Think Before You Purchase Custom Radiator Covers

When decorating a room, a radiator may be a challenging detail to get around. Not only do they take up much needed space, but in most instances they are also unsightly. Since you don't really have the option of moving or removing your radiator (unless you are prepared to undergo a major renovation!) you have to make the most of it and design and decorate your space around it. Believe it or not, there are ways to make radiators ergonomically and aesthetically friendly if you have a custom built radiator cover made. A custom radiator cover can be designed to fit your existing design and décor atheistic, while also providing a useful storage solution for smaller rooms.

Here are a few tips to help you purchase a custom radiator cover:

1. Find a manufacturer that has years of experience building radiator covers. Not only do they know what materials to use, but they will provide you with a design that works for your room. No two spaces are alike, even if they have the same radiator. If you decide to pay for a custom radiator cover than you want to work with a manufacturer that will actually customize it to meet your needs!

2. Make sure you are getting quality materials! Because of the constantly changing temperatures around a radiator, material and paint options are very important. A combination of ply woods, MDF (a synthetic material that deals well with temperature change), and metal grills are the best way to go. Avoid solid woods as they have a tendency to expand and contract when exposed to temperature change (that may cause cracking) and steer clear of flimsy materials such as flake board and laminates. Your radiator cover is going to be put through the ropes come winter, and you don't want to worry about how temperature fluctuations might affect it.

3. Make sure your design works ergonomically. You can design a radiator cover with a built-in bookcase or other useful feature such as a display case or working surface. This is especially important if you live in a studio or small apartment with limited storage and surface space. You don't want to bring in any furniture that is just going to take up space-everything you bring in should actually ADD space.