11 Stylish Ways to Enhance—or Hide—Your Radiators

With much of the nation experiencing the bitterest temperatures on record, many of us are appreciating our radiators like never before. Why not show that love by considering one of these decorative finishes or encasements for our trusted cold-weather friends?

By Marie Proeller Hueston | Updated Aug 18, 2015 01:24 PM

Painted Beauties

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Painting Radiators

Make your radiator part of the room's decor by painting it a coordinated color. "Spice it up with a gradated ombre pattern," suggests stylist Janet Lee, of LivinginaNutshell.com, "or highlight it with a hot color that contrasts with your wall."

Aimee Herring/Living in a Nutshell

Always in Style

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Yellow Kitchen

A built-in radiator cover fronted with grates fits seamlessly into traditional interiors and offers a prominent resting spot for houseplants or other displays.

fdphoto.biz

A Grand Entrance

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Foyer Decor

The functionality of a foyer radiator does not have to dash your dreams of an elegant entryway. A built-in bench like this one offers a stylish perch to slip on shoes and prepare for the day ahead.


Related: Make an Entrance: 10 Inspirational Foyer Ideas

conardromano.com

A Modern Twist

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Modern Nursery

Radiator covers can be made to match any decorating scheme from classic to contemporary, as the clean-lined, honey-tone wood design in this urban kids' room attests.


Related: 12 New Designs to Change Your Mind About Radiators

neuarch.com

Kitchen Camouflage

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White Kitchen

White slats and a butcher-block top help a radiator below the window in this airy kitchen blend into its surroundings.


Related: I'm Dreaming of a White... Kitchen: 10 Bright Beauties to Behold

squarefootageinc.com

A Simple Solution

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White Bedroom Vanity

Positioning a delicately detailed table directly above a radiator creates a charming vanity area with ample natural light.


Related: 5 DIY Ways to Organize Your Bedroom

yaarch.com

Bookcase Basics

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Built In Bookcase

The overall plan for a wall of bookshelves cleverly incorporated two covered radiators—a smart solution for this well-appointed living room.


Related:  Build Up Your Home Library: 10 Inspiring Reads with a DIY Point of View

sigmarlondon.com

Simplicity Itself

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White Bathroom

A small marble slab secured to the wall above a bathroom radiator becomes an ideal spot to rest a scented candle, a bottle of bubble bath, or even a warmed towel.


Related:  17 Tiny Bathrooms We Love

kaseybuick.com

Best Seat in the House

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Reading Nook

To create a cozy reading nook, enclose a low radiator in front of a window with a banquette and top it off with an upholstered cushion.

sadrodesign.com

Mix and Match

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Family Room

Grates for radiator covers come in myriad patterns, so choose one that underscores the overall look of a room, as the radiator grilles in this whimsical living room do.


Related: What's the Best Color for Living Rooms? The Experts Weigh In

amylaudesign.com

A Unified Look

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Home Office

In this sunny home office, white-washed radiators were topped with the same warm wood surface as the desk area, drawers, and file cabinets around the room.


Related: Create a Home Office That Works for You: 10 Expert Tips

jeffclarkearchitect.com

For More...

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