Edwardian properties look incredible when paired with our old fashioned style radiators. Choosing radiator styles that are in-keeping with the design period allows you to elevate something that would normally blend into the background and make a bold statement.

The Edwardian period is one marked by a growing middle class. Servants were becoming a thing of the past, and homes were built to reflect this. Instead of tall and thin buildings with servants quarters in the attic and basement, Edwardian houses were designed to be shorter and to occupy a larger footprint.

The Edwardian period also marked the end of coal fires in the home. The upgrade from messy coal fires to sleek central heating and Edwardian style radiators meant that design choices could be much more flexible.

This can be seen in the paint colour choices of the time. Rather than opting for deeper, darker Victorian shades (which hid the coal dust wonderfully) Edwardian decor could make the most of the cleaner environment. Pastel shades were abundant, as were intricate wallpaper choices with delicate florals. Printing techniques made wallpaper more accessible to families

Tall Princess 2 Column Radiator In Cream White

When we think of vintage style radiators, the classic matt or satin black shade usually springs to mind. But we love a creamy white radiator to make a bold statement. This Tall Princess 2 column radiator is also known as a school radiator. The tall design lends itself well to smaller spaces, or you can supersize your radiator length to warm a large open-plan room.

Traditional 3 Column Radiator In Matt Black

Perhaps our best selling style is the 3 column traditional radiator in matt black. This design classic is effortlessly versatile and will suit a range of interior design choices, from traditional cottage core to industrial chic. The narrow design is perfectly suited to hallways and rooms where space is a premium. Matt black is also a hardwearing choice, hiding scuffs and marks, making it ideal for busy households.

Traditional 4 Column Radiator In Gunmetal Grey

Another firm customer favourite for those looking for the Edwardian interior look is the traditional 4 column radiator in gunmetal grey. A grey radiator offers lower contrast than solid black, which can make it easier to pair with boldly patterned wallpaper or alongside Edwardian pastel shades of pink or mint green.

Art Nouveau 2 Column Cast Iron Radiator In Antique Bronze

If you want to make a statement with your Edwardian style radiators, you need the Art Nouveau collection in your life. Go bold with the antique bronze colourway for a touch of glitz and glamour. Not only will your vintage style radiators heat the space beautifully, but the warm bronze tone will create an incredibly cosy atmosphere. This decorative choice is the ideal statement piece for your Edwardian home.

Tall Ascot 2 Column Cast Iron Radiator in Satin Black

Another popular decorative radiator choice is the Tall Ascot 2 column radiator in satin black. The satin shade offers a subtle sheen that allows the decorative nature of this radiator design to stand out. If you want to embrace the Edwardian style of ornate and decorative furniture pieces, this Tall Ascot radiator offers the ideal way forward.

Need help choosing your ideal Edwardian style radiators?

The radiators are often the first design decision you will make, so we know it can be daunting. If you need help selecting the right radiators for your Edwardian property renovation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We can help guide you on everything from the practical considerations to the final style choices.

One point that we are often keen for customers to understand is that traditional radiators are so much more than just a way to heat your home. Radiators might be an afterthought for many people, or something that needs to be hidden or concealed. But when you choose a classic design like an antique-style radiator, you can afford to make this the centre of attention.

Making your radiators the focal point of the room can also help to make them more efficient. If they’re taking a central spot in the room, they’re more likely to enjoy a prominent location with plenty of air flow. This will help to ensure the radiant heat from the radiator is able to spread evenly throughout the room.

If you’re in the middle of a home renovation and ready to upgrade your home heating system, here are just some of the reasons we think they can and should be the focal point of your decor.

It’s true to the era

One of the biggest challenges of decorating a period home is attempting to respect the decorating choices of the era, while still making sure your home is practical and efficient. Cast iron radiators are an icon of the Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian eras, so you can decorate with confidence knowing that your design choices are a nod to the times.

Having radiators instead of a coal burning fire was a point of pride for homeowners during this time, so they wanted their cast iron radiators to be seen. This is why they often contrast with the wall behind them, rather than choosing similar shades to conceal your antique style radiators.

They can be beautifully ornate

Ornate cast iron radiators are a stunning piece of furniture and the perfect focal point for a room. Highly ornate designs are made to be seen, which is why we recommend choosing a satin paint finish or the antique bronze shade to help highlight the design even further.

You can further enhance your selection with the ideal accessories in a range of metallic finishes. For example, we love the satin black radiator with high contrast lacquered brass wall stays. Don’t forget to choose a cast iron radiator valve, too.

Placement is everything

If you want to make a bold statement with your radiators, placement is everything. We love a bay window with traditional radiators in the centre. Choose a short and wide design like the traditional 9 column radiator to achieve sufficient BTU for your space, without having to choose a taller model.

You could also play with height by selecting a vintage vertical radiator. Our ornate radiators are available in the tallest heights. Multiple vintage vertical radiators can be placed in a room to create symmetry and make this an important part of the visual balance of the room.

Adaptable to all decor styles

You don’t have to be decorating and renovating in the period style to make the most of this design choice. Cast iron radiators are surprisingly versatile in interior design. We’ve seen cast iron radiators put to work in maximalist to minimalist interiors. They are also adaptable for traditional design or more contemporary spaces. In short, if you’ve got a design theme in mind, there is a traditional radiator colour and style combination that will perfectly suit your interior.

Carry on a theme

A popular way to draw the eye back to the item you want to showcase is to include similar colours, textures or themes. This could mean pairing a cast iron radiator with a statement piece of artwork to help draw the eye to the radiator. You could also include elements of the same coloured metal throughout the interior. For example, decorating with accents of brass when you have brass wall stays and valves on your radiators. This will help to create cohesion in the design.

Front and centre

An obvious benefit of placing your radiators in a prominent place in the room is that they will be better placed to distribute heat around the space. The room will also appear cosier, as the eye will be drawn to this source of heat. If you don’t have the space, budget or setup that will allow a wood burning stove, the next best thing would be a traditional cast iron radiator that is capable of generating a lot of heat.

Contrasting colours

One of our favourite design choices in homes is to create contrast between the radiator and its surroundings. Monochromatic interiors will draw the eye to your cast iron radiator and make it a focal point in your interior. Pastel wall shades pair beautifully with a cream radiator. And the antique bronze shade is an ideal choice when paired with darker shades like forest green. You can also pair the solid block colour or a radiator with a heavily patterned wallpaper to create an eye-catching finish.

Taking on the task of renovating a period home can be daunting and exciting in equal measure. You never know what you might uncover, which can be part of the charm of period home renovation.

Thankfully, there are lots of resources out there to help you on your journey. You don’t have to tackle your period home renovation alone. With the help of Cast Iron Radiator Centre, you can find inspiration, advice, and support in one place. These are just some of the ways we can support your period home renovation.

Home inspiration

Before you get started, you want to make sure you have a plan in place. We believe the best way to determine a plan for your renovation is to surround yourself with home inspiration. This is one area where the Cast Iron Radiator Centre really shines.

• Head to our Instagram to see real home renovation projects from our customers.
• Sign up for a Pinterest account and start creating your virtual pin boards, using our Pinterest boards as a starting point.
• Check out the inspiration images on our website to get the creativity flowing.
• Head to our blog for renovation tips and advice to help you navigate the period home renovation process.

Calculate your heating requirements

If you’re thinking about upgrading the heating system in your home with cast iron radiators, we can help. The first step is to calculate the BTU requirements for your home.

Cast iron radiators are sold in different lengths, and these lengths relate to different heat levels. First, you need to know the heat requirements for your rooms. You can then choose the perfect vintage style radiators to heat your home.

We have a free BTU calculator on our website to make it easier to calculate your heat requirements. Once you know your BTU requirements, you can then choose the radiator styles that you love.

Save on your vintage style radiators

Did you know you won’t find quality cast iron radiators cheaper anywhere else? If you’re looking for the most cost-effective way to add some vintage style radiators to your home, you’ve already found it.

We know you might not be ready to purchase yet, which is why we recommend signing up for our email newsletter.

When you sign up, we’ll send you our complete radiator buying guide to help you navigate the process. You’ll also get an exclusive discount to use on your first purchase. You can sign up at the bottom of this page!

(Pssst… keep your eyes peeled for seasonal discounts to help you save EVEN MORE on your radiators.)

Get in touch with our team

Our customer service team is here to help make the process of upgrading your home heating easier than ever. So, if you’ve got questions about anything from choosing a plumber to picking the right colour radiators for your home, we can help guide you.

You can reach us on social media, pick up the phone or drop us an email.

Share your renovation projects to WIN

When you get the ball rolling on your period home renovation project, be sure to take before and after images. We run regular competitions on our social media channels and on our email newsletter. To enter, you will need to share photos of your home renovation. Past prizes have included a stunning hamper, DIY vouchers or free radiators.

To be in with a chance of winning, make sure you snap before and after photos of your favourite DIY projects that include our vintage style radiators. Keep an eye on social media to be the first to know when our next competition is announced.

Shop Vintage Door Knobs from our sister company

There’s more to a home renovation project than just radiators. If you head to our sister company, Vintage Door Knob Centre, you’ll find a stunning range of accessories for your period home renovation.

Choose from door accessories like vintage door knobs, letterbox covers and front door knockers. We also sell door hardware and accessories like vintage cast iron coat hooks.