A towel warmer is provided that has a frame assembly and one or more heating fabric sleeves affixed to the frame assembly. The heating fabric sleeves have electric heating wires that when connected to an electrical power supply to produce a more uniform heat transfer to a contacting article such as a towel than a conventional towel warmer. A thermostat is optionally provided to moderate sleeve temperature. Additionally, a controller is optionally provided to adjust operating parameters of the thermostat. A kit is also provided that includes the towel warmer partially disassembled and instructions for assembly of the frame assembly and attaching the one or more heating fabric sleeves to the frame assembly.