What material can you put on top of a radiator?

Author: Dr. Spencer Kessler  |  Last update: Thursday, December 18, 2025

If you're worried about using wood, a slab of stone, marble or brick will work perfectly for a radiator shelf since they won't warp. The white marble on top of the radiator in this bathroom makes for a beautiful and spontaneous side table.

Can you put anything on top of a radiator?

Your radiator has a cover on it. So the top is simply the cover and not the radiator itself. the cover will not get as hot as the radiator itself. So you are fine to put objects on top, so long as the objects are not easily damaged by a bit of warmth.

What is the best material to cover a radiator?

When it comes to choosing a radiator cover for your home, you may find yourself faced with several options, including metal, solid wood, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) covers. While all three materials have their benefits, MDF radiator covers offer several advantages that make them a better choice.

What can you put above a radiator?

Add a pelmet or shelf above

You could try a similar thing and add a custom-made pelmet in a shape of your choice, or a simple narrow shelf to turn dead space into a useful surface.

Is it safe to put fabric on a radiator?

Yes. They're not going to burn and catch fire on a radiator as long as the radiator you set them on is a water radiator (has water in it). It can be a fire hazard to set clothes on any other form of heating device that's not water based like an electric, coal, wood, or propane heater.

Are Radiator Covers a Good Idea?

Can you put clothes on top of a radiator?

Drying clothes on a radiator might seem like a quick and easy fix, but no, the truth is it's not ideal. While the warmth from the radiator speeds up the drying process, it blocks the radiator's ability to heat your room effectively.

Is it safe to put a blanket on a radiator?

Covering a radiator is safe to do only if you use heat-resistant fabrics. Steam radiators can warm up to 215 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not hot enough to ignite most materials. However, some synthetic fabrics, such as fleece, can melt if placed on a piping hot radiator for several hours.

What can I cover my radiator with?

You can construct your own radiator covers and accent them with inexpensive aluminum sheeting to allow the warm air out. Easy to cut with tin snips, and available in a variety of designs, you can paint sheet metal to match the cabinet or leave raw for a style surprise.

Is it safe to cover the top of a radiator?

Yes, radiator covers are safe, when installed correctly and used sensibly. However, you should make sure to follow any manufacturer's guidelines when installing a radiator cover, to ensure it meets safety requirements, and to prevent any unnecessary accidents.

What can you put on a radiator?

The top of a radiator can be the perfect place for a built-in shelf. When a piece of wood or stone is placed on top, a bulky radiator becomes a handy side table or bookshelf. If you're using wood, be aware that it might warp, particularly if you place it directly on the radiator.

Can you cover radiators with fabric?

Keep your home safe and stylish with the Safetots Dual Fabric Premium Radiator Cover, the ultimate solution for protecting your little ones from radiator-related injuries. Thoughtfully designed by a mum, this radiator cover ensures maximum safety without compromising the warmth or aesthetics of your home.

What can I use instead of radiator cover?

One of the simplest solutions for covering radiators is to get a table of equal height and put it right on top of the radiator. If it's right near the main entry door, it's a perfect spot for a bowl for your keys or a vase of fresh-cut flowers.

What type of radiator cover is best?

This can vary greatly from one material to another. If you want the best heat conduction, a metal radiator frame is a good option for you. This is because metal takes over the radiator's heat, causing the metal itself to heat up and radiate this again.

What do you top up a radiator with?

To refill your coolant, you'll need: Suitable quality coolant. Distilled water (if coolant is not pre-mixed)

Why can't you cover a radiator?

If the TRV is reading the temperature inside the radiator cover, which could be very hot, it could reduce the heat output, leaving the room cold. However, as your home isn't reaching the temperature set by your thermostat, the boiler will work harder, burning more gas and potentially increasing your energy bills.

Can you put a poster above a radiator?

Avoid hanging pictures directly above radiators. During the winter months the continuous heat will slowly cook your picture. This will probably be ok for modern pictures but an old picture or a photograph could over time become irreversibly damaged.

Can I put something on top of my radiator?

Yes, it is safe to put things above a radiator provided that you leave a small gap of 5cm or more between the top of the appliance and the item or the shelving. With that said, you should look to avoid placing things directly on top of a radiator for any significant period of time when the central heating is turned on.

What material is used for radiator covers?

In this blog, we will discuss the three most common materials in radiator covers: wood, MDF and metal.

What to put on top of a radiator cover?

One of the best ways to make the most of a radiator cover is to use the flat top as a display shelf. Here are some ideas: Plants: Add some greenery to your room by placing potted plants on top of the radiator cover. Make sure to choose plants that can handle the heat and won't dry out too quickly.

Can I cover my radiator with a towel?

Aside from any other issues, draping wet clothes or towels over a radiator insulates heat and prevents it from circulating properly. This will affect any heaters but certain types, such as convector radiators, function by creating hot air currents and will be far less effective when covered by wet material.

Should you cover the top of a radiator?

The reality of the story is, an uncovered radiator will have a higher heat output and work more efficiently if it doesn't have the barrier of a radiator cover. But there are still countless benefits to installing a radiator cover.

Can you put foil on a radiator?

There are two types of foil you can put behind your radiators: regular kitchen foil and specialised radiator reflector foil. Kitchen foil does work initially but it loses its qualities over time as it dulls and oxidises, making it less effective at reflecting heat.

Can you cover a radiator with fabric?

Safetots Dual Fabric Premium Radiator Cover, 70cm x 130cm, Protective Fabric Radiator Cover for Water Filled Radiators, Reduce Risks of Bumps and Hot to Touch Radiators, Baby and Toddler Safety.

What can you cover a radiator with?

Radiator covers are mechanisms that are attached to the outside of a radiator. They can be made from wood, metal or other materials and serve the purpose of “covering up” a radiator. Many come with styles such as a lattice front, and you can even make your own one if you're DIY-savvy enough.

Can you put a couch against a radiator?

It's recommended to maintain a gap of at least one foot (12 inches) between your furniture and radiators. However, for extra protection, you can also use insulated or reflective barriers as heat protectors to safeguard your furniture from the adverse impact of radiator heat.

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