Towel rails are more than just somewhere to hang your towels. In today’s modern Australian bathroom they have evolved into stylish, multifunctional fittings that add comfort, reduce washing, provide storage, and can even integrate into smart home systems. Whether you are planning a full renovation or a small upgrade, understanding the different types, features, and benefits of towel rails will help you make the right choice for your home.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from types and finishes to sizing and energy efficiency, so you can find the perfect towel rail for your bathroom.
What Is a Towel Rail?
A towel rail (or towel rack) is a horizontal or vertical bar designed for hanging and drying towels. While some are purely functional, others such as heated towel rails, warm your towels before use and dry them afterwards. Heated towel rails are especially useful in cold or humid climates, older bathrooms, or in bathrooms with poor ventilation, helping to prevent dampness and mould.
Types of Towel Rails
There is a towel rail to suit every bathroom size, style and budget.
Horizontal Towel Rails (Non-Heated)
The most common and affordable option, horizontal towel rails typically feature one or two bars for hanging towels. They are easy to install and widely available. However, because towels are usually folded in half over the bar, airflow is reduced which means towels may not fully dry.
Vertical Towel Rails (Non-Heated)
Vertical towel rails offer a modern, space-saving solution that is perfect for narrow nooks or small bathrooms. They often allow towels to hang naturally without folding, improving airflow and drying time. The downside is capacity, as most vertical towel rails hold only one towel at a time.
Horizontal Towel Rails (Heated)
These combine a classic horizontal design with the comfort of built-in heating, keeping towels warm and dry. While they add extra heating, the downside of horizontal heated towel rails is that most have an in-wall heating element, which can be harder and more expensive to install.
Vertical Heated Towel Rails (Heated)
The cream of the crop. Vertical Heated towel rails combine comfort and practicality by keeping towels warm, fresh, and dry between uses. They are available in electric and hydronic (water-heated) options, with modern designs often featuring dry-element heating mats for better energy efficiency. Models like the Gordon Heated Towel Rail run at just 200W, which is far less than most kitchen appliances, making them affordable to operate year-round.
Choosing the Right Material and Finish
Most towel rails are made from steel or aluminium. Steel is strong and the most traditional option, but can take longer to heat and cool and may be prone to rust in humid environments. Aluminium, as used in the Gordon Heated Towel Rail, is lighter, more energy-efficient, and heats up faster than steel.
For colour and finish, powder-coated textures are recommended over painted or chrome finishes. They are grippier so towels stay put, they will not transfer colour onto fabric, and they will not rust.
Size and Positioning
When choosing a towel rail, think about both its dimensions and where it will be placed in your bathroom. Make sure the rail has enough space for the number of towels you use daily. Larger bathrooms can accommodate longer or multi-bar designs, while smaller spaces may suit a compact vertical model. In terms of wall space, measure carefully, especially if you have limited wall area or awkward layouts.
Mounting is also another major factor when selecting a towel rail. Wall-mounted towel rails save space, while freestanding options offer flexibility if you want to move them later. Lastly, think about the proximity to water. Keep your towel rail within easy reach of the shower or bath, but follow Australian bathroom zoning and safety regulations. Zone 2 is typical for towel rail installations.
The Gordon Heated Towel Rail is designed to work in almost any bathroom layout thanks to its slim vertical profile. It takes up minimal wall space while still allowing full-length towels to hang freely for maximum airflow and fast drying. Its low-power aluminium heating design means you get warm, dry towels without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency and Heating Performance
A non-heated towel rail is the most energy-conscious choice as it uses no power (thanks Einstein!). However, in Australia’s humid summers and cold winters, towels often will not dry properly without heat. A well-designed heated towel rail can still be very efficient. For example, the Gordon Heated Towel Rail operates at just 200W, helping reduce laundry frequency while using minimal electricity. Here's what to look for in an energy-efficient heated towel rail:
- Low wattage (under 250W is ideal)
- Aluminium construction for faster heating and cooling
- Programmable timers so it only runs when needed
- Liquid-free designs that require less maintenance and improve safety
Why Towel Rails Matter
A quality towel rail, especially a heated one, can transform your bathroom experience. The benefits include:
- Towels that are always dry and ready for your next shower
- Reduced laundry and longer-lasting towels
- A touch of hotel-style luxury at home
- Better bathroom hygiene and reduced mould risk
For year-round comfort, energy efficiency, and timeless style, the Gordon Heated Towel Rail is an excellent choice. It is a vertical, aluminium, low-power design that fits almost any bathroom layout, and is extremely easy to install on all wall surfaces.
Final Word
Towel rails are a small bathroom upgrade that delivers big benefits. With styles, sizes, and prices to suit every home, there is no reason to settle for damp towels. Whether you choose a simple non-heated rail or invest in a premium heated model like the Gordon Heated Towel Rail, you will enjoy a more comfortable, efficient, and luxurious bathroom.
