Don’t let clumsy radiators ruin your decorating scheme with these clever ways to hide your heaters
As the winter snap starts, our central heating systems become our trusty saviours in the fight against the big freeze. But in decorating terms, we have more of a love-hate relationship with our radiators: we adore them for keeping us warm but loathe them for looking so cumbersome (and taking up precious wall space). In an ideal world, we’d all invisible underfloor heating in every room, but if this is not the reality for you, we have ideas on some of the ways to hide (or at least incorporate) a radiator into every room.
A pair of low-level radiators tucked neatly under the windows in the room, will help hide them and there is no need for fancy radiator covers or grilles, as finished in white the can merge into a single, sophisticated look.
A slim console table can be a boon in the hallway, not just for creating a shelf for keys and post, but for covering up a boring radiator. If you can’t find the right size of the table in the shops, you could get one specially made to fit your space.
Furniture cover up
A slim console table can be a boon in the hallway, not just for creating a shelf for keys and post, but for covering up a boring radiator. If you can’t find the right size of the table in the shops, you could get one specially made to fit your space.
Shelving the idea
Incorporating radiators into a shelving system or bookshelf, will maximise wall space, it’s likely you’ll need to work around existing fixtures. But that’s fine because you can incorporate the radiators into a row of books, creating a neat and unobtrusive finish.
All boxed in
Tailormade covers are a tried-and-tested way of hiding an unsightly radiator in modern and traditional homes alike. These slim boxes are constructed from MDF or wood veneer with decorative grilles or fretwork fronts to add a touch of interest.
On the flat
Super-flat, panel radiators can become almost invisible when mounted on a surface in the same colour. With no ridges or undulations to cast any shadows, the radiator effectively becomes part of the wall.
Beauty in the finish
This is a great idea to steal. A plain, run-of-the-mill radiator becomes part of the decorating scheme with a lick of subtle candy-pink paint, and it now blends in seamlessly with the pastel patchwork shelving feature that takes over one wall. (Do make sure the paint is suitable for use on radiators, though.)
Zing with colour
This is not so much hiding a radiator as ensuring it becomes an integral part of the bright, décor. From a fluorescent yellow to a metallic purple. Who said radiators simply serve a function?
Fit into a window seat
A built-in window seat is a canny design route for hiding a long run of radiators. Make sure yours has an upholstered top for an extra comfortable seat, with a hinged, lift-up access point to the heater in case of any maintenance and service issues.
Heat with beauty
If nothing seems to distract you from your radiators and you still believe they are ugly necessities, then try replacing them with beautiful old reclaimed cast iron radiators or fine new reproduction radiators.
Many styles of new cast iron radiators will replicate the old and suit any style and period of the property, from the school column type cast iron radiator to the more ornate Art Nouveau styles of the Burlington and Nouveau models.
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A deep dive into the history, common issues, and maintenance of cast iron rainwater goods, with a focus on traditional Scottish architecture; cast iron rainwater goods have been a staple of Scottish architecture for centuries, prized for their durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. These qualities are particularly important in Scotland, where the weather can be harsh and unforgiving. They are a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of a bygone era, adding a touch of elegance and historical significance to buildings across the country.
Cast iron’s journey in Scottish architecture began in the 18th century. Its resilience and ability to withstand the challenging Scottish climate quickly gained popularity. The relatively low production cost of cast iron made it a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings, contributing to its widespread adoption.
The 19th century marked the pinnacle of cast iron rainwater goods in Scotland. This era saw the construction of magnificent Victorian buildings adorned with elaborate cast-iron rainwater systems, showcasing decorative hoppers, rhones (the Scottish term for gutters), and leader heads (downpipes). These features served a practical purpose, channelling rainwater away from the building and enhancing the architectural beauty of the structures.