At the House of Radiators we would be delighted to welcome you in for an appointment to discuss your needs. Perhaps at this stage you just need a friendly steer so we are pleased to have put together some guidance which we hope inspires you to take the plunge!
Just click on the sections below to get concise, jargon-free guidance on the key things to consider before making a purchase.
Radiators come in a variety of styles. Some are suited to traditional or contemporary settings while others manage to blend equally well in to either. Our buying guides will give you some tips on what might work best for you and what considerations to take in to account.
Cast iron radiators are well-suited for homes with a classic or historic design, where their ornate appearance enhances the overall aesthetic.
Cast iron radiators are renowned for their durability, making them a long-lasting heating solution.
Radiators made from cast iron retain heat efficiently, continuing to emit warmth even after the heating system is turned off.
Cast iron radiators can be heavy, necessitating sturdy wall support during installation and they take longer to heat up compared to some other materials.
View our Cast Iron range.
Column radiators are a popular heating solution known for their classic aesthetic and high heat output. Due to the vast ranvge of sizes available, they are a great option when trying to work with existing pipework dimensions or for awkward spaces.
Column radiators are typically described by the number of columns (e.g., 2, 3, or 4-column). More columns mean greater depth and higher heat output, making them perfect for larger or poorly insulated rooms.
They’re available in both vertical and horizontal formats, with wall-mounted or floor-standing options.
View our Column radiator range.
Bench radiators combine seating and heating in a single, functional unit, making them ideal for conservatories, hallways, or open-plan spaces.
These radiators feature a built-in bench above a heating element, often with a stylish wood or metal top. They’re great for areas where wall space is limited or where multifunctional furniture is preferred.
Bench radiators offer steady, low-level heat, making them efficient and discreet. Available in traditional and modern styles, they blend comfort with practicality.
Though generally lower in heat output than standard wall-mounted models, they add a unique design element while efficiently warming the surrounding space.
View our Bench radiator range.
True designer radiators push the boundaries of style and technology, looking more like modern art sculptures that also produce heat.
Naturally these hand-made, limited edition models are a step up in price bracket however they also deliver the WOW factor becoming a focal point of any room.
If you can imagine it, someone can build it. Our Radical Collection features some truly exquisite and daring pieces ready to take pride of place in your home.
View our Designer radiator collection.
Panel radiators are a sleek, space-efficient heating option commonly used in modern homes. They consist of flat panels—single or double—that radiate heat efficiently across a room.
Single-panel models are slim and ideal for small spaces, while double-panel versions provide greater heat output for larger rooms. Typically made from steel, they heat up quickly and are cost-effective. Their minimalist design blends easily into most interiors, and many models come with convectors for added performance.
Panel radiators are usually wall-mounted, offering a clean, unobtrusive look. They’re a practical choice for reliable, affordable heating without sacrificing style or floor space.
View our Panel radiator range.
Towel rails, or heated towel radiators, provide both warmth and functionality, commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens. They keep towels dry and warm while also heating the room.
Available in ladder, flat-panel, or designer styles, they come in a variety of finishes to suit any décor.
Towel rails can be electric, plumbed into your central heating, or dual-fuel for year-round use.
While they generally have lower heat output than traditional radiators, they’re perfect for smaller spaces. Compact, stylish, and practical, towel rails add both comfort and a touch of luxury to everyday routines.
View our Towel Rail range.
Radiator placement significantly affects heating efficiency. Traditionally, radiators are placed under windows to counteract cold air and improve circulation, but with modern insulation, this is no longer essential. Our placement guide will show you the options available
Floor-mounted radiators offer a classic and versatile heating solution. They provide efficient heat distribution, helping counteract cold drafts from windows. Floor-mounted radiators are well-suited for larger rooms, living areas, or spaces where a traditional aesthetic is desired.
Flexibility in placement ensures an even distribution of warmth throughout the room. However, they may occupy valuable floor space and can impact furniture placement. Vertical radiators are a good way of utilising space especially in rooms with high ceilings.
For some types of radiator installation, such as heavy cast iron models, floor-mounting is a necessity to spread the weight and they are often also anchored to the wall for extra stability.
Wall-mounted radiators are a popular choice for modern interiors, offering a sleek and space-saving solution. Mounted at a convenient height on the wall, they free up floor space and allow for flexible furniture arrangements.
Wall-mounted radiators are particularly suitable for rooms with limited space, such as bedrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms. They contribute to a clean and contemporary look, integrating seamlessly with various interior designs.
However, it’s essential to consider the load-bearing capacity of the wall and the potential impact on heat distribution, as wall-mounted radiators may not be as effective in larger spaces.
Many homes have wonderful curved and angled bay windows, so why not have a radiator that hugs the contours of your walls?
These radiators blend seamlessly into the space, offering a more harmonious look compared to standard flat radiators. In addition to aesthetics, curved and angled radiators improve heat distribution. Their shape allows for better airflow around the room, ensuring warmth reaches more areas evenly. This can be especially useful in uniquely shaped spaces, as the curvature helps direct heat more effectively.
Another significant benefit is the space-saving aspect. Curved and angled radiators fit neatly into corners or curved walls, freeing up floor space that would otherwise be lost with traditional radiators.
Choosing between horizontal and vertical radiators depends on space, layout, and design preference.
Horizontal radiators are the traditional choice, ideal under windows or along long walls, offering even heat distribution. They suit most room types and are often more affordable.
Vertical radiators save horizontal space and work well in narrow areas, like hallways or bathrooms, while doubling as a design feature. Though vertical units may not distribute heat as evenly across large rooms, they’re great for maximizing wall space and adding a modern touch.
Both styles offer various finishes, so the best choice balances heat needs with visual impact
It really is important to ensure that your chosen radiator not only looks great but also delivers the output required to heat your space efficiently and comfortably. Our guide to sizes and outputs will help you with the dizzying array of choices.
Choosing between horizontal and vertical radiators depends on space, layout, and design preference. Horizontal radiators are the traditional choice, ideal under windows or along long walls, offering even heat distribution. They suit most room types and are often more affordable.
Vertical radiators save horizontal space and work well in narrow areas, like hallways or bathrooms, while doubling as a design feature. Though vertical units may not distribute heat as evenly across large rooms, they’re great for maximizing wall space and adding a modern touch.
For both configurations your other option is to add depth e.g. double rather than single tubing, or additional columns.
Let’s be honest, all you want to know is whether you’ll be nice and toasty. Our advice – let us do all the calculations!
But if you really want to know…
Watts and BTUs are units of power and energy commonly used in heating and cooling systems and which you will usually see quoted when viewing radiators.
A watt (W) is a metric unit that measures the rate of energy transfer, while a BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit (yawn).
To convert between them, 1 watt equals approximately 3.41 BTUs per hour. Understanding both helps in comparing appliance efficiency and energy consumption across different standards.
Aside from the physical dimensions of the radiator, you will see references to other measurements.
“Pipe centres” refers to the distance between the inlet and outlet pipes of a radiator, measured from the centre of one pipe to the centre of the other. This measurement is crucial for ensuring a radiator fits correctly, especially when replacing an existing one.
“Pipe centres from wall” refers to the distance between the wall and and centre of the pipe inlets on the radiator, specifically the point where the pipes enter the radiator valves. This measurement is crucial for correct installation.
The only limit is your imagination when it comes to choosing a finish. As well as the manufacturers range of colours and special finishes, our colour matching service is also available on many products allowing you to match to the vast range of finishes available from specialist paint manufacturers.
All products come with “stocked” finishes which are readily available.
The range of finishes can be limited to popular colours such as White and Anthracite but the trade off is fast delivery and competitive pricing.
You still get the same huge range of styles and materials with, in some cases, the convenience of a next day delivery so you can get cracking on your project without delay.
RAL colours are a standardised colour matching system used in Europe and internationally for defining consistent paint and coating shades.
Each RAL colour has a unique four-digit code, for example RAL 9010 (Pure White).
For some models you will also have the option of selecting a matt or gloss finish. Unless otherwise stated, products will come with a gloss finish as standard.
RAL colours are the most popular choice of finish that we supply for their sheer versatility and keen pricing.
Most manufacturers have their own range of “special finishes”.
These include textured, metallic, and lacquered finishes. They can mimic materials like brushed steel, antique brass, or even marble for a luxurious look.
Special finishes not only elevate style but also enhance heat efficiency in some cases. Customisation with special finishes turns radiators from purely functional items into design features tailored to individual tastes and spaces.
For some styles there are also “raw” finishes which really bring out the natural textures and variations of the product.
When designing our living spaces we spend a lot of time considering the colours of our walls and furniture. So why do we see so many plain white radiators in our homes?
With colour options from suppliers such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, and Paint & Paper, there is a finish for every setting.
Say goodbye to your chrome towel rail and hello to a feature finish in “Charlotte’s Locks”.
The colour-matching service is available on any products where you see the colour wheel symbol. If you really want to go your own way, we can even supply radiators that have a primer coat ready for a top coat of your choice. Get creative with our detailed colour matching guide.
So you’ve chosen your radiator. Now you need choose your essential accessories. Ok so not all the accessories are essential, but they look pretty!
Radiator valves are essential components of a central heating system, controlling the flow of hot water into radiators and thereby regulating the temperature of individual rooms.
There are several types of radiator valves, each offering different levels of control, efficiency, and design. The main types include manual valves, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), lockshield valves, and smart radiator valves.
Understanding the differences between these types can help in selecting the right valve for a particular heating setup.
Manual radiator valves are the most basic type. They function similarly to a tap — you turn the valve by hand to allow more or less hot water into the radiator.
They are cost-effective and straightforward but offer limited temperature control. Because they don’t adjust automatically, users must remember to turn them up or down depending on how warm they want the room.
Manual valves are best suited for spaces where precise temperature regulation is not crucial.
The valve is partnered with a lockshield valve (see below).
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) offer more advanced control by using a built-in temperature sensor.
These valves automatically adjust the flow of hot water into the radiator to maintain a set room temperature. The valve head expands or contracts with temperature changes, opening or closing the valve accordingly.
TRVs help improve energy efficiency by reducing overheating and maintaining a consistent comfort level.
The valve is partnered with a lockshield valve (see below).
Lockshield valves are not used to control temperature day-to-day but are essential for balancing a heating system.
These valves are usually installed on the opposite end of the radiator from the manual or thermostatic valve and are adjusted during installation.
Once set, they are typically left untouched. The lockshield valve regulates the amount of water flowing out of the radiator, ensuring that all radiators in the system heat evenly.
If a system isn’t balanced properly, radiators closer to the boiler may become hotter than those further away.
Smart valves are the latest innovation in heating control. These are electronic TRVs that can be connected to a smart home system.
Users can control them remotely via smartphone apps, set schedules, and integrate them with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Some smart valves use geofencing to detect when you’re near home and adjust heating accordingly. These valves are particularly useful in larger homes or for people who want granular control over each room’s temperature to maximize energy savings.
Selecting the correct valve configuration will depend on the type of pipework you have in your home.
If your heating pipes come out of the floor you will need Straight or Corner valves. If your heating pipes come out of the wall you will need Angled or Corner valves.
Some radiators, mainly vertical, have the connections underside in which case you would use a straight set of valves.
H-Block valves are a modern, compact valve that connects both flow and return pipes to a central point underneath the radiator. Often used with designer or vertical radiators with central connections.
Dual Fuel valves are designed to work with both central heating and electric elements. They are commonly found on towel radiators in bathrooms, allowing operation in summer (electric) or winter (central heating).
Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to heat homes by transferring heat rather than generating it. This makes them significantly more efficient than traditional systems like gas boilers or electric heaters. They can reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions, helping households shrink their environmental footprint.
With rising energy costs, heat pumps offer a reliable, sustainable, and future-proof solution for home comfort HOWEVER, there are some things you need to know before you make the switch.
Switching to a heat pump changes how your radiators need to work—this is where a poorly planned install can fail. Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures than gas boilers (typically 35–50°C instead of 60–75°C). That means:
By working only with qualify suppliers who care deeply about their products, we aim to deliver your products in perfect condition. Specialist couriers and packaging are utilised where necessary to protect the fine details and luxurious finishes of your chosen product.
Radiators can be light, heavy, fragile, ornate and come in shapes and sizes limited only by a designer’s imagination. Delivery is so much more than just getting the product from the factory to your home.
We need to manage lead times, factory holiday shutdowns, customised orders, challenging delivery locations and some VERY VERY heavy radiators – think Cast Iron, or radiators that come in sections and have to be joined on site.
We also need to ensure health and safety protocols are followed and that you, as our customer, have ample opportunity to inspect your goods and ensure they are in the condition we expect.
You can find more information about deliveries here.
We are dedicated to your enjoyment of our products long after they arrive in your home. We only work with quality suppliers who are confident enough in their workmanship to offer long warranty periods of up to 25 years and excellent customer care.
We pride ourselves on our aftercare support and always endeavour to find a pragmatic solution to any rare unforseen issues, because we know a happy customer is a returning customer.
Our showroom in Bath mean you can also see us in person rather than waiting on call centres or chatbots.
We are proud to partner with other local independent suppliers who hold the same values as we do. Our recommended plumbing partner is Greensmart Services. Tell them we sent you!
