There are many reasons why the search for radiator cover ideas is such a popular one. While many people still rely on radiators to heat their homes, they are not always the most visually attractive of items. However, whether you have just moved into a renovation project with unsightly old radiators or are looking for a quick and cost-effective way of updating your interiors, the right radiator cover ideas can help.
If the types of radiator in your home aren't doing anything for your overall decor scheme, radiator covers could be just the thing you need to elevate your interiors. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, colours and designs meaning no matter what your style, there should be a model for you.
Here, we have rounded up all kinds of covers to help you find the best way to conceal your radiators stylishly while still enjoy plenty of warmth.
Taking a DIY approach to radiator cover ideas
If you are trying to carry out your home improvements on a DIY basis you'll be pleased to learn that the majority of radiator covers are simple to install even by novices.
"Installation of our radiator covers is straightforward, utilising the supplied split battens or keyhole fixings, depending on the specific product," explains Dimitri Pappas, MD at My Furniture. "As with any wall-mounted furniture, proper preparation is crucial — ensure that fixing positions are accurately measured before drilling and securing."
Dimitri Pappas is the managing director of My Furniture. Together with two business partners, Dimitri founded My Furniture in 2013. Their head office and large showroom is located in Sandiacre, Nottingham.
10 inspiring radiator cover ideas
1. Choose an adjustable cover for flexibility
The size of radiator cover you choose will obviously need to be right for the radiator you wish to cover. However, if you can't find one in a style you like that is suitable, it will be useful for you to know that there are adjustable radiator covers available, meaning there will be no need for you to look into how to change a radiator just so you can fit a cover.
The The Milton Adjustable Radiator Cover here, from B&Q, can extend from 140cm to 204cm making it suitable for a wide range of radiator sizes. It's deep shelf also comes in handy for displaying decorative items and placing lamps.
Shop adjustable radiator covers
Made from MDF, this simple yet stylish radiator cover is fully adjustable with its internal measurements going from 130cm-195cm in width. This particular model comes complete with all the fixings you need to install it yourself and the slats are designed to direct heat effectively into the room.
The dainty cross design of this painted white radiator cover would suit period homes down to the ground. It can be adjusted between 192cm and 204cm and is simple to install. The top shelf provides a handy display space while the softly rounded corners finish the whole thing off.
The trellised design of this cover is simple yet really effective. The other bonus of this one is the fact that it comes ready for you to paint in a shade of your own choosing. Offering great value for money, this cover can accommodate radiators sized between 140cm-192cm.
2. Inject an Art Deco touch with a mirrored design
Rather than viewing a radiator cover as only a method of concealment and looking for ways to make it blend into the background, why not turn it into an eye-catching feature to be admired instead, just as if you were choosing designer radiator ideas?
This highly stylised, mirrored cover, from My Furniture, features hand-cut, bevelled mirror panels and is adjustable, making it suitable for many sizes of radiators, up to 78cm in height, 99 cm in width and 18 cm in depth.
There are other benefits to installing a mirrored or metal radiator cover too.
"In terms of being highly efficient at radiating heat into the room, metal radiator covers, often made from materials like steel or aluminium are a better choice," says Nick Duggan.
"Although they can be more expensive than other options, they are very durable and available in a range of modern and traditional designs.
"Similarly, perforated metal radiator covers combine the durability and heat-conducting properties of metal with decorative perforations or patterns that allow heat to pass through. These can be an excellent compromise between efficiency and aesthetics."
Nick Duggan is MD at The Radiator Centre and is an authority on all things heating-related.
3. Get vintage vibes with a simple curtain cover
If you are keen to introduce some vintage vibes into your interior scheme or are after some rustic living room ideas, then you might like to consider an alternative to a traditional wooden or MDF radiator cover and use something that looks a little more homespun.
Here, a pretty striped curtain has been used to cover the radiator and a simple wooden shelf attached above to hold decorative or useful items. This look would be easy to recreate and is a great idea if you are on a tight budget too.
4. Paint your radiator cover to match your walls
By painting your radiator covers to match your walls they will blend in and become almost invisible. If you are working with narrow hallway ideas or within a small space, using the same shade on your walls and radiator cover will help visually increase the sense of space too.
In this stylish hallway, the lower section of the walls, door architrave and dado rail have all been painted in Cambrian Blue from Annie Sloan, as has the radiator cover, while the upper section of the walls is a crisp white.
5. Create a focal point with a radiator cover
If you love the idea of treating your new radiator cover as a focal point – perhaps because you are looking for ways to introduce a little character and personality into an otherwise bland space – then the right radiator cover could just help.
The radiator cover here, from My Furniture, has a white and gold finish which adds an instant hit of glamour and luxury without being 'over-the-top'. It would make a great first impression when used alongside your hallway ideas.
6. Bounce the light around with a mirrored finish
It is no secret that mirrors are a brilliant way of making spaces feel bigger than they really are as well as helping to bounce light around in a room that doesn't receive much in the way of natural light. Using a mirrored design of radiator cover should strongly be considered by those after small hallway ideas.
There is no reason why mirrors should be restricted to your walls though. There is a good selection of mirrored radiator covers available too which really can help to open up a room — as well as adding a little opulent style.
This model is the Etienne Standard Mirrored Radiator Cover from My Furniture.
7. Choose a model with drawers for extra storage
Whether you are after hallway storage ideas to keep your entryway clutter-free, or need somewhere to store smaller items such as remote controls in the living room, a radiator cover with drawers is a brilliant option.
The model here is the Bhawna Large Radiator Cover from Wayfair. It is made from engineered wood for a classic look and features three small drawers that would be perfect for holding items such as keys.
8. Create colour contrast with your radiator cover
You don't have to feel that your radiator should be painted in a shade to match your walls. It can actually look really stylish to select one in a colour that really stands out against the shade you have chosen for your overall background hue.
This grey design is the Chaney Extra Large Radiator Cover from Wayfair. It is finished in a stylish matt grey, giving it a distinctly modern look, while the horizontal slats would help to visually stretch a smaller room — perfect if you are after small living room ideas.
9. Add drama with a striking black cover
A black radiator cover is a great choice both for owners of period properties as well as for those living in contemporary-style homes looking for modern living room ideas.
Although people are often scared of using black in their homes, fearing it could be overwhelming (or perhaps still thinking back to the black ash trend of the late 1980s) it can look really stylish when used in smaller quantities and as an accent colour.
Here, the Cassiopeia Wall-Mounted Black Radiator Cover from Wayfair adds an elegant, understated touch.
10. Pair a radiator cover with wall paneling for country chic
Painted woodwork lends a warming, country feel to a room, whether that is through wall panelling ideas or painted furniture. In order for your radiator cover to fall in with – and even enhance – your interior design scheme, it is a good idea to choose one with a painted finish that you can emulate elsewhere in the space.
In this cosy country living room, the off-white colour scheme has been taken into account when selecting a radiator cover that ties in perfectly with the space.
FAQ
Do radiator covers block heat?
A question asked by many homeowners is 'do radiator covers block heat?' However, this will very much depend on the style of cover you choose.
"Our radiator covers are meticulously designed to optimise airflow and heat transfer without compromising on aesthetics," says Dimitri Pappas. "We estimate that the efficiency reduction with our covers is no more than 5%."
"Radiator covers can reduce heat output," adds Nick Duggan. "Firstly, they can limit the amount of infrared heat (the same heat you would experience by standing in front of an open fire). Secondly, they also restrict the amount of cooler air that can be drawn across and out from the radiator so further limiting its heat. This could all result in 30% less heat getting into your room.
"However, nowadays there are plenty of styles that not only look good but also have great heat outputs and are very affordable," reassures Nick.
If you are still keen to change your radiators rather than invest in some covers, take a look at our guide to installing a radiator to save money on labour costs.
