As appealing as a warm floor might be, the idea of a network of electric wires on which one walks and causes abrasion which might expose bare wire is dangerous - especially in a bathroom where the added factor of water could cause a fatal accident

You can add radiant elecric floor heat. All you need is a good subfloor, and to embed a net of electric heating mesh into a concrete like base. With GFCI protection, it is rather safe, WRT electrical safety.

As the original posting said, installing radiant heat in a floor as a retrofit is expensive. It's not cheap in original construction either. I saw it done on "This Old House". Of course they did a "Cadillac" job, but even so... And what if you are a renter? I like this idea. You can reduce the risk of a short circuit and fire due to fraying to almost zero by stepping down the 120 V to a low voltage, which is what an electric blanket does. And you can make the heating wires extra tough to prevent fraying. I don't think you could use this as the only source of heat in a room, but it would be a nice supplement.

To avoid the danger of exposed electric wires, it might be possible to install the type of radiant heaters in the ceiling that are used in external canopies. A dark rug on the floor would absorb the ceiling radiation and provide a warm walking place. The radiation could be set at a low intensity so that the system could be activated a couple of hours before waking to warm the floor, but would not be so intense as to be a discomfort to people in the room. But watch out for exposed chocolates!

None of the electric blankets here use low voltage, even the one new a couple years ago. Since modern electric radiant heat is safe, (when propely installed and cared for), there is no need to go low voltage.

Perhaps my suggestion was misunderstood. I said nothing about low voltage. I indicated that a low level of radiation was advisable so as not to overheat the area. That way an elevation of temperatuure could take place gradually. A thermostat on the floor controlling the radiant output would ensure that heat could not accumulate to a dangerous degree.

I love this idea, and particularily like the idea proposed by Sand to have the heat come from the ceiling and be absorbed by the rug. Though this would require a radiant heater installed on the ceiling.

What about using a special bulb like a heat lamp. Can the rug be made out of a material which will create a reaction (resulting in heat) when struck by the rays created by the light?

Hi everyone, I hate to spam you, but I think I have the perfect solution to your problems. I work for a company called Speedheat, who makes a blanket that goes under your area rug that I think would be perfect for you. It works kind of like an electric blanket, but it is tested by the UL for safety and is nearly indestructible. You can check us out online at www.speedheat.us. I hope this helps.

I just want to say that heated rugs are very common in Japan. They are safe and comfy and just great. You can buy them in any store that sells home electronics. They are also only about a quarter of the price of the ones on speedheat.us. I'm so disappointed that electric rugs are so hard to find in the U.S.!