Cosy bedrooms can be achieved in a number of ways, with bedroom radiator ideas one of the most obvious and practical methods for creating a warm place in which to slumber.
But with all the different types of radiator available, how do you choose one that doesn’t just suit your needs, but also matches the look and feel of your relaxation room?
From small to large plus traditional styles to those that are a little more unusual, here’s 11 bedroom radiator ideas that will give you the best ending for your bedtime story.
1. Use window shutters so the heat can easily reach your room
Although we’ll showcase bedroom radiator ideas that provide you with the opportunity to turn it into a stand out feature, rather than one that shies away from attention, there are still practical considerations to take into account when heating a bedroom.
“Heating choices for the bedroom differ slightly to those in more social spaces,” confirms Nancy Emery, heating expert at Drench. “While performance is still important, these rooms, which are generally smaller, usually require lower heat output than living area.”
But, that heat is still important, so when smaller radiators are specified, “avoid positioning radiators directly behind beds or heavy furniture and leave curtains clear to maintain airflow,” she suggests.
One solution I’m a fan of for bedroom window ideas? Window shutters. They cover my sash windows well, but leave the small, low-level radiators below unencumbered and free to radiate heat outwards and upwards.
Nancy Emery is an expert on a number of different areas relating to heating in the home, and works for Drench across a number of brands.
2. Pair with other heating sources
If you’re keen to fully activate cosy bedroom mode, why not pair your bedroom radiator ideas with log burner ideas too. Perfect for home renovations where you’ve restored a fireplace, or even for including in a barn conversion, there’s nothing says cosy more than a roaring fire.
Just be sure to take the right ventilation measures into account to avoid the room overheating, and even if you don’t have a working chimney, you could opt for a bioethanol firepleace or stove instead which doesn’t require one. I tested the Arada bioethanol stove, and while it’s currently located in my living room, I would happily move it to a bedroom if needed.
3. Choose low level rads in loft conversions
“When it comes to designing a bedroom, whatever the size, heating is one of those things that’s easy to overlook, but it can make a big difference to both the look and feel of the space,” says Nick Duggan, managing director of The Radiator Centre.
This can be trickier in loft conversion bedrooms, where sloping ceilings can result in low level windows. Or perhaps you have a Velux loft conversion, which means the option to install radiators below windows is more limited.
In this instance, choose a lower height long column style radiator. But, make sure you get the size right too, says Nancy Emery. “Always calculate BTUs based on room size, insulation and window type to ensure the radiator warms efficiently without wasting energy,” she advises.
Nick has over 20 years of experience in central heating and radiators, leading the team at one of the UK’s largest independent suppliers.
Shop column radiators
Apollo Roma, 2 Column Horizontal Radiator, White, 400mm X 812mm
A classic white column radiator perfect for placing below windows in bedrooms
Apollo Roma, 2 Column Vertical Radiator, Anthracite, 1800mm X 490mm
A modern vertical column radiator in contemporary anthracite grey
Paladin Victoriana, 3 Column Cast Iron Radiator, 450mm X 213mm – 3 Sections
For period properties try cast iron column radiators for an authentic finish
4. Select a multi-purpose mirror radiator
Whether you’re simply after a dreamy master bedroom idea or need every single item in the room to work hard, mirrored bedroom radiator ideas are a great solution.
Usually vertical in design, they can keep you warm while getting ready, but also make sure you and your bedroom are both dressed impeccably and ready to face the day.
Dual-purpose radiators are a smart choice for bedrooms,” confirms Nick Duggan. “They add both style and practicality without sacrificing on space. Mirrored radiators double as full-length mirrors, while also providing effective heating.”
They can also be a sensible option in smaller bedroom ideas, adds Nancy Emery who tells us, “mirrored models can add style subtly, reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space.”
This White Vertical Mirrored Radiator from Amazon combines classic radiator design with a mirrored central panel if you want to signpost your heating, but still double up on functionality.
5. Consider your room layout when positioning radiators
If you’re opting for the popular choice of positioning a radiator beneath a window, once you’ve checked the ideal radiator height from the floor, also remember to take into account your planned bedroom layout.
Although you need to ensure it’s in the right place to radiate heat throughout a room, think about when you might need to be in closer proximity to the bedroom radiator for an extra boost of heat.
In this child’s bedroom idea for example, the room has been set up so that a chair is placed next to the radiator, turning it into the perfect cosy spot for bedtime stories or nighttime feeds.
6. Pick radiator colours to complement your decor
Selected a bright and breezy wallpaper for decorating your bedroom walls? Instead of playing safe with a white radiator, pick out a bolder colour from the design instead and turn it into a eye-catching statement instead.
This Emmeline radiator from The Radiator Centre comes in a variety of colours and sizes to suite all kinds of bedrooms and is a classic style that will never date. If on the other hand you like your current radiator and want to update it to a more vibrant shade, follow our expert advice on painting a radiator to ensure a flawless finish.
7. Disguise with a radiator cover
Radiators of course aren’t for everyone, and sometimes having a functional product out of sight is how you choose to approach your interior design. Or, perhaps you’ve renovated a home and while the radiator is in full working order, it’s just not in keeping with the rest of your decor.
In cases like this, radiator cover ideas can be a great fix to a functional appearance. Choose the right one and you could benefit from adding radiator shelf ideas as well, giving you the chance to display treasured objects or photos in your bedroom.
Try this MY Furniture Anastasia Adjustable Mirrored Radiator Cover from Amazon if covering up your bedroom radiator ideas is for you.
8. Use a heat pump? Modern heat pump radiators can be mounted at high level
If you’re installing a heat pump as part of your self build plans, choosing bedroom radiator ideas that will work with this form of heating source is essential.
The good news is there are a wide range of options to choose from now, and some of them, are perfect if your taste leans towards contemporary house design.
“With the rise of consumers using heat pumps, we are now also seeing many more models coming through which are compatible with these low temperature systems,” confirms Nick Duggan.
“To truly maximise the efficiency of a heat pump system, it’s vital that consumers choose the right complementary technology. Fan convectors are a good choice as they are specifically designed to work at between 30°C and 45°C, whilst still delivering the required heat output,” he explains. “Some models can also deliver cooling in summer, making them ideal for keeping your bedroom comfortable all year round,” and preventing you needing to consider installing air conditioning as well.
9. Frame it using wall panelling
If your bedroom size leans towards larger dimensions, don’t be afraid to include your bedroom radiator ideas in the mix when choosing how your walls will look.
“In larger bedrooms, don’t be afraid to let the radiator become part of the design story,” advises Nick Duggan. “With so many beautiful styles available, from bold, sculptural shapes to soft, architectural finishes, it’s possible to turn a practical feature into something that really elevates the room.”
Pair a classic column radiator with wall panelling ideas and a stunning wallpaper to match, for bedroom that’s as elegant as it is practical.
10. Pick a vertical design when you need to save space
If on the other hand you’re looking for bedroom radiator ideas to suit your smaller guest bedroom, switching the orientation of your radiator from horizontal to vertical will help.
“Slim vertical designs are ideal for tight spaces,” says Nancy Drench, leaving the lower wall levels free for furniture such as beds and chest of drawers. Not sure how much space you need in a guest bedroom? Check out our guide to getting room sizes right.
11. Could a bathroom radiator provide extra display areas?
Sometimes, when choosing bedroom radiator ideas, or any design ideas that matter, it can pay to think outside the box. While it’s easy to pigeon hole products into rooms because that’s how they are packaged up, who says you can’t switch things up?
As long as you check with a heating expert that your chosen model will provide sufficient heat, I think bathroom radiators can make a good choice for bedrooms too.
Why? If you like the thought of warm clothes in the morning, or toasty pyjamas at night then a towel radiator designed for hanging towels could be the perfect solution you didn’t even know you needed.
Of course, with heating bills on the rise, while choosing a bedroom radiator idea that looks good is important, it’s also important to consider the efficiency levels too, finishes Nick Duggan.
“Sustainability is also a huge factor for everyone and in the heating sector there are some great energy-efficient designs that are now on the market, with more being introduced all the time,” he explains.
“One of the recent models we introduced features a remarkable water saving of approximately 80% less than a traditional tubular multi-column radiator,” he says. “When you have less water in the system it means less energy is required to heat it up, saving on cost as well as energy consumption.”
For more ideas on creating the cosiest of bedrooms, make sure you check out the best carpets for bedrooms, and if you’re embarking on a full home renovation or self build, find out which insulation methods our building expert recommends for an energy efficient home.
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