How to choose a bedroom radiator

Your bedroom should feel a bit special. Unlike almost any other room in your home, it’s your exclusive space. When they visit, friends and family probably pass through everywhere else – but your bedroom is private. This means that you have completely free rein to decorate it however you like! Your bedroom doesn’t even need to ‘fit in’ with the style and décor of the rest of your home. This really is the place where you can completely please yourself. Do you want something wild and wonderful? Calming and restful? Uncluttered or ornate? There are so many ways in which you can indulge your personal style and preferences. These include the layout, the furniture, the colour scheme – and your bedroom radiators.

Where to position your bedroom radiator

As with so many things related to homes and interiors, where your bedroom radiator is concerned, location is key. For your radiator to function effectively, it shouldn’t be obstructed, so make sure you site it sensibly. Above all, don’t install it behind large items of furniture, such as your bed or wardrobe. This will restrict the flow of hot air around your room. To maximise heat output, the area around your radiator should be as clear and clutter-free as possible.

If you want your bedroom radiator to function effectively, make sure it’s not obstructed by fabric or furniture, such as a chair as shown here, or even a bed

Remember that your bedroom radiator needs to breathe. If it’s hampered by heavy, floor-length curtains, for example, it won’t be able to heat your room properly. And if you have a convector radiator, even mid-length curtains will restrict the heat output. So think hard about curtains and upholstery before you decide on your radiator location.

Many people think that their existing pipework automatically dictates the position of their bedroom radiator. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. If what you have really doesn’t work for you, change it! Don’t be afraid to explore all possible pipework options. Modifying this could free up valuable floor and wall space, and make your bedroom easier and more economical to heat.

Another option worth investigating is electric. Electric bedroom radiators have many advantages. Firstly, they are fast and easy to install, and involve minimal maintenance/servicing. Secondly, each electric radiator can work independently. So they offer a lot of flexibility and control over individual room temperatures and energy usage. Electric radiators are also extremely efficient, as 100% of the electricity you use is converted directly into heat.

How many bedroom radiators do you need?

Nobody wants a cold, unwelcoming bedroom. As your private sanctuary, your bedroom should always feel cosy and comfortable. So it’s absolutely vital that you install enough radiators to heat the space available. But how do you know exactly what’s needed for the job?

Big bedroom? High ceilings? Bay windows? These are just a few of the factors that will influence how many radiators you’ll need to keep your room toasty warm

The main factors to take into consideration when calculating heat output for your bedroom are room location, size, heat loss and insulation. A large room, with high ceilings and big windows, is going to need more than one radiator to keep it warm. But you don’t have to rely on guesswork to select the right number of radiators and their output. Our online Heat Calculator makes it easy to determine the heat requirements of your bedroom. Simply enter a few simple details and measurements, and this handy tool will estimate the number of BTUs required. BTU stands for ‘British Thermal Unit’, and is basically the measure of heat output from a radiator. Depending on the results, it’s worth remembering that several small radiators might be a better option than one big one.

A bedroom radiator for a period home

These days, form is just as important as function. There has never been a wider selection of bedroom radiator styles to choose from. If you’re a fan of the traditional look, you can’t go wrong with a classic column radiator. In fact, cast iron is a great choice if you’re keen to add an air of authenticity to a period home. Furthermore, this material is an excellent choice if your bedroom is large. It’s true that cast iron does takes slightly longer to heat up in comparison to steel. But because it’s heavier and more dense, it can produce a much higher temperature. And because it retains heat more efficiently, it takes longer to cool down, meaning your bedroom will stay warmer for longer.

Our beautiful Loxley Cast Iron Radiator features two columns of elegant scalloped decoration from the Edwardian period. This timeless classic design is perfect for traditional properties. It’s available in two heights and a variety of different finishes

Modern bedroom radiator styles

If you prefer contemporary to classic – or your room is small/awkwardly shaped – a vertical bedroom radiator could be the solution. Available in a wide range of different styles and shapes, vertical radiators look stunning. A traditional plain white radiator is not necessarily the best complement to a modern décor. But a tall radiator can easily become part of your interior design plan, and double up as a serious style statement.

Looking for a modern bedroom radiator that makes a serious style statement? Call off the search. Our new Cove Mirror model ticks all the boxes. We think it’s a space-saving stunner!

Modern vertical radiators also work well if you’re keen to maximise your wall space. Because they’re tall and slim, they fit into spaces that traditional horizontal models can’t. That’s ideal if you want to make use of a narrow area that can’t accommodate anything too wide. This type of radiator will also allow you to free up more wall space for furniture. This helps to keep the central area clear, which in turn helps to make your bedroom look bigger.

A vertical radiator is a great way to maximise your wall space. Our slim, stylish Drifter flat panel radiator features clean lines and a subtle ridge detail for a practical yet contemporary feel

Colour in the bedroom

Whether you’re a fan of classic or contemporary styling, in colour terms, you’re no longer limited to white. So it’s easy to make your bedroom radiator part of your chosen colour scheme. Go bold and bright with a statement accent colour, or keep things calm with pale pastels and timeless neutrals.

We have our own powder-coating facility at our UK factory, so whatever colour you’re thinking of, we can probably accommodate it. You can choose from over 250 different finishes from stock – so the only real limit is your imagination!

Mellow yellow: We think our Cube Mild Steel radiator looks amazing in this sunshine yellow shade. It’s available in a wide range of widths and heights, and can be installed vertically or horizontally for maximum versatility

Need help choosing a new radiator for your living room instead? Click here for all the latest design trends – and lots of expert advice.