I don't think it would look odd if you match them but it is an annoying waste of space. I think you could have large shelves above the radiator to take your shoes and some coats etc. Maybe you could hide it behind a piece of furniture like a console table if its only purpose is to warm up the wall. Your storage bench does not allow much airflow, maybe something much larger with bigger spacing between the shelves.

Alternatively, you could consider insulating the wall internally using something like Wallrock thermal liner.

Have you thought about removing the current one and replacing it with a new radiator on the opposite wall? Having two radiators would look a bit odd I think.

Is it exclusively the wall or is the space cold because heat from the radiator is disappearing elsewhere? Consider if you need to insulate your loft hatch, or add secondary double glazing to the landing window or a curtain over the door. You might get your heating system flushed to ensure the radiator is as effective as possible. Also is the radiator on or do you have a log burner which is so effective the heating turns off elsewhere?

I would consider insulation options first such as cavity wall insulation or internal or external wall insulation. After that I would weigh up the different heating options. You could extend your existing heating system with surface mounted pipes that are boxed in but there are alternative options that might give you more long term flexibility such as an Adax Neo Slimline electric panel heater or similar, or an infrared panel heater. If you are making changes it is worth considering the efficiency and flexibility of your system, do you need to heat your entire house at the same time or could it be set up to heat the parts of the house that you’re using at different points during the day.

Thanks lots of food for thought here.

Yes - have considered removing the other (existing radiator) but that currently then runs on a circuit through the wall to the living room so would have to think about how that continues.

There are some draft challenges - there is obvious cold through the bottom of the front door that could be tackled, but short of a porch (which I always think ruins period houses) or a curtain (the people before had one but not my style) I’m stuck.

• The loft is insulated. Cold walls seem to be a challenge in these houses full stop, lots of people I know have a similar issue in fitted wardrobes against external walls and find themselves having to leave the door open all day to ensure heating / airflow or they get mold.

Will definitely give some thought to how we might be able to vary the heating set up as some rooms do get much hotter than others so yes, ideally it would be on where we need it rather than everywhere at once