Radiators are essential for providing efficient home heating. Though they add warmth, they aren’t always the most visually pleasant element in a space. This is where radiator decorative screens come into play. These screens accomplish two things: they make your radiator look better and work better at the same time. Let’s explore the various kinds of decorative screens that are out there and the factors you need to take into account when making your choice.
Let’s start by talking about the different kinds of decorative screens that are available for radiators. To accommodate a range of tastes and requirements, there is variety. Certain screens provide a subtle elegance while blending in seamlessly with your interior décor. Some become focal points in the space by using striking patterns or elaborate designs. Furthermore, screens composed of different materials such as metal, wood, or even fabric are available; each adds a distinct charm of its own.
So what should you think about when choosing a radiator decorative screen? The important thing is functionality. Even though appearances matter, you don’t want to sacrifice your heating system’s efficiency. Make sure the screen permits enough airflow because blocking the radiator’s vents can lessen its efficiency. Additionally, think about the screen’s construction and material. Choose sturdy materials that won’t warp or break down over time in the presence of the radiator’s heat.
Additionally, consider upkeep and cleaning. Over time, dust and debris can build up in radiators, potentially compromising their functionality. To guarantee that your heating system stays in optimal condition, select a screen that is simple to clean and maintain. Take into account any safety concerns as well, particularly if you have kids or pets at home. To avoid mishaps, look for screens with strong construction and smooth edges.
In the end, decorative radiator screens provide a useful way to improve the appearance of your heating system while guaranteeing top performance. You can find the ideal screen to match the décor of your home and keep you warm and comfortable during the winter months by investigating the various types that are available and taking important factors like airflow, durability, maintenance, and safety into consideration.
Principles of operation of heating radiators
There are two ways that the room is heated by the heating radiator, which is heated by the coolant that flows through it. The first is heated air convection that occurs naturally. The second type of radiation is thermal infrared, which originates from the heating device’s surfaces.
Diagram of convection flows and direct infrared radiation used to transfer heat
Thus, at low temperatures of a heat-carrier, that is, when there aren’t yet severe colds outside, the room is heated by convection flows from the well-known cast-iron radiators, model number MC-140. Direct thermal radiation from the radiator surfaces is the primary source of heat input into the room when the system is set to the maximum heating temperature of 70 degrees and above.
The same principle applies to aluminum batteries, also known as bimetallic batteries with aluminum external heat exchangers, which have become more and more common in residential settings in recent years. They can, however, "adjust" to some extent to the circumstances that have been established and the influence of outside forces. For instance, heat flows inside the devices move to the outer walls of the sections, which have a wider plane, if there are obstructions to convection heat flow into the room (these could be thick curtains or poorly designed decorative screens). In this instance, direct radiation from the battery starts to heat the space.
In order to maximize the heat output from the heating system, it is necessary to ensure the possibility of heat supply to the room in both ways. For this purpose, special decorative grids are produced, covering only the vertical surfaces of the battery, that is, in such constructions there are no upper and lower horizontal panels. This allows the heated air to circulate freely, heating the entire volume of the room. And the conditions for infrared ray transmission can be met if the perforations on the facade side of the screen or grids are at least 50% of the total area of the panel. The top and bottom of the radiator should be completely open.
The information about how many battery sections should be installed in a room per square meter may be of interest to you.
A few important requirements for decorative screens
When selecting a decorative panel, you should consider a number of additional crucial factors in addition to the ones listed above that ensure adequate heat transfer from heating radiators.
- The material from which the screen or grille is made should have good thermal conductivity. This is a necessary condition to ensure that the heat is not trapped in the space between the surfaces of the radiator and the panel, but passes freely into the room space.
- It is recommended to paint the inner side of the decorative panel in a dark color, dark brown or black – this factor will contribute to good absorption of heat coming from the radiator and transfer it to the room. The front side of the panel can be painted in any shade that best suits the overall color scheme of the room.
The most basic tool that can dramatically improve the effectiveness of heat transfer from radiators is a reflective screen made of thin foil insulation.
- Another device that will help to save heat energy from unproductive escape into the outer wall can be a heat-reflecting screen. It is fixed on the wall, behind the radiator. Most often as this device is used foil foamed polyethylene with a thickness of 3÷5 mm. Insulation is fixed with a reflective surface outward. Thus, all the heat coming from the radiator will be directed towards the room, which will increase its passage through the decorative panel as well.
If radiators are not yet installed, 10 mm thick foil foam can be fixed to the wall in place of thin polyethylene. The cost of heating will be greatly reduced with the use of this material.
Information about paint that is appropriate for heating pipes might be of interest to you.
Efficiently working decorative screen
A few considerations must be made in order to select or create a screen that will not significantly reduce infrared radiation and won’t impede—or in some cases, even enhance—the movement of heated air:
An unsuccessful attempt to shut down the heating system’s heat exchangers
- Although the design shown in the first illustration looks aesthetically pleasing and is generally functional, it will not allow heated air to enter the room freely. The wooden grille almost completely blocks the heat coming from the radiators. The upper part of the radiator is also closed, and if it does not have special aerodynamic guides, the convection of warm air will be extremely difficult.
At the other extreme, there are gaps for infrared radiation, but almost all of the channels for free convection are closed.
- This variant of the radiator closing structure is more acceptable, as there are large enough gaps between the cladding strips to allow direct heat radiation to enter the room freely. However, it is unsuccessful in that the top and bottom of the grille are closed, which will hinder the circulation of air masses. A wide window sill may be convenient for use as a shelf, but it eliminates the creation of a warm air curtain, which should block cold air flows from the window.
An alternative to radiator screens that is ideal for convection flows and simple to operate. Nonetheless, the foil maintains a high density and a notable thermal radiation barrier.
- This model of grille-screen can be called quite a good option, as the front panel has quite a few gaps through which the heat coming from the surfaces of the radiator sections can pass (it would not be desirable to have a weave still more sparse). The horizontal upper part of the structure is a frame, which will not be an obstacle for circulating air flows. There are no obstacles at all for the cool air flow from below. In addition, the bottom of the front panel can be raised when cleaning is performed.
A successful masking screen variation.
- Another model of decorative screen, which will successfully fit for masking any battery. The product is made in the form of an openwork grid, so it looks light, almost weightless, but at the same time the panel reliably hides the radiator located behind it. Due to the mesh structure of the front and top panel, the heated air will not encounter any obstacles to both direct heat input and circulation process.
The aerodynamic canopy is a useful tool that can be added to the screen construction. By positioning this element at an angle beneath the window sill, rising hot air will be directed towards the room instead of building up beneath the window sill’s plane. A visor like this ought to extend the full length of the radiator.
But that"s not all. It is recommended to supplement the design with another device – heat injector. These are two more guide plates curved towards the room along the entire length of the radiator, installed from above along the boundaries of the space between the radiator and the decorative screen. Such does not interfere with the normal convection flow, when the temperature of the coolant in the heating system is low. But at high heating, it collects all the heat accumulated between the radiator and the screen and redirects it into the room with a powerful air flow, creating a kind of heat curtain. The efficiency of the heat exchanger increases considerably, and thus largely compensates for the losses arising from the existing obstacles to direct heat radiation.
The screen mounted on the radiator and the heated air flows emanating from it are depicted in the diagram below, which is enhanced by an aerodynamic visor:
Schematic of a creatively crafted screen that enhances aerodynamics.
- A – heat-reflecting screen made of foil heat-insulating material, fixed on the wall.
- B – aerodynamic curved canopy installed under the window sill from its edge to the wall at an angle.
- B – two blades of the heat injector, fixed in the upper part inside the decorative screen, creating a narrowing nozzle on the space between the radiator and the outer casing (screen).
- D – elements of the lattice facade of the decorative screen.
In the diagram, thermal direct radiation is represented by red dotted lines (pos. 3), which terminate in arrows. It is evident that those that are first aimed at the wall are reflected off the foil screen and sent in the direction of the room. They also heat the ornamental panel, which produces heat radiation of its own.
The direction of the cooled air is indicated by blue arrows (pos. 1), which enter the radiator from below. The air is heated and rises upward, returning to the room (brown arrows, pos. 2), made possible by the heat injector and the aerodynamic canopy.
In the quest for both functionality and aesthetics in home heating, decorative screens for radiators have emerged as a popular solution. These screens come in various types, ranging from simple designs to intricate patterns, catering to diverse tastes and interior styles. The primary purpose of these screens is to conceal the radiator, offering a more polished look to the room while still allowing heat to efficiently circulate. Key requirements for these screens include heat resistance, durability, and easy maintenance, ensuring they not only enhance the visual appeal but also serve their practical function effectively. By striking a balance between form and function, decorative radiator screens offer homeowners an opportunity to elevate the ambiance of their living spaces while optimizing heating efficiency.
Types of decorative screens by material and design
The design elements and the manufacturing material are the two categories used to separate decorative screens for heating radiators. Prior to delving into their evaluation, it is imperative to acknowledge two additional crucial elements that warrant careful attention during the selection of these products:
- In winter, when radiators are heated to high temperatures, strong convection flows are created. That is, cold streams tend to the radiators along the floor, pushed by warm air, taking dust with them. Dust particles will inevitably settle not only on the radiators themselves, but also on the surface of the screen or grille. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a product made of a material that can be easily wet cleaned.
- In addition to decorative, the screens also have a protective function, as it covers the ribs of radiators, reducing the risk of injury situations. It is especially important to take this into account when choosing the panel material if there are small children living in the house and the system is equipped with cast iron radiators with their characteristic angular shapes.
Design features of decorative screens
The division of decorative masking panels is based on how they are fastened to the radiators. These days, hinged products and screens in the form of boxes are available.
Ornamental box with a front panel grid spacing that is extremely high. Air convection flow paths have also been taken into consideration. One could classify the design as successful.
They are constructed like a grille that is encased in a frame. When it’s necessary to conceal the radiator’s aesthetic appeal—and occasionally the heating circuit’s pipes—these products are utilized. Either all of the window sill is lined with boxes, or just the radiator is covered.
As a piece of furniture, this option to shut off the battery may have good functionality. However, it is hardly necessary to expect sufficient heat transfer from the radiator concealed by it.
The masking box is frequently transformed into a desk, cabinet, or even an extension of the window sill. But as was already mentioned, these kinds of structures greatly lessen the amount of heat that enters the space.
Opening doors on box-shields are useful for cleaning and controlling the coolant temperature in a specific area. The version depicted in the picture is devoid of the previously mentioned aerodynamic canopy and upper grille for the free outflow of heated air.
Can be made up of just the front portion or have an upper horizontal panel with a decorative grille fitted in it.
Because it leaves the area underneath the radiator and its sides open, the hinged grille screen is a great solution. You can move the heated air around. Additionally, there are no unique barriers preventing direct heat radiation through the front panel.
The first ones are used to cover up batteries that are placed in window sill areas or that are not covered from above. These screen variations are mounted directly to the radiator sections.
Radiators installed in any manner, such as in a niche or beneath a window sill, as well as on objects projecting from the wall, can have hinged screen models installed on them.
Installed on the wall, usually over radiators that aren’t shielded by the window sill, though they can also be used to cover radiators that are placed in niches.
Putting in a wall-mounted flat glass screen.
It is essential to leave gaps in the upper and lower portions of the niche to allow heated air masses to freely circulate if this variation is going to be used to conceal the radiators set into the wall.
For the reason that they best conceal the "unpleasant" appearance of the batteries, solid facade screens are preferred by many. You could counter that even at a high enough rarefaction, a well-organized grid, with a distinct "pattern," draws the eye and makes the sections that shine through it nearly invisible. On the other hand, direct thermal radiation has an unmatched efficiency.
Types of screens by material of manufacture
Grilles and screens are composed of various materials. It is vital to take into account the distinctive qualities of the products in order to choose which ones to meet this criteria. It is particularly crucial to consider the winter operating temperature range of the heating system, the material’s resilience to heat stress, and its environmental friendliness.
It is a perforated metal sheet coated in decorative and protective enamel that is neither framed nor set inside a metal frame. This type of screen is produced by stamping technology. The perforations can be as simple as slits or holes that are geometrically correct, or they can even form a simple pattern.
Metal screen-mesh that is not framed.
Because these grids do not completely enclose the radiators, air can still flow freely throughout the space. The screens have a clean, attractive appearance. Furthermore, the product satisfies environmental requirements, and the material used in its production is resilient to high temperatures that could arise during operation. It also becomes heated quickly and emits heat radiation of its own.
Powder spraying is used to apply the enamel coating to the metal grilles’ surfaces. As a result, the metal is immune to corrosion and can retain its "fresh" color for an extended period of time without burning off.
Screens made of metal are available in boxed and hinged configurations.
Furthermore, should the child unintentionally fall close to a cast iron battery, this kind of screen will effectively shield him from suffering a serious injury.
The screens have a long lifespan and are simple to install on location. The product’s design can blend in with any type of interior decor. The metal grille is easily repainted in the desired shade if desired or if you decide to change the interior color scheme.
Despite their superior qualities, metal lattice screens are reasonably priced.
Note that the panels can be tailored based on the precise measurements supplied by the client, as well as considering the arrangement and placement of radiators.
Costs associated with ornamental metal screens:
decorative metal screen for radiators
- Screens-grids made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
This type of panel is composed entirely of plastic, or it can be combined with real or synthetic rattan in a complex. These PVC panels have a frame that is used to secure the rattan mesh. Plastic can be coated to resemble a variety of materials, such as stone, wood, metal, or woven fabric.
Because natural rattan conducts heat well, it is often combined with PVC, which has a lower thermal conductivity than metal.
PVC lattice panel set inside a screen-box.
Polyvinyl chloride can withstand relatively high temperatures and can be effectively cleaned of dust using a vacuum or water-based cleaning solution. For a small child, the material will provide good protection against injury and won’t release any toxic fumes.
The screens fit in with any interior design and have a fairly attractive appearance.
Although PVC products are less expensive than metal panels, their service life is significantly shorter.
Wood has always been a great material for home interiors because it can create a cozy and comfortable ambiance. As the grating can have any relief pattern, treated and sanded wood coated with a tinting compound will be a harmonious addition for interiors made in different styles.
An arrangement of the pattern diagonally is one of the common design solutions for the wooden decorative grid.
After tinting, wooden screens are painted with specific heat-resistant paints, produced on a water basis, or covered in multiple layers of varnish. The coating prevents the wood from deforming by shielding it from the combined effects of moisture and high temperatures, in addition to giving the products an elegant appearance.
Water-based paints are used to decorate a wooden screen-box.
If the intention is to install wooden screens on convection-operating radiators, the radiator top should stay open. For this reason, the horizontal panel that is installed from the top must have a lattice-like structure similar to the front panel, since a full process of heat transfer from the radiator may not be possible with small slotted openings.
Combined rattan and wood screen grids.
Wood is frequently paired with a net made of finely woven rattan, or rattan palm stems. Compared to a straightforward wooden grille, this option transfers heat from radiators into the room much more effectively. In these models, the rattan weave is stretched out over a stiff wooden frame. Because of this material combination, the product has an especially beautiful look. Both wood and rattan, as well as the mixtures applied to them for decoration, are non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials.
Occasionally, MDF is used in place of wood when making frames; at first glance, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between the two materials. It’s crucial to be aware, though, that formaldehyde-containing adhesives are sometimes used in the production of MDF. This substance is poisonous, and when heated, the vapors will be released into the rooms. Consequently, it is not advised to install this option in living rooms, and it is even less advised in bedrooms or kid’s rooms.
It is advised to use a vacuum cleaner on a regular basis to clean wooden and rattan screens.
The high cost of wooden products, particularly when made to order, can be considered a drawback (conditional). In many ways, the kind of wood used and the intricacy of the project’s design will determine how much these grids cost.
Installing items made of this material, such as panels for radiator decoration, causes concern in many people. However, these worries are unfounded because the screens are composed of a unique type of tempered glass with a 6 x 8 mm thickness. And breaking it, even on purpose, is very simple.
The glass panel becomes an elegant piece of interior art when it is mounted on the wall.
Flat panels with drilled holes for fasteners are used as glass screens for heating radiators. By means of supports, which are also decorative parts of the screen, they are only fixed to the wall or to the wall and the floor.
A glass screen was mounted on the ground and fastened to the wall using metal pillars.
The top and bottom of the heater are left open to allow convection airflows, while glass screens fully enclose the radiators’ fronts. As a result, these panels are a great choice for radiators that use the convection heating principle. However, these panels will greatly reduce direct heat radiation if they are used to cover traditional radiators.
The screen’s glass variant can be used as a decorative accent piece to visually enlarge the space and add a theme to it.
Glass products are very advantageous, and these benefits can be attributed to the following:
- affordable cost – they have a lower price than wooden versions of screens and grids;
- it is quite possible to install the panel yourself, as all the necessary fasteners for installation are included in the kit;
- decorativeness and variety of design of products – they can be matte, solid-colored of different colors, with thematic and vegetative drawings and photo collages;
- the possibility to make an individual order for the application of a particular picture or photo on a special film by thermal printing, which is then fixed on the panel;
- safety in operation and maintenance of the products;
- ecological purity of materials;
- heat resistance.
However, installing such glass screens in the nursery—where kids can set up highly mobile, active games—is hardly worth it, all for safety reasons. Although the glass is unlikely to shatter, there is still a higher risk of serious injury from the screen’s end sides.
Many factors, including the type of radiators, the interior design, and the homeowner’s financial situation, influence the choice of screens.
Whichever option is selected, decorative screens effectively hide the ugly appearance of older cast iron batteries and protect them from dirt, dust, and grease buildup if the battery is placed in the kitchen. Furthermore, the panels will lessen the possibility of injury to young children, who could hit the radiators by accident or burn themselves when they are extremely hot.
When buying decorative screens or grilles, the information above will be helpful because it has outlined all the important factors to consider when selecting a product made of a specific material.
This video covers the topic of "Premier Profile"’sbatteryheating screen variations.
| Type | Requirements |
| 1. Decorative Metal Screens | Should allow proper airflow, durable, easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing. |
| 2. Wooden Radiator Covers | Fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, complement interior decor, provide adequate ventilation. |
Radiator decorative screens provide homeowners with a useful and beautiful way to improve the appearance of their homes while guaranteeing effective heating. These screens are available in a variety of styles, from classic to contemporary, so homeowners can select one that goes well with their interior decor.
It is important to take into account a number of factors when choosing a decorative screen for a radiator. First and foremost, the screen’s material needs to be heat-resistant in order to survive the high temperatures produced by the radiator. Furthermore, the screen’s design ought to facilitate sufficient ventilation to guarantee ideal heat dispersion throughout the space.
Another important consideration is the size of the screen relative to the radiator. It should cover the entire surface of the radiator to effectively conceal it while still allowing heat to radiate freely. Additionally, the screen should be easy to install and remove for maintenance purposes, allowing homeowners convenient access to the radiator when needed.
Moreover, radiator decorative screens accomplish a double duty by hiding the radiator and adding style to the room’s interior design. Homeowners can select a screen that matches their personal style and improves the overall aesthetic appeal of their living area from a variety of designs, colors, and patterns.
In conclusion, decorative radiator screens provide a useful and aesthetically pleasing option for homeowners who want to enhance their homes’ appearance without sacrificing effective heating. Homeowners can choose a screen that fits their needs and improves the ambience of their living area by taking into account elements like material, design, size, and ease of installation.
