Stepping into a cold bathroom in the winter is one of those small daily discomforts that adds up fast. Cold tile under your feet, towels that never quite feel warm, and a room that seems to trap chill no matter how high the thermostat is set can make mornings harder than they need to be.
The good news is that a cold bathroom isn’t something you have to live with. Whether you’re looking for a simple comfort upgrade or planning a full remodel, there are proven, practical ways to warm the space and make it feel more inviting all winter long.
Why Bathrooms Get Cold in the Winter
Bathrooms feel colder in the winter mainly because of the materials used in them. Tile, porcelain, and stone don’t retain heat and draw warmth away from your body as soon as you step on them. Ceramic and porcelain tiles conduct heat efficiently, which makes them durable and water-resistant but often uncomfortably cold without extra heating.
Experts recommend keeping bathrooms around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit for comfort and moisture control, but without targeted heating, that range can be hard to reach in colder months.
How to Keep Your Bathroom Warm in the Winter
Heated Floors
Cold tile floors are one of the most common causes of a chilly winter bathroom. Heated bathroom floors solve that problem by eliminating cold spots and creating an even temperature throughout the room. Radiant floor heating systems are installed beneath tile and stone, delivering consistent warmth from the ground up.
For remodels or new installations, electric heated floor systems provide reliable performance and long-term comfort. Systems like the Nuheat Cable System (available in 30, 40, and 60 sq ft) can be sized to fit the space, making it practical for both small and large bathrooms.
Tankless Water Heaters
Consistent access to hot water plays a role in how warm a bathroom feels overall. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, which means showers start warmer and stay that way without running out. This can make cold mornings more manageable and reduce the time spent waiting for water to heat up.
Modern tankless systems like the Noritz EZTR75NG are also designed for energy efficiency, which appeals to homeowners balancing comfort with long-term operating costs. While not a direct heat source for the room, reliable hot water supports a warmer bathroom experience and pairs well with other heating upgrades.
Steam Showers
Steam showers provide immediate, spa-like warmth by filling the shower with warm vapor, raising the perceived temperature of the room and warming tile and other surfaces. This added heat not only reduces the shock of cold surfaces but also helps counteract the dryness that often comes with winter heating, creating a more comfortable environment for your skin and respiratory system.
For a reliable option, the Mr.Steam MS150EC1 Steambath Generator delivers consistent steam and warmth, turning an ordinary shower into a warm, relaxing retreat. Installing a steam shower can make daily routines more comfortable while also adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom.
To learn more about making the switch to tankless water heaters, read our blog here!
Heated Bidet Seats and Washlets
A heated bidet seat or TOTO Washlet may seem like a small detail, but in winter it can make a surprising difference. The built-in seat warming features eliminate the discomfort of sitting on a cold surface and add a layer of everyday luxury.
These units also offer improved hygiene and convenience, which makes them popular during bathroom refreshes. Options like the S7A Washlet combine heated seats with features like warm water cleansing and automatic functions, making it an efficient and luxurious upgrade.
For an in-depth overview of different Washlets, read our blog here!
Heated Towel Racks
One of the simplest ways to make a bathroom feel warmer is to address what you feel immediately after a shower. A heated towel rack keeps towels warm and dry, which reduces that sudden chill when stepping out of the bath or shower.
In smaller bathrooms, the gentle radiant heat from a towel warmer can also help raise the overall room temperature slightly, making the space feel more comfortable without overwhelming it.
Electric towel warmers are easy to integrate into existing bathrooms and work well for homeowners who want a noticeable comfort upgrade without committing to a full renovation. Options like the Mr. Steam Broadway Electric Towel Warmer with built-in timers allow warmth when you need it and efficiency when you don’t.
Additional Ways to Keep Your Bathroom Warm
Even beyond dedicated heating systems, small changes like these can add comfort:
- Recaulk: Sealing gaps in windows and doors reduces drafts and helps retain heat.
- Use rugs: Thick bathroom rugs act as insulation underfoot and add visual warmth.
- Add natural light: Sunlight warms up surfaces and improves mood and comfort.
- Heat lamps: Special heat lamps add extra warmth around shower or bath zones.
Conclusion
A cold bathroom in the winter is common, but not inevitable. From heated towel racks and warmed floors to steam showers and efficient hot water systems, there are bathroom heating options that fit every level of investment. Whether you’re choosing a simple upgrade or planning a full remodel, the right solution can transform how your bathroom feels every day.
Plumbing Deals offers a wide range of products designed to help you warm up your bathroom and create a space that feels comfortable all winter long. Explore our bathroom collection to find solutions that make sense for your home, your project, and the way you want your bathroom to feel.
