5 Ideas to Help You Choose the Best Radiator Cover Model for Your Décor
- Standout or Blend In? Consider whether you want your radiator cover to seamlessly blend with your existing décor or serve as a standout feature in the room. Assess the style of your furniture, the presence of trimmings, and the overall theme of the space.
- Painted or Stained? Decide whether you prefer your radiator cover to be painted to match either the wall color for subtle integration or the trim color for a striking contrast. Alternatively, staining can harmonize with your furniture’s finish, enhancing the overall cohesion of the room.
- Satin or Semi-Gloss Finish? Consider the lighting conditions in the room and your preference for sheen. Satin finish reduces glare, making it suitable for bright spaces, while semi-gloss offers a reflective surface that’s easier to clean and maintain.
- Centered Placement? For rooms where the radiator cover is a focal point, ensure proper alignment to maintain visual balance. Adjusting the cover a few inches more or less to either side can create a centered appearance that seamlessly integrates into the space.
- Additional Functionality Options Explore the versatility of custom-built radiator covers by incorporating practical features such as shelves for extra storage, swinging doors to conceal clutter, pull-out drawers for easy access to essentials, or even a benchtop for added seating. Tailoring the depth or height of the cover can accommodate specific needs like displaying plants or providing a cozy spot for pets.
More on each of the 5 considerations:
#1: Stand Out or Not?
Answer: Existing furniture in the room is a good starting point to what model you want, to determine what style you are going for. Does your furniture tops have rounded edges or straight edges. Does your furniture have trimmed molding or minimal to no additional trim molding? Do you have paneling or wainscoting on your walls?
If your furniture is more modern, then a Shaker Model-A or Shaker with a flat front would blend in well since it is a clean minimalist model. This model can also be made with rounded edges to aid with toe jams or for child safety. The next model that blends in very well is the Lancaster Model-C, it’s a classic look with a bit little more style.
Now if the location of your radiator cover is the focal point in the room and you want it to get visual appeal as you walk in, then Mission Model-B or Classic Contemporary Model-D would provide that satisfaction. Mission Model-B is just great because it fits in any setup and Classic Contemporary is great when you have wainscoting on the walls.
Question #2: Painted or stained?
Answer: Painting them the same as the wall color makes them blend in. Painting them the same color as the trim molding makes them stand out just as much as the trim molding. and creates and organized neat look and feel. When to stain? most people that stain a radiator cover choose to match the floors or a piece of furniture in the room. In this case we carry many real wood sample stained to best match the seined color and finish. So see what kind of furniture do you have says a lot a about the model, and color you choose.
Question #3: Satin finish or Semi-Gloss?
Answer: So if the radiator cover is in a bright room like under a window, then Satin finish will help keep the glare down. Satin is more pleasant and easy on the eyes. Semi-Gloss produces more of a reflection than a glare. On sunny days the reflection of the sun can make your vision tired or start a headache if you encounter it enough. Apart from that advice Semi-Gloss is a little better for cleaning if needed. So if your window is not a sunny spot either finish will work.
Question #4: Do you need it centered or not?
Answer: This is mostly a consideration for living rooms and dining rooms that are visible to all who enter the home. Because radiators are usually under a window, they are a focal point in these rooms or any room. And if making the radiator cover just wide enough to cover it, the radiator will looks off, then going a few inches more or less to either side will make it look centered. This will make it look as if it has always been there and not stand out.
Question #5: What Additional Functionality can I add?
Answer: The best part about hand made radiator covers is that you can add any usability/functionality that you can think of. Here are some ideas:
- Adding shelves is a good idea to make dead space useable. Specially when building a unit from wall to wall.
- Shelves with Doors are great to keep messy areas neat. Or if you need constant access to a knob or valve.
- Pull-out draw by the entrance above the radiator cover. Used for your keys, mail or sun glasses. Everything need on a daily bases organized and neat looking great.
- Bench top, if the radiator is low and deep and under a window it’s a great chance to double as a seating area to enjoy the sun or the view.
- Headboard, if you want to place a bed in front of a radiator, it can be built as a headboard to redirect the heat and not interfere with sleep.
- Simply making it deeper to put plants on it or for pets to nap. Or making it higher to match the height of other furniture in the room. Possibilities are endless.
I hope this will help you decide in making a choice. When choosing a particular model these considerations will help you choose the correct model for your living space. Below are more detailed descriptions for each model that will help you further in making a decision on which radiator covers models will complement your space.
Shaker Radiator Covers
Shaker model-A blends in very well with any décor. It’s a great choice when you want a modern look but don’t want it to stand out and also is the best priced model. Another great feature is that it can be made with rounded edges for child safety. This removes all sharp edges also giving it a softer look.
Mission Radiator Covers
Mission model-B is a step up from shaker in that the stance and the top are wider. The added trim molding to the top and bottom make this piece look and feel like real furniture. It is a model that stands out that grabs attention. This model looks great in most décor be it a home or office. The wider stand gives it a well balanced look and a level of detail not seen too often for radiator covers.
Lancaster Radiator Covers
Lancaster Model-C, it is an eclectic style. We took a classic model from the past and we modernized to fit in today’s world. By removing the OG routing, thicker frame we reinvented and simplified a classic nostalgic look. The accent trim moldings added to the top and bottom are minimal and make this a time-proven model that is not over the top but stands out in our modern times.
Classic Contemporary Radiator Covers
Classic Contemporary Model-D. This model was curated with refined elegance in mind. Handcrafted design allows us to deliberately use material and molded trimmings and color for a sophisticated look. The multi-layers depths make it look like a piece of art.
This model is a great addition to any dinning room or living room. Once installed they look great and add the WOW factor.
We only build with solid wood, we do not use MDF or particle board.
So improve the look and feel of any room by simply upgrading your radiator covers. If you have just renovated you might have noticed that contractors don’t have many solutions for radiator covers. You need a wood shop to produce furniture like quality pieces. We can finish the look of your renovation and make it all seamless for you. Made with solid wood these radiator covers look and feel like real furniture because they are.
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As mentioned on Brick Underground we are one of the top places to get radiator covers in Manhattan.
See article “Where to get radiator covers in NYC“
