Straight Towel Rails

What is a straight heated towel rail?

A straight heated towel rail has flat horizontal bars running parallel between two vertical uprights, with no bow or curve in the bars. The flat profile keeps wall projection to a minimum, giving a clean, uncluttered look that suits contemporary bathrooms particularly well. Like all heated towel rails, straight models connect to your central heating system or run on an electric element for independent operation.

Straight vs curved towel rails: which should I choose?

The choice comes down to bathroom style and practical preference:

• Straight towel rails: flat bars sit close to the wall, keeping the projection low. Ideal for tighter spaces and minimal, modern bathroom aesthetics. The clean lines pair well with contemporary furniture and frameless shower enclosures.

• Curved towel rails: bars bow forward from the wall, creating more depth for thicker towels to hang freely. The curved profile suits traditional or transitional bathroom styles and can improve air circulation around the towels. Browse curved towel rails.

Read our heated towel rails buying guide for help choosing the right model.

What sizes of straight bathroom towel rails are available?

Our straight towel rails are available in heights from 700mm to 1800mm and widths from 300mm to 600mm:

• 700mm to 800mm straight towel rails: compact sizes suited to cloakrooms, small en-suites or any wall with limited height available.

• 1000mm to 1200mm straight towel rails: mid-range sizes that suit a standard family bathroom and provide hanging space for two to three towels.

• 1600mm to 1800mm straight towel rails: the tallest options, delivering more heat output and more hanging rungs for larger households.

Width is worth considering alongside height. A 600mm-wide rail provides more even towel coverage than a 300mm-wide model at the same height.

What finishes are available for straight towel rails?

Our straight towel rails are available in the following finishes:

• Chrome heating: timeless and easy to clean. Chrome straight towel rails work with virtually any bathroom scheme and coordinate well with chrome taps and shower fittings.

• Matt black heating: a bold, contemporary choice. Black straight towel rails work well alongside black shower enclosures, dark bathroom furniture or monochrome tiling.

• Brushed brass heating: a warm metallic finish that adds character. Brass straight towel rails are popular in warm-toned and mixed-metal bathroom schemes.

• Anthracite heating: dark grey finish that suits slate, grey tile and charcoal bathroom colour palettes. Grey straight towel rails can easily match any décor style. 

How do I install a straight towel rail?

Mark and drill wall fixing points to match the centres of your towel rail bracket. Check for hidden pipes and cables before drilling. Fix the brackets to the wall using appropriate fixings for your wall type, then hang the rail. Connect the flow and return valves to your pipework at the base of the rail. Bleed after filling to remove any trapped air. Valve and pipework connections should be made or verified by a qualified plumber.

Read our heated towel rail installation guide for a full walkthrough.

Straight heated towel rails at Royal Bathrooms

We stock straight-heated towel rails in a range of finishes and sizes, all available to order online with delivery across the UK. Complete your installation with matching radiator valves and heating elements available in the same finishes. Have a question about sizing or compatibility? Contact us today.