Hallway Radiator Cover Decorating Ideas

15 Stylish Radiator Cover Ideas to Hide Your Home's Old, Ugly Radiators

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If you live in an older home or apartment, you probably know that radiators, while essential, can pose a bit of an issue in terms of their lack of aesthetic appeal. If you've ever wondered what exactly you can do to make these practical items look a tad bit prettier, the answer is smart radiator cover ideas. Whether you're able to take on a large scale DIY or just are looking to make a small, quick fix, there's a project to inspire you below.

If you have questions and concerns about the safest way to create, install, and maintain a radiator cover, then you've also come to the right place. Stephany Smith of the London-based Fantastic Services notes that for steam radiators, metal is not the best option. "The reason behind this is that the steam radiators are hotter than the other types," she says. "Radiator covers act like a barrier, so they are not as hot as the bare radiators. But under extreme heating conditions, the metal form can deteriorate and lose its aesthetic properties. It also poses the risk of burning, if touched, especially if the metal sheet is thin."

The only safe and durable metal options are heavy gauge, which has a gauge number over 18. Moreover, cutting metal is a tough job that requires specialized equipment, so best to leave this kind of cover to the pros.

Smith prefers wooden radiator covers, as they are an excellent insulator and less hot to the touch, which is a nice safety feature if you have small children or pets. If you're on a budget, she recommends MDF as a material, which is often smoother than solid hardwoods and can also be painted. "No matter if you opt for MDF, wood, veneer plywood, or other material, your first step is to measure out the area around your radiator," says Smith. To ensure free air circulation and enough space to fit the cover, she suggests adding adding two to three inches to your radiator's dimensions.

While a savvy DIYer or woodworker can totally take this radiator cover project on, Smith recommends that novices reach out to a professional carpenter or a radiator cover fabricating company to create custom covers. Alternatively, you can have the difficult cuts for both the cover and grates made by a professional at a local hardware store, if they provide this kind of service at this time. Then you can assemble your cover at home, again if your skills are suited for this kind of work and you have the right protective gear.

Stylistically, radiator cover ideas run the gamut. "When you make a custom radiator cabinet, the grate opening on the front panel is entirely up to your preference," says Smith. "You can add aluminum, rattan, cane, or whatever grate you like." Decorative metal grills with laser-cut designs, for example, come in various styles and create an extra touch of sophistication. "Best of all, high-quality materials allow fantastic heat output and are saving you from direct burns and injuries," says Smith.

The easiest way to attach a cover to the front panel is to use a non-toxic, professional glue that bonds to multiple surfaces. Smith says to place the metal screening inside of the front panel and secure the middle part in place with a staple gun. If you want to go with a string grill, be sure to use only natural materials like linen, wool, rattan, cane. Using artificial products here can burn and cause a safety risk.

To round out your cover display, consider creating a shelf on top of it. Again, wood is an excellent choice for covering the top of your cover and can create a cozy look. Finally, you can lay a coat of paint on the radiator cover in a color of your choice. Now that you know the ins and outs of radiator cover construction and safety, here are some decorative radiator cover ideas that you can consider for your own home.

1. Cover It With Caning

We love cane furniture, so we certainly wouldn't say no to a cane radiator cover! Blogger Benita Larsson created the beautiful solution pictured above using caning that is often used for crafts, and the result couldn't be more minimalist-chic. Just be sure to take the appropriate precautions before beginning your project, Smith notes. " If not processed before installation, your DIY action might cause a fire hazard," she says. "Cane, for example, should be soaked for 40 minutes or more in hot water before you stretch it securely to the radiator cover frame. Thus, it's not only easily manageable, but the material will not be prone to the risks of temperature changes."

2. Weave It Into a Shelving Unit

Why not turn your radiator into part of a functional storage system? Blogger Linda Duffy did just that, all while incorporating a good old IKEA hack! She was fortunate enough to already have a radiator cover on hand, which she then framed with two small BILLY bookcases that happened to match the cover's color perfectly. She then placed stained pine on top to make the three separate pieces look more cohesive.

3. Add a Bit of Fresh Paint

Have an hour to spare? Go ahead and repaint your radiator covers like blogger Kandice of Just the Woods did in her son's bedroom. You won't believe what a dramatic transformation took place in just a short amount of time. Grab a paintbrush and the color of your choosing, and go to town! Latex paint is usually fine for these kind of jobs, since you are painting the cover and not the radiator directly.

4. Or Test Out a New-to-You Hue

Blogger Erin Francois also painted her radiator cover, and the piece now serves as a functional table in her entryway, which is a great idea to copy if your radiator happens to be near your front door. The soft gray hue looks charming and soothing in contrast to the dark wood door and black tile floors. Her cover has mixed materials—wood and metal, so she used spray paint to tackle both surfaces at the same time. Genius!

5. Build a Fancy Cover

If you're comfortable with carpentry, you may be able to create this homemade radiator cover by blogger Vikkie Lee. While the project certainly isn't one for beginners, it's an excellent option for those who have the time and comfort level for a larger undertaking. The final product looks sleek, stylish, and very unobtrusive in Vikkie's space.

6. And Make Another for the Bathroom

Ah, the bathroom radiator: They're ever-present and can be difficult to work around. Camouflage yours a bit with this DIY cover, which designer Shannon Claire Smith made for her own space. Not only does it look fabulous, it also provides some extra space for storage, as Shannon points out in her blog post!

7. Beef Up Your Storage Space with a Shelf

Designer Tera Janelle also tackled the radiator in her bathroom, adding a custom-built cover with a top that extends out just a bit on each side of the cover. This new little perch provides a welcome storage spot for bath time essentials.

8. Construct a Cover That Doubles As a Bench

Blogger Erin Kestenbaum had the creative idea to turn the many radiators in her home into beautiful window benches. While doing so is a multi-step process, who wouldn't fall head over heels with the gorgeous end product? After completing the above area, Erin transformed the radiator in her master closet, too. If you can turn your radiators into built-ins, this is a win-win, since you're utilizing an eyesore that's otherwise dead space.

9. Or Simply Slide an Existing Bench into Place

Not up for a building project? If you find a bench that just so happens to fit over your radiator anyway, you have an extremely viable, chic, and easy solution right there! In doing just that, designer Rachel Reider added more seating to the living space shown above will drawing attention away from a potential eyesore. Just make sure there's enough clearance above your radiator, as Smith suggested with constructing a covers. This will keep both your bench and home safe.

10. Remove a Bench's Legs for a Minimalist Cover

Jules of IKEA Hackers offers one more clever take on the radiator-turned-bench. Remove two of the legs your bench! Jules placed the seat of the bench she purchased from IKEA above her radiator and fitted it so that it would cover the entire length of the radiator and almost sit flush to the wall. This is an excellent budget-friendly and minimalist take on this solution. It almost looks like a cool sculptural piece, since the radiator blends in so well with the bench's legs.

11. Design a Sweet Shelfie Vignette

This Apartment Therapy before and after once again caught our attention! Blogger Christina of Christina's Adventures took a few simple steps to turn an ordinary corner into a sweet vignette. The addition of a few small accessories make a major difference in transforming the space, and we love the idea of a grate that contrasts the rest of the cover so starkly, as seen in this charcoal gray-and-white combo.

12. Create a Full-On Shelving Unit

We love how the radiator cover in Marian Parsons' bathroom also features some built-in shelving! Storage has never looked so adorable, and the setup certainly helps the radiator better blend into the space.

13. Try a Fast, Budget-Friendly Fix

It's impossible to resist a DIY project that only costs $5, especially when it makes a major difference! Blogger Amanda Paxton created a radiator shelf on the cheap using supplies that you can easily pick up at your local hardware store or home center. You don't have to create a full cover to make your radiator look a little bit better.

14. Say Yes to Wood Panels

Another AT before & after showcases how much a little TLC can totally transform a small mudroom. The wooden radiator cover plays a key role in the makeover, given that it's one of the first things guests see when they walk in. Just be cautious before committing to such materials, Smith advises. "Materials that are not checked and do not meet the fire safety standards are not suitable for radiator covers," she says.

15. The No-Cover Cover

Don't have the time or resources to create a cover right now? Then just camouflage your radiator with a coat of paint that matches your walls. Make sure you find a paint that's suitable for your radiator's material and heat levels.

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