There’s nothing quite like stepping out of a warm shower and grabbing a toasty, dry towel. If you’ve only ever experienced cold, slightly damp towels, a heated towel warmer is the upgrade you didn’t know your bathroom was missing. The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional plumber or electrician to add one of these cozy accessories. With a little planning, a few basic tools, and a weekend afternoon, you can install a towel warmer yourself and enjoy that spa-like feeling every single day.

First, you’ll want to pick the right type of warmer for your space. There are two main kinds: hydronic and electric. Hydronic models hook directly into your home’s hot water system, so they’re incredibly efficient and keep your towels warm for a long time. But they do require access to your plumbing lines, which can be a bigger project if your bathroom isn’t already set up for it. Electric towel warmers, on the other hand, are far simpler. They use a built-in heating element powered by a standard outlet. Many of them are hardwired, but you can also find plug-in versions that you can install in under an hour. For most homeowners, an electric model is the way to go, especially if you’re looking for a straightforward DIY job.

Before you buy anything, take a few measurements. You need to know the exact width and height of the space where you want to mount the warmer. Keep in mind that you’ll want at least an inch of clearance on both sides and above the unit so air can circulate freely. It’s also a good idea to think about how close you’ll be to a sink or bathtub. If the warmer is going near a water source, check the manufacturer’s safety rating. You want a unit with proper water-resistant seals, and you should always follow the National Electrical Code requirements for bathroom installations. That usually means the outlet needs to be a GFCI protected one, which you probably already have if your bathroom was built after the mid-1980s.

Once your warmer arrives, unpack it and lay out all the parts. Most electric towel warmers come with a mounting bracket, a few screws, wall anchors, and a small level. Start by positioning the bracket against the wall at the height that feels natural for reaching your towel. A typical spot is around 48 to 54 inches from the floor. Hold the bracket in place and use a pencil to mark the screw holes. If you’re drilling into drywall, you’ll definitely want to use wall anchors, because a towel warmer filled with heavy wet towels can put quite a lot of stress on the wall. When you drill, keep the drill bit straight and go slow so you don’t tear up the paper on the drywall. For tile walls, you’ll need a carbide-tipped bit and a lot of patience. Tape over the spot with masking tape first to prevent the drill from slipping.

After securing the bracket, give it a firm tug to make sure it’s solid. Then, carefully lift the towel warmer and set it onto the bracket. Many models just slide over the bracket and lock in place with a tiny screw at the bottom. Plug it in or connect the wires if you’re hardwiring. If you’re hardwiring, turn off the power at the circuit breaker first, and always double-check with a voltage tester before touching any wires. If that sounds intimidating, don’t hesitate to pick a plug-in model instead. There’s no shame in making your life easier.

Once everything is mounted and powered up, test it out. Give it about ten minutes to reach full temperature, then hang a right towel over it. You’ll immediately notice the difference. Some warmers have timers or thermostats built in, which is great for saving energy. You can set it to turn on about twenty minutes before your morning shower, so it’s nice and warm right when you need it. Make sure to read the care instructions for your towels—some delicate fabrics shouldn’t be left on a warmer all day, but cotton and bamboo handles it beautifully.

If you ever notice your warmer isn’t heating as well as it used to, it’s usually a simple fix. Check that the outlet is working, and in the case of hydronic models, purge any air from the lines. Loose connections can also cause problems, so give the mounting bracket an occasional tighten. And always keep the exposed heating elements clean and dry—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth when the unit is cool.

Installing a heated towel warmer is one of those projects that gives you a huge return on a moderate amount of effort. It’s a small change that makes your bathroom feel more luxurious every single day. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting to learn your way around a drill, this is a project you can absolutely handle. So go ahead, treat yourself. Your towels—and your tired, shower-warm self—will thank you.