One of the first things I check out when viewing a property is the heating system – if it’s gas heated it gets replaced first thing after moving in. So how to pick stylish heaters is already infinitely easier. Gas and some fireplaces and systems are both unsightly and can be dangerous.
The cost of ripping out a boiler and radiators plus the cost of buying and installing a new system is considerable. But there have been too many accidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions.
Gas boilers are mainly seen in older, Victorian buildings – of which there are many in the UK. Removing them is usually messy and best left to professionals. When you rip out the boiler, you leave a trail of dirt that will take days to clean up. And if and when you snip off heaters in different rooms, parts of the piping stick up through the flooring. The pipes can be chopped off below floorboard level, but in case the next buyer changes their mind I’d rather leave them in view.
Electricity is, in our view, cleaner and safer even if it reduces the choice in heaters and radiators. But perhaps it won’t for long: technology is moving fast and new styles and safety measures pop up regularly.
Our favourite old style Heaters
There’s a vast range of heaters on the market. Some are old fashioned and many are so high tech that they look like a work of art. There are infrared panels and remotely controlled solutions plus mobile heaters. And there is invisible under-floor heating… But underfloor heating is less easy to switch off than a simple dial or timer on a panel.
Ironically, our favourite heaters are the large old fashioned, metallic chunky, clunky column radiators of the 1960s. They are so large and protruding they can serve as a console space – for a perfect Scandi Boho look. Although they are mostly designed for a central heating systems, they are distinctive. And they add a vintage feel to the room – very Scandinavia of the 1950s-70s.
Another favourite of ours is the table top, or space heaters. They are perfect for storing away in the summer. And they do the job of keeping us warm at our work-from-home desks in the winter. Standing on the side table, we can move them around according what chair we’re sitting in or as we snuggle up in the sofa.
They come in all shapes, sizes and colours. And they are a super addition for those on a budget who don’t want the costs involved in reconfiguring pipes and entire heating system.
Where can you buy stylish Heaters?
Almost every high street will have an electrical goods shop. Amazon also has a massive range of heaters with swift delivery and good return policy.
Among our favourites are fan heaters with different settings and a safety cut-off which makes them perfect for the bedroom. They come in different colours: usually pink, black and red – they are table top, lightweight and feature a carry handle.
But there are many alternatives in design, features and safety measures – a hugely popular heating solution – check them out on Amazon.
Where to place Heaters in the Room
The problem with central heating is that the radiators are fixed, either to the floor or walls. And they are immovable. And often they’re fixed below drafty old windows so that the heating seeps out, and behind floor-to-ceiling curtains: a waste of warmth and money. Sometimes they’re even boxed in by wooden constructions which are meant to be smart.
To make matters worse, sometimes the heater is hidden behind the sofa. I never understood that – I think it must be because there’s nowhere else to place the sofa. In my view that is wasting heating and money. But here’s where we’d place our radiators.
I’d place the heater low, close to the floor on a long clear space on the wall. I’d place it away from windows and curtains. It helps if there is an electric plug nearby – or use an extension lead. I pick a neutral heater, as flat and unfanciful as possible that won’t detract from other wall accessories such as shelves or consoles.
Our go-to radiators for max heating and a minimal look
When faced with safety vs. aesthetic it can be a tricky walk getting exactly what we like – often we end up with a fixture that is not quite up our Scandi street but it is an area where we have to be guided by safety first.
So how to pick stylish heaters: We/I pick the wall mounted plug-in radiator which comes on at the flick of the switch. Some come with timers. They are far and away the ones that lead to fewer heating problems and if the heating does play up it’s easily replaced. It’s the perfect DIY solution…
As more and more people become footprint-aware and safety conscious around the issue of heating, I think central systems my one day be fazed out altogether and quick, easy heating solutions may one day become the norm.