Vertical radiators – modern or classical but never dull
Article by Beth Hunt, January 15th, 2009
For those of you in the midst of redecoration, you have my sympathies. When dissatisfaction with your home gets the better of you, and watching home improvement television programmes has you staring at your walls with a critical eye, there’s no other choice but to move or gets the paintbrushes out. While you are spending time with colour swatches and fabric samples, I urge you to take another good look at your radiators. This aspect, so essential in all homes, is too often overlooked. We do not all decorate with the same colours, furniture, layout or artwork. Similarly we need not all have identical home heating systems. Vertical Radiators offer exciting options that allow you to change the look of your room whilst reclaiming some of your hard-earned living space. For those who live in period homes, you may be reluctant to replace your inefficient, bulky radiators with newer models, perhaps thinking that it will never fit in with its original surroundings.
Light behind the radiator
In fact, many companies offer classical designs that still retain all of the benefits of modernity and efficiency. There is a reason that some of these Victorian designs are reproduced; they are timelessly elegant. If you want to start window shopping immediately, check out the radiator factory at www.radiatorfactory.net. Under the ‘Victorian Style’ category, you can see beautiful examples of classic design. Notice that these modern vertical radiators also double as towel warmers. There can be no greater comfort on a chilly winter morning. What about those of us who eschew classic design in favour of maintaining a contemporary home on the furthest side of cutting-edge? You can avail yourself of a sculptural piece that the Jetsons would be proud of. Go back to the radiator factory’s website. What, the same website? Absolutely! This is the kind of variety you can find in vertical radiators nowadays. Try the ‘Contemporary Style’ section and you’ll see what I mean.
Christmas radiator
Stacked ladders, ovals and coils, symmetrical, asymmetrical, mirrored or disguised as towel racks, it goes on and on. For the ultimate in chic, there are radiators sculpted to look like a series of coat hangers or even three dimensional, free-standing models that will have your guests doling out the compliments. Some have won awards for their revolutionary design. In terms of home décor, the key decision that will result in a harmonious aesthetic is very often that of finish. Brass or copper, etched or brushed, stainless or even customized colours are all now within the realm of possibility with vertical radiators. Easy, actually, especially when you have the professionals come and install it for you. Did you realise that your radiator can also be curved? You can have as many as 5 angles on a single radiator. A surprising amount of beauty can be achieved with what is otherwise a practical consideration. Hopefully this has given you some food for thought in one, often ignored, aspect of your home.