Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
If you are the owner of an older home, chances are you may heat your home via a radiator. Radiators were first installed in homes in the late 19th century and were a popular source for heating the home well into the 20th century. Though slow to warm up a room, radiators are reliable and one of the most comfortable ways to heat a space.
I've always thought radiators were pretty neat...but then I'm an old house lover, big time. Though some of us have a fondness for old homes, decorating around a radiator can sometimes be a challenge. Actually, decorating around any heat source, even if it's just a vent in the wall or floor, can be a challenge. Worry not...I've have a few solutions I think you're going to love.
I've always thought radiators were pretty neat...but then I'm an old house lover, big time. Though some of us have a fondness for old homes, decorating around a radiator can sometimes be a challenge. Actually, decorating around any heat source, even if it's just a vent in the wall or floor, can be a challenge. Worry not...I've have a few solutions I think you're going to love.
| Sometimes a radiator can be in an awkward area of the room. Painting it a complementary color may be your only choice. |
A fascinating fact: Back around 1918 an influenza pandemic hit, and many lives were lost. In 1919, the Board of Health advised folks to keep their windows cracked during the winter to let in fresh air because the flu was an airborne illness. Radiator companies responded by making radiators a lot bigger so they could heat homes while windows were open during the winter.
When the depression hit in the '20s folks weren't so worried about the flu anymore and were more worried about saving money. Windows were closed, and radiators were suddenly too hot. Folks soon learned that by painting their radiators with a paint that contained metal flakes, they could cut the output of the radiator by 20 percent. That's why you'll see so many of the old radiators painted silver or bronze.
When the depression hit in the '20s folks weren't so worried about the flu anymore and were more worried about saving money. Windows were closed, and radiators were suddenly too hot. Folks soon learned that by painting their radiators with a paint that contained metal flakes, they could cut the output of the radiator by 20 percent. That's why you'll see so many of the old radiators painted silver or bronze.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
If you're not too keen on seeing that radiator, there are ways to hide it in plain sight. One of the best ways is by constructing a decorative box or cover to go around the radiator.
|
by Celia James
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This will usually reduce the heat output by about 30 percent, which might come in handy if it's too hot in the room. Enclosing a radiator will often force into the room more heat that would otherwise head straight for the ceiling. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A custom wood cover with an aluminum grill can be designed to fit over a radiator with the cost running around $150-$300, depending on the design and finish.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Here's a before pic of a radiator on its way to being hidden from view.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
And here's the after. In addition to camouflaging the radiator, seating has been added to the room. I bet aluminum panels were added later in front to further hide the radiator.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| As you're viewing all the gorgeous rooms available here at Houzz, if you look closely you may start noticing the hard-working "elephant" that's hiding in the room. He could be under the cute window seat that always the coziest and warmest spot to curl up for a good read. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
As you sit admiring the view, you might not even notice what's underneath.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| If I were in this room, I'd make a beeline for that wonderful window seat. Do you think it's hiding a radiator or just a floor vent? I'm betting radiator because it's a pretty tall window seat. In fact, I think I can just make out the silhouette of a radiator. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Ummm, this could just be storage, but vented or louvered doors are usually a tell-tale sign. Maybe a floor vent...what do you think? |
Again, only the contractor and homeowner knows for sure. Looks a bit low for a radiator, although some are pretty short. That ceiling looks pretty old. What do you think: floor vent for central air or a radiator?
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Heavy moldings, high ceilings...could it be an older home with a radiator? Or is the window seat hiding a floor or wall vent for central air? Maybe the designers who planned these beautiful rooms will weigh in and let us know.
In the meantime, be it a radiator of a badly located central heat and air vent, you have options. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
And sometimes your options are just to have some fun and let your radiator be the star of the room.
People who liked these photos also liked:
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
~Melanie
www.theoldwhitecottageblog.com
~Michelle
http://www.infrared-thermography.com/material-1.htm
Well, time to dismount from my high energy efficiency horse! Have a great Thanksgiving!