Can Installing A Shelf Over A Radiator Impact How Well It Heats Your Home?

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

There are so many things to love about radiators. Along with being a powerful heat source, they are an architectural feature that adds a cozy and quaint vibe that you just can't get with a basic baseboard. Since radiators work thanks to hot water or steam that releases heat into the surrounding air, they are typically quieter than forced air systems. They also don't dry out the air, and the added humidity can make things much more comfortable during the winter months. With older cast iron radiators capable of lasting over 50 years, and even newer models requiring little by way of gas or electricity, they are also one of the most cost-effective ways of heating your home. If you already have them installed, you probably know that you can easily toss a towel on your radiator to quickly warm it up. But you may be wondering if you can install a more permanent addition, like a shelf, over your radiator. 

According to Ben Domoe, Virtual HVAC Expert at Frontdoor, as long as you choose a fire-resistant material and leave adequate clearance to avoid any safety hazards, installing a shelf over your radiator can help maximize your storage while having virtually no impact on how well it can heat your home. "Putting a shelf on top of a radiator won't significantly impact the radiator's ability to heat the home — as long as there is proper clearance between the radiator and the shelf," Domoe told House Digest exclusively. "Shelves are great ways to maximize the storage space in your home – both aesthetically and functionally," he added. 

Along with painting or installing a purpose-built cover, shelves are among the best radiator makeovers that will upgrade your space. But during his exclusive chat with House Digest, HVAC expert Ben Domoe warned us that unless it's done right, a radiator shelf could be a safety hazard. "I wouldn't recommend putting up a shelf near a radiator if it is made of materials that easily melt or are flammable," he explained. "If you'd like to install a shelf above a radiator, the shelf should be made from fire-resistant materials."

Domoe also told us that a shelf may limit your radiator's ability to circulate heat. "The IMC (International Mechanical Code) recommends no less than 18 inches of clearance around the radiator to ensure proper heat distribution," he said. You can easily mount any DIY floating shelf made of a suitable material directly above your radiator to create storage space without blocking the heat. But if your budget allows, you may also want to consider a radiator cover that combines a shelf with decorative slats that cover the front of your unit while still allowing warm air to circulate, like the highly-rated Wisfor High Radiator Wood Cabinet Cover from Amazon. Just remember to carefully measure your radiator first to allow for the appropriate clearance.

If you've been enjoying the warmth of your home's radiators for some time, you may already be familiar with basic maintenance tasks like occasionally checking your boiler pressure to keep them as efficient as possible. "Make sure to keep [your radiators] clean by vacuuming them when they get dirty," Ben Domoe told House Digest exclusively. He also recommended "bleeding" the air out of your system, which requires turning off your boiler to allow the water to cool off before opening the valve on your radiator to allow air to escape. This may require a special Radiator Bleeding Air Valve Key, which you can purchase for just a few dollars on Amazon. Keep a bowl nearby during this process to catch any water that comes out of the valve. You should also wipe off your shelf after the bleeding process to absorb any water that sprays out when the pressure is released.

"Keep in mind that the radiator may need to be serviced someday, so you should leave enough space around it so an HVAC technician can easily work on it," Domoe advised. "Also, avoid placing anything above or around the radiator that could damage it in the event something falls on it — or can pose a fire hazard," he cautioned. In addition to picking a shelf made of flame-retardant materials, you should also give careful consideration to what you store on top of it. Candles are likely to melt, pictures inside frames may start to warp, and old books could even catch on fire. Hardy plants, glass vases, sturdy mirrors, and ceramic teacups are safer ways to decorate your shelves.