Floor-length curtains work best with radiators under the windows, but closing them means they'll block the heat generated by the radiator. Generally, pairing up floor-length curtains with other window coverings can do the trick.
Don't worry, the heat from the radiator will not ignite your curtains. I've had all sorts of curtains and had them full length over the radiator, touching the top, hanging over etc etc etc. No issues whatsoever.
How to hang curtains with a radiator in front? Use long curtains. When heating is on, curtains go up on the windowsill. This prevents heating the curtains and not the room. Take your curtain pole as wide as you can. Ensure curtains don't obstruct any radiator heat. If worried, Roman blinds are a good option.
Curtains can touch radiators if made of non-flammable materials. Opt for fire-resistant fabrics like wool or polyester for added safety.
Which is better for small rooms: long curtains or short curtains? Long curtains are better for small rooms as they create the illusion of a bigger room and insulate the home, saving money on heat and wall decor. Short curtains that just kiss the floor elongate the room.
Where should curtains sit above a radiator? Ideally, short curtains are more suitable over a radiator than floor length. Whether you have a double or single panel radiator, the bottom of the curtains should sit at least 2 – 4 cm above the top of the radiator. Or, at the same height as the window sill.
Ensure there is an 18 inch space between hydronic baseboard heaters and drapes or furniture. Take precautions around small children and pets that play in areas where baseboard heaters are installed.
When curtains are pulled in front of a radiator, the radiator releases warm air behind the curtain and heats only the window's space. During winter, days are shorter and curtains are pulled even earlier than usual. By doing so, we risk using more energy/heat more than necessary, leading to much higher bills.
This is something most of us learn in school and it helps to explain why radiators are located underneath windows. As the hot air rises from the radiator, the cold air that is coming in through the window pushes against the warm air, circulating it around the room much more efficiently.
Curtains are an excellent choice for insulation — from both the heat and the cold — thanks to their long panels of fabric that trap hot and cold air at your window.
However it's best if your curtains sit a maximum of 2-4 centimetres above a radiator to prevent the curtains from blocking any wanted heat. If by chance your curtains do cover your radiator at all it is recommended that you tuck them behind the radiator and not block it.
Fit a deep sill or shelf over the radiator, and position your curtains so that they touch the shelf. By touching the shelf your curtains will minimise draught from your windows, and the shelf will act to push the radiator heat out into your room, rather than into the void between the curtains and window.
They even use them to hold plates, cups, napkins and utensils and all of these things are a major no-no. Although they may not seem extremely hot to the touch at the time, your radiators can become very warm and any of these items can catch fire in a matter of minutes.
It is not a good idea to tuck curtains behind radiators when the heating is switched on. The typically thick fabric that is used in the makeup of curtains will cause panel blockages at the back and sides.
Placing a sofa in front of a radiator is not recommended as it can obstruct the heat distribution and reduce the efficiency of your heating system. To maintain a comfortable and well-heated living space, it's essential to leave a sufficient gap of at least 12 inches (30 cm) between the sofa and the radiator.
Putting foil behind your radiators is a great way to save money on your heating bills as it prevents heat from escaping straight out of the wall behind it. Instead of wasting all that money on expensive heating, this simple trick enables you to direct the heat towards the room.
Block Your Radiator's Heat
So covering it up with a blanket or sheet is a simple solution for limiting the amount of heat the radiator puts out into the room.
You can even look for lengths that just barely touch the top of the heater, so you don't need to worry about the temperature of the metal of the heaters. If you get full-length drapes, you can turn them into drapes suitable for the baseboard heaters.
The traditional place to position your radiator is the coldest part of the room. Whether that's beneath your window or against the wall. This is due to conduction, with incoming cold air causing more effective heat conduction and pushing the hot air from your radiator into the middle of the room.
When it comes to living and dining rooms, the standard curtain lengths can range from 63 inches to 120 inches, depending on the size of your windows and your personal style. Hanging the curtains about 4 inches above the window or closer to the ceiling can make the room look taller and more elegant.
Simple answer, you should not place anything in front of your heater as it is not safe; this includes any kind of furniture, drapes, paper, bedding, and people.
Electric baseboards get hot, which means you have to keep furniture and curtains at least six inches away from them to prevent fire. If you have young children in the house, they can also be a burn risk.