way to go. The deep bowl is not only beautiful, it’s practical and delivers ease to your everyday routine.The sleek bowl made from natural, environmentally friendly rock is practical for catching splashes and sprays, and the non-porous, non-irritant surface is easy to clean. Made from the highest quality materials, Puccini̍s promises never to fade or discolor over time. 

Dare to be Different 

For something a little out of the ordinary, the Calma Firenze vessel sink floats gracefully above the vanity. Neither round nor perfectly square, this stunning sink is a contemporary design feature that promises to grab attention in your washroom. Cast marble technology produces an immaculate non-porous surface, central to the hygienic and non-irritant properties of the bowl. Firenzi is built to last using sturdy, natural and environmentally friendly mineral rock.

Style your Bathroom with ICO

ICO is passionate about bringing beautiful bathrooms to homes across North America. Our vessel sinks, towel warmers and accessories are stunning fixtures, designed to bring beautiful design accents to your home.

We’re proud to offer generous warranties and first-rate customer service. By working together with trusted dealers, we bring affordable luxury with contemporary and classic designs to you. If you want to learn more about towel warmers, browse our collections or find your nearest ICO dealer.

With 2022 just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to think about all those little jobs and home projects that we’ve been putting off ‘until next year’. If revamping  your bathroom is at the top of your agenda, there are so many many simple yet effective ways to rejuvenate your space: from small pops of colour and accessories, right through to statement fixtures and focal pieces that will transform your tired washroom into stylish sanctuary. 

Here’s some of the top trends to look out for in 2022:

Matte White Moment

Move over matte black, matte white is having a moment. When matte black fixtures first came into play, many dismissed them as a fleeting trend that wouldn’t stand the test of time. But the demand for matte black faucets and accessories is still super strong, with its counterpart matte white fast becoming the must-have design trend for 2022. 

Crisp, clean and impactful: Tuzio’s much-loved Sorano in Matte White (pictured above) adds a bold, bright accent to modern bathroom design. A favourite amongst minimalists, matte white heated towel rails are perfect for adding a little drama to your washroom interior design. 

Say it with Stone

Earthy organic textures like stone deliver a raw and elemental edge to contemporary bathroom design. Favoured by architects, stoneware imbues power while adding character and depth to washroom interior design. But this natural material isn’t just beautiful, it’s practical too. Stone tiles are durable, easy to clean and are excellent heat conductors when fitted with underfloor heating. 

Beautiful Biophilia 

Biophilic design is all about bringing the natural environment indoors: promoting connectivity with the outside world for a rejuvenating experience in your home. Biophilia doesn’t just look gorgeous, it stimulates the senses and inspires positive emotional responses – in fact it’s considered to contribute towards lowered stress levels and reduced blood pressure. 

Opt for plants, greenery and natural materials like wood and stone to recreate the textures of the natural world in your bathroom space. By building an interior space that speaks to nature, you’ll in turn create a relaxing, sanctuary-like ambience that you’ll long to spend more time in. 

Deep & Dark

Dark, sumptuous colour schemes are so in right now. Predicted to be the top colour trend for 2022, intense indigos and rich emeralds are the go-to statement colours for daring interior design. For an elegant touch, contrast a deep, inky blue against lighter wood for a chic design feature that your guests will long to recreate in their own homes. Trust us – it’s a trend that’s here to stay.

Style your Bathroom with ICO

ICO is passionate about bringing beautiful bathrooms to homes across North America. Our towel warmers, vessel sinks and accessories are stunning fixtures, designed to bring beautiful design accents to your home.

We’re proud to offer generous warranties and first-rate customer service. By working together with trusted dealers, we bring affordable luxury with contemporary and classic designs to you. If you want to learn more about towel warmers, browse our collections or find your nearest ICO dealer.

Stepping out of the shower and reaching for a soft, warm towel is one of the simple pleasures in life. Heated towel rails don’t just bring comfort to your everyday routine though; they’re a sleek and stylish design consideration too.

A statement towel warmer works with any interior design style –  vintage, eclectic, contemporary, boho – you name it, there’s a heated towel rail to complement your space.

The perfect towel warmer shape is out there, you just need to find it…

Flat Panels

For something a little more impactful, a flat-panelled towel warmer offers a broader surface area, meaning warm, fluffy towels in no time at all. Simple and alluring, Romano (pictured above) is a statement design piece that holds its own and contrasts gorgeously against the natural materials and plants in the mediterranean-inspired setting.

Traditional

If vintage is your thing, then a traditional towel warmer will fit seamlessly as a feature piece in your bathroom. Inspired by traditional exposed silhouettes, classic towel warmers bring that iconic style of the past into the present. The Flanders (pictured above) adds depth, character and a hint of opulence and even looks gorgeous when contrasted with a more modern interior scheme.

Square Ladder

The square towel warmer ladder is a timeless classic. With strong edges and balanced lines, angular models like the Avento (pictured above) are perfect for draping towels and bring that classic clean towel warmer look to your bathroom space. If you’re looking for a timeless piece that will coalesce your washroom into a strong, finished design scheme, then a classic square towel warmer is the way to go.

Rounded Bars

For a softer aesthetic, rounded towel warmers like the Sorano (pictured above) are an elegant choice. The smooth curves deliver a more gentle look, whilst still retaining the functionality of the ladder style that’s ideal for hanging fluffy towels. This style is perfect for those more minimalist spaces, where bold confident construction meets soft simplicity for ultimate bathroom bliss.

Curved Silhouette

If large, luxurious towels are your thing, then a convex silhouette like the Kontour Convex (pictured above) is the way to go. This gorgeous model is a focal point, with its curves extending outwards, offering generous space for towels and a stunning well-weighted silhouette for an accent of drama. Perfect for contemporary washrooms where it’s strong, striking shape can speak for itself.

Shelves

Towel warmers can be subtle too: just look at this cute and compact Novi (pictured above). This luxurious towel little touch transforms any sized bathroom into a cosy sanctuary. It’s perfect for storing rolled towels, and adds a real boutique feel to your home. If you don’t have a lot of space to play with, or maybe you’re just looking for something outside the box, then a heated towel shelf could be the perfect solution.

Style your Bathroom with ICO

We’re passionate about bringing beautiful bathrooms to homes across North America. Our towel warmers are designed to enrich lives through comfort, luxury and design.

ICO is proud to offer generous warranties and first-rate customer service. We work together with trusted dealers to bring affordable luxury with contemporary and classic designs to you. If you want to learn more about towel warmers, browse our collections or find your nearest ICO dealer.

Not too long ago, towel warmers were a feature of luxury hotels, spas and grand living spaces – not to be seen in the ordinary North American bathroom, that’s for sure. Fast-forward to 2021 and they’re a common fixture in homes of all shapes and sizes, and it’s easy to see why. A heated towel rail doesn’t just keep towels warm: it can heat your entire bathroom space and act as a gorgeous design feature all at the same time. 

If you’re considering enhancing your living space with a heated towel rack, then you can have some real fun selecting styles and finishes to bring that sanctuary-feel to your home. But if you’re wondering about the more technical aspects, we’ve covered some of the most frequently asked questions around heated towel warmer installations here. 

 

Do I need an electric or hydronic model?

Towel warmers are either electric hardwired, electric plug-in or hydronic. Firstly, you should consider your power and water sources to ensure your towel warmer can be plugged in or connected to your boiler system plumbing when deciding on placement. 

The most popular choice for towel warmers is electric hardwired or electric plug-in models. They’re super easy to install and all they take is the flick of a switch to get to work. Electric heated towel racks are also available with 7-day programmable controllers, so they’re convenient and can be programmed to be on whenever you need them. 

If you’re opting for a hydronic model, then you’ll need to connect the towel warmer to your boiler system plumbing. You can install through wall or floor feed pipes, so it’s a good idea to understand what the best option is before you make your decision.

There are three key points you (and your plumber) should be aware of when ordering and preparing to rough-in for a hydronic towel warmer:

• It should be on a closed loop, to accommodate the anti-rust inhibitor you will need to add to the loop. (A closed water system does not feed your taps or household appliances – it is a dedicated circuit which supplies heating only and has usually a glycol-based solution inside)
• The water temperature should be around 158°F
• You’ll need to order a set of valves and an installation pack to complete your towel warmer

If you cannot accommodate these three points, we recommend installing the electric towel warmer version instead.

 

How warm is my heated towel rail?

It’s worth noting that different types of towel warmers have different heat outputs. If you’re looking for a secondary heat source, as well as warm fluffy towels, then our liquid-filled Tuzio towel warmers will do the job perfectly. Our Kontour range is more economical, and utilises electric wire heating to keep towels toasty, but won’t act as a secondary heat source for your bathroom. 

Generally, our towel warmers will begin heating as soon as they are switched on, and heat can be felt in 10 minutes. They’ll usually take between 20–40 minutes to reach maximum heat, depending on the air temperature within the room and the size of the towel warmer. 

Once warmed up, the surface temperatures of our Tuzio towel warmers are regulated between 45°C and 55°C, depending on the finish, size, and model. While it will be very hot to the touch, it won’t cause burns or injuries if you accidentally touch it in operation. If you have concerns, just check the surface temperature to ensure if it falls within the range above and you’re good to go!

 

Where can I fit my towel warmer?

Towel warmers come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to get a model that fits exactly where you want it to. Depending on whether you opt for an electric or hydronic model, you’ll have to consider the locations of feed pipes and power outlets in your space. 

The power cord for an electric plug-in towel warmer is between 4’ and 5’ long, so you’ll have some flexibility when it comes to placement. A good plumber will be able to advise on the best location for hydronic models in relation to your feed pipes. 

There’s no right or wrong height to mount your towel warmer, but this is the general guide we follow for aesthetically pleasing results: 

 

Can I set a timer for my heated towel rack?

One of the most useful features of towel warmers is the programmable timer! A controller allows you to program on and off times for each day, so every morning you wake up to a cosy bathroom and a warm towel waiting for you.  Our 7-day Wi-Fi timers can be controlled from your smartphone or voice-assistant, so you won’t even need to move a muscle to set your timer for the week. 

 

What will I need to install my heated towel rail?

ICO towel warmers are simple to install and come with full installation instructions. Different models have different installation requirements, so it’s worth checking your instructions first to make sure you’ve got everything you need. 

If you’re installing a hydronic model, then you’ll need a set of valves (either floor or wall depending on your feed pipes) and a standard 24” installation pack that can be cut to size and works with all ICO valves. If you’re opting for a Traditional Tuzio towel warmer, then you’ll require a traditional gate valve. 

Our customer service team are experts when it comes to installation, so if you’re having trouble or just need a little clarification, then get in touch and we’ll put your mind at ease. 

 

Reinvigorate your space with ICO

 

We’re passionate about bringing beautiful bathrooms to homes across North America. Whether you’re redesigning from scratch, or just adding those finishing touches, choose ICO for luxury, comfort and design.

 

Find your local ICO dealer today.