The best ideas to cover a radiator. How to cover a radiator?

Have you decided on an interesting interior design for your house or apartment but have a problem with unsightly radiators? Most of the models of radiators look ordinary, and the most elegant ones cost a lot. Is it a desperate situation? Absolutely. You can achieve an attractive look of the interior thanks to a radiator cover. An interesting element of this type will cover any defects of the radiator, without affecting its functionality. Are you wondering which radiator cover is the best for you? Learn the most important data you should know before choosing a particular model.

What is a radiator cover?

The radiator cover is an accessory that can increase the aesthetics of the heat exchanger. It is often used with older models such as steel column radiators. The use of a radiator cover does not normally influence the heating efficiency. In many cases it can be used as an extension to the windowsill. In this way the element gains a new functionality.

For this reason, a radiator cover is an increasingly popular solution used by many homeowners to blend the device into an interior design. It also saves money that would have been spent on a new decorative radiator.

Hiding an ugly element is not the only function of a radiator cover. If designed well, it can become an additional shelf, as well as a protection for the hands of small children. If you want to install a radiator cover in the children's room, it is best to choose a colorful one, for example with favorite animals or cartoon characters.

Is a radiator cap worth it?

Most heating device experts would probably say that using a radiator cover is a waste of energy. On the other hand, supporters of this solution claim that it has many advantages. Before deciding which one is best for you, it's good to learn the arguments on both sides. It will help you decide whether or not you need a radiator cover.

Radiator cover - advantages

Using a radiator cover has many advantages. The most important and crucial benefit of covering your radiator is to increase its aesthetic value. It is the main reason why many homeowners decide to use such elements in their apartments. A radiator cover is a decorative element that can be adapted to the design of your house.

Manufacturers offer many solutions and if your requirements do not meet the standards, you can always customize the project. In this situation, you can choose what material the radiator cover should be made of and adapt the appearance of the structure to your own preferences.

You can reduce the cost of a radiator cover by making it yourself. It is not as difficult as it seems and designing such a project is very satisfying. Whether you make it or buy it, a radiator shroud is usually very easy to install.

An added benefit of covering your radiator is the dual functionality of the element. In addition to being a decoration, the cover can become a storage unit. You can also choose a cover that resembles a chest of drawers. You can make a bedside table in a bedroom, and if the radiator is by the window, a seat or a bench. If there are children in the house, the radiator cover is also a protection against burns to the hands. This solution is often used in kindergartens.

A radiator shroud is a much cheaper and easier solution than a complete replacement of your radiator. Renovating the installation can take a long time. In addition, new decorative radiators are much more expensive than ordinary devices.

Radiator cover - disadvantages

The biggest disadvantage of using a radiator cover is the decreased heating efficiency of the device. Regardless of the design of the decorative element, using it always means reducing the heating power.

The screen blocks the device, making it more difficult for heat to reach the room. It could be the cause of the drop in temperature in the room. For this reason, you might have to turn up the heat, which could lead to increased heating bills that anyone would rather avoid.

A similar situation could 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 hot water inside the device. With this in mind, remember proper ventilation when designing your radiator cover. Under no circumstances cover the radiator completely.

Which radiator cover is the best?

Manufacturers offer a lot of varied solutions. Choose one that suits your own needs and the design of your room. There are many types of covers, the most common materials are:

• Wood is one of the most attractive materials. Seat or bench-shaped covers are typically made of wood. Wood radiator covers can be much more expensive than other materials.
• You can paint wood decks in the same way as wood paneling. Thanks to this, you can get aesthetically interesting results.
• PCV - this material is one of the cheapest. Its main advantages are its light weight and flexibility when cutting patterns. There are many manufacturers that produce boards made from this material - you can buy one in a chosen pattern.
• MDF - radiator covers made of MDF boards are quite durable. Manufacturers offer many shapes and designs.
• Glass - This material is very aesthetic, however it can be very prone to damage. It is also quite heavy.
• Metal - the most commonly used metals are steel and aluminum. A metal radiator cover is highly durable and conducts heat well. Please note that this type does not protect against burns.

Each type of material used for a radiator cover must be resistant to high temperatures. In no case shall materials that are easy to burn or that have been painted with a substance that emits vapors be used.

Radiator covers have various types of construction. The hanging model is the most popular - it is attached directly to the heater or to the wall behind it. This type is also the easiest to clean. There are also standing covers on the ground, in the form of a chest or shelf. They are more expensive, but also more elegant. You can also adapt them to fit other pieces of furniture in the room.

DIY Radiator Cover

There are many such products available on the market. You can choose between several sizes and different prices. However, you might consider making such an item yourself. It is not very difficult, you just need to remember a good design that does not disturb the operation of the device.

Before you do something, you need to think about the right material. If you use plywood for the radiator cover, you can cut interesting shapes on the front wall. If the heater is below a window, you might consider making a deck out of vertical boards. You could also lay the boards horizontally, using strong construction to support them.

If your budget is low, a good idea is to use old pallet boards. It is not only cheap, but also eco-friendly. Painting the boards in light tones adds elegance to the entire construction and fits in with modern styles.

Wooden pallets are an exceptionally universal material. Learn how else you can use them - in your garden.

An interesting solution is to use an openwork board, for example, made of PVC and fix it to a wooden construction made of wooden boards. Painted in the same color as the dashboard, such a radiator cover is a very aesthetic decoration.

Keep in mind that if you are not so sure that you are able to create such an item, then making a cover yourself is not worth it. It could end in a big disappointment. Also, a poorly designed element could interrupt the functionality of your radiator. If you have a particular, custom project in mind, pay someone to do it for you. This way you will avoid disappointment and ensure that your radiator cover is stylish.

A radiator cover is a good solution if you want to hide an unattractive heater. The element can change the appearance of your interior, increasing its aesthetic value. Before choosing such a decoration for your house, you should consider all its advantages and disadvantages. A good design is crucial in this case, since 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 capable of doing so.

How to make a radiator cover that is ecological?

A good budget and green radiator cover idea is to use boards from an old pallet. They can be fastened vertically or horizontally, using a special construction to fasten 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 craft skills, you could make a cover yourself.