Make a feature of your radiators without replacing them

AD – This post is in partnership with UK Radiators

Radiators are often overlooked when we renovate or redecorate our homes. They are viewed as practical necessities; only there to serve a purpose. This is true, but it’s also not an excuse to write them off. I am guilty of it myself. We made a decision to install feature valves on our column radiators in our current flat. At the time, I thought I was merely satisfying my own need for attention to detail but, whenever anybody came to visit for the first time, they always mentioned the radiator valves. This observation stuck with me and I have carried the concept onto our next renovation.

Before

After

If you can’t afford to replace your radiators then accessories are a great way to draw attention away from the dated radiator and focus instead on the beautiful details. It's a minor feature but it makes such an impact. It is also an easy way to make your radiators look either traditional or contemporary, depending on which look you’re trying to achieve. Brass has a traditional feel but the valves I chose are of a contemporary style. Same with the radiators, they are a contemporary take on a traditional column style.

Consider painting your radiators the same colour as your walls. This will make them blend in and disappear and will allow for your accessories to shine. Choose valves, pipe covers and caps that match the existing metallics in your room. Or go for white if you have white walls/ skirtings or black if you have dark walls/ skirtings. UK Radiators have a huge range to choose from.

Pipe covers do what they say on the tin. Simply slide them over the pipes that come out of the floor (or wall) like a sleeve. The ring goes to the bottom to cover any holes and gives a tidy finish. Make sure you buy the correct valves to suit your radiator and do your measurements to ensure the pipe covers will fit (diameter and height). The blanking plug and bleed valve can also be replaced. These usually come in chrome, as standard, but can be switched out for consistency. There are many other accessories to choose from at UK Radiators, such as wall stays, column radiator feet and towel bars. I chose the Talus range in polished brass. Linked below.

UK Radiators have a handy Advice Centre which is really user friendly. If all the technical words sound like a bunch of jargon to you then you can check the Glossary in their advice centre for a brief description of each term. When buying radiators, you can calculate the size you need for your room by using their simple BTU calculator.

The team at UK Radiators could not have been more helpful and friendly. Everything arrived next day and the customer service is impeccable. Great communication is really rare for a lot of companies these days, especially the big ones. Instead, you get a more personal service and at the same time, support a small, family run company. What’s not to love?!