If your bathroom feels colder than the rest of your home every winter, you’re not imagining it. Here’s why it happens — and the practical fixes that actually work in Irish homes.
Why Bathrooms Feel Colder Than the Rest of the House
Bathrooms are usually the coldest room in Irish homes for a few key reasons:
- They often have external walls with limited insulation
- Older homes may have suspended timber floors
- Tiles and porcelain surfaces hold cold longer
- Ventilation removes warm air quickly
- Heat sources are often undersized or poorly placed
The good news is that most of these issues can be addressed during a renovation — without turning your bathroom into a sauna or driving up energy bills.
6 Fixes That Actually Work
1. Upgrade Wall & Floor Insulation (Before Tiles Go Down)
One of the biggest causes of a cold bathroom is poor insulation behind tiles. Many older Irish homes have little or no insulation in bathroom walls or floors.
- Insulated boards behind tiles dramatically reduce heat loss
- Floor reinforcement during wet room builds improves warmth and stability
- Helps prevent condensation and mould
2. Rethink the Layout — Especially the Shower Area
Traditional shower enclosures can trap cold air and feel draughty. Modern wet room layouts allow heat to circulate more evenly throughout the space.
- Open layouts reduce cold pockets
- Fewer barriers mean better airflow and heat retention
- Level-access floors feel warmer underfoot
3. Choose Tiles That Feel Warmer Underfoot
Not all tiles feel the same temperature. Large-format porcelain tiles with a matt or textured finish often feel warmer and more comfortable than glossy, small-format tiles.
- Fewer grout lines = less heat loss
- Matt finishes feel less cold than high-gloss
- Large tiles work particularly well in wet rooms
4. Improve Heating Placement — Not Just Output
A small towel rail tucked into a corner often isn’t enough. Heat needs to be positioned where it actually benefits the room.
- Vertical radiators provide better heat distribution
- Heated towel rails should be sized correctly for the room
- Placement near shower exits improves comfort
5. Layer Your Lighting (It Affects Perceived Warmth)
Lighting plays a surprisingly large role in how warm a room feels. Cool white lighting can make even a heated bathroom feel clinical and cold.
- Warm LED lighting creates a cosy atmosphere
- Layered lighting reduces harsh shadows
- Backlit mirrors add warmth without glare
6. Ventilation That Works — Without Overcooling
Bathrooms need good ventilation, but poorly specified fans can pull too much warm air out of the room.
- Quiet, humidity-controlled fans prevent heat loss
- Correct ducting avoids cold drafts
- Protects your bathroom from damp and mould
Why Wet Rooms Often Feel Warmer
When designed properly, wet rooms can feel noticeably warmer than traditional bathrooms:
- Continuous insulated floor construction
- No cold tray edges or enclosure frames
- Better air and heat circulation
- Fewer cold surfaces overall
This is one reason wet rooms are increasingly popular in Irish renovations — particularly in older homes.
How Bespoke Bathrooms Designs for Comfort
We don’t just design bathrooms to look good — we design them to feel comfortable year-round. By combining proper insulation, intelligent layouts, quality materials and correct ventilation, we eliminate the common causes of cold bathrooms.
All Work Carried Out In-House
Our in-house team handles everything — from insulation and waterproofing to tiling, heating and final detailing — ensuring consistency, quality and lasting comfort.
Tired of a freezing bathroom every winter? Book a consultation with our in-house team and let’s design a bathroom that feels warm, welcoming and built for Irish conditions.
FAQs
Can a bathroom really feel warmer without underfloor heating?
Yes. Insulation, layout, heating placement and lighting can dramatically improve comfort even without underfloor heating.
Do wet rooms feel colder than standard bathrooms?
No — when designed properly, wet rooms often feel warmer due to better insulation and airflow.
Is insulation worth it during a renovation?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades for comfort and long-term performance.
Will better ventilation make my bathroom colder?
Not if it’s correctly specified. Modern fans remove moisture without excessive heat loss.