The cosy 'ber' months are here and while many of us can't wait to unearth our favourite knits, hunker down with a slow-cooked meal and embrace the return of cooler evenings, there's one looming question...how are we going to keep our homes warm?
We know a surprisingly simple trick that could help your rooms feel warmer while making your radiator look far more stylish. It involves fitting a shelf just above. While it may sound as though it would block the heat, there's actually a clever reason behind why it works.
While a shelf above won't work miracles in increasing your radiator's heat output, it can help direct some of the rising warm air into the room rather than allowing it to travel straight up the wall. Richard Lister, national sales manager at The Radiator Company, explains that 'the key is to maintain good airflow around the radiator, as positioning a shelf too close can restrict the natural circulation of warm air.' The brand has recently launched a console table (pictured above) that attaches directly onto their radiators, offering a neat way to redirect the warm air and an extra surface for styling.
Getting the positioning right is key. According to Wickes, a shelf should sit around six inches above the radiator. Position it too close and you can block the airflow or too high and it becomes less effective at directing warmth into the room.
Radiators may be a necessity, but they're rarely the prettiest feature in a room. A shelf sitting above gives them a little upgrade, creating a styling opportunity. Interior designer Laura Stephens tells us that this addition 'gives you a useful surface for artwork, a lamp, books or objects, while visually disguising what can otherwise be quite a functional-looking element'.
Visible throughout several of her projects, Laura treats radiators as an opportunity rather than something to disguise. She often introduces another layer of joinery, whether that's a simple shelf or a more decorative pelmet with mouldings and detailing. In the hallway pictured above, the scalloped edge and paintwork carried across the radiator help integrate it into the overall design.
If you're renting or simply don't fancy drilling into your walls, this no-drill bracket is a clever alternative. It fixes securely to the radiator, creating a shelf without permanent fixings.
Before switching your heating on for winter, give your radiators a thorough clean to remove dust that can restrict airflow, then add a radiator shelf to help encourage warmth further into the room while creating an extra spot to display your favourite accessories.
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