You Don’t Have to Deal With Ugly Radiators

Elegant ways to use an apartment radiator cover to hide design eyesores

Sometimes the little details of renovations fall by the wayside because there are so many design and construction decisions to make. That’s why it’s important to recognize seemingly minor updates that can have a big impact. For example, think about an apartment radiator cover. They’re not a building requirement, and they don’t influence a radiator’s efficiency. Still, this nice-to-have detail can instantly make any space look more polished and provide additional storage too.

Here are some ways Sweeten homeowners upped their radiator game. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

1. Sleek and modern

The centerpiece of this Park Slope, Brooklyn renovation was the kitchen. However, the Sweeten general contractor helped complete a few other projects in the apartment, including a handsome radiator cover in the bedroom. “My growing puppy decided the cover was her favorite place to sit and watch squirrels,” the homeowner shared. “My general contractor came back to install reinforcements so it could handle the weight of a full-grown dog.”

2. Bookshelf camouflage

Lauren’s renovation involved updating her apartment’s layout so the kitchen and living areas were open and cohesive. She focused on built-in storage in the kitchen and wanted to bring the same element to her living space. “A sleek bookshelf hides my radiator and air conditioner units that were always annoyingly off-centered from the windows,” she said. Plus, the radiator cover is perfect for displaying plants and knick-knacks.

3. Repurposed design elements

Architects Terri and Brett gutted their Prospect Heights co-op to make it feel more bright and spacious. Every detail was a result of their collaboration, including radiator covers in the living area and bedroom. A millworker made the radiators easier to access for maintenances purposes. Plus, the new covers’ tops were made from leftover stone slabs from the kitchen. This helped create a cohesive design throughout the whole house.

4. Custom carpentry

While Charon’s gorgeous green bathroom renovation was in progress, her Sweeten general contractor’s carpentry team took care of other apartment details. They built a custom bedroom radiator cover to match one she already had in the living area. The new cover joined the design elements of her home and put the finishing touch on her already pretty sleep space.

4. Added storage

Combining two apartments is no easy job. Luckily, Zoe and Arvid easily overcame that challenge. Plus, they made sure to still take notice of small (and important) details in their new home. The air conditioning unit and radiator in their living had 50 years of layered paint. Not to mention, it took up valuable space. With their general contractor’s help, they designed an apartment radiator cover that made the appliance less obtrusive and added shelves for extra storage.

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Check out these eight ideas for hiding refrigerators.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

Updated November 26, 2023