DESIGNER RADIATOR

Types of designer radiator

The world of designer radiators is continually developing and these stylish heating units can now be obtained in a number of different formats and power sources including convector radiators, rail (tubular) style radiators, panel radiators, monolithic radiators and oil filled radiators, the latter of which plug into a mains electricity socket and are mobile.

New materials and design approaches are also making radically different radiator designs possible and this has brought some new and novel radiator designs into the market place. Many of these radiators no longer resemble the conventional radiator "model" and many make a stunning visual feature within a room.

Designer radiators for central heating systems

Designer radiators for gas, oil, propane and coal fired central heating systems are based on re-circulating heated water.

All of these radiators are powered by a boiler, condensing boiler, or stove and work by passing the heated water through a series of channels or pipes that form the body of the radiator.

The hot water then conducts its heat energy to the metal radiator body and the high surface area of the radiator’s body uses convection and radiation to heat the air in the room and increase the ambient temperature.

Radiator designs

Because centrally heated radiators are based on nothing more complex that a pipe capable of circulating hot water, the availability of shapes, sizes, designs and profiles is almost unlimited.

Many designer radiators take the form of undulating pipe work with a chrome or coloured finish, but much more complex designs are available.

The most common themes of designer radiator can be described as -

• Tall and narrow radiators know as column radiators, where the height dimension exceeds the width dimension.
• Towel radiators, where the design maximizes the tubular effect of the function to mix a radiator with a towel hanging rail.
• Curved radiators, where a curve or undulating vertical profile creates an unusual wave effect.
• Artistic radiators, where the radiator is styled to create a piece of design, or to simulate art. Some of these radiators are bespoke.
• Traditional radiators where a typically a Victorian radiator design is updated with modern materials and manufacture to produce a classic look.
• Modern radiators, where a minimalist or Hi-Tec appearance is sought, often using angular profiles and brushed metal finishes.
• Alternative material radiators, where not only the style, but also the method of heat transfer is based on innovation and design, e.g. a glass radiator.

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The possible future of radiators where function and art merge to create a beautiful heating unit with performance and aesthetics.

Radiators like this are still out of the reach of most home owners, but as new designs appear, prices continue to fall.