5 Ways to Turn Up the Heat in Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom Remodeling Jan 3

A bathroom remodel requires a lot of big decisions – pedestal sink or vanity, toilet size and color, stand-up shower or tub. Some of the fun of remodeling comes in the form of details. Turn up the heat in your bathroom remodel by trying one of these new trends and extras.

Heated Floors

In-floor heating systems are cost-effective and simple to install. They consist of one continuous heating element that you can have installed under the tile. Keep in mind, though, that you cannot retrofit heated floors, so it’s best to tackle this project during a floor overhaul. Heated floors have several benefits, including:

• Ease of installation. It won’t add much time to your bathroom renovation timeline.
• It’s durable. Once installed, heated floors are nearly impossible to damage.
• It’s cost-efficient. Contrary to popular opinion, heated floors don’t cost much more to operate than a television.
• It can free up space. Heated floors work essentially like space heaters – which means you can remove your dusty old radiator and make room for some cabinetry or storage space.
• It offers luxury on a practical budget. From a comfort standpoint, heated floors add a touch that will impress both your family members and guests.

Towel Bars

When you think of warm towels, you may conjure up luxury hotels or first-class airlines – why not bring that into your own home? Heated towel bars are more than a simple luxury; they keep your towels cleaner and can mean less bacterial build-up in your bathroom overall. Humid, damp towels are a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and mold – germs you may be transferring onto your body each time you step out of the shower. Towel warmers dry your linens quickly, which makes for better hygiene.

Rethink Your Lighting

Sometimes our preconceived notions can be our worst enemies – we might assume, for example, the bathrooms need a row of fluorescent lights above the vanity. By rethinking your lighting scheme and using an arrangement similar to a dining room or foyer, you can communicate a sense of warmth and lights. Think outside the box and install a chandelier or a pendant light to give your bathroom a spa-like feel.

Install a Heat-Retaining Bathtub

Did you know that some bathtub materials retain more heat than others? By investing in a copper, brass, or limestone tub, your bath water will remain warmer longer – which means you can languish in the tub without getting cold. Alternatively, you could install a steam shower or a sauna. These are admittedly big-ticket items, but most people who have them can’t imagine living without them. A sauna can transform a home in the winter. It’s a perfect place to dry off after a tub or shower, and it’s amazing for people who suffer any kind of arthritis. Some people even say they help battle the winter blues. Steam showers are great for sore muscles after a workout, and they’re an antidote for dry skin in the winter. They both mean savings. Steam showers save on water use, and saunas warm up the bones, so the shower doesn’t have to do all the work.

Warm Up With Wood Accents

Try bringing those ski lodge or lake house vibes home, where you can enjoy them year-round. Instead of translating the room directly, pay homage to the look with strategic accents. Knotty pine boards, rustic fabrics, or a wooden framed mirror can help you achieve the warm and rustic look without going overboard. As the temperatures fall, many homeowners begin to wonder how to keep their bathrooms toasty all day. You can achieve it, with heated floors and towel racks, or simply evoke feelings of warmth with lighting or accents. Even something as simple as a warm shade of paint can make your bathroom seem cozier. Try incorporating one of these ideas into your remodel and enjoy the benefits you’ll reap all year long.