The cast iron radiator cover is a relic from another time, but homeowners are still curious about whether this feature is necessary. For the record, we don’t recommend cast iron radiator covers for our radiators. Cast iron radiators are a stylish addition to your decor, so why would you want to cover them up?
In this guide, we’re looking at where this trend started, how it has evolved, and the alternatives to covering your cast iron radiators today. This should help you to determine if you even need to cover your radiators, or if you can make them a focal point of your interiors.
Cast iron radiator covers came into vogue in the 19th Century. Radiators of the time were bulky and had complex and unsightly pipework. It’s also worth noting that these radiators were often heated with steam, which meant they got incredibly hot. To save residents from scalding temperatures, homeowners would cover their radiators to provide some protection against burns.
These covers were often made from wood or metal and had mesh screens and highly decorative fretwork. The more ornate, the better. These became a status symbol, and a sign of a sophisticated and refined home.
As trends in radiators shifted towards gas-powered central heating and aluminium panel radiators, covers remained popular in homes trying to achieve a vintage look. By using a cover, it wasn’t clear what type of radiators you were covering, so you could have original cast iron radiators.
Today, radiator covers might be used to hide unsightly radiators, so we don’t think they’re relevant for modern cast iron radiators. Our radiators are intended to be part of the decor, so covering them seems counterintuitive. Minimal pipework and refined designs make our radiators something to shout about, not something to hide.
In short, you don’t need cast iron radiator covers. Modern radiators look the part and also offer safety upgrades that mean you don’t need to worry about them getting too hot.
Perhaps the only benefit you might enjoy from covering your cast iron radiators would be minimal cleaning. A covered radiator won’t collect as much dust – or this dust will at least be less visible.
We prefer to grab a radiator brush and give them a good clean once a month rather than cover them up. Dust build-up on your radiators can make them less effective, so cleaning is far better than covering.
Perhaps you’re thinking about a radiator cover because you want to minimise the radiator in your interior design scheme. Thankfully, there are simple ways you can incorporate cast iron radiators into any room, even if the space is awkward or difficult.
We love the way Greg Penn from @ManWithAHammer has made cast iron radiators a feature in this room by placing them underneath a window seat. We’ll take a cosy window seat over a radiator cover any day!
In this serene bedroom, the radiator is placed in an unused space in the bay window. This is a highly efficient spot to place your radiators, as it helps to reduce heat loss from the room. It also makes use of a difficult space, while also creating a visual focal point.
Covering your radiator will reduce the heat output and prevent air from circulating around the radiator. Cast iron radiators work by ambiently heating the space around them, so they don’t need air currents as much as a modern panel radiator. To maximise the benefits of a modern cast iron radiator, it’s best to leave them uncovered.
The radiator cover could also interfere with your thermostatic radiator valves. The cover will retain the heat under the cover, making the TRVs think that the room is much warmer than it is. This could lead your TRVs to switch off before the room has reached the desired heat.
If you’re set on covering your radiators with vintage cast iron radiator covers, make sure you clean them regularly to help them to work as efficiently as possible. You should also ensure sufficient clearance on the top of the radiator so the cover doesn’t overheat and become a hazard.
Ready to start your home heating transformation? Calculate the BTU requirements for your room and then start creating your perfect cast iron radiator.
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