11 radiator ideas to level up your home

Radiators are a necessity in most households, but they don’t always look great! That said, there are lots of things you can do to turn your ugly radiators into something more stylish – from painting them to hiding them behind radiator covers or simply investing in a better-looking style of radiator.

These radiator ideas will give you all the inspiration you need.

1. Pick radiators that match your home’s style

First things first, you won’t need to hide your radiators if you pick ones that match your home’s style and interior design.

This period entrance hall features Victorian floor tiles, perfectly complemented by a cast iron column radiator (which also happens to be one of the most efficient radiator types available!).

There are so many different radiator materials and designs to choose from – from horizontal to vertical; aluminium to stainless steel – so picking one that matches the style of your home shouldn’t be too hard.

2. Hide it behind a radiator cover

If you’d rather not replace your radiators, you could instead hide them away behind radiator covers. This radiator cover has a period look that suits the property’s parquet flooring and traditional decor.

Although many people think that radiator covers block heat, the truth is that well-designed ones can actually increase your radiator’s efficiency!

3. Tailor your radiator ideas to the space you’ve got

When radiators detract from a room’s style, it’s often because they’ve been shoehorned into a space that’s not right for them. This homeowner has opted for an aluminium vertical radiator, which fits perfectly between the doorways on either side of it.

We love how its vertical bars echo the wood slats of the room divider, giving this open plan living space a unified look.

4. Paint your radiators the same colour as your walls

Painting your radiator the same colour as your walls can help it to blend in and make it feel like a more considered part of your interior design. This column radiator has been painted the same teal as the wall and MDF panelling behind it. It’s a slick and sophisticated look that brings some personality to the space without detracting from its period features.

5. Make a feature out of your radiator

Alternatively, instead of blending your radiator in, you could make it stand out by painting it a different colour from the walls behind it. This kitchen diner boasts a black vertical radiator on a white wall. It brings a sleek contemporary edge to the space, doing a similar job to a feature wall.

6. Install a shelf above your radiator

The spot where your radiator is installed can sometimes feel like dead space. This radiator is tucked beneath a shelf, which has been styled with bouquets of faux flowers.

Not only is it a great way to draw attention away from the radiator towards something prettier, but it also makes this corner more functional as it can be used for extra storage.

7. Select a slim radiator cover for narrow spaces

This radiator cover is the same colour as the wall panelling behind it, helping to give this bathroom a sleek, uncluttered look.

Slim radiator covers are ideal for awkward spaces like narrow hallways or small bathrooms. You can buy them off-the-shelf or get a carpenter to make you bespoke radiator covers.

8. Long radiators make good bedroom radiators

Most bedrooms have a radiator beneath the window. So, it makes sense to invest in a long, horizontal radiator that will slot seamlessly into the space available. In this way, you’ll be able to maximise your space while getting the maximum heat output from your radiator too.

9. Restore cast iron radiators for your living room

If you love period features, why not restore an old radiator rather than invest in a new one? Perhaps you’re lucky enough to have original cast iron radiators already in your home, or perhaps you can find some at a local salvage yard. We just adore the floral details on this restored cast iron radiator – it shows that putting in some TLC can be well worth it!

10. Get a curved radiator for bay windows

Instead of buying a standard radiator to go under your bay window, why not buy a curved one? This will make your interior design look much more considered and bespoke.

If you still want to hide your radiators from view, think about installing a curved radiator cover like this homeowner, or even getting a bay window bench seat fitted above your radiator – the options are endless!

11. Opt for a radiator cover with shelf

Last but not least, opting for a radiator cover with a shelf can be a fantastic way to improve both the look and practicality of your radiator.

This homeowner has installed a radiator cover that doubles up as a bookcase, with shelves on either side as well as on top. They’ve used it to store trinkets, photos and even functional items like hand gel – in this way, it’s a pretty and practical addition to the home.

Radiator ideas key takeaways

• Installing a radiator that suits the style of your home will ensure that it complements your interior design.
• If you don’t want to replace your radiators, consider hiding them beneath a shelf or behind radiator covers.
• You can paint your radiators the same colour as your walls to get them to blend in, or go for a brighter colour to turn them into a feature.

Looking to replace or install new radiators?

If bringing your radiator ideas to life means installing new radiators, then you’ll need the help of a central heating engineer.

Just search your postcode below to find a good local central heating engineer who can replace the radiators in your home.