When designing any living space, you can dress up free-standing or old and unsightly radiators to suit your style. Although they are a popular option for heating, heating fins and pipes can spoil the look of the room and collect dust. For this reason, their integration into a stylish interior can be up for debate. To find a suitable solution, you can look at the following examples for inspiration and turn your heating elements into a part of the room decoration or into practical pieces of furniture.
Keep your home warm in style and cover radiators
Radiators first came onto the scene more than 100 years ago, and while they can instill a bit of old-world nostalgia, they tend to present a real design challenge. Fortunately, today there are numerous design options for masking such installations. These range from integrating a radiator cover into a piece of furniture, such as a sofa or bedside table, to simply using the space above itAdding shelves. You can also purchase the paneling, but many people opt for DIY projects that offer a customized look. Such an option can accordingly do justice to its unconventional position and shape.
Additionally, the shape of a radiator determines the type of paneling you can have. For example, if your radiator is tall and slim, it would be unlikely to create a bench around it. Therefore, consider a design with an extra deep top that can instead serve as a ledge for photos, plants or to display a decorative collection. The most popular radiator covers are made of wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), valued for their ease of use, cost-effectiveness and stability in low tide and extreme heat.
Choose the right materials and cover your heating
Radiator covers can also be made from thick metal or aluminum. However, these materials can be difficult to cut and work with. So if you want this kind of cladding, you might want to leave it to the professionals. Also remember that a metal cover is hot to the touch, putting children, unsuspecting adults and pets at greater risk of burns. Although this is a major disadvantage, aluminum and metal conduct heat better than wood, which actually insulates them. So if your main goal is to maximize heat, an aluminum or metal cover might be the right choice.
If you want to go a different route, you can use a bench or shelf instead of a radiator cover. Regardless of which material you choose, your first step should be to measure the area around your radiator. To ensure free air circulation and enough space for the cover, you should increase the dimensions of your radiator by 5 to 10 cm.
This is how you can cover your radiators
Stylistically, the ideas for covering radiators are wide-ranging. For example, if you are making a custom radiator cabinet, the grille opening on the front panel is entirely up to your preference. You can add aluminum, rattan, cane or whatever you like. Decorative metal grilles with special designs are available in a variety of styles and add an extra touch of sophistication. The best part is that high-quality materials allow for optimal heat dissipation and protect you from direct burns and injuries. Here are some general guidelines for creating and installing paneling:
- Use Non-Toxic Adhesives: The easiest way to attach a cover to the front panel is to use a non-toxic, professional adhesive that sticks to multiple surfaces.
- For example, place a metal shield inside the front panel and secure the middle part with a staple gun.
- If you want to use a side trellis, you should make sure to only use natural materials such as linen, wool or rattan. The use of artificial products can cause burns and pose a safety risk.
- Add a Shelf: To complete your paneling, you could create a shelf on top. Again, wood is an excellent choice for covering the top and can create a cozy look.
- Finish with color: Finally, you can embellish the paneling with a color of your choice.
Ideas for covering the heater
Now that you know the ins and outs of radiator cover construction and safety, here are some decorative radiator cover ideas you can use for yourown homecan consider. For example, if you are on a budget, you can create new paneling by upcycling old materials. Breathe new life into old wood by turning it into a windowsill. This approach may take a little time and patience, but eventually you will be able to find a solution that would work in your space.
If refurbishing a gently used cover isn't on your wish list, you can always purchase a brand new one. For example, narrow decorative wood paneling is available in a few different colors and slides easily over existing radiators to give your room a fresh new look. If you don't like one of the colors, you can always paint it to match your home decor.
Install a window seat or shelf
If you have a long radiator beneath a window that sits low to the ground, you might consider building a window seat. This option fits well in a living room. Such a clever idea not only completely hides the radiator, but also provides additional seating and built-in shelves on either side to keep books ready when residents or guests feel like having an interesting read, discussion or reading.
Furthermore, such a DIY project does not have to be difficult and time-consuming. In fact, it can be as simple as placing a piece of wood on the radiator and turning it into a plant shelf. However, it is recommended to mount your makeshift floating shelf on the wall directly above the radiator. This eliminates possible fire hazards. Thanks to the natural beauty of your green foliage, attention will not be drawn to your heater.
Mask the heating with a practical bench or window sill
Vertical hardwood slats or simple wooden planks can hide a wall-mounted radiator and provide a charming visual distraction from it. Additionally, you can install L-shaped pieces that run from a window sill to a baseboard and are attached to the hardwood floor. Additionally, cushions can be added to the paneling to provide comfortable seating on a cool winter day.
If your existing radiators are low height, you may actually consider such a new option. This also offers more options in an entrance area. So cover your radiator with wood to make it look like a background element. If you or someone you know is a skilled woodworker, you can have your seating tailored to fit your home. If not, you can look for a commercial bench that might work just as well.
Create a shelf to store toys in the children's room
Take inspiration from this children's room to disguise an unsightly radiator and add a custom-made shelf where you can also store children's toys. This variant also contributes to the safety of your little ones. This way you have more space to store your children's toys and you don't have to worry about them getting too close to the heater.
Use the wall color to your own advantage
You can dress up your radiators by painting them the same color as the wall so they blend together. This is usually less work than buying or building something to cover up the heater, which might just draw more attention to it. Such an idea is particularly good if your radiator is slim and modern - the larger version cannot be easily hidden by painting it. Otherwise, the slim design goes almost completely unnoticed. Of course, a picture or eye-catching piece of art hanging above it doesn't harm the look at all.
Disguise the radiator and use it as a bedside table in the bedroom
Another practical and stylish option is to configure the heater panel as a bedside table. Combine form and function by covering your radiator in such a creative way. As an extended bedside table, this variant fulfills a double role in the bedroom. Such a hidden heating element combines well in an eclectic bedroom with a cover decorated with traditional details. This gives it a thoughtful and functional look while improving the overall scheme of the room.
Create a cozy seating area with a covered heater
By adding matching paneling, you can create an idyllic seating area in the dining or kitchen area without blocking natural light or creating visual clutter. Simply integrate a low, built-in bench that will keep you warm on cold days thanks to the hidden radiator. Such an airy and stylish option can also maximize space by turning a potentially unused corner into the perfect low seat. A decorative slit can also add a subtle dose of pattern.
More tips on installation and maintenance
A radiator cover is essentially a three-sided box with a lid that requires perforations or slats in the face to allow heat to escape. Known as a grill or grate, it can be made from a variety of materials including wood, cane, rattan or even laser cut from radiator sheet metal. Additionally, a unique rust can add a welcome decorative touch to an otherwise utilitarian object. Remember that paneled radiators also require good ventilation. This means they can generate heat, thereby maintaining energy efficiency. You can increase the efficiency of your radiator by adding a reflective oneAttach the heat plate to the heating elementbefore attaching the cover. This way, the heat returns to a room and does not escape backwards towards the wall.
Another benefit of the panel is that it maintains the cleanliness of the top and sides of the heating element. Cleaning a radiator cover is much easier thanks to its smooth surfaces. When the cover has cooled, you can wipe it with a damp cloth. Dust that settles on the grate can also be easily vacuumed away. Depending on the material, you can also remove the cover completely and clean it outside. Furthermore, this is a clever way to hide the useful feature and protect against fire accidents. This makes cleaning easier and you regain some of the lost space. Add personal flair by adding decorative grilles, paint and custom woodwork.
