The lack of appropriate heating in walk-in shower enclosures and wet rooms might result in cold floors and an uncomfortable showering experience. Ensuring your bathroom is warm and comfortable all year around will require an appropriate heating solution.
In this blog, we will discuss various solutions available in the market to make the shower area a cosy and welcoming space round the year.
Traditional Underfloor Heating. When it comes to heating the shower area, there may be a difference between shower enclosures, wet rooms and walk-in showers. Unlike shower enclosures, wet rooms and walk-in enclosures are open plan with very little confined space. In such spaces, water drains directly into the floor. Open space makes heating only the shower challenging. The use of underfloor heating, at least within the shower area ( if you can not do the entire bathroom) is the most appropriate and viable solution. It is a kind of invisible heating solution that eliminates the need for a big heating radiator.
Additionally, underfloor heating is more comfortable to use. These can be built under the floor or inside the wall. If you choose underfloor heating, you will have a more energy-efficient heating solution in comparison to a central heating system. A small thermostat can be installed to control the temperature, making it an energy-efficient and money-saving solution. However, underfloor heating is a popular and highly efficient option; it’s not always the best choice due to budget constraints, bathroom layout, and personal preference. If you are trying to heat up an existing shower area or a shower enclosure of any shape and size, such as a quadrant, offset, square, rectangular, etc. and lack budget then you may need to consider alternative heating options as discussed below.
Towel Radiators: Towel radiators or heated towel rails are used to keep towels warm and dry. But these can also keep the space warm. These may be insufficient as a stand-alone heating solution, but depending on the extent of which the area needs to be warmed, they can surely be a secondary source of heat. Available in a variety of styles from minimalist and modern to more traditional options, these can also contribute to the overall aesthetic of the bathroom.
Wall-Mounted Radiators: Prefer a more conventional heating solution, a wall-mounted radiator is a great choice. These heating bathroom radiators are connected to your central heating system or can operate independently as a stand-alone unit. These should be placed strategically to efficiently warm the shower enclosure.
Infrared Heating Panels: A modern heating solution for creating a contemporary shower space, infrared heating panels are a discreet way to heat you, wet room, walk-in shower, or shower enclosure. These can be mounted on walls or ceilings and work by emitting infrared radiation that warms up the entire space without a bulkier heating device.
Electric Underfloor Heating: We have already discussed traditional underfloor heating that often relies on warm water pipes. You may consider installing electric underfloor heating mats or cables as an alternative. This offers a more flexible heating solution in the bathrooms with complex layouts. Additionally, these electric systems are relatively easier to install and can be customized to fit your specific space, offering consistent heating where needed.
Ceiling Heaters: In some cases, ceiling-mounted heaters can provide a perfect solution, especially in larger wet rooms or open-plan bathroom designs. These heaters are actually a type of infrared panel that can provide heating to all areas of bathrooms, even during the coldest months.
Shower Enclosure Heating Types – Quick Comparison
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Underfloor Heating | Even warmth, hidden, luxurious | Costly, slow to heat | Modern wet rooms |
| Heated Towel Rails | Warm room + towels, stylish | Limited output in large rooms | Small/medium baths |
| Wall Panel Heaters | Quick heat, easy to install | Takes up wall space, less efficient | Small enclosures |
| Infrared Ceiling Panels | Fast, space-saving, low running cost | Doesn’t heat the air evenly | Minimalist bathrooms |
| Heated Shower Glass | Prevents fogging, a luxury feature | Very expensive, limited heat | Premium designs |
| Portable Heaters | Cheap, flexible, instant heat | Less safe, uneven heating | Budget/temporary use |
Final Thoughts
Heating is a crucial part whether you install a standard shower enclosure, walk in shower enclosure or a wet room. The selection of the heating solution should be based on various factors like bathroom layout, size, budget, and personal preferences. We have discussed a variety of options, including underfloor heating, towel and heating radiators, and more innovative solutions like infrared panels in this blog. You should choose the one that fits best according to your specific needs.
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