How to choose a radiator that matches your room décor
When you want to choose radiators for different rooms in your home, it’s important to focus on the style as much as you focus on the efficiency and output. A well-chosen radiator can complement your interior design and match the overall look of your space, while also keeping it warm and comfortable.
Here at Stelrad, we have a variety of radiator styles, from models with a sleek modern aesthetic to radiators that have a classic traditional feel and models that are bold and eye-catching. Let’s take a look at the different radiator designs, materials, and finishes we offer to help you find the perfect match for the décor of each room in your house. We’ll also look at how to choose a radiator that matches your room décor, based on the age of the property and your personal preferences.
Living Room
For many properties, the living room is the heart of the home and is typically where people spend most of their time. It’s important that the radiator you choose balances efficient heating with the overall aesthetic of the room.
When you’re matching radiator styles to rooms, it can be helpful to consider the age of the property. Traditional column radiators suit period properties, while sleek, flat-panel or vertical radiators complement modern interiors.
Cast iron radiators, while being practical, also make a great statement piece to any living room. Thanks to the naturally high heat output of cast iron, these radiators will keep your living room nice and toasty and make a great addition to period properties.
You might want to consider colour radiators, such as black, or simple white radiators to complement the colour scheme in your living room.
When choosing living room radiators, it’s also essential to consider placement. You should avoid placing furniture (such as sofas and coffee tables) directly in front of the radiator as this can prevent the heat from circulating properly. Try to place the radiator against an exterior wall or under a window to counteract the cold air entering the room.
Bedroom
Small bedrooms greatly benefit from vertical radiators, as they take up minimal floor space, while still providing efficient energy output. Our lined front panel radiators are a good choice for most bedrooms, as they emit heat directly into the room and provide fast and more effective heating than most standard radiators.
You may want a coloured radiator to add a vibrant and bold aspect to the room, or a simple white radiator that blends into the background.
Another important factor to consider when choosing bedroom radiators is the BTU rating. You can use our handy heat loss BTU calculator to determine how much heat output the radiator needs to ensure even heat distribution throughout the room. If the room is large, open plan or poorly insulated, you’ll likely need a radiator with a high BTU, whereas if the room is small and well insulated, it will be better at retaining heat and the radiator can have a lower heat output.
Bathroom
There’s nothing worse than a cold bathroom when you step out of the bath or shower. With the right bathroom radiators, you can efficiently heat the room and help keep it dry. Our range of towel radiators help warm the bathroom and also keep your towels warm and dry, so they’re ready for you post-wash.
You may want a vertical, wall-mounted radiator in a small bathroom, or a larger freestanding radiator in a bigger space. In terms of materials, stainless steel radiators are rust-resistant and are therefore great options for the humid environment of bathrooms, while matte black and anthracite radiators are modern and trendy, adding a bold touch to contemporary bathrooms.
Kitchen
Kitchens are one of the busiest rooms in any house, so it’s important to maintain a comfortable temperature. Vertical radiators are great for safe saving in smaller kitchens with limited wall space, while horizontal radiators can fit under windowsills and counter spaces. You may also want a towel radiator, which is ideal for warming kitchen towels, while also providing heat for the room.
You may want to consider kitchen radiators with thermostatic controls or smart heating systems to help get better energy management and save on energy costs. These controls let you adjust the temperature of the kitchen radiator, without changing the other radiators throughout the home.
Matching radiator styles to rooms
When it comes to choosing radiators for different rooms in your home, it’s important to consider the size of each room, the insulation and the room’s décor. For older homes, it’s a good idea to opt for classic radiator styles such as cast iron, whereas more modern homes benefit from sleek coloured radiators and vertical radiators. You may want vertical radiators if you’re limited on space, or free-standing radiators for larger rooms.
Placement is essential for proper heat circulation, so make sure to consider where you want the radiator before deciding on radiator size and style. You shouldn’t place furniture in front of radiators as this can prevent heat from circulating and flowing properly, which can cause cold spots in the room.
Here at Stelrad, matching radiator styles to rooms is easy thanks to our large range of different radiators styles and sizes. You can find radiators to suit your bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms, no matter the size or age of your property. If you need help finding the perfect radiators for your home, please contact us and our friendly team will be more than happy to advise you. If you’re looking for inspiration, Stelrad has a wide range of examples to help you find radiators to suit your home’s interiors.