Turn An Ugly Radiator Eyesore Into A Charming Functional Feature With This DIY Idea

Radiators, while functional, can often be a huge eyesore in the home, sometimes even ruining the whole aesthetic of a space with their bland, industrial look and bulky build. As such, there are a variety of potential radiator makeovers that will upgrade your space, from hiding the radiator behind furniture to painting the unit itself to help it blend into the wall. However, there is one solution that rises above the rest because it is not only a great way to disguise the eyesore of a radiator but also to create a multifunctional space as well. This trick involves creating a bookshelf to sit on top of the heater, improving its visual appeal and adding extra surface area at the same time. And the best part? It can easily be a DIY project!

This handy trick can be done in any bedroom, study, living room, or even kitchen that has a radiator in desperate need of an upgrade. And all you need is a shelf or even a simple plank of wood and some brackets. This can completely transform the look of the heater by filling the shelf with interesting objects and preventing you from having to look at the unsightly top of the radiator all the time. Some versions of this DIY involve building a full bookshelf around the heater, hiding the entire thing from view. However, this option can be an issue if you use your heating regularly because a closed cabinet can block airflow, making the heating less effective and more costly overall, so a simple shelf on top is often the most practical and effective choice.

When building a shelf with the purpose of disguising an ugly radiator, you will want to select a unit that will draw the eye to it, rather than to the heater underneath. First, measure how long your radiator is so that you know what size shelf you need, then pick one that suits your interior design style. You can either opt for a new product, such as these QEEIG Floating Shelves, which come with an appealing natural wood look, or use leftover wood scraps in your garage. If purchasing a shelf set, these will generally come with brackets to help you easily hang the shelf over the radiator. If you are using scrap wood, you will need to find separate brackets designed to hold the weight of a floating shelf, such as these Starunder Heavy-Duty Industrial Shelf Brackets. 

Once you have selected and mounted your shelf, you can begin thinking about how to style the surface to further obscure the radiator below and add a charming design feature to your room at the same time. Essential decor items for shelf styling include candles, vases, books, and faux houseplants (real plants don't typically like being close to the intense heat of radiators). Alternatively, you can add fun decorative elements that attach to the side of the shelf or spill over, such as art prints or tapestries. It can also be helpful to add a lamp or light fixture so that, by having the light on, the brightness draws the eye upwards to the items on the shelf rather than to what is below it.