Here at Country Living, it’s plain to see that we can’t get enough of old homes. From the found shiplap behind drywall to the bygone crown molding, we're all about holding on to those original details and embracing them in decades-old homes. Then there are those features that are a little trickier to deal with—namely, radiators. As necessary as a radiator is and always has been in heating rooms, it’s not exactly the most attractive design detail around. But that’s okay. You see, there’s this magical thing called a radiator cover that can suddenly transform it into a stylish touch within a room. You can either make a radiator cover with your own two hands, or you can choose to hire an expert to make a custom cover for you. In addition to finding plenty of DIY radiator cover ideas here, you’ll learn how to style them so that they’ll look instantly chic and flow with the decor seen throughout the rest of your home. Sometimes, if you want to skip the cover and simply draw the eye away from the radiator, a table or shelf also works. Here are some ideas that are sure to get your inspiration going.
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DIY Painted Radiator Cover
FRANCOIS ET MOI
Whether you’ve built or bought your radiator cover, you can always give it a fresh coat of paint to match the palette of your space. All it takes is some spray paint!
If you’re searching for ideas to customize your radiator cover, consider adding in a few cubbies specially made for books. It proves that your radiator cover can serve a practical purpose as well.
One way to approach your radiator cover styling is to treat it like a fireplace mantel. If you have enough room on top, dress it up with a mirror and a few potted plants.
Does your radiator reside in the entryway? Transform it into a drop zone by outfitting it in a cover, then place a few essentials on top: a tray for sunglasses and keys, a diffuser, and plenty of flowers to pretty it up.
If a radiator cover isn’t exactly your style, you can still artfully “hide” it with a few tricks. Place a console table over the radiator so you’ll have a surface for décor and other must-haves. Spotlight a cute basket next to it. And lastly, paint it black, otherwise known as the “it” color of the moment.
Another way to draw attention away from a radiator is to display a table with hairpin legs over it. This tutorial will show you to create a perfectly industrial table that’ll fit flawlessly over a radiator.
You can also choose to purchase a radiator cover that looks a lot like a cabinet. With doors and panels, it’ll conceal your radiator while providing spots for decorative touches.
Transform a radiator into a convenient locale within your home. A reclaimed wood floating shelf can rest on top of the radiator and hold books and other visually pleasing objects.
From covers to radiators themselves, white is always a good option if you’re trying to minimize the look of a radiator in your home. Add small accents and plants to mix in some aesthetic appeal.
If your radiator lies under a set of windows, consider customizing it in a cover made from antiqued wood. In turn, you’ll create an ideal area for books and cherished pieces.
Cover your radiator with an aluminum sheet and build in a shelf or two as well, something that will come in especially handy in a bathroom. These small nooks are just the thing for vintage finds and rolls of toilet paper.
Believe it or not, a radiator cover can double as the most stylish window seat around, thanks to some DIY magic and a coat of paint in a contemporary hue.
If your radiator runs along the baseboards in a room, consider customizing it like this one here, which looks understated yet elegant in a black panel.
Cane can be used for virtually anything these days, and it happens to be on-trend too. Use a piece of cane to hide away your radiator and add a couple shelves for good measure.
Using roof battens, you can make this ultra-hip, rustic radiator cover for your space. We can’t get enough of the natural wood look and equally-amazing green décor details.