Many of our projects in historic homes have existing cast iron radiators that can be a challenge to design around. Luckily, our design team welcomes a challenge and has lots of experience in disguising cast iron radiators with added functionality.

Some examples of ways we have designed solutions around radiators are below.

1. Table with Towel Bar

In this primary bathroom, a simple design of a custom table with towel bar was built around the small radiator. This solution showcases the vintage radiator design with a fresh coat of paint, a beautiful way of blending ‘old’ and ‘new’!

2. Ventilated Cabinetry Surround with Countertop

When space is limited in a bathroom and the look of a radiator is wanting to be hidden, a built-in cabinetry surround provides necessary storage and counter space. This primary bathroom example with black cabinets have stylish screens on the front doors so that the heat transfer is unobstructed for the room. There are even custom vented towel drawers installed above the radiator to warm towels!

This small mudroom space is another example of how we built a custom cabinetry surround with countertop to hide a radiator. The ventilated doors connect to a dog bed nook, which connect to a storage bench, maximizing function in every square inch.

3. Console with Sleek Vent Design

This recreational loft had two large cast iron radiators on opposite sides of the room that did not blend with the client’s modern style. By designing a console table around the radiator with a sleek vents along the top, we created some added functional space for holding drinks.

4. Integrated into the Wall

A seamless approach to disguising the radiator is to integrate the radiator into the wall. To create this look, we furred out the entire wall with framing and drywall to be flush with the ventilated enclosure around the cast iron radiator. The result allows unobstructed airflow, and highlights picture-frame molding on the wall as well as the recessed window with contrasting grilles.

5. Blending in with Paint

The most cost effective solution to disguise a cast iron radiator is a fresh coat of powder-coated paint, color-matched to blend into the wall. This radiator anchors a framed pieced of art with a color that blends into the stone facade of the wall.