Many people decide to update their radiators when they renovate their home. The key is to find the right style of the radiator and incorporate it with the rest of the design. With a little bit of research and creativity, you could bring a whole new aesthetic to finish off styling your room with a bang.
But how can you choose when there are so many styles, colours, materials and designs to choose from? We’re here to help you with exactly that! Here are some radiator designs that will bring a timeless look, as well as cosiness and warmth, to any room you place them in.
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Designer Radiators
Designer, or modern style radiators, are made with both looks and functionality in mind. Every model brings a new element of style, making the designer radiators some of the most popular solutions in the last few years.
If you need help with figuring out which model will fit the concept you are aiming for, you can find some great examples at https://www.traderadiators.com/. You can find the one that not only fits with the rest of your furniture but also looks like a stand-alone piece of art.
Heated Towel Rails
Heated towel rails are perfect if you need a radiator for your bathroom or kitchen, and you are dealing with limited space. Additionally, along with the aesthetic and convenience, the warmth they provide could be enough to heat up the whole room!
This design has been around for a long time, and more and more people are choosing this as the solution for their home. They can bring a modern feel to your home, without the high prices that could sometimes come with other types.
Minimalist Design
Minimalism isn’t a new concept. In fact, this trend makes a comeback every few years. If you choose a radiator with a minimalist design, your home will look like it came from the cover of a magazine for years to come.
Sometimes, the greatest designs are the simplest. If you want a radiator that will add something to your interior design while maintaining a certain subtility, this is a type you should definitely consider.
Industrial Radiators
Industrial radiators have reached their popularity in the past all thanks to their efficiency. However, nowadays they serve as one of the go-to models for every interior designer out there.
If you want to go for the industrial feel and pair the radiators with red-brick walls or high ceilings, you’ll be able to combine the elements of the past and present into one room.
Victorian Style
Victorian-style radiators are the least subtle out of all the designs we mentioned but are certainly the most unique and recognisable. They will bring a sense of luxury into any room and they come with many intricate designs and patterns. If you want to add more detail to your home, this should be one of your go-to models.
Bring details to your interior
When you design a room, hiding your radiators may seem like a good decision. However, you should never settle for easy. Find the design that will add artistic value to your home, as well as higher efficiency. The change it will bring will be subtle but fabulous!
The step-by-step guide to choose your radiator
Selecting a home radiator can be a daunting task, especially if you know nothing about radiators, BTUs, types, etc. You picked the best radiator for your home if:
- you don’t want to replace it ever
- you have no more stress
- the home looks better
- your utility bills are lower than ever before
- you have no regrets
Follow our four steps to easily navigate the numerous options to identify the best radiator for your household.
Step 1- What room is it for?
Different rooms in your home have different heating needs. You can have various kinds of radiators in your home.
Kitchen
Kitchen space is crucial for a nice living, whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious two-story house. Vertical radiators make for the best choice for kitchens. Models with a rail top to dry a towel are also functional.
A pair of radiator valves are also practical in the kitchen as this is the only room in your house that gets very hot/cold throughout the year.
Hallway
Horizontal radiators are excellent for corridors, hallways, and joining spaces. A long radiator matches the area a lot better than other shapes and will make the room seem larger as well. With hallways, there’s also the problem of stairs. Are there stairs where you plan to set the radiator? Is there ample open space, so the heat rises? Is it just one ample open space, or are there also doors to trap in heat?
Bedroom
A cold bedroom isn’t something we want to have. Bedrooms should be cozy and comfortable and it’s difficult to sleep when you’re freezing. Most of the time, the radiators are set up beneath the window so look for a nice horizontal radiator for comfort in the bedroom.
Main room/dining room
The dining room is where you entertain lovely dinners with your friends. Therefore, you might consider a visually appealing radiator for the living room. A designer radiator will make the statement you want in the living room. Some models will make your guests wonder if they’re metalwork sculptures or radiators.
Bathroom
Similar to the kitchen, the floor space in the bathroom is crucial. The bathroom is the space where wet towels increase the risk of mold and mildew.
A ladder-style towel rail is an excellent choice as it’s both a specialized towel rail and a vertical radiator. It gives you enough space to hang several towels and heat the room as well. If your budget is generous, you can consider a designer towel rail for the extra show and visual effect.
If you need a lot of heat in the bathroom, you can set up a towel rail and a vertical radiator to give warmth.
Step 2- What’s the size of the room?
You can check out the radiator’s heating ability by examining the BTUs. If this is the first time you buy a radiator, we recommend you contact a heating engineer/Gas safe registered plumber to accurately identify the need for BTUs for every room. It will save you a lot of energy and money in the long run as you will buy the proper model for each room.
Step 3- Which material is best for your household?
Aluminum, mild steel, cast iron, and stainless steel are the primary materials used to make radiators. Each of the materials has benefits and downsides, so spend some time before picking the material.
Aluminum
We have to admit that the price tag may throw off some clients: aluminum radiators don’t come cheap. At the same time, they have excellent qualities and are worth every single penny.
Aluminum is highly conductor, heats up quickly, and cools just as fast. The most critical benefit of aluminum models is that their quality is easy to notice. The conductivity allows you to get accurate with the temperatures, which helps you save a lot of money. There’s no risk of over/under heating with aluminum radiators and you always have the perfect temperature. The upfront investment is relatively high, but you will get your money back in the long run as these models are highly efficient.
Mild steel
If you’re shopping on a fixed budget, the mild steel radiator is the best choice for you. Mild steel is an affordable material, and you can turn it into all kinds of designs. Even if it’s not as lustrous as other materials, it does its job very well without emptying your wallet.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is long-lasting, durable, and visually appealing. Stainless steel radiators heat up quickly, maintain the heat for some time, and don’t need frequent maintenance. They’re pricier than mild steel, but they make for a wise investment in your home.
Cast iron
Cast iron attracts with its powerful vibe, and it’s for an excellent reason. Traditional radiators are typically made of cast iron and you can find statement models that remain hot long after turning them off.
Step 4- Finishing touches and personal taste. What model do you like most?
We all have to admit: home décor makes a property look comfortable and inviting. Radiators come in both modern and traditional designs, so you can find models that complete your home décor the best way possible.
You should have narrowed your options by now, and it’s time to pick the model you like most and fits the space the best. One final note, though: remember to check out the valves on the radiator of your choice. Most valves match most radiators, but there are also exceptions. Make sure that you get the proper valve sizes.
The valves should match the installation of the radiator. If you don’t know what you need, you should ask for help from a reliable plumber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to run a radiator?
You will pay more than $300 a month to heat your house with a heating radiator. If you plan on using electric-powered radiators, we recommend you call the HVAC technicians to make the switch to gas/forced-air heating.
Are radiators heat efficient?
Many radiators are cost-saving devices to heat your house. The efficiency is the first reason to get a radiator, whether it uses steam or hot water. Radiators don’t produce heat and dry air like forced-air HVAC systems do.
How long will a house radiator last?
According to heating engineers, radiators are expected to last anywhere between 8 to 12 years. If you have used your radiator for more than a decade, consider buying a new one. The one you have now runs less efficiently and costs you more than a new one. Plus, it no longer manages to heat your home correctly.
Is there a perfect color for the radiator?
From a scientific point of view, matt black is the most effective color for a radiator. However, the difference in heat output between a matte black and a white model will be only around 1%. Needless to say, you shouldn’t go with a matte black radiator if it doesn’t match the décor.
You want to paint the radiator. Should you prime it first?
You can always give your radiator a new coat of paint or a new color with paint. However, you have to prime the surface before your paint it. Get a specialist radiator primer to make sure to protect rusted and bare areas of the radiator.
