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When you’re envisaging a kitchen redesign, radiators might not be the first thing you think of, but trust me, they have a big impact on the overall feel and style of a room!
Many people have foregone radiators in favour of underfloor heating in recent years, but with the right styling, radiators can actually enhance your interior design and elevate the space to new heights. Here, I share nine need to know kitchen radiator ideas that will have the heart of your home feeling more on trend than ever before…
1. Think Tall with Vertical Radiators
Vertical radiators are ideal in small spaces, but they also act as a design feature in themselves. As well as taking up less wall space, you can opt for vertical radiators that complement a contemporary kitchen, for example.
By using up the height of the wall, rather than its width, vertical radiators take up less space and utilise wall space that’s often overlooked or underused.
Even larger kitchens can lack wall space due to the need for cabinets, worktops and appliances, so space-saving vertical radiators are a great option for any modern kitchen. With vertical radiators just a few centimetres wide, you can incorporate them into even the smallest spaces and utilise wall space that would otherwise be wasted.
Unlike traditional, horizontal radiators, vertical column radiators give off heat across a wider range of heights, which means your kitchen will warm up more quickly on colder mornings too.
2. Go Traditional with Curved Columns
The curved style of Victorian radiators looks fabulous in a cosy kitchen, especially if you want to channel a traditional or rustic vibe. Authentic Victorian radiators were made from cast iron, and you’ll still find plenty of these available in the shops and online. However, alternative materials, such as steel, stainless steel or aluminium, can be more cost-effective and lighter.
While white curved column radiators provide an effortless and timeless style, you can combine the traditional feel of Victorian radiators with a contemporary design when you opt for a coloured, curved column radiator.
Matching the colour of your radiator to the wall can be a great way to blend this functional feature into your interior design, for example.
Alternatively, opting for a vertical kitchen radiator with curved columns puts a modern twist on a classic style. Ideal for contemporary kitchens, you can benefit from a space-saving vertical radiator while incorporating a retro feel with curved column kitchen radiators.
3. Add a Pop of Colour
It’s so easy to assume that radiators must be white, but it’s time to think outside the box when it comes to kitchen radiator style.
Choosing an accent colour that complements your décor will brighten up bare walls and modernise your kitchen.
A dark grey or anthracite radiator can look spectacular against a white wall in a minimalist kitchen, for example. Alternatively, use sage green for cosy kitchen kitsch, vibrant oranges for a retro vibe or indigo blue for a rich and elegant feel.
How to Repaint Kitchen Radiators
If you want to refresh your kitchen without installing new radiators, why not paint your existing radiators to give them a new look? It’s easier than you think!
1. Turn off the radiators
Make sure you turn off the radiator and give it time to cool down before you start working on it. (Paint won’t adhere well to a warm radiator, so don’t rush it, no matter how eager you are to start your kitchen revamp).
2. Prep the area
Place a drop cloth underneath the radiator and against the wall to catch any spills and cover valves and controls with masking tape. Clean the radiator and make sure it’s fully dried before you get started. Use abrasive paper to remove any flaky paint or rust and, if necessary, use a primer and undercoat to improve the surface of the radiator.
3. Get painting
Grab a paintbrush (natural bristled tends to be best) and get painting! You’ll probably need two coats but be sure to let the first coat dry fully before you start applying the second.
Remember – you’ll need to use a specialist radiator paint to ensure it can withstand the variation in temperature when the radiator is in use.
It’s as simple as that!
4. Shine Bright with Mirrored Radiators
Mirrored radiators are one way to put a modern twist on a traditional feature, so why not incorporate them into your kitchen? You’ll find that vertical mirrored radiators add both functionality and style to your kitchen, while chrome radiators enhance the space with extra luminosity.
Mirrored radiators are a great way to make a kitchen feel more modern and contemporary.
Mirrors always help to brighten a space as they reflect the natural light that shines into the room. If you want to make your kitchen feel larger, a mirrored radiator can help to maximise light and make the room feel more spacious.
5. Try a Heated Towel Rail
If you don’t need too much heat in your kitchen, then a heated towel rail could be an ideal alternative to a radiator. Available in a wide range of styles, these work well in both traditional and contemporary kitchens, particularly if you want to save on space.
Heated towel rails are typically smaller than radiators and, depending on the power source, they may not get quite as warm as a standard radiator. Despite this, they can kick out a decent amount of heat and will certainly keep tea towels warm!
You may even find that a heated towel rail adds extra functionality. With an electric heated towel rail, for example, you can control it independently to your central heating system. This gives you greater control over the temperature in your kitchen and maximises functionality, which is a godsend when you’re working up a sweat cooking dinner!
6. Create a Natural Feel with Wooden Kitchen Radiators
When you’re thinking of kitchen radiator ideas to revolutionise your space, wood might not be the first thing you think of. However, wooden radiators are becoming super popular and they’re perfect for laidback kitchens.
With real or faux wood covering a steel template, these radiators add a sense of nature to your kitchen and can be used to achieve a biophilic interior design. Combining natural elements into your interiors can even have a positive impact on your well-being, with benefits such as:
- Decreased stress levels
- Increased productivity
- Better moods
- Enhanced creativity
So, if you want your kitchen to become a place of zen-like tranquillity, consider integrating wooden radiators into your design!
7. Install a Heated Bench
If space is at a premium, a heated bench is a great way to combine form and function. With a stylish design, you can create unique seating with innovative kitchen radiator ideas. A short 20-bar radiator makes a great base for a bench, and you can customise the top to create unique kitchen seating.
A wooden bench is perfect for a country kitchen bench, for example, while slate or granite works extremely well in a contemporary space.
Just remember to keep the temperature fairly low so that it’s comfortable for anyone sitting on the bench!
8. Add Lighting with an Illuminated Kitchen Radiator
Modern radiators don’t just heat the surrounding space, they offer a variety of features, and an illuminated radiator can be an effective way to add more lighting to your kitchen. A vertical panel radiator with integrated lighting can illuminate the area and provide accent lighting for enhanced ambience.
With smart controls, you can even set your radiator and lighting to turn on and off at specific intervals or adjust itself automatically based on the ambient temperature and lighting conditions. If you want to automate your home or your kitchen, then a smart radiator is definitely the way to go!
9. Choose a Designer Shape for a Unique Silhouette
When it comes to kitchen radiator ideas, vertical and horizontal aren’t the only option to consider. Forward-thinking designers are recognising the importance of enhancing functional pieces with unique designs, which means there are plenty of styles to choose from.
For example, a curved vertical radiator can incorporate softer shapes into your kitchen design. Alternatively, a flat panel radiator gives a sleek and modern feel to the space, while decorative radiators combine artwork for an inimitable visual impact.
Elevate Your Interior Design with Kitchen Radiator Ideas
Whether you’re designing a kitchen from scratch or refreshing an existing space, it’s important to consider what type of radiators you’re going to install at an early stage of the design process.
While it’s easy to assume that radiators are added at the end of the installation project, you’ll need to ensure that you have sufficient space to situate your kitchen radiator in an appropriate location and make sure that you’ll have access to the relevant power source or plumbing.
By exploring kitchen radiator ideas at the outset, you can integrate stylish radiators into your kitchen design from the get-go and enhance their functionality to complement your interior design.
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