How to Make Peace With Your Radiator
Turn a bulky, unattractive old heater into an appealing part of a room
Living in an older building comes with its blessings and its curses. While I love the intricate wood paneling and clever hidden shelving in my 1920s apartment, I can't stand the big, bulky radiators that plague every room. There's something quaint and charming about steam heating, but radiators always seem to be in the most awkward spaces, taking up an unnecessary amount of room.
For those of you suffering from the same conundrum, there are a few ways to hide your radiator, or turn it into an asset:
For those of you suffering from the same conundrum, there are a few ways to hide your radiator, or turn it into an asset:
- Paint it
- Hide it
- Use it
- Decorate it
If bold and colorful isn't your style, you can always try to paint your radiator to blend with the rest of your home's decor. This radiator was painted in the same gray that accents the trim and stairs in the entryway. At first glance, the radiator is hardly noticeable.
If you decide to use something other than a high-heat spray paint for your radiator, look into an oil-based paint. Since latex is water-based, it's more likely to peel and crack from the heat.
If you decide to use something other than a high-heat spray paint for your radiator, look into an oil-based paint. Since latex is water-based, it's more likely to peel and crack from the heat.
If you really want your radiator to blend with your decor, paint it the color of your wall. This white radiator is barely visible, and the display shelf above automatically draws the eye away from it.
If your radiator is bare metal, apply a coat of bare-metal primer before painting. Make sure it's completely clean before you start painting, and if there's already paint on it, give it a light sanding.
If your radiator is bare metal, apply a coat of bare-metal primer before painting. Make sure it's completely clean before you start painting, and if there's already paint on it, give it a light sanding.
Hide it. A basic radiator cover is a simple way to hide an unsightly radiator and transform it into a functional piece of furniture. These setups can be purchased online, but they're also relatively easy and inexpensive to make.
A radiator cover is essentially just a 3-sided box. Create openings to radiate the heat out of the cover. If you are worried about losing heat because of the cover, slip a sheet of metal behind the radiator to reflect heat out into the room.
A cover for a long and low radiator under a window can easily double as a window seat. Add a cushion and pillows for a warm and cozy space.
In this room, the designer found a low bench that fit perfectly over the radiator under the window. This is easier than creating a new, built-in bench. Just make sure that the front of the bench is open so the heat can radiate out of the space.
Another option for radiators near windows is to use long curtains that cover the space where the radiator is. Make sure you pull back the curtains when the radiator is on, or install the curtains so that they extend several inches away from the radiator.
Another option for radiators near windows is to use long curtains that cover the space where the radiator is. Make sure you pull back the curtains when the radiator is on, or install the curtains so that they extend several inches away from the radiator.
Use it. The top of a radiator can be the perfect place for a built-in shelf. When a piece of wood or stone is placed on top, a bulky radiator becomes a handy side table or bookshelf. If you're using wood, be aware that it might warp, particularly if you place it directly on the radiator. You can also install a wall shelf just a few inches above the radiator — try using an IKEA LACK shelf or something similar. Alternatively, you can find a piece of wood you love and install it with wall brackets.
If you're worried about using wood, a slab of stone, marble or brick will work perfectly for a radiator shelf since they won't warp. The white marble on top of the radiator in this bathroom makes for a beautiful and spontaneous side table.
Decorate it. When your radiator isn't being used in warmer weather, try working it into a vintage-styled vignette. The antique-looking phone, frame and clock really work with the look of the old radiator.
Do you have a great design for your radiator? Please show us in the Comments below!
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Do you have a great design for your radiator? Please show us in the Comments below!
More:
Iron It Out! Storage Solutions for the Ironing Board
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The ombre technique can be accomplished with a few bottles of spray paint and a careful eye. Try using a specialized, high-heat spray paint. Rustoleum and Krylon both offer a huge range of great colors.