Home Styling and Decor – Radiators

For a long time the radiator, an integral part of most central heating systems, has been a boring and often ugly necessity. The result is that we put radiators in “out of the way” spots, or hide them behind radiator covers. In short they have become something that at best detracts from the d?�cor of a room and that at worse represents an eyesore.

The ugly radiator can however become consigned to the past. Today modern designer radiators offer all kinds of stylish and interesting designs and some are so attractive that they can even be used as wall art.

So what is available and how much do they cost?

Not surprisingly a modern and aesthetically appealing designer radiator will cost more than the typical radiator that was common place in the 1980’s, 1990’s and millennium decade. Even so, you may be surprised at just how economic some of these heating units are to buy.

Today the standard economy radiator is based on an air convection design that typically sees two dimpled radiator bodies connected with fins designed to promote air circulation. Whilst effective, this design is unattractive. It sees a rectangular body, normally painted white and little in the way of definition or appeal.

Designer radiators come in a range of shapes and styles. One of the most popular and economic is the flat panel radiator and, although simple in structure, it radically improves on the appearance of previous designs.

Moving into more interesting territory, “wave” radiators really start to make a statement. They can be short and wide, or (more normally) tall and narrow and their curves and flowing shape make them an asset to any room. Waves also come in different colours which means that they can be coordinated to the d?�cor of almost any room.

Whilst wave radiators look good, most people will still recognise them for what they are and in some cases the idea is to have a radiator that looks like something else. If this is the case there are plenty of options, but moving in this direction also costs more money. If you want a heating unit that looks like something else then you will have to pay for the privilege.

The real designer radiators come in any number of styles and with designs that use completely different approaches to those of heating engineers. The objective is style and aesthetics rather than function or energy efficiency. Many have the look of wall art and they can combine tubular designs with flat panels, or even break with convention and have a three dimensional design that projects outwards from a wall.

Some designs mimic nature by simulating or being a partial facsimile of plants or trees. They may have a series of vertical tubes with twists and curls or they may have a random design made up of interconnected pipe-work that makes the eye travel along it.

Another design cue is that of sculpture. Many sculptures do in fact use tube like components and this means that they can be adapted to the water flowing requirement of a radiator. When this is the case the designs can be elaborate and complex.

For those who like industrial designs there are a number of designer radiators that follow this theme. Brushed or distressed metal finishes can offer a distinctive feel and they can easily make a focal point in a room, just like any other piece of art.