Radiator Rant

9 years ago

I hate nothing more than a radiator and you will find that almost every home here in Islington, North London, has those awful white radiators plastered slap back in the middle of the wall. And almost always in the wrong place; slightly to the left, slightly to the right, too high, in the corner, on a wall which could be of use, etc, etc.

I've had a quick browse through my old pal Google and spotted a few DIY radiator makeovers which were pretty cool!

So. Other than completely replacing the radiator or strategically placing a large item of furniture (which will most likely forever remain slightly to the left. Or the right!), does anyone have any DIY ideas for giving your old but trusted radiator a makeover?

I've seen all sorts... ombre painted, decoupage, mantelpiece, fabric, etc. Thought it would be nice to hear from others who love a project and can't necessarily replace their entire heating system/radiators. :)

Next rant: Plug sockets and light switches. Why do you hate me so?

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Comments (3)

PRO
Dale Loth Architects
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I wondered if anyone would have a convincing solution to this awkward problem, so waited a day to respond. The best advice I can give is to prepare and paint the radiator in eggshell finish to match the wall behind it. If possible, arrange a table or other open furniture to conceal it, but leaving a gap in front and above the radiator for the heat to rise. Radiator boxings would just make the problem worse, taking up more space and reducing heat output.

As you've observed, developers converting or renovating houses in Islington from the 1960s onwards usually did the cheapest possible central heating arrangement with pressed-steel radiators as close to each other as possible to avoid long pipe runs and notching out joists for the pipework. Not only does this usually result in radiators on internal walls behind obvious sofa and bed positions, it also creates drafts drawing cold air from windows across the floor.

We place radiators under windows wherever possible, but making that change to an existing system would hardly be DIY for most people.

Plug sockets and light switches aren't such a ubiquitous problem as bad radiator placing, so I look forward to your next instalment!
PRO
Feature Radiators
9 years ago
Paint is an obvious option. We would recommend sanding the radiator down with a light "wet and dry" sandpaper to key the finish first then using a primer spray paint followed by 2 coats of top coat. Coats must be very thin and allow at least 72 hours between coats for drying time. I have painted a radiator myself using Plasti-kote spray paint and achieved a good result changing it from bright green to black. However I would say that it won't be the easiest thing to paint a corrugated fronted radiator as lots of grooves to get into and you would need at least 3 cans.
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fifiann63
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I have painted two white radiators in a silver metal paint (can't remember the name now but I got it in Homebase) to blend in with dark grey walls and they turned out fab. I'm now preparing to paint another radiator pink to blend in with my kitchen wall - will prime and paint in satinwood this time.

Radiator Rant

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