Best Radiator Cover Ideas. Check How to Cover a Radiator
Have you decided on an interesting interior design for your haouse or apartment but you have a problem with unaesthetic radiators? Most of radiator models look ordinary, and the stylish ones cost a lot. Is it a hopeless situation? Not at all! You can achieve an attractive look of the interior thanks to a radiator cover. An interesting element of this type will cover any flaws of the radiator, without affecting its functionality. Are you wondering what radiator cover is the best for you? Learn the most important facts you should know before picking a particulaar model.
What is a radiator cover?
A radiator cover is an element which can increase aesthetics of the heat exchanger. It is typically used with older models like steel column radiators. Using a radiator cover usually does not influence heating efficiency. In many cases it can be used as an extension for the windowsill. This way the element gains a new functionality.
For this reason a radiator cover is an increasingly popular solution used by many homeowners to match the device with an interior design. It also allows to spare money that would have been spent for a new decorative radiator.
Hiding an ugly radiator is not the only function of a radiator cover. If designed well, it can become an additional shelf, as well as a protection for little children’s hands. If you want to install a radiator cover in a children’s room, it is best to choose a colourful one, for instance with favourite animals or cartoon characters.
Is a radiator cover worth it?
Most of heating experts probably would say that using a radiator cover is a waste of energy. On the other hand, supporters of such solution claim that it has many advantages. Before you decide which one is best for you, it is good to learn the arguments from both sides. It will help you decide whether you need a radiator cover or not.
What are the advantages of a radiator cover?
Using a radiator cover has many advantages. The most important and crucial benefit of covering your radiator is increasing its aesthetic value. It is the main reason many homeowners decide to install such elements in their apartments. A radiator cover is a decorative element that can be suited to your home design.
Manufacturers offer many solutions. If you have unusual requirements, you can always customise the project. In this case, you can choose the material of the radiator cover and adapt the appearance of the structure to your own preferences.
You can also reduce the cost of a radiator cover by crafting it yourself. It is not as difficult as it seems - and designing such a project is very satisfying. Whether you make it or purchase it, a radiator cover is usually very easy to install.
The double functionality is another advantage of a radiator cover. Apart from being a decoration, the cover might also become a storage unit. You can also choose a cover that resembles a dresser. You can make a bedside table in a bedroom, for instance. A radiator located by the window can become a seat or a bench. If there are children in the house, a radiator cover also protects their hands from burning. It’s a commonly used solution in kindergartens.
A radiator cover is a far cheaper and much simpler solution than a complete replacement of your radiator. Renovating the installation might be time-consuming. Also, new decorative radiators are much more expensive than plain devices.
Radiator cover - disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of using a radiator cover is decreasing the device heating efficiency. Regardless of the design, using a cover always reduces the heating power.
The screen blocks out the device, so it is more difficult for the heat to reach the room. It might be the cause of decreasing the temperature in the room. For this reason you might have to turn up the heating, which could lead to higher heating bills that anyone would prefer to avoid.
A similar situation might occur if your heater has a thermostat. The temperature behind the cover is higher than in the room - which causes the thermostat to cut off the warm water inside the device. Having that in mind, remember about proper ventilation when designing a radiator cover. Under no circumstance cover the radiator completely.
What radiator cover is the best?
Manufacturers offer a lot of various solutions. Choose one that matches your own needs and the design of your room. There are many types of covers - the most common materials are:
- Wood - it is one of the best-looking materials. Covers in form of a seat or a bench are typically made of wood. Wooden radiator covers might be much more expensive than other materials.
You can paint wooden covers the same way as wood paneling. Thanks to this, you can get aesthetically interesting results.
- PVC - this material is one of the cheapest. Its main advantages are the light weight and flexibility when it comes to cutting patterns. There are many manufacturers producing boards made of this material - you can purchase one in a chosen pattern.
- MDF - radiator covers made of MDF boards are quite durable. Manufacturers offer a lot of shapes and designs.
- Glass - this material is very aesthetic,but it might be very prone to damage. It is also quite heavy.
- Metal - the most commonly used metals are steel and aluminium. A metal radiator cover is very durable and conducts heat well. Keep in mind that this type does not protect from burns.
Each type of material used for a radiator cover should be resistant to high temperatures. On no account use materials that are easy to burn or that have been painted with a substance emanating fumes.
Radiator covers have various types of construction. Hanging models are the most popular - they are attached either directly to the heater or to the wall behind it. This type is also easiest to clean. There are also covers standing on the floor, in form of a chest or a shelf. They are more expensive, but also more elegant. You can also tailor them to fit other furniture pieces in the room.
DIY radiator cover
There are many products of this type available on the market. You can choose from various sizes and different prices. Regardless, you might consider making such an element by yourself. It not very difficult, you just need to remember about a good design that will not disturb the functioning of the device.
Before doing anything, you should think of the suitable material. If you use plywood for a radiator cover, you can cut interesting shapes in the front wall. If the heater is located under a window, you might consider making a cover out of vertical boards. You could also place the boards horizontally, using a strong construction to hold them.
If your budget is low, a good idea is to use boards from old pallets. It is not only cheap but also eco-friendly. Painting the boards in light shades adds to the elegance of the whole construction and fits modern styles.
Wooden pallets are a exceptionally universal material. Learn how else you can use them - in your garden.
An interesting solution involves using an openwork board, for instance made of PCV and attaching it to a wooden construction made of wooden boards. Painted in the same colour as the board, such radiator cover is a very aesthetically pleasing decoration.
Keep in mind that if you are not sure whether you are able to craft such an element, making a cover by yourself is not worth it. It might end up in a huge disappointment. Moreover, a poorly designed element might disrupt functionality of your radiator. If you have a particular, custom project in mind, pay someone to make it for you. This way you will avoid disappointment and make sure that your radiator cover is elegant.
A radiator cover is a good solution if you want to hide a not very attractive heater. The element might change the look of your interior, increasing its aesthetic value. Before choosing such a decoration for your home, you should consider all its advantages and disadvantages. A good design is crucial in this case, as it minimizes the risk of losing the functionality of the device.
📍 How to build a radiator cover?
There are many DIY ideas on how to build a radiator cover - one of them involves using an openwork board and attaching it to a wooden construction. You can use the web to search for more radiator cover ideas. Use them only when you are absolutely sure that you are able to do it.
📍 How to make a radiator cover that is eco-friendly?
A good budget and eco-friendly radiator cover idea is using boards from an old pallet. You can attach them either vertically or horizontally, using a special construction to hold the boards.
📍 How to cover a radiator?
The best idea is to buy a cover from a manufacturer. There are many types of covers available. If you have some crafting skills, you might make a cover yourself.
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