Decorating
9 Ways to Get the Most From Traditional Radiators
Victorian-style radiators can add real wow factor to a period room, so get inspired by this roundup of classic designs
It’s fair to say that radiator designs of the 1970s and 1980s were often ugly affairs, and if you live in a restored period property, they can really let down your look. The good news is that it’s easy and relatively inexpensive to replace modern radiators with something more classic that will enhance the traditional feel of your home. Choose from elegant, Victorian-style cast iron radiators in a range of colours, or opt for a steel column design to achieve the look on a budget.
Bear in mind size and space
Cast iron radiators are constructed out of columns and sections. Columns are the number of vertical bars from front to back, which usually come in one to six column sections. These sections are the individual cast iron pieces which fix together to make a radiator. The more columns and sections your radiator has, the higher its heat output will be.
Combine a high number of columns and sections with a tall radiator and you can get a generous heat output for an enormous room. Cast iron radiators also retain their heat for longer than their modern equivalents, so in really large rooms, you may only need one or two.
When placing your radiators, think about the layout of the whole room, as it will be costly and difficult to change it later on.
Cast iron radiators are constructed out of columns and sections. Columns are the number of vertical bars from front to back, which usually come in one to six column sections. These sections are the individual cast iron pieces which fix together to make a radiator. The more columns and sections your radiator has, the higher its heat output will be.
Combine a high number of columns and sections with a tall radiator and you can get a generous heat output for an enormous room. Cast iron radiators also retain their heat for longer than their modern equivalents, so in really large rooms, you may only need one or two.
When placing your radiators, think about the layout of the whole room, as it will be costly and difficult to change it later on.
Check your weight
Cast iron radiators come in a variety of heights, widths, styles and paint finishes, giving you the ultimate flexibility.
They retain their heat well even when the heating is off, so they can work out cheaper to run than steel radiators.
Be aware, though, that cast iron radiators are really heavy. The weight is comparable to a bed or wardrobe, so the floor joists of an upstairs room should be able to take it, but check with your builder to be sure. Most designs also come with feet, but you should still secure them to a wall so they don’t topple over.
You don’t need to adapt your heating system to use them, as long as your boiler has sufficient capacity, so consult your plumber.
Cast iron radiators come in a variety of heights, widths, styles and paint finishes, giving you the ultimate flexibility.
They retain their heat well even when the heating is off, so they can work out cheaper to run than steel radiators.
Be aware, though, that cast iron radiators are really heavy. The weight is comparable to a bed or wardrobe, so the floor joists of an upstairs room should be able to take it, but check with your builder to be sure. Most designs also come with feet, but you should still secure them to a wall so they don’t topple over.
You don’t need to adapt your heating system to use them, as long as your boiler has sufficient capacity, so consult your plumber.
Restore an original
You can find original Victorian cast iron radiators in reclamation yards. These are often beautiful and, if you can find an expert to restore them, they can become a treasured possession in a period home.
The downside of restored radiators is that their efficiency and heat output is often not very high, so unless your room is small and well insulated, you may need additional radiators to achieve your desired level of warmth.
However, a restored original will be rare, giving your restoration extra kudos.
Want to hide your radiator? Here’s how to incorporate it into your scheme
You can find original Victorian cast iron radiators in reclamation yards. These are often beautiful and, if you can find an expert to restore them, they can become a treasured possession in a period home.
The downside of restored radiators is that their efficiency and heat output is often not very high, so unless your room is small and well insulated, you may need additional radiators to achieve your desired level of warmth.
However, a restored original will be rare, giving your restoration extra kudos.
Want to hide your radiator? Here’s how to incorporate it into your scheme
Consider style
Consider whether you want your radiator to become a centrepiece or to blend in with your other décor. Is your style simple and functional, or intricate with flourishes?
White column radiators look great in neutral rooms if you want them to blend in, while simple cast iron designs painted in dark metallic colours, such as old penny, dark pewter or black, are the most faithful choices for a period property.
For a modern touch, opt for an ornate design with a sedate traditional base shade and a more vibrant highlight colour – think gold, silver, bronze or even pastel blue. This gives a nod to Victorian sensibilities and turns a functional feature into something beautiful.
Consider whether you want your radiator to become a centrepiece or to blend in with your other décor. Is your style simple and functional, or intricate with flourishes?
White column radiators look great in neutral rooms if you want them to blend in, while simple cast iron designs painted in dark metallic colours, such as old penny, dark pewter or black, are the most faithful choices for a period property.
For a modern touch, opt for an ornate design with a sedate traditional base shade and a more vibrant highlight colour – think gold, silver, bronze or even pastel blue. This gives a nod to Victorian sensibilities and turns a functional feature into something beautiful.
Opt for a heated towel rail
Traditional-style heated towel rails are perfect for a period-look bathroom and there are many styles and shapes available, including plain, industrial-look metal rungs, as seen here.
Some designs include a central set of columns that can be painted in the colour of your choice.
Although chrome isn’t an obvious finish for a period feel, most traditional bathrooms tend to be minimalist and functional, with white tiles and chrome fittings for a hygienic look – and that sentiment is very Victorian.
Traditional-style heated towel rails are perfect for a period-look bathroom and there are many styles and shapes available, including plain, industrial-look metal rungs, as seen here.
Some designs include a central set of columns that can be painted in the colour of your choice.
Although chrome isn’t an obvious finish for a period feel, most traditional bathrooms tend to be minimalist and functional, with white tiles and chrome fittings for a hygienic look – and that sentiment is very Victorian.
Go electric
Some buildings, such as annexes or rooms above garages, aren’t on mains gas, so you’ll need to use an electrical adaptor if you want to have a traditional cast iron radiator.
These adaptors have a good heat output and look attractive without needing to be connected to the gas supply. This means you can move the radiators around within the room. Remember, though, that they’re very heavy and should still be secured against a wall.
Some buildings, such as annexes or rooms above garages, aren’t on mains gas, so you’ll need to use an electrical adaptor if you want to have a traditional cast iron radiator.
These adaptors have a good heat output and look attractive without needing to be connected to the gas supply. This means you can move the radiators around within the room. Remember, though, that they’re very heavy and should still be secured against a wall.
Get the steampunk look
There are all sorts of interpretations of the period look and one of the most popular incorporates steampunk elements.
Exposed metal pipes, black and metallic finishes and bare brick walls fit the bill perfectly. An industrial style can work just as well in a restored bathroom as a period look, so opt for a copper or brass bath with a bare towel rail.
In this room, the twin towel rails are placed symmetrically on a brick wall for elegant urban chic at its best.
Check out these stylish ways to get a vintage-look bathroom
There are all sorts of interpretations of the period look and one of the most popular incorporates steampunk elements.
Exposed metal pipes, black and metallic finishes and bare brick walls fit the bill perfectly. An industrial style can work just as well in a restored bathroom as a period look, so opt for a copper or brass bath with a bare towel rail.
In this room, the twin towel rails are placed symmetrically on a brick wall for elegant urban chic at its best.
Check out these stylish ways to get a vintage-look bathroom
Cover it up
If it’s not possible to invest in new radiators, try an attractive off-the-shelf cover instead. If your radiator’s size isn’t compatible with a ready-made cover, get a carpenter to make one.
A cover is a stylish yet practical way to hide an unattractive 1970s radiator in a period-look room. You can also paint the covers to match your décor and they can double up as a handy extra surface for lights or ornaments.
TELL US…
Have you made a feature of your radiators? Share your images and tips in the Comments below.
If it’s not possible to invest in new radiators, try an attractive off-the-shelf cover instead. If your radiator’s size isn’t compatible with a ready-made cover, get a carpenter to make one.
A cover is a stylish yet practical way to hide an unattractive 1970s radiator in a period-look room. You can also paint the covers to match your décor and they can double up as a handy extra surface for lights or ornaments.
TELL US…
Have you made a feature of your radiators? Share your images and tips in the Comments below.
Cast iron radiators have been around since Victorian times and they can make a restored property feel authentic.
The domestic radiator was invented in St Petersburg between 1855 and 1857 and was taken up by the wealthy Victorians as the ‘must have’ of the day.
The traditional styles we see today are mostly based on designs by Americans Joseph Nason and Robert Briggs from around 1863. These radiators originally ran on steam rather than hot water. Steam works at great pressure, so all early radiators were fitted with valves that could suddenly release the steam should the pressure rise too much. Radiators became a lot safer when hot water was used instead.