From fireplaces to curtains, there’s a stylish way to warm up your bathroom during the cold winter months

Add a fireplace

A fire creates a deliciously cosy, ambience in your bathroom. With mod options like gas and bioethanol, today’s fireplaces aren’t only easy to light, but also to maintain. There’s no messy coal or wood ash to clean. Considering installing one? Follow the lead of architect Jenny Mills who strategically positioned a double-sided gas fire in the wall between this bathroom and the adjoining bedroom so that it heats both spaces simultaneously.

READ MORE: Make your fireplace a focal point

Wooden floors and furniture

Wood’s earthy tones and texture can make a welcome contrast to the clean lines of sanitary ware, tiles and glass. A great example is this Cape bathroom where Ros Bechet of Janus Interiors chose oak flooring to create a cosier feel underfoot. Nervous about using real timber in a splashy space? Companies like Belgotex and Italtile offer great water-resistant, wood-look alternatives, including vinyl flooring and tiles.

Bathroom with wooden chair - warm up your bathroom

READ MORE: 5 Ideas for decorating with timber

Heated towel rails

The ultimate indulgence, heated towel rails will allow you to wrap yourself in a toasty towel after stepping out the shower. “Heated by electricity or water from the geyser, these must be installed by a professional plumber or electrician for legal and safety reasons,” advises Mark Bennett, Sales and Marketing Director of Jeeves.

Open plan shower - warm up your bathroom

Warm flooring

Tiles can effectively be warmed with underfloor heating, but for an added layer of cosiness consider laying down a rug or mat. In keeping with the organic look of her Cape bathroom, this homeowner chose a trio of circular coir mats. This is practical option as coir is a natural material that can withstand water so it doesn’t easily mark or stain.

Bathroom with curtains - warm up your bathroom

Curtains

The softness of curtains can help to take the edge off all the straight lines often found in a bathroom and, coupled with wallpaper, will create a luxe, plush feel. However, it’s important to select fabrics and wallpapers that are resistant to steam and damp. Iinterior designer John Jacob has done so in this small en suite at the Vergelegen manor house.