Piping hot: The high-performing bathroom radiators that are trending
Manufacturers are continuing to turn up the heat and producing an array of high-performing bathroom radiators that sizzle in style. We take a look at them here.
Consumers are increasingly seeking to create bathrooms that are not only functional but also highly stylised and incorporate the latest interior trends – and their heating is no exception,” explains Charlie Williams, interior designer at Heritage Bathrooms. Homeowners, it seems, have switched on to the potential offered by radiators and heated towel rails to inject life as well as warmth into their bathrooms.
“While functionality and efficiency are just as important as ever, bathroom heating now comes in all shapes, sizes, colours, textures and finishes and the designer radiator is now a focal point and multifunctional component as well as a heat generator,” says Richard Eaton, product manager at PJH.
Andy Keeley, Bisque marketing manager, agrees. “The market is awash with different styles and sizes to suit all bathrooms, be it classic or contemporary,” he says. Earlier this year, the company, which has primarily focused on modern heating solutions, tapped into the growing demand for traditional-style bathroom products and introduced a trio of models designed for vintage and older properties.
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Another company noting the popularity of classically-designed radiators is Bayswater Bathrooms. “There is a strong demand for heritage-style radiators as these continue to stand the test of time,” says design director Barrie Cutchie. According to Chris Harvey, head of marketing at Stelrad: “The majority of radiators are still manufactured in mild steel, although we are seeing an increase in aluminium and stainless steel.”
In terms of finishes there’s good news for consumers looking to add colour to their bathroom with many manufacturers offering models in hundreds, if not thousands, of different shades. “We are seeing a rise in demand for coloured radiators and now stock our bestselling models in colour. Interior decorators and architects love them and we’re seeing more homeowners wanting them too,” continues Stelrad’s Harvey.
The designer radiator is now a focal point and multifunctional component as well as a heat generator
But with so many colours and finishes to choose from, what is topping the consumer wish list? According to MTW Research, white is the firm favourite. “The most popular remains white, although greys and anthracite are growing in popularity. Tracking 2019 tap market trends, metallic finishes represent an emerging trend for bathroom radiators providing value growth with chrome, brushed stainless steel and copper growing,” says director Mark Waddy.
For Frontline Bathrooms matt black is de rigueur and has knocked chrome off the top spot. “We’ve seen the continuing popularity of anthracite powder-coated finishes, but can’t deny the resurgence of gloss and copper finishes too,” adds sales and marketing director Michael Sammon.
“Chrome and stainless steel are timeless options that will never go out of style, but other shades are making their mark. Gold and brass are emerging as the new ‘copper’, while matt black styles are also incredibly popular as they can complement the growing selection of coloured taps and baths on offer,” explains Bisque’s Andy Keeley.
There is growing popularity for matching towel rail finishes to brassware
Chris Gotts, sales director (retail) at MHS Radiators, agrees: “There is growing popularity for matching towel rail finishes to brassware.” It’s not all about aesthetics, however, stresses John O’Brien, Vasco’s business development UK and Ireland, who says consumers are prioritising energy efficiency alongside style and performance in their quest for different but sustainable models. “Radiator manufacturers have evolved their designs to respond to demand from responsible, informed consumers for low carbon or carbon-neutral products.”
Sustainable materials such as recycled aluminium and models that have a lower water content and require less energy are “driving efficiency while increasing choice” stresses Vasco’s O’Brien. “With responsible know-how there is no need for consumers to be restricted in choice – in fact, the opposite,” he says. “As responsible manufacturers, we must lead the way.”
Facts and Figures
The bathroom heating market is currently worth £60m, according to MTW Research* director Mark Waddy: “Growth in the decorative bathroom radiators market has emanated from sustained product development as manufacturers continue to adapt to a growing number of consumer demands with sales in 2019 set to rise by 3%.”
According to Stelrad’s head of marketing Chris Harvey, in 2019 “the radiator market reduced every month up until June 2019. Towel rail sales were down 15% but decorative radiator sales were up 21%.” He says during the period, Stelrad increased its share of the radiator market by 2.5%. “The replacement radiators market is still buoyant and going well for us as a business.” PJH also reports that its sales have been strong during the last 12 months and product manager Richard Eaton says: “The popularity of designer radiators is increasing steadily and we have seen our own sales for bathroom heating increase by over 20% year-on-year.” MTW Research director Waddy comments: “Decorative radiators and towel warmers continue to offer growth opportunities for those bathroom retailers able to identify current market trends. By 2023, sales of bathroom heating products will grow by almost 10% as the market continues to evolve quickly.”
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