How to Hide Your Radiator: 3 Simple Design Ideas

by Rebecca Schaffer 03/16/2025

Does your home have a wall radiator you wish you could hide? While immobile, radiators can be hidden or disguised in plenty of creative ways. If you're looking for smart and safe ways to make your radiator less of an eyesore, here are some ideas to try.

Upcycled Iron

A clever way to hide your radiator while also upcycling old materials is to use iron grating or scrollwork. You can use a panel from a decorative iron fence, a headboard or a fireplace cover for this project. The iron will withstand heat and allow it to pass through, keeping the space safe and efficient. Just make sure to treat the metal with a heat-resistant treatment for rust before use.

False Cabinets

Turn your radiator into a stylish faux cabinet with some simple construction. You can take the back paneling off an existing cabinet and attach it to the wall over the radiator. Choose any design style to fit your tastes, from romantic farmhouse to sleek mid-century modern. For safety, it's important to replace the door inserts on the front of the cabinet with a material that will let the heat out and is heat-resistant.

Useful Surfaces

If your radiator is low enough to the ground, you can disguise it while also creating some extra seating. One way is to simply move an existing bench so that it sits a few inches above the radiator. While it will still be visible, depending on the style, the radiator will be secondary to the convenient bench seating.

If your radiators are too tall to disguise comfortably with a bench, you can use the same approach with a narrow console table or floating shelves. Once you create usable space above the radiator, you won't even notice it's there.

There are many ways to make your home's utility features more aesthetically pleasing. Try these tips if you're thinking of hiding or disguising your wall radiators.

About the Author
Author

Rebecca Schaffer

I fell in love with Northeast Florida after a visit 10 years ago. My husband and I decided this was where we would move from the hectic pace of South Florida. As our son was about to transition to High School we made the move and haven't looked back. We quickly settled into the Saint Augustine area. It always amazes me how friendly and caring the people are in northeast Florida and it was a very quick process to make friends and get plugged in. As a real estate investor myself, I understand the experience and the needs one has when buying, selling and renting a home. It is one of life's biggest decisions. It is so helpful to have a realtor with knowledge and patience to provide the guidance one needs through the process. This is where I focus to provide my customers the best possible experience.