Heating for Small Bathrooms: Smart, Space Saving Solutions That Actually Work

The cold bathroom dance. It’s familiar to all of us first thing in the morning. Or every single time you step out of a nice, warm shower. Bathrooms are the key room that never quite gets warm in many homes across the UK.

Tiled floors, steamed-up mirrors, no space for a big bulky radiator, and a little heater that takes longer to warm up than your shower takes to cool down… That’s the infamous small bathroom struggle.

But there’s a smarter way to heat those little rooms. Modern electric radiators, like the NEOS, are built for tricky spaces. They’re compact, quick to heat, and designed to make those chilly mornings much more bearable.

Why are small bathrooms so difficult to heat?

The problem with bathrooms isn’t just the size; it’s everything that comes with it.

• Moisture makes the room feel colder and can lead to mold.

• Limited wall space means you can’t fit a full-sized radiator without losing towel rails or storage.

• Poor airflow causes heat to pool in one corner, leaving others freezing.

• Slow heat-up times mean that your shower is over before the room has warmed up.

What makes the perfect heater for a small bathroom?

You don’t need the biggest heater, you need the smartest. Here’s what to look for:

1. Slim, space saving design: Wall space is gold dust in a small bathroom. Look for heaters under 10cm deep that can be tucked into corners or above floor level.

2. Moisture-ready: Heaters with IPX4 or higher protection. It’s your assurance that the unit can handle splashes and steam.

3. Fast warm-up: You don’t leave the heating on all day, so you need something that heats up fast.

4. Precise controls: Digital thermostats and smart scheduling prevent wasted energy and let you tailor heat exactly when you need it.

5. Energy efficiency: Efficiency isn’t optional in a small space, it’s essential. Radiators with heat retention technology are a great solution!

Why electric heating beats central heating in small bathrooms

Electric heating works independently, which is a big win when it comes to bathrooms.

This is because bathrooms only need heat at specific times, and plumbing work would blow your typical budget.

Electric radiators heat up quickly, don’t require disruptive installation, and give you more control over your energy usage.

Traditional plumbed radiators also rely on central heating, which means waiting for the boiler to kick in and often heating the whole house just warm one small room. This is ok in theory, but it’s wasteful and slow, especially in bathrooms that only need heat in short, sharp bursts.

On the other hand, electric radiators work independently, giving you targeted heat when and where you need it, without the hassle of a lengthy and disruptive installation.

For small bathrooms, that independence equals control, speed, and energy savings.

Meet the NEOS: Built for small bathroom brilliance

Designed and made in the UK, the NEOS electric radiator is everything you need in a small bathroom heater:

• Slimline design: NEOS electric radiators are 6.5cm in depth, keeping them close to the wall and out of the way.

• Soapstone core: retains and emits heat for up to 40 minutes after the electricity is switched off. The exact time that the soapstone will continue to provide heat for is dependent on the nature of your bathroom, for example window glazing/insulation.

• Our patented technology: Quadvex convection. This refers to our 4 points of convection within the NEOS, meaning fast, even heat throughout the room, and no cold spots.

• Smart control options: Choose from manual, wireless, or app-controlled thermostats.

• Compatibility with Octopus’ Cosy Tariff: lower energy prices for 8 hours per day

And unlike some bathroom heaters that look like relics from a hospital waiting room, the NEOS fits right into modern design with clean lines, no bulk, and over 1625 colour options. PLUS, we even have 3 different models; our standard, vertical and horizontal. This helps us fit the NEOS into awkward little spaces, with the vertical model being especially good for this when it comes to bathrooms!

Considerations before buying

• Wall space: measure your walls and ensure that there’s sufficient space for doors, fittings and power points.

• Typical bathroom usage: Quick mornings and long evening soaks? Check that smart controls can be programmed to work with this.

• Bathroom nature: this refers to your insulation, window glazing, and any typical areas where drafts come through. These spots will affect the efficiency of any electric radiators that you install, so they’re a key consideration before getting your new heating system installed.

Are you ready for some warmth without the compromise?

You shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and space, and with the right radiator, you don’t have to. Your bathroom can (and should be) just as warm and welcoming as the rest of your home, even on frosty mornings.

If you’d like some more information on choosing a radiator, or some advice on where to start your research, please do get in touch!

Tags: Bathroom Heating.