Turn Wall Radiator Heaters into Something Beautiful

For houses with built-in wall radiator heaters, it can be somewhat daunting trying to figure a way to hide them when not in use, or permanently. Some people pull furniture in front of the heaters, in the summer, to cover them up, but if you’re looking for something a little more permanent, there are a couple of ways to decorate or even change them completely.

There are companies that now sell wall murals of various sizes and designs. You can purchase a wall mural in the shape of a fireplace, for example. Apply the wall mural to the wall, around the heater, to make it seem more cozy.

Depending upon the location of the radiator, you can make a fake window to cover it. Simply install the hardware for hanging the rod then hang the curtains or drapes. Heavy curtains that will hide the radiator are better than thin or lacy curtains.

Another way to hide the radiators is to make a shelf that will go over the top, then attach a skirt. Measure the width of the radiator, from wall to the front of the heater, so you’ll know how wide of a board to use. Measure the length of the heater as well, and add 4″ to that measurement. Purchase a shelf board that has those measurements, or nearly those measurements.

Measure from the top of the heater to the floor and from one side of the heater, around and to the other side. Add a couple of inches to the first measurement to allow for hemming. Double the second measurement to allow for gathering the skirt. Hem the bottom of the fabric as well as the sides.

On the underside of the board, mark the center of the board’s length. Find the center of the cloth and staple or hot glue it to the center mark under the board. Glue or staple the fabric onto the board, making gathers as you go along.

Install brackets, on each side of the top of the heater. Set shelf on brackets and voile! You have a nice place to display photos or collectibles and the skirt makes it appear more like a small table.
You can use a small table, complete with tablecloth, to hide the heater as well.

If you want to permanently hide the heater you can build a frame around it, attach cabinet doors in front of it, and install the shelf on the top. This will make it look more like a small cupboard, even if the cupboard is useless.

You don’t have to worry with trying to hide a rusted radiator heater, or trying to decorate around it in summer months. Try one of these suggested decor options and you’ll hide your heater with style.