A Brief History of Radiator Cabinets and Shrouds

At the beginning of the 19th century, public interest in matters of hygiene and personal comfort grew, and as a result there was a sharp decline in disease. This interest was met by the development of many domestic luxuries such as central heating, fresh water, piped gas, and an underground cast-iron sewage system. Demand for these new luxuries increased and with the advent of the industrial revolution the standard of living across the UK improved enormously. Mass production made many of these luxuries more affordable, and simple cast iron radiators brought central heating within the reach of many homes.

Wealthy people with large country houses began to have elaborate radiators specially designed to match their elegant interiors. Some of these radiators were extremely decorative, including special heating chambers for dishes and bedding, and some had boxes built around them with ornamental grills providing a decorative cover for the radiator. These were the first examples of the modern radiator covers and radiator cabinets now made by specialist companies and seen in homes around the world.

A good radiator cabinet company will provide a “made to measure” service: they will visit your home, measure the radiators you want covered, and then build the cabinet just for you, in the style and color of your choice. Alternatively, radiator shrouds can now be supplied in fixed sizes as flat packs or already assembled. Some manufacturers supply adjustable radiator covers that can be resized to fit their radiators. Most radiator covers are painted in a variety of colors which can be specified when you place your order – or you can have them supplied unpainted, then paint them yourself in colors you know will match your room decor. .It is also possible to have radiator cabinets finished with real wood veneer and some are now supplied with a frosted glass front. panel.

The grilles on the front and sides can be decorated in a variety of patterns, making the radiator cabinet an attractive feature in any room, while providing a valuable protective function – especially if small children or children are present! seniors around! The front panel can usually be removed to allow access to the thermostat controls.

In addition to providing decorative and protective features, radiator cabinets also draw in cool air at the bottom and then direct the heat flow into the room, rather than allowing heat to escape down the wall or behind the drapes.