Designer Radiator

Choosing the right designer radiator

Gone are the days of installing a standard radiator because it was the only choice available. Today the variety of radiators on the market is staggering, with the emphasis as much on aesthetic beauty as on practicality and functionality. Enter the designer radiator, a modern twist on a traditional product that will complete any home improvement project and finish off a room in style.

But how to go about choosing a designer radiator? There are two strategies to employ, namely by visiting a specialist showroom or by viewing a choice of designer radiators online, such as the selection at http://www.smrbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Designer_Radiators.html .  Each method has its benefits. While the former has the advantage of being able to touch the products and visualise them first-hand, the latter provides the most possible choice and allows the easy comparison from one to the next.

In truth each method of viewing designer radiators is advantageous, and if there is a chance to do both then it should be grasped with both hands – literally. However, the world is increasingly becoming a marketplace driven by internet purchases and there is no reason why a designer radiator should not be bought this way.

Chief to consider is the existing décor of your home. Your radiator should  reflect and continue your themes from a design perspective, while retaining the capability of a functional product. You should think of the radiator as an extension of all your other design efforts throughout the house, and as designer radiators are often completely bespoke the potential is boundless.

The choice of material is also paramount. Stainless steel and aluminium are excellent heat-conductors, so heat up and cool down quickly. Cast-iron takes longer to warm and cool, and so lets out a more gradual, low-level heat that will last longer. These considerations depend on the house and your heating needs, but also on your budget – both short- and long-term. Because aluminium heats up so quickly it requires less water to attain optimum temperature, and so is cheaper to run. Aluminium also often costs less to install as it is a lighter material, and many heated towel rails are sold as easy-to-install because they are made from this lightweight material. In contrast, cast-iron is particularly heavy and so more costly to transport and install. These factors must all be evaluated when considering your choice of material.

With the design settled the next problem to solve is that of placement. It is more than likely that there is a position in mind when considering the initial purchase, but some designs may alter these initial plans. Ensure that your ideal installation point is unaffected by your choice of design, for one cannot live without the other. From a financial perspective it makes sense to utilise existing pipework rather than create new piping, which would drive up the cost of installation.

Of course, the nature of your radiator may well determine where you place it, which in turn could be decided by your preferred design. The installation of a designer radiator is a process that involves much consideration, aided throughout by the specialist advice from designer showrooms on and offline.