Towel rails and designer radiators

Heated towel rails, column, vertical and designer radiators fitted securely, including dual-fuel and electric options. What to know and typical UK costs.

In short: This service covers fitting heated towel rails, column radiators, vertical radiators and other designer styles, either on the central heating, as electric-only or as dual-fuel. It suits bathroom refits and anyone wanting a radiator that looks better or fits a narrow space. A towel rail typically costs £200 to £450 supplied and fitted, and a designer radiator £350 to £900 or more.

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Towel rails and designer radiators are heavier, more varied in their connections and often less powerful than they look, so fitting them well takes more care than a standard panel. Chrome towel rails in particular give out noticeably less heat than painted ones of the same size, and many designer radiators are rated at Delta T50, which can flatter their real output on an older or lower-temperature system. Checking the rated output against the room's needs comes first.

The other choice is how the rail is heated. A wet towel rail works only when the central heating is on. A dual-fuel rail has an electric element as well, so it can warm towels in summer, while an electric-only rail is independent of the boiler altogether. Any fixed electric element must be wired by a competent electrician, and in bathrooms the location and wiring have to suit the bathroom zones.

What is included

Checking the heat output against the room's needs
Advice on wet, dual-fuel or electric-only options
Confirming the wall can support the weight, adding fixings to suit
Fitting brackets, valves and any pipework alterations
Setting angled, straight or concealed valves neatly
Connecting to the heating, refilling and adding inhibitor
Arranging electrical connection by a competent electrician where needed

Who it is for

Bathroom and en-suite refits
Narrow walls where a vertical radiator fits better
Period homes suited to cast iron style or column radiators
Open-plan rooms where the radiator is on show
Anyone wanting warm towels outside the heating season

How much does it cost?

As a guide, a heated towel rail usually costs £200 to £450 supplied and fitted, and a column or designer radiator £350 to £900 or more. Electrical work for dual-fuel or electric rails is usually priced separately. See our full cost guide.

How it works

Choose and check

The style, finish and connection type are chosen, and the rated output is checked against the heat the room needs.

Prepare the wall

The fixing positions are marked and checked for cables and pipes, with stronger fixings or noggins added for heavy radiators.

Fit and connect

Brackets and the radiator are fitted, pipework is altered to suit the valve position, and the connections are made.

Test and finish

The system is refilled, bled and checked for leaks, and any electric element is connected and tested by an electrician.

Towel rails and designer radiators: FAQs

Why does my chrome towel rail not heat the bathroom?

Chrome gives out roughly 20 to 30 percent less heat than a painted finish of the same size, and many towel rails are small to begin with. Draped towels also block much of the heat. In a bathroom that needs real heating, choose a larger painted rail or add a separate radiator, and check the rated output rather than the size.

What is a dual-fuel towel rail?

A dual-fuel towel rail is connected to the central heating and also has an electric heating element fitted, so it can be used when the boiler's heating is off, such as in summer. A special T-piece lets the element sit in the rail. The rail should be isolated from the heating with its valves before the element is used on its own.

Are column radiators worth it?

They suit period homes and open-plan rooms and can give good output for their size, especially three or four column models. They are heavy and hold more water, so they take a little longer to warm up and need strong fixings, often with floor feet. They usually cost more than a panel radiator of the same output.

Do designer radiators give out less heat?

Some do. Flat-panel, mirrored and thin vertical designs often give less output than a standard double-panel radiator of similar size. Always compare the output in watts at the same Delta T figure, usually Delta T50, and make sure the total is enough for the room before buying.