When your curtains fall over your radiator make sure you aren't covering the radiator, remember to tuck them into the top of the radiator so the heat can still circulate. If you choose to go for floor-length curtains, make sure they don't cover your radiator, if they sit to the side, that's okay!
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.
Maximize air flow
Drapes should end at least 10 centimetres above the heater, and heaters should sit at least two centimetres above the carpet to allow the cooler air on the floor to flow under and through the electrical element.
Measure the height of your radiator and add 50mm to calculate the required height measurement for your radiator covers. When measuring the height of your radiator, you may find that your floor isn't level. Be sure to measure both sides of the radiator, especially if the radiator measures 1800mm or longer.
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.
It's a good idea to have enough space between your radiator and your cover so the heat can be distributed more evenly. The gap between the radiator and the cover should be at least 5cm in width, 3cm in height and 3cm in depth to ensure it won't affect the BTU output.
If you have an obstruction such as a radiator below a window, measure up to 25mm above the radiator to the bottom of the curtains (e.g. D measurements as shown in (fig. 1). If the pole or track is recessed, measure the actual width of the curtain pole or track.
They're not just decorative; they serve a variety of practical purposes: Heat direction – A well-placed shelf can help redirect heat from the radiator, especially under windows, pushing it into the room instead of letting it escape upwards.
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.
Many baseboard heating systems are a form of electric heat that operates without ductwork and can be expensive to run. Baseboard heating is often more efficient than radiators, and they are even more efficient when they are run constantly, instead of being turned on and off.
The typical size for standard drapes on either side of a window is halfway between the top of the window casing and the ceiling. This applies if there are more than 12 inches between the window trim and ceiling. As a guideline, leave approximately 4 to 6 inches above the window trim for cathedral ceilings.
In living rooms, a console over a radiator is a great spot for decorative objects, lamps and picture frames – hang art on the wall above just as you would with a bigger piece of furniture.
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.
Step 3: Choosing the Ideal Placement
So it's recommended that you place your radiator in the horizontal space under the window. The heat will rise from the radiator, mixing with the cold air coming through the window which in turn will help the radiator's heat distribute around the room.
Choosing to hang your curtains above a radiator is perfectly fine. 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 your room feels cold, our tip is to try putting your curtains behind the radiator. This way the radiator warms the room rather than the window's space. It also allows the radiator's convection system to work perfectly and as it was designed.
As a general rule, the width of your curtains should be at least twice the width of your window (if not more) to achieve a look of fullness. So, if your window is 116cms (45.5 inches) in width, you need two curtains of at least 232cms (91 inches) in width in total. You should always round up to the next full number.
With so many different-sized radiators now available, there are likely to be several possible places where you could put your radiators. We recommend however that nothing is positioned above the radiator and that 100mm below should be left clear so heat from the radiator can be effectively distributed.
One of the most popular decorative items to put above a radiator is a simple shelf. This provides a pretty surface area to display your favourite vases, candles, family photos, you name it. You could also put plants on the shelf above your radiator as long as you water them regularly.
You can put a TV above a radiator, provided that you take measures to prevent heat damage. These range from moderating the radiator's high temperatures to installing a radiator cover to deflect heat which could damage the TV's components over time.
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.
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.