DESIGNER RADIATOR

Radiator Covers

Radiator covers, also called radiator cabinets, are a great way of disguising or hiding existing radiators that are old, ugly, too large, or simply out of tune with the rest of a room.

Radiator covers have been around for a long time and are most often seen in old manor houses, stately homes and large period properties.

The restriction that has prevented them from being in the average house has been price. Until relatively recently, off-the-shelf and flat-pack radiators did not exit, so the early radiator covers were custom made for each property and each radiator and at great expense. These days things have changed.

The choice of radiator covers or cabinets

Radiators covers now encompass a massive range of modern, traditional and contemporary styles and they can be bought and assembled from DIY stores, purchased over the internet, or made to custom order.

The large choice in styles is echoed by the different size options available along with the finishes and materials of manufacture.

There is an almost unlimited number of design options available, particularly if you use the internet to source suppliers and manufacturers. Prices are also very good.

Selecting a radiator cover

In selecting a radiator cover it is important to think about not only the cover's appearance, but also its ability to allow a good air flow in and out of its enclosure. Radiator covers with large solid areas, thick strong constructions, and very narrow air slats will actually prevent the radiator from heating the room.

Look for covers or cabinets that are low in overall density and thickness and that have large open or meshed areas. It is also vital that there are openings at the top and bottom of the radiator cover to facilitate air convection around the radiator.

Flat packed radiator covers

Flat packed radiator covers are easy to assemble, available in most standard radiator sizes and come in white, or a "paint it yourself" finish.

No great DIY experience is necessary for their assembly and all necessary tools are usually supplied with the kit. You can buy these flat packed radiator cover kits from some DIY stores and from on-line suppliers and direct-to-the-public manufacturers.

Radiator covers are easily fitted to walls and usually require nothing more than a single wall mounting at each end of the radiator's length. The radiator cover then locates on the projecting metal wall mounting and it can be fitted or removed in seconds.

See this where to position radiators link for information on the best locations for radiators within a room.