500mm Wide Anthracite Towel Rails | 450mm Pipe Centres
14 years supplying UK bathrooms, est. February 2012. Free delivery on orders over £200. 5-year manufacturer's warranty on all towel rails.
Our 500mm wide anthracite towel rails are the go-to choice for family bathrooms and well-proportioned en-suites, with 450mm pipe centres that match most standard UK plumbing layouts. Available in seven heights from 600mm to 1800mm, each rail carries a dense, oven-cured anthracite powder coat that hides limescale and resists fingerprints far better than polished chrome. Central heating, pre-filled electric, and dual fuel versions are all stocked.
Heat Output — 500mm Wide Anthracite Towel Rails
Outputs calculated to BS EN 442. ΔT50 = combi boiler (standard), ΔT60 = older high-temp systems, ΔT30 = heat pumps and low-temperature systems.
| Height | ΔT50 (BTU/W) | ΔT60 (BTU/W) | ΔT30 (BTU/W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600mm | 717 / 210W | 909 / 266W | 369 / 108W |
| 800mm | 969 / 284W | 1,228 / 360W | 499 / 146W |
| 1000mm | 1,225 / 359W | 1,553 / 455W | 631 / 185W |
| 1200mm | 1,477 / 433W | 1,872 / 549W | 760 / 223W |
| 1400mm | 1,641 / 481W | 2,080 / 610W | 845 / 248W |
| 1600mm | 1,805 / 529W | 2,288 / 670W | 929 / 272W |
| 1800mm | 2,058 / 603W | 2,608 / 764W | 1,059 / 310W |
Prices — 500mm Anthracite Towel Rails by Height
| Height | Central Heating | Electric (from) | Dual Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600mm | £61.95 | £91.95 | £137.00 |
| 800mm | £66.95 | £96.95 | £145.00 |
| 1000mm | £71.95 | £101.95 | £150.00 |
| 1200mm | £77.95 | £108.00 | £175.00 |
| 1400mm | £82.95 | £113.00 | £195.00 |
| 1600mm | £87.95 | £118.00 | £195.00 |
| 1800mm | £92.95 | £123.00 | £205.00 |
All prices include VAT. Electric prices shown without element — add your chosen element at checkout. Free delivery on orders over £200.
About the Anthracite Finish
Anthracite grey is one of the most durable and practical finishes available on a towel rail. Applied as an electrostatic powder coat and cured at high temperature, it bonds to the steel tubes to form a hard, scratch-resistant surface that will not chip under normal bathroom conditions. The matte texture absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which means fingerprints and water marks are far less visible than on a polished chrome rail — a significant advantage in busy family bathrooms. Anthracite also pairs naturally with dark grout, slate tiles, brushed brass taps, and industrial-style bathroom furniture, giving designers a versatile neutral anchor for contemporary schemes.
Central Heating, Electric, or Dual Fuel?
Central heating: The lowest-cost option to buy and run. Water from your boiler circulates through the rail, so there are no additional running costs beyond what your heating system already uses. Best choice if your bathroom already has 15mm supply pipes nearby and you want maximum warmth for the price.
Pre-filled electric: No plumbing required — the rail comes factory-sealed with heat transfer fluid. Simply wire to a fused spur outside the bathroom zone, or to an IPX4-rated switch inside. Ideal for bathrooms where plumbing is impractical, or for anyone who wants year-round control independent of the central heating. Add a timer or thermostat at checkout.
Dual fuel: Runs on central heating in winter and switches to the electric element in summer, giving you year-round warm towels without overheating the bathroom when the boiler is off. One valve closes the CH flow; the element does the rest. Slightly higher upfront cost but maximum flexibility throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pipe centres do 500mm wide anthracite towel rails use?
All 500mm wide towel rails in this range have 450mm pipe centres — measured between the midpoints of the two entry ports. This is a standard spacing for UK bathrooms, so existing 15mm copper tails typically need only a short adjustment to align. Allow 75–95mm wall-to-pipe clearance for the wall brackets.
How much heat does a 500mm anthracite towel rail produce?
Heat output varies by height. A 600mm × 500mm rail produces 717 BTU (210W) at ΔT50, suitable for a small en-suite or cloakroom of around 3–4m². At 1800mm tall the same width delivers 2,058 BTU (603W) — enough for a large family bathroom. Use our BTU calculator to match the correct height to your room size.
Are 500mm anthracite towel rails suitable for heat pump systems?
Yes, but size them using the ΔT30 column in our heat output table above. Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures (typically 35–45°C), which reduces output compared to a conventional boiler. A 1000mm × 500mm rail delivers 631 BTU (185W) at ΔT30, so you may need a taller rail to achieve the same warmth as a boiler-fed system.
How much wall space do I need for a 500mm towel rail?
Allow at least 600mm of clear wall width. The wall brackets sit approximately 65mm in from each end, giving a bracket span of around 370mm. Projection from the wall is typically 90–110mm. Ensure the chosen height fits between any window cill, skirting board, or other obstruction above and below.
What is the difference between anthracite and matt black towel rails?
Anthracite is a warm dark grey — similar to RAL 7016 — while matt black is a true deep black with no grey undertone. Anthracite tends to complement warmer bathroom palettes including teak, oak, and natural stone, whereas matt black reads as sharper and more contemporary. Both use the same powder-coat process and carry identical durability and warranty.
Can I convert a central heating 500mm anthracite rail to dual fuel later?
Yes. Drain the rail, remove one blanking plug, and fit a compatible dual-fuel element kit (immersion-style element, T-piece, and angled valves). Add a fused spur for the electrical connection. We sell compatible element kits separately. A competent DIYer can typically complete the conversion in around two hours.
Need Help Choosing the Right 500mm Wide Anthracite Towel Rail?
Call us on 02477 220 780 or use the live chat — our team can advise on pipe centre compatibility, height selection, and element wattage for your specific room. We dispatch from our Coventry warehouse (CV7 9NH) with free UK delivery on orders over £200.
