Do you lose heat with radiator covers?
Abigail Rogers
Updated on February 26, 2026
Yes. The good news is that well-designed radiator covers leave plenty of space for the warm air to travel through. A radiator cover could actually even improve your heat efficiency if the cover includes a reflective foil backing, which we mentioned earlier.
Which radiator covers are best?
Best Radiator Covers
- Vida Designs Oxford Radiator Covers.
- Home Discount Oxford Radiator Covers.
- Laura James Radiator Covers.
- Home Treats Radiator Covers.
- HOMCOM Radiator Covers.
- FOREST Radiator Covers.
- Beldray Radiator Covers.
- Premier Range Radiator Covers. These shields are unique, as they are primarily made of glass.
Are plastic radiator covers safe?
Plastic Covers With a slightly higher thermal conductivity rate than wood, plastic is the second-best choice when looking to replace your heater cover. Additionally, though plastic can better radiate heat than wood, it’s still enough of an insulator that there’s a risk of it melting when the heat is too high.
Are wood or metal radiator covers better?
Because wood is a good insulator, wood radiator enclosures will not transmit heat to the degree that metal covers will. So, if your house is so cold that it needs to take advantage of every BTU that your radiators can offer, you may not want to choose wood covers.
Why are radiators put under Windows?
Why are radiators put under windows? As the hot air rises from the radiator, the cold air that is coming in through the window pushes against the warm air, circulating it around the room much more efficiently. If you were to place a radiator in the middle of the room instead, the heat wouldn’t fill the room.
Can you put things on radiator covers?
Because most covers have elevated tops, the covers’ tops are significantly cooler, and this allows select items to be placed there. Even heat-sensitive items like plants can be placed on a well-insulated radiator cover.
How can I make my radiator look better?
How to Disguise or Improve Ugly Radiators
- Build a Moulded Cover.
- Reskin It.
- Make a Window Seat.
- Shelve Over It.
- Take a Seat.
- Tuck It Away.
- Make a Console Table.
- Camouflage It.
Can you put things on top of a radiator cover?
