SENGO S.C. | Kuchnie na wymiar | Drzwi drewniane |
Strona główna » Blog SENGO » RADIATOR COVER – how to hide an old radiator
We don’t always have the opportunity to replace the entire central heating system. In old buildings, this is a problem for us because it requires large financial and time investments. These radiators often look unesthetic and limit the ability to furnish interiors.
The solution is then for a radiator casing. It completely changes the look of our room. Additionally, if it is a radiator casing with a windowsill – it looks very consistent and elegant, it is worth considering such a solution. Depending on preferences, we can make it from wood (it is worth choosing hard and resistant species, like oak), plywood or MDF, from opal glass or steel sheet.
We can install the radiator casing on many types of radiators, starting from cast iron, ribbed, panel, and ending with aluminum ones. An interesting casing is also able to cover all shortcomings of our radiator, without affecting its functionality.
It is also important to use a cover that has a suitable number of openings, as this ensures proper ventilation.
For example, if heat escapes from the radiator also through the top openings, the casing should take this into account and also contain openings in the upper part.
This solution has many advantages, where besides the visual effect, it provides safety for children. It is especially a great solution in the case of radiators with sharp edges, the casing protects radiators which makes them safer for children.
It protects them from burns or injuries. Therefore, it is a solution used in kindergartens, schools, and sports facilities.
In rooms intended for children’s stay, it is necessary to place a protective cover preventing direct contact with the radiator element. This is regulated by the Regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of July 10, 2014, regarding the local and sanitary requirements that the premises where a nursery or children’s club is to be operated must meet. Therefore, it is a necessity.
In building material stores, we have the option of buying ready-made radiator casings. However, you must keep in mind that their choice is limited and we will not adapt them perfectly to our radiator.
In the case of a custom radiator cover, we have the ability to adapt it to a specific radiator, you must remember that the cover must be wider and taller than the radiator itself. Only then do we not risk that the radiator ceases to perform its functional role or that its heating power is reduced.
Besides aesthetic qualities, we can also focus on practical considerations. The radiator casing can be a shelf, a seat – we can put cushions on it and admire the surroundings, or read books in a comfortable position. Additionally, the casing can serve as a console – e.g., in the hallway.
Furthermore, the cover will allow covering imperfections that may have appeared over time on an old radiator. On frequently painted radiators, unesthetic flakes appear – the cover will allow us to cover them and make painting unnecessary.
See the radiator casings that we offer.
Remember that we make them custom-made, in the appropriate color and from the species of wood you choose. We integrate the covers into your interior, regardless of whether you prefer classic or modern style. A radiator cover is an element that, like any other, can be adapted to your own preferences and make the interior gain new quality.
We also recommend installing the radiator casing together with English wainscoting (wood species). It becomes the ideal complement to the whole.
Fig. 1 Radiator casing + English wainscoting, realization: SENGO
In one of the schools, we replaced covers in all rooms. Solutions of this type provide effective protection against contact with hard surfaces and other mechanical impact. Most of us have white radiators at home, which we hide or cover with, e.g., curtains, because they do not look aesthetically (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Radiator casings for primary school, realization: SENGO
The casing should undoubtedly harmonize with the style of our interior, and above all, serve as a decorative element in our interior (living room, bedroom, kitchen, or children’s room). Currently, we focus much more on aesthetics and solutions that will be consistent with the design.
Most often we choose a cover that matches the color of the walls. However, if we have a lot of wood at home, it is worth choosing wooden covers – in a natural color. Furthermore, painting it in a shade of the wall will make it blend into the surroundings and not be conspicuous. We give a metamorphosis to new, but above all, used radiators. Wooden radiator casing must be properly protected, as it is exposed to changes in temperature and humidity.
If the cover is not installed on a magnet, it greatly complicates access to the radiator. This is a problem in the event of failures, maintenance, or reading meters. It is worth thinking about this at the design stage.
Many improperly designed casings trap heat, generating unnecessary energy costs. To minimize heat loss, the casings must have appropriately sized openings so that the heated air easily enters the room.
Custom furniture, wooden kitchens, stairs, interior doors, English wainscoting, radiator casings and many others
Wooden stairs for the house. Stairs made of wood enjoy extraordinary popularity, they are timeless. Undoubtedly, wood is a material that never goes out of fashion. Only how to finish it? We often receive questions from clients what we recommend – oiled or varnished wooden stairs? Then we show the disadvantages and advantages of both methods, which greatly facilitates making a choice. …
WOODEN STAIRS – oiled or varnished? Read more »
What is English wainscoting? English wainscoting is a wall panel made of wood or MDF or a combination of these two materials. Modern English wainscoting is mounted on the wall from the floor to a certain height, most often up to half. It serves decorative functions, as it enhances the aesthetic qualities of the room. Additionally, it warms the interior, insulates, and above all, protects the walls from damage and permanent…
MODERN ENGLISH WAINSCOTING – increasingly popular! Read more »
What is worth knowing about wooden furniture? Below we present several reasons why it is worth choosing wooden furniture. And is what we call wooden furniture always really made of wood? Let’s start with the fact that not all furniture is made of solid wood. The products we can buy in stores are mostly veneered MDF. How can we distinguish…
WOODEN FURNITURE – see why it is worth choosing Read more »