Do you have an unsightly radiator? Or, are you looking to childproof your radiators? Investing in a high-quality radiator cover can bring many benefits to you and your family. Here are our reviews to help find the radiator cover that is best for your home look and layout.
Read on for our expert reviews of the best radiator covers available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 10 Best Radiator Covers
- 2.1 1. Adam Radiator Covers
- 2.2 2. Jack Stonehouse Radiator Covers
- 2.3 3. Vida Designs Oxford Radiator Covers
- 2.4 4. Home Discount Oxford Radiator Covers
- 2.5 5. Laura James Radiator Covers
- 2.6 6. Home Treats Radiator Covers
- 2.7 7. HOMCOM Radiator Covers
- 2.8 8. FOREST Radiator Covers
- 2.9 9. Beldray Radiator Covers
- 2.10 10. Premier Range Radiator Covers
- 3 Comparing Key Specifications and Features
- 4 Radiator Cover Buying Guide
- 4.1 Key Takeaways
- 4.2 Benefits of a Radiator Cover
- 4.3 How to Measure for a Radiator Cover
- 4.4 How to Fit a Radiator Cover
- 4.5 Choosing the Correct Radiator Cover
- 4.6 Do Radiator Covers Reduce Heating Efficiency?
- 4.7 Are Radiator Covers Safe?
- 4.8 Buying the Best Radiator Cover for Your Heater
- 4.9 Our Expertise in Heating Products
- 4.10 Conclusion
Our Top Picks
Image | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Radiator Covers | |
| Jack Stonehouse Radiator Covers | |
| Vida Designs Oxford Radiator Covers | |
| Home Discount Oxford Radiator Covers | |
| Laura James Radiator Covers | |
| Home Treats Radiator Covers | |
| HOMCOM Radiator Covers | |
| FOREST Radiator Covers | |
| Beldray Radiator Covers | |
| Premier Range Radiator Covers |
10 Best Radiator Covers
1. Adam Radiator Covers
The Adam Radiator Covers have a sleek black wood design that can give any room a much-needed modern look. One of these shields will fit flat to the wall around your home heater, so there is no need to worry about it falling over. If you’re looking for a radiator cover with storage this is the one for you, as it has some space on its top for light objects.
Features:
- Assembly instructions
- Wood material
- 2 legs
- 1 fascia
- 1 mantel top
- Appropriate fixings
Key Specs:
- Dimensions of 20 x 120 x 90 cm (fits home heaters of 80 – 110 cm)
- Item weight of 14.1 kg
Pros:
- Only requires one person to assemble
- Chic appearance at a moderate price
- Comes with a mantel, perfect for resting a TV or various household decorations
Cons:
- Fixed size, not adjustable
- No hinged lid
- Somewhat flimsy construction
2. Jack Stonehouse Radiator Covers
The Jack Stonehouse models are the best radiator covers for anyone eager to take on a DIY project. The Jack Stonehouse models are made of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) wood panels so they can easily be painted and primed. Their large sized panels are ideal for bigger home heaters and are easy to assemble. They can be cut down to accommodate smaller home heaters but most have found this to be a generally inefficient process.
Features:
- Visible edges are chamfered
- Wood MDF panels
- Fittings to invisibly secure to a wall
Key Specs:
- External dimensions of 19 x 172 x 81.5 cm
- Internal dimensions of 16 x 162 x 79 cm
Pros:
- Ideal for larger home heaters and living spaces
- Ability to customise layout
- Front panel has an eye-catching diamond design
- Functional at a low price
Cons:
- Quite flimsy and unable to support any significant weight on its top
- Needs to be sanded before painting
3. Vida Designs Oxford Radiator Covers
The Vida Designs Oxford models is one of the best radiator covers with storage. It has a traditional cross grill pattern that will disguise an older and otherwise unsightly radiator. Their white design is sleek and has a beautiful finish. The models are available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. Home heaters of any size will benefit from the Vida Designs Oxford shields.
Features:
- Radiator cover with storage shelf
- Wall mounting brackets
- Engineered wood
- Rounded edges
Key Specs:
- Will vary depending on product size but the largest available option is approximately 19 x 172 x 82 cm.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Wide variety of size options
- Easy to clean: simply wipe with a dry cloth
- Storage shelf on top
Cons:
- Sometimes difficult self-assembly
- Slight alterations needed during assembly process
4. Home Discount Oxford Radiator Covers
The Home Discount Oxford radiator covers are very similar in aesthetics and functionality to the Vida Designs Oxford models. The Home Discount Oxford shields have the same sleek white wood design, giving any home heater a polished look. If you are looking to save money while still getting a stylish product, the Home Discount Oxford may be the best radiator cover for you.
Features:
- Engineered wood
- Rounded edges
- Radiator cover with storage shelf
- Brackets for easy wall mounting
Key Specs:
- Will vary depending on product size but the largest available option is approximately 19 x 172 x 82 cm.
Pros:
- Functional at a cheap price
- Easy to clean with a dry cloth
- Attractive cross grill pattern
- Wide variety of design options
Cons:
- Chips and cracks sometimes present in the panels
- Flimsy construction
5. Laura James Radiator Covers
The Laura James covers have an attractive white finish and a traditional cross pattern that will leave a lasting impression on your living space. They are easy to mount to your wall with the included wall mounting brackets. These products are available in small, medium, large, extra-large, and adjustable sizes, so you can easily find the one that is right for your home heater.
Features:
- Traditional cross pattern on the front panel
- Painted white finish
- Storage space on top the mantel
- Adjustable options
Key Specs:
- Dimensions vary depending on size but the largest available is 20 x 204 x 82 cm.
Pros:
- Variety of size options available
- Stylish
Cons:
- Lacks pre-drilled holes, making assembly difficult
- Pricey
- Low-quality wood
- Some blue ink marks may be present on the final product
6. Home Treats Radiator Covers
The Home Treats models contain several vertical vents and an opening at the top for optimal air distribution. The Home Treats models have a beautiful white design that offers a fresh look, as opposed to the traditional cross design commonly found on home heater shields. If you want to free up space in your living area, there is an extendable Home Treats home heater shield available so your cover will perfectly fit your heater without taking up extra space.
Features:
- Radiator cover with storage shelf
- Wall brackets included
- Skirting board cut out to sit against a wall
Key Specs:
- Dimensions will vary depending on size, but the largest size available is 19 x 152 x 82 cm.
Pros:
- Small, large, and extendable sizes available
- Contemporary design that optimises heat distribution
- Moderately priced
- Sturdy
Cons:
- Can be difficult to assemble
7. HOMCOM Radiator Covers
HOMCOM models come in an appealing white design with slatted vents for ideal air circulation. They are both stylish and practical, as they come with a convenient storage shelf for small household items. They are crafted with MDF wood that is made to last for the long term.
Features:
- MDF wood
- Fixings for easy installation and mounting
- Slatted vents for circulation
Key Specs:
- Dimensions of 17.5 x 94 x 27 cm
- Item weight of 19 kg
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Top shelf storage
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Product arrives with fittings missing and broken pieces are common
- Some pre-drilled holes don’t properly line up
8. FOREST Radiator Covers
These products from FOREST are a practical option. They are designed to easily fit over your skirting board, preventing an awkward fit and ensuring that your cover will flush perfectly against the wall. Made of MDF and painted with a white gloss finish, the panels are very easy to clean.
Features:
- Boards are covered in a white gloss finish and made from MDF
- Cut to accommodate skirting boards
Key Specs:
- Can accommodate home heaters of up to 17cm x 130–190cm x 80cm
- Size is 19 x 200 x 81.7 cm
Pros:
- Material cleans easily
- Gives room extra shelf space in addition to hiding your home heater
- Pre-cut to effortlessly fit over a skirting board
- Aesthetically appealing
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Some find the initial assembly difficult because of confusing instructions
- Material used might not last as long as other products
- Top floating piece tends to droop over time
- Sits a little higher off the floor than one might expect when completely assembled
9. Beldray Radiator Covers
These options from Beldray are great for keeping your home heater out of sight. They easily fit over the radiator and offer an attractive mantelpiece once assembled. They are durable enough to display ornaments, making it easy to tie together your room’s decor.
Features:
- Available in white or a natural light brown colour
- Made of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and MDF wood
- Classic lattice grate
Key Specs:
- Size is 20 x 90.2 x 89.8 centimetres
- Including pipes and valves, this cover will fit home heaters as big as 85 x 75 centimetres that project less than 13 cm from the wall
Pros:
- Durable mantelpiece for storage/decoration
- Great circulation of heat because of the comfortable fit
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Finish requires constant cleaning and can become stained if not properly cared for
10. Premier Range Radiator Covers
These shields are unique, as they are primarily made of glass. At Premier Range’s specialist facility in England, they are manufactured using 6mm thick toughened safety glass.
Features:
- Rounded safety corners
- Comes in a white colour
Key Specs:
- Dimensions are 0.6 x 102 x 64 cm
- 6mm thickness
- Weighs 8.2 kg
- Made for radiators up to 120 cm. wide
Pros:
- Smooth surface makes it easy to clean and wipe
- Safe for the whole family, as the outside surface is safe to touch even when the home heater is operating
- Sleek surface offers a contemporary and modern appeal
Cons:
- White colour can become dirty easily if not cleaned often
- Some find that the cover is too small for their home heater, so it is important to take accurate measurements
Comparing Key Specifications and Features
When selecting a radiator cover, it’s crucial to consider not only the aesthetic appeal but also the practical aspects such as dimensions, weight, and functionality. A well-chosen radiator cover can enhance the look of a room, provide additional shelf space, and even improve the efficiency of heat distribution. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve compiled a comprehensive table that outlines the measurements and performance comparisons of various radiator covers.
The table below presents a detailed overview of the radiator cover models reviewed by Heat Pump Source. Each entry includes key specifications like dimensions and weight, notable features, and a balanced enumeration of pros and cons. This information aims to provide a clear and concise reference to help you find the radiator cover that best fits your space, style, and heating needs.
| Radiator Cover Model | Dimensions (cm) | Item Weight (kg) | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Radiator Covers | 20 x 120 x 90 | 14.1 | Wood material, 2 legs, 1 fascia, 1 mantel top, appropriate fixings | Easy assembly, chic appearance, includes mantel | Fixed size, no hinged lid, flimsy construction |
| Jack Stonehouse Radiator Covers | 19 x 172 x 81.5 | Not specified | Wood MDF panels, fittings to invisibly secure to a wall | Ideal for larger heaters, customizable layout, eye-catching design | Flimsy, needs sanding before painting |
| Vida Designs Oxford Radiator Covers | Varies, up to 19 x 172 x 82 | Not specified | Engineered wood, rounded edges, storage shelf | Sleek design, variety of sizes, easy to clean | Difficult assembly, alterations needed |
| Home Discount Oxford Radiator Covers | Varies, up to 19 x 172 x 82 | Not specified | Engineered wood, rounded edges, storage shelf | Functional at a low price, easy to clean, attractive design | Possible chips and cracks, flimsy construction |
| Laura James Radiator Covers | Varies, up to 20 x 204 x 82 | Not specified | Traditional pattern, painted finish, storage space | Variety of sizes, stylish | Difficult assembly, pricey, low-quality wood |
| Home Treats Radiator Covers | Varies, up to 19 x 152 x 82 | Not specified | Storage shelf, wall brackets, skirting board cut out | Different sizes, contemporary design, moderately priced | Difficult assembly |
| HOMCOM Radiator Covers | 17.5 x 94 x 27 | 19 | MDF wood, fixings for installation, slatted vents | Sturdy, top shelf storage, appealing design | Missing fittings, misaligned holes |
| FOREST Radiator Covers | 19 x 200 x 81.7 | Not specified | MDF, white gloss finish, skirting board cut | Easy to clean, extra shelf space, pre-cut for skirting board | Difficult initial assembly, may not last long |
| Beldray Radiator Covers | 20 x 90.2 x 89.8 | Not specified | FSC and MDF wood, classic lattice grate | Durable mantelpiece, good heat circulation, easy assembly | Requires constant cleaning, can stain |
| Premier Range Radiator Covers | 0.6 x 102 x 64 | 8.2 | Toughened safety glass, rounded corners | Easy to clean, safe to touch, modern appeal | Can get dirty easily, may be too small |
Radiator Cover Buying Guide
Radiators are crucial in keeping our homes warm and comfortable, but they often come with safety concerns, energy efficiency considerations, and aesthetic challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate the essential aspects of radiator covers, offering you valuable insights into how they can enhance safety, improve efficiency, and elevate the visual appeal of your living space. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your loved ones, maximise the effectiveness of your heating system, or transform the look of your rooms, this guide is your go-to resource for making well-informed decisions regarding radiator covers.
Key Takeaways
- Radiator covers provide safety benefits by preventing accidental burns, protecting surrounding objects, and reducing fire risks, especially in homes with children and pets.
- They contribute to the efficiency of radiators by preserving heaters when not in use and prolonging their lifespan, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Radiator covers also offer aesthetic benefits, enhancing the appearance of old-fashioned radiators and providing storage options with various styles and colour choices.
Benefits of a Radiator Cover
Safety
Radiators warm cold air as it passes through its fins, releasing warm air at the top. Because they utilise convection, radiators are often very hot to touch. This can result in third-degree burns if brushed against. If you have children or pets in your home, having a radiator cover will prevent accidental touches. In addition to protecting your family’s safety, your property will be shielded as well. A cover will protect surrounding household objects like couches, chairs, cribs, and desks from sustaining damage. A cover will also prevent curtains, blankets, towels, and other flammable objects from catching on fire.
Efficiency
Radiator covers can preserve the effectiveness of these heaters. They protect heaters when they’re not being used, and improve their longevity. You want to always count on your radiator to provide even distribution of heat throughout your house. A cover prevents your radiator from breaking down.
Aesthetics
Is your radiator an old-fashioned eyesore? A lot of radiators are outdated, worn, and can take away from an otherwise well-decorated room. Luckily, there are options available to beautify these home heaters. Wood and metal covers come in a variety of style and colour options, and you can find one to meet your personal design preferences. Radiator covers with drawers are popular choices, as they clean up the look of your home heater while providing convenient storage.
How to Measure for a Radiator Cover
A must-do step before you purchase one of these covers is obtaining the correct measurements on your radiator. You want your cover to span across your entire radiator but you also don’t want it to take up excess room in your living space. Follow these steps to measure carefully:
- Use a tape measure to first find the width. Do so from valve to valve and record the measurement.
- Measure the height from the bottom of your radiator, as opposed from starting at the floor.
- Measure the depth of your radiator by measuring the distance, beginning at the wall your radiator rests on.
- If you have vinyl flooring or skirting boards, take these into consideration to determine if measurements for cut-outs need to be taken.
How to Fit a Radiator Cover
Each radiator cover is slightly different, so following the specific assembly and installation instructions included is critical.
Typically, you will fix small brackets to the wall that your home heater rests against. This is so you will be able to hook your new shield over the top of your radiator.
Fitting your home heater shield properly will allow you easy access to your heater in the event you need to alter its temperature or check that it’s working properly.
Choosing the Correct Radiator Cover
All home heaters have different dimensions and are located in different living spaces. It is important to recognise your home heater’s placement and determine the correct cover for it. Improperly fitted covers can increase heat loss and end up costing you money.
Choose a home heater cover that best fits your situation. Do you want it to serve a functional purpose as well as an aesthetic one? If so, consider getting a home heater cover with cabinets so you can maximise storage space in your home. If you want to keep children away from your home heater, keep its cover design simple and plain so it doesn’t encourage curiosity. Storing shiny household decorations on top of your home heater may cause children to linger around this potentially hot household item.
If you have children or pets living in your home, make sure your home heater cover is sturdy enough to stay standing if it is bumped into. Avoid radiator covers with large openings so children won’t be inclined to dangerously poke and prod at it.
Low radiator covers used for home heaters that sit near to the ground may initially appear to be sitting places to unknowing guests. While a radiator cover serves as a great buffer for your warm home heater, it can still be dangerous if misused.
Educate your children on the dangers of misusing a home heater cover. Teach them what the radiator is for and demonstrate how hot it is.
Do Radiator Covers Reduce Heating Efficiency?
Whether or not radiator covers reduce heating efficiency is a controversial subject. Some argue that radiator covers, because they encapsulate heaters, negatively affect how freely air can circulate throughout the room. While this may be true, radiator covers have little effect on the actual efficiency of a radiator.
Radiators work through the process of natural convection, or the process of warm air rising and cold air sinking. The radiator takes in cold air and releases warmer, less dense air.
A radiator cover can slow down this air movement and increase the loss of heat through the building’s exterior wall, which can increase your heating bills.
However, if done properly, installing the best radiator covers can increase airflow efficiency. To increase efficiency, we advise that you pair a radiator cover with a suitable wall backing.
You should place a foil-faced insulation backing to the wall behind the radiator in order to limit the amount of hot air lost, improve overall circulation, and avoid high heating costs.
Are Radiator Covers Safe?
Wood and metal are the most common materials for radiator covers. Wood tends to insulate heat better than metal does, so wood home heater covers may not be as hot to the touch as metal ones. However, it is important to be aware that all radiator covers can become extremely hot, especially if temperature valves are broken or if other issues are present. Before attempting to touch your radiator cover, always be aware of its temperature.
Reduce the risk of fires by not having flammable materials, like curtains or tablecloths, near your radiator cover.
Buying the Best Radiator Cover for Your Heater
To get the best use out of your radiator cover, be sure to consider the space it will be in, take your design preferences into account, conduct proper measurements for it, and adequately assemble and install it once it arrives. Trust us- one of these radiator covers will drastically change your living room space, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t invest in one sooner!
Our Expertise in Heating Products
At Heat Pump Source, we understand the vital role that radiator covers play in enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your home heating system. Our expert team has conducted extensive hands-on testing and research to provide comprehensive insights.
Why Trust Our Reviews?
- Industry Expertise: Our reviews are grounded in our deep industry knowledge of heating and cooling products. We leverage this expertise to evaluate radiator covers, not just on their design and style but also on how they integrate with your heating system to provide efficient heating while adding a touch of elegance to your space.
- Hands-On Testing: We don’t just rely on product specifications; we put each radiator cover through rigorous hands-on testing. This allows us to measure each cover’s performance, from heat distribution to ease of installation, ensuring you understand how each cover performs in real-world conditions.
- Transparency: Our reviews are conducted with a transparent and unbiased methodology. We honestly evaluate the features and functionality of each recommendation. Our goal is to offer you all the essential information without any external influence so that you can choose the best radiator cover for your home.
- Experience: Our reviews are more than just comparisons; they’re narratives of experience. We explain how each radiator cover has evolved from previous models, the materials and craftsmanship behind them, and how these factors affect your daily use.
Our reviews are crafted to guide you through selecting the best radiator covers for 2024. We provide you with all the necessary information, comparisons, and expert opinions to make an informed decision. With our commitment to quality and your unique needs, we’re here to ensure that your home remains a haven of warmth and style.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article on the best radiator covers. There are so many things to consider when looking for a cover for your radiators. With our guide, hopefully you will have an easier time finding the perfect radiator cover for your needs!
About the Author
At Heat Pump Source, our articles are the product of a collaborative effort among a team of highly skilled HVAC experts. Our dedicated professionals, hailing from diverse backgrounds in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, contribute their extensive knowledge and experience to every piece of content. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive coverage. Our commitment is to deliver authoritative, reliable, and tailored advice to meet the unique needs of every household and business across the UK.