During the chilly winter months, the thought of touching your feet to the bathroom’s ice-cold tile floors is enough to make you want to avoid the room altogether. And as for that dreaded moment when you step out of the steamy warmth of the shower into the frigid air—forget it! But there are some easy ways to cut the chill; here are ten ideas that will turn your bathroom into a cozy retreat during the coldest part of the year.
A Case of Cold Feet
There is nothing worse than touching cold tile with your bare feet. To mitigate the problem, place a few thick rugs in front of the sink, toilet, and shower. Not only will they keep your feet warm, but they will also lend a soft, inviting feel to the bathroom.
Efficiency Check
If your bathroom feels chillier than the rest of the house, the windows may be the culprit. Perform a quick test to see if your windows are letting in drafts by holding up a piece of tissue around the perimeter—if it moves, you have an air leak. Caulk around the window to prevent future air flow.
Window of Opportunity
Let the sunshine in through the windows. The daylight will raise the temperature of the room slightly, and the sun’s bright rays will give your skin a warm sensation. If you are concerned about privacy, apply a decorative translucent film to the bottom half of the window.
Coming In Hot
If you hate the feeling of wrapping up in a cold towel right after a hot shower, try this. Hang the over the edge of the shower door or shower rod so you don’t have to let the cold air in to reach it when you are finished. Just be sure to place it out of the way of any potential splashes, because a wet towel is even worse than a cold one.
Throw In The Towel
If simply handing your towel over the edge of the shower door isn’t enough, you may want to invest in a heated towel warmer. They are usually mounted to the wall and will warm up your towel all the while that you are in the shower.
Warm Up a Bathroom With Plants
Andy Baxter, the interior design and garden expert behind U.K. based internet Gardener, says plants can make your bathroom warmer. “It’s all about how plants release moisture into the air, which increases the humidity, which helps to make the room appear warmer.”
Seal Windows and Unblock Heat Vents
“There is no point in filling up a bucket of water with holes in it, so do not try to heat a bathroom with drafty gaps in the windows,” says NYC Architect John Mochelle.
You can seal any window with inexpensive silicone caulk made for weatherizing. Your goal is to fill any gaps or holes around window frames.
Also, make sure nothing is blocking the heating source in your bathroom. “For example, if your hamper is directly in front of a heat vent, move it,” adds Mochelle.
Add Warm Lighting
Besides changing your bathroom color scheme, there is another way you can create the illusion of warmth says Katie Anderson, an interior design consultant.
Combining warm colors like red and orange with warm lighting can create some visual heat. “Bathrooms feel better and more heated with bulbs that emit K2500 and CRI 90 or higher,” says Anderson.
Cover Your Cold Bathroom Floor
NYC architect, John Mochelle points out that no one likes walking on icy bathroom floors. But if you cannot afford to install radiant heating, he suggests piling on the bathroom mats or rugs.
“The thicker, the better. In my bathroom, during winter I cover my entire bathroom floor with plush, washable rugs,” he says.
Stay Warmer in the Shower
A large shower head will help you stay toasty while you are bathing.
“Their oversized heads are designed to immerse you fully with water, like getting caught in a heavy downpour,” says John Mochelle an NYC architect.
“The trick is to install them directly overhead and not an angle,” adds Mochelle. That way, your entire body gets covered with hot water instead of just your front or backside.”
Warm Decor
Hard, cold surfaces is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a bathroom in winter. But you can change that so quickly with smart styling.
First, you can visually warm up the space with cosy textures and rich colours. Go for thick, plush towels to wrap yourself up in when you get out of the bath or shower. Add a basket or two for storage, the natural fibres can bring more texture to the room. Think about what pieces you’re using to style the space and of course add a candle or two. Aside from the scent, you’ll also add a feeling of heat when you light the wick and see the flame glow.
Exhaust Fan
Some people do not realize that the exhaust fan might be at fault for the cold feeling. Make sure it is turned off every time you take a shower or a bath; otherwise, the warm air will escape. Similarly, always remember to close the doors and the windows.
Sunshine
One of the eco-friendly ways to warm up your bathroom is to let the sunshine inside. You can take a bath or a shower while the sun touches your skin, giving you a feeling of warmth and coziness.
Don’t Be Left Out In The Cold
Do you break out in goosebumps each morning when you leave your humid bathroom to go assemble the day’s outfit? Instead, choose it ahead of time and hang it on the back of the door. The clothing will heat up in the balmy bathroom—and the steam will loosen small wrinkles, too!
HEATED TOILET SEAT
Once a novelty, toilet technology has come a long way and what a difference it makes! Pimp your toilet for ultimate comfort and functionality with products such as this bidet spa seat which can be retrofitted. Offering the latest innovations in cleaning, heating, and comfort, this is an affordable upgrade for year-round comfort – all at the touch of a button.
