Decorating
Decorating: 14 Radiators That Look Stylish, Too
There’s really no need to live with tired old radiators. Make sure your heating is as stylish as the rest of your scheme
Nearly everyone has central heating these days – which means an awful lot of radiators on prominent display. But with so many elements to think about in your home, it’s all too easy to stick with those shabby old models you inherited from a previous owner. However, if you’re prepared to spend a little, hunt around or simply get out a paintbrush, you can easily elevate your heating into part of your decorating scheme. The result can make a huge difference to the look of your rooms – as well as keep you cosy, of course.
Play ‘hunt the radiator’
If you consider heating a necessary interiors evil, then panel radiators may be for you. These minimal designs can be an almost ‘invisible’ modern alternative to more popular column radiators. Bet it took you a moment to spot the ones in this stylish kitchen.
If you consider heating a necessary interiors evil, then panel radiators may be for you. These minimal designs can be an almost ‘invisible’ modern alternative to more popular column radiators. Bet it took you a moment to spot the ones in this stylish kitchen.
Stick with a low-slung classic
A low Victorian column radiator is an elegant, classic choice. Here, a matching pair have been tucked away in their natural habitat – under the windows – to ease chilly draughts. They look particularly lovely next to the chaise longue and parquet floor.
Check out ways to work parquet flooring
A low Victorian column radiator is an elegant, classic choice. Here, a matching pair have been tucked away in their natural habitat – under the windows – to ease chilly draughts. They look particularly lovely next to the chaise longue and parquet floor.
Check out ways to work parquet flooring
Stand tall
Think about the space you have: a traditional short, wide radiator doesn’t always make sense. Tall, narrow radiators have become a chic modern alternative, and this matching metal pair are a stylish option in this contemporary kitchen. They also free up plenty of wall space for cabinets.
Think about the space you have: a traditional short, wide radiator doesn’t always make sense. Tall, narrow radiators have become a chic modern alternative, and this matching metal pair are a stylish option in this contemporary kitchen. They also free up plenty of wall space for cabinets.
Slim down
Column radiator a tad too chunky for your room? Try a slimline tubular design instead. This chic horizontal radiator looks fabulous tucked under a wooden wine rack in this industrial-style dining space. It also blends brilliantly with an exposed brick wall painted in a similar shade.
Column radiator a tad too chunky for your room? Try a slimline tubular design instead. This chic horizontal radiator looks fabulous tucked under a wooden wine rack in this industrial-style dining space. It also blends brilliantly with an exposed brick wall painted in a similar shade.
Source an original
An antique cast iron column radiator always looks beautiful in a period setting. This ornate black French-style model adds a stunning touch to this elegant grey hallway, and looks as if it’s been there forever. Hunt for similar reclaimed original models in your local salvage yard. Alternatively, source convincing Victorian reproductions online.
An antique cast iron column radiator always looks beautiful in a period setting. This ornate black French-style model adds a stunning touch to this elegant grey hallway, and looks as if it’s been there forever. Hunt for similar reclaimed original models in your local salvage yard. Alternatively, source convincing Victorian reproductions online.
Get white right
White radiators can still be a timeless choice. In this stylish midcentury room, a simple vertical number seems to magically ‘disappear’ into the rear wall, allowing those cowhide chaise longues to remain the focus.
White radiators can still be a timeless choice. In this stylish midcentury room, a simple vertical number seems to magically ‘disappear’ into the rear wall, allowing those cowhide chaise longues to remain the focus.
Go high shine
Radiators don’t have to be shy and retiring. These shiny metal modern numbers are the stars of this rather groovy pad, and stand out against the aubergine walls. Having two, mirror-image radiators also adds a sense of order, boosted by the symmetrical sofas, pictures and cushions.
Radiators don’t have to be shy and retiring. These shiny metal modern numbers are the stars of this rather groovy pad, and stand out against the aubergine walls. Having two, mirror-image radiators also adds a sense of order, boosted by the symmetrical sofas, pictures and cushions.
Think beyond the wall
Working out which wall to surrender to a radiator can be a challenge. In this zingy bathroom, the owners have sidestepped the problem by installing a freestanding modern towel radiator between the basin and shower. I’m loving the way the matt black contrasts with the retro orange and wood, too.
Working out which wall to surrender to a radiator can be a challenge. In this zingy bathroom, the owners have sidestepped the problem by installing a freestanding modern towel radiator between the basin and shower. I’m loving the way the matt black contrasts with the retro orange and wood, too.
Pick the right towel radiator
There’s a baffling range of towel radiators out there, so shop around to find one that fits your scheme. This simple, vintage-look version complements the classic fittings perfectly. Measure up carefully to ensure it won’t dominate a small space (but will provide the necessary heat), and count the rails – will it warm all your family’s towels?
There’s a baffling range of towel radiators out there, so shop around to find one that fits your scheme. This simple, vintage-look version complements the classic fittings perfectly. Measure up carefully to ensure it won’t dominate a small space (but will provide the necessary heat), and count the rails – will it warm all your family’s towels?
Dabble with contrast
Don’t assume you always need to ‘blend away’ your radiator. In this airy, all-white kitchen, the radiator provides that all-important dark accent, along with the picture frames. In this case, white would have looked far more bland.
Don’t assume you always need to ‘blend away’ your radiator. In this airy, all-white kitchen, the radiator provides that all-important dark accent, along with the picture frames. In this case, white would have looked far more bland.
Consider cabinets
If you’d rather conceal your less-than-lovely radiators, consider investing in cabinets. These can look stylish, and can be painted to match your scheme. Designed properly, they shouldn’t hold back heat, but always check with your carpenter or cabinet provider first.
If you’d rather conceal your less-than-lovely radiators, consider investing in cabinets. These can look stylish, and can be painted to match your scheme. Designed properly, they shouldn’t hold back heat, but always check with your carpenter or cabinet provider first.
Choose an interesting finish
In this blissful bathroom, the huge vertical column radiator has a subtle distressed, burnished finish that fits in with the rustic-meets-luxe vibe. Note the clever attached rails, which mean it’s still practical for keeping towels toasty.
TELL US…
What kind of radiators have you chosen for your home? Please share your photos in the Comments below.
In this blissful bathroom, the huge vertical column radiator has a subtle distressed, burnished finish that fits in with the rustic-meets-luxe vibe. Note the clever attached rails, which mean it’s still practical for keeping towels toasty.
TELL US…
What kind of radiators have you chosen for your home? Please share your photos in the Comments below.
Be bold and paint radiators a bright colour to make them part of your interiors look. This neon yellow number, tucked under a table, would have faded from view if left plain white. Painted, it lifts the whole room, and coordinates fabulously with the equally cheerful colourful prints.
See 9 more ways to be brave with colour