If your idea of a warm and welcoming reception room includes living room radiator ideas, you're in the right place. Whether it's a classic column radiator or something more modern, we've curated a selection designed to suit homes of all shapes and sizes.
While once limited in terms of their aesthetics, from radiators for bay windows through to living room radiator ideas that double up as a piece of art, the choice and selection now available for your living room design knows no bounds.
Throw into the mix some expert advice on how to choose the right radiators to warm the space efficiently, and we're confident you'll soon be basking in the heat of your successful selection.
1. Choose a radiator in a tonal shade to match your walls
Unlike underfloor heating which is hidden out of sight, if your choice of heating emitters is radiators, you need to pay attention to not just how they work, but also how they look.
"The first thing I always advise is to work out the heat output your room actually needs and you can do this using a simple heat calculator," advises Nick Duggan, director of The Radiator Centre. "It takes into account the size, insulation and layout of your living room so you know exactly how powerful your radiator (or radiators) should be."
But, then it's a matter of style he confirms, saying how, "when it comes to living rooms, radiators can play just as much of a role in the design as your furniture or living room lighting ideas."
If you're a fan of jumping on paint trends when decorating, then don't forget to apply this to your choice of radiators too. The Milano Aruba Radiator shown here, is a darker shade of blue, complimenting the lighter blue paint used on the walls. Further proof that while some experts say blue is tricky to use in interiors as it's a cold colour, when used well it's far from chilly.
Nick Duggan has over 20 years of experience in central heating, leading the team at one of the UK's largest independent suppliers of radiators.
2. Use your radiators as art
If minimalist living room ideas or more contemporary spaces are your preference, a radiator would once have been seen as the boring sidekick, nestled away in the corner of a room with perhaps a chair or sofa pulled in front to hide it.
However, in today's world, the best radiators are no longer an unwanted exhibit, and it's up to you to decide how prominent a feature you make of them.
"The big question is: do you want your radiators to blend in or stand out?" says Nick Duggan. "A bold colour or unusual shape can turn them into a feature, while neutral tones and slimline models allow them to quietly do their job in the background."
3. Position radiators between shelving
Every living room needs good living room storage ideas, so why not use your bespoke shelving to frame a boldly coloured radiator that matches the items on display on your shelving?
Extending the built in shelving and storage at floor level, also means there's the right amount of space to add some cushions and padding, creating the perfect spot for listening to music or reading a book on cold winter nights. Snuggled up to the radiator, you may never want to move.
Just make sure you know the size and dimensions of the radiator you need before committing to your shelving design, says Nancy Emery, heating expert from Tap Warehouse.
"Living rooms typically need higher output due to their size and openness, so choose models with a high enough heat output to keep the entire room comfortable."
Shop living room radiator ideas
A classic column wall mounted radiator available in a range of sizes
A modern anthracite flat panel radiator that comes in a range of sizes
A decorative cast iron radiator perfectly suited to period homes
Nancy Emery is an expert on a number of different areas relating to heating in the home, and works for Tap Warehouse, Only Radiators and Drench.
4. Soften modern design with round edged radiators
If you prefer to colour drench your living room in lighter shades, and use finishes common with contemporary homes, such as microcement or polished concrete, it can quickly become too sterile and harsh without something to soften it.
Soft furnishings and furniture with plenty of texture, will help, but with radiators bringing the actual warmth, why not use these as a means of softening the edges too.
This curved, dusky pink radiator from The Radiator Centre helps to break up the wall and its curved design matches that of the occasional tables.
And, if along with your modern design you're looking for radiators that work with air source heat pumps too, many retailers offer them as part of their range. Check out these heat pump compatible radiators from B&Q as a starting point for your living room radiator ideas.
5. Upgrade an older model with a sleek radiator cover
If your current radiator provides sufficient heat and is in perfectly good working order, you may be loathe to spend money on new living room radiator ideas, preferring to splash out on something like new living room wall lighting ideas instead.
This of course makes total sense, but may still leave you feeling your final look is spoilt by the radiator that's in situ. If this sounds familiar, why not go halfway and purchase a new radiator cover instead?
Pick a radiator cover idea that matches your new living room colour scheme, and you can wave goodbye to bland and hello to a more sophisticated style.
6. Placement is key in multi-purpose living rooms
While many living rooms are only used during the evenings or weekends, if your living room doubles up as a small home office space, it could be worth thinking about where you position your radiators.
Working from home during the winter months can sometimes feel chilly, so in this multi-purpose living room, a small radiator is positioned opposite the desk. Although the heat will spread throughout the room, having a source of heat directed at you while you work can be beneficial.
Alternatively, if you have already completed your home renovation and don't want to extend your heating system, why not consider a wall mounted or portable electric radiator instead, such as this Ecoso Vitrum Smart Electric Glass Panel Heater from Best Heating.
7. Use curved radiators with bay windows
One of the most efficient places to install radiators is below windows, says Nancy Emery, who tells us, "placement under windows helps to counter draughts and optimises circulation."
However, when you have a large curved bay window to tackle as part of your home renovations plans, it may feel like you're trying to fit a square peg in a round hole when looking at different types of radiators.
The good news is, curved versions, such as the Nordic Oslo Curved Bay Window Radiator from Trade Radiators are readily available, which means you can take advantage of the space below the window as recommended.
8. Make the best material choice for your living room use
When choosing radiators for your new living room extension for example, you need to think about how often the room will be used before selecting your living room radiator ideas.
"Different radiator types and materials perform in different ways," explains Nick Duggan. "For example, aluminium radiators heat up and cool down quickly, making them very responsive and efficient for living spaces that aren’t used all the time.
"Thinking about how you use your living room can help guide the most efficient choice for your home," he advises, "and with today’s home insulation methods, you’ve also got more freedom."
Rather than relying on the space below the window, "a vertical radiator can instead be a brilliant space-saver on a narrow wall," he suggests.
9. Pair bold colours with traditional design
Despite modern building and insulation methods, if you're renovating a Victorian house however, you may still benefit or even need the longer lasting heat provided by more traditional cast iron radiators.
“Start with performance,"recommends Nancy Emery. "Calculate BTU output based on room size, glazing, and insulation. It’s really important as oversizing wastes energy, while getting one too small won’t do the job efficiently."
With regards to choosing the style, "column radiators add character and warmth to period-style homes," agrees Nick Duggan, but that doesn't mean opting for a plain finish. "They can even be colour-matched to your décor," he confirms, meaning bold and bright is totally within reach.
For a selection of radiators in all colours of the rainbow, head to the selection on offer at Best Heating.
10. Place a radiator below a cosy window seat
Window-seats are a long time favourite of mine and I love this concept which is why I've included as a living room radiator idea. Who wouldn't want to be snuggled up on here with a toasty derriere, a copy of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine and a mug of hot coffee.
Wall mounting your radiator in this instance keeps the look streamlined, and to help ensure this cosy seating spot doesn't get too hot, or too cold, make sure you've fitted thermostatic radiator valves to give you maximum control.
Or, if you are opting for a floor mounted radiator, make sure you know the ideal height to install it.
Of course, once you have your living room radiator ideas in situ, keeping them well maintained is the best way to ensure you aren't looking to replace them any time soon. For maximum energy efficiency and heat, make sure you you know how and when to bleed radiators, and if you do encounter problems, check out our guide to the reasons why your radiator may not be heating up properly.
