Designer radiators can be both functional and aesthetic. It doesn’t matter if you bought the latest appliances for your place. If you are wondering where to fit your designer radiator, this guide will help you understand how the placement of appliances affect the functionality and warmth of your space.
Why Place Radiators Under Windows?
Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to position appliances. A lot of old homes in the UK have radiators placed under windows. This is because windows, especially large ones, can be the source of cold drafts that affect indoor temperature.
So, if you are living in an older apartment complex, you can position the radiator under the window to counter any chill you may experience before it turns your entire home into an icebox.
The placement of appliances under windows is also a great way to ensure that the space is warm without being stuffy. Modern heating solutions can help you ensure that there is airflow in your room without interrupting the warm temperature at any level.
If you are someone who is concerned about the aesthetic appeal of your home, not to worry! You can also enhance your interior with a sleek and modern-looking appliance.
If you are working with a larger window, it wouldn’t make sense to add a bulky radiator that obstructs the view and takes up too much space. This also leaves your walls free so you can decorate just the way you like.
Pros and Cons of Radiators Under Windows
If you’re wondering, “Can I put a radiator under my window?” This is the pros and cons list you have been waiting for.
Pros:
- Enhanced Heating Efficiency:
A single cold draft can change the temperature of your home, and that is something you want to avoid as the winter months approach. Placing your radiators right next to a window or under it can ensure that any chill entering the room is neutralized.
- Airflow Circulation:
If you are worried about airflow but cannot leave your window open, you will find that these radiators can circulate air and heat it at the same time. This means you have a room that is both ventilated and warm.
- Utilization of Space:
Appliances take up a significant amount of space in your home. You want to ensure that the furniture is arranged in a way that allows room for those holiday parties you’ll be hosting in the coming months. A sleek, modern radiator placed under the windows can not only create an open space, but it can also improve the efficiency of the heating system.
Cons:
- Potential Obstruction:
Placing the radiator near the window is a strategic move, but if you place your furniture too close to the radiator, you can obstruct the airflow. This is especially the case if you have a couch or a shelf positioned in front of the radiator. This will prevent the heat from circulating freely in the room and lead to inefficient heating overall. The goal should be to move your radiator under the window to free up space, not to create more congestion.
- Furniture Placement:
Even the most modern designer radiators can be difficult to install if you are not giving them adequate space. You can even cause heat damage if you are placing shelves and racks near the radiator or over it. You have to be extra careful with the placement of furniture when you are installing a radiator because the wrong placement can compromise the performance of the radiator and also cause significant damage to nearby furniture.
Can You Put a Shelf Above a Radiator?
In theory, yes, you can put a shelf above a radiator, but there are certain things you should consider first.
- Safety:
The radiators can become quite hot sometimes, especially when they are overworked due to obstruction. This is why placing a shelf above a radiator can be a bad idea. If you are short on space, we recommend using heat-resistant materials in furniture, especially when placed around the radiator, to prevent heat obstruction and damage.
- Functionality:
A radiator is only as efficient as its placement. If your radiator’s airflow is obstructed, it will develop issues such as inefficient heating and higher utility bills. You want to ensure that any shelves placed near the radiator are not obstructing the heat flow; otherwise, you will experience uneven heating and may be surprised with exorbitant energy bills.
How High Should a Shelf Be Above a Radiator?
When you are placing a shelf above a radiator, it is absolutely essential to create a clearance of 15 to 20 centimeters (approximately 6 to 8 inches). This will allow you to place the shelf without affecting the circulation of heat and avoiding the risk of heat damage. Clearance is a great way to ensure that your furniture placement is not affecting the efficiency of the heating system in any way.
You can also invest in a lower radiator that can maintain the temperature on its own. There are tall vertical radiators that you can use as well if you are interested in freeing up floor space and utilizing walls above instead.
In either case, the goal is to take both the radiator’s size and furniture placement into consideration to achieve the perfect indoor environment. A higher shelf will allow warm air to circulate freely, whereas a sleek and modern-looking designer radiator will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Practical Tips for Fitting a Shelf Above a Radiator
If you have made the decision to fit a shelf above a radiator, you need to carefully plan and execute this project to maintain maximum safety and functionality. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you place a shelf above a radiator:
- Measure the width of your radiator and the wall space you have before buying a shelf.
- Use a marker to maintain a clearance of 15 to 20 centimeters above the radiator. This is where your shelf will be placed.
- Buy a shelf that is heat-resistant. We recommend materials such as metal or glass, but you can also use wood that’s heat-treated.
- Collect all the necessary tools you will need to install the shelf.
- Now install the brackets for the shelf and double-check for alignment.
- Secure the shelf to the brackets and add in the screws for added stability.
- Place items on the shelf to see if it is stabilized and aligned.
If you are still unsure about the placement of your shelf over or near a radiator, we recommend getting in touch with the radiator company to give you better guidelines on how to take good care of your radiators.
