Yes, your bathroom can also be a place to implement technology, and not only that: it can even completely transform its atmosphere. Several months ago, I decided to add some smart devices to my master bathroom, all of them, of course, connected, so they've integrated perfectly into my home automation system. Thanks to this, I now control certain crucial aspects of the bathroom that have helped make it an even more comfortable space , so today I'm going to tell you what they are in case it inspires you for your own bathroom. Take note.
The DeLongui Tasciugo AriaDry dehumidifier
Having an en-suite bathroom looks great in magazines, but it comes with some implications to consider regarding humidity, especially if, as in my case, you don't have a partition separating the sleeping area from the shower. A dehumidifier was therefore key to creating a more comfortable (and, of course, healthier) environment, but in my case, I also have an important feature in that room: the ceilings are almost 4 meters high, so not just any model will do.
After a thorough search for a model with high capacity and Wi-Fi connectivity, I came across the DeLonghi Tasciugo AriaDry Multi. This unit is quite large (60 cm high, 38,3 cm wide, and 25,7 cm thick), so I only recommend it if you're going to use it in large rooms, as is my case.
With a capacity to remove up to 20 liters of excess moisture in 24 hours, this dehumidifier works incredibly well. It features a 4-stage filtration system that captures contaminants (such as bacteria or large dust particles) and can even reduce odors. Its noise level is noticeable, I won't lie, but at 47 dB it's not too bad—I've heard much smaller units that are considerably more annoying.
Thanks to its 360° rotating wheels and side handles, I can easily move it from room to room , so in addition to the bathroom, I've been able to use it in other rooms as I please. The water tank is easily removable for emptying, and it comes with a clothes drying mode which, while not miraculous, does help clothes dry faster.
This DeLonghi, as I mentioned, comes with Wi-Fi connectivity , allowing you to install a dedicated app on your phone and making it compatible with Alexa . I admit I never use the app, but I do use the voice control function, which is really convenient—I can tell my Echo speaker's assistant to turn the dehumidifier on or off as needed. The device also has a touch panel on top for controlling its functions.
Its biggest problem? The high price . The Italian firm isn't exactly one of the cheapest in the sector, and this model confirms that. Not everyone is willing to spend the €539 it costs. However, those who do will find a highly efficient device, discreet in design, easy to use, and, of course, connected.
The Create Warm Tower Pro electric towel rack
As you can imagine, in a room like my bathroom, having an electric towel warmer became not a luxury but a necessity . The towels never seemed to dry completely in winter, which meant I had to wash them even more often. That's why I opted for the Create electric model, which also offered two key features: WiFi connectivity and a very attractive price.
Regarding the first point, the device offers connectivity so that, through an app you install on your mobile phone , you can control it as you wish—it also comes with a small remote for those who prefer a more traditional method. The platform not only allows you to turn the towel warmer on or off remotely; you can also set schedules (up to 24 hours) so that it only operates when you choose. It's also compatible with Alexa , so I have a voice command set up that, when activated ("Alexa, dry the towels"), turns on the towel warmer for two and a half hours, enough time to get my towels dry and free of dampness and odors.
This Create also offers two power levels: 500W on its aluminium bars for towels, and then 1.500W as a ceramic heater. In my case, I hardly use the second one - in my room, being so big, I don't use it much - but it is still an interesting addition if you want that extra heat (its hot air is adjustable up to 40ºC).
As for its manual control panel with LCD screen, it's fairly straightforward, incorporating the typical on/off, temperature control, and timer buttons. My only complaint is that it's so sensitive to touch that I've accidentally turned on the heater simply by brushing against a towel—and keep that in mind, it can't be covered by anything. This is the only drawback I've found with Create's design, besides the optional three-bar rack . This rack detaches quite easily if placed at a height other than the one the manufacturer intended—which, in my opinion, is rather low—so I've found myself in a situation where, when I grabbed a towel, I pulled it down with me. I think it's more practical, therefore, to use hooks or, failing that, to use the rack only occasionally to dry something specific that doesn't require continuous or daily handling.
Despite these two minor drawbacks, the price justifies the purchase (starting at €139,95), and what you get with it is well worth it: a powerful towel warmer—there's only one superior model in the catalog, the Warm Towel Advance—with a beautiful and simple design, and whose WiFi connectivity provides a significant advantage in its segment. It's available in three colors , by the way: white (the one I have), off-white, and black—the most beautiful of all, and I say this with certainty because, after trying this unit, I convinced my parents to buy one for their bathroom too.
Connected LED strips + WiFi switch
LED strips are the latest thing that has transformed my bathroom, without a doubt. You know we're big fans of smart lighting here , so when the opportunity arose to install a connected LED strip behind the mirrors, I didn't hesitate.
By placing them at the back, we achieve a modern and eye-catching rear lighting effect that not only illuminates but also decorates, adding a touch of style to the area. There are many strips of this type available at various price points, but the key is to use ones with Wi-Fi support. If none of these suit your needs, another equally valid option is to purchase standard strips and pair them with a smart Wi-Fi switch, such as the Shelly 1 Mini Gen 3 (very affordable), which is quite compact and won't take up too much space.
What I get with this, once again, is voice control (it's compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa, which is the assistant I use) that lets me turn the lights on and off as I please. Not only that. With an LED strip like this, you can also create different atmospheres, depending on your needs, by playing with the warmth or coolness of the white light or even with different colors (in that case, make sure they're RGB).
And you, are you tempted by any of these smart devices to give your bathroom a glow up ?