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» Close the battery at the computer desk design solutions. How can you cover radiators? How to beautifully hide radiators in a room: decor ideas

Close the battery at the computer desk design solutions. How can you cover radiators? How to beautifully hide radiators in a room: decor ideas

Transform the radiator by making a false fireplace or sleeping place out of it. Decoupage batteries and a decorative screen will turn this heating device into a work of art.

DIY decorative radiators


There are several ways to transform this heating device, these are: Painting your battery is one of the easiest ways to upgrade it. Moreover, now there are new methods that will allow you to achieve interesting effects.


With such an interesting bronze tint, it will end up looking like an object made of a noble metal. Before you begin the conversion work, you need to prepare:
  • gauze;
  • latex gloves;
  • acetone;
  • black and red paint in a can or gold paint in a spray can.

If the battery has not been painted before, it must first be treated with an alkyd primer. If there is rust on the heating device, it must be removed.



Next, the surface to be treated is degreased with acetone; you can also use a blowtorch for this. If you want to paint the battery so that the paint goes on in a thin layer and evenly, take a rectangle of fur, fold it in half, and stitch the two sides. You will get something like a bag. Put it on your hand and have fun painting the battery.

To get a beautiful bronze color, you need to mix black and red paint. If you wish, when decorating the battery, use spray paint.

If you have artistic abilities, then transform this heating device by drawing something suitable here. Look how nice these pencils look, each of them is made on a specific section of the battery.


If you have a modern radiator, turn it into a small piano by drawing the keys here.


If you want to cheer yourself up, then use paint in several colors. To create smooth transitions, you can mix color additives with white paint and change the consistency. So you will get lighter and more dark shades the same color.


This option and the other are suitable for those who are not confident in their artistic abilities. Draw white and black stripes on the protruding parts. Cut out a tail from cardboard, paint it, stick it in place and you have a zebra. If you want to go even further, make the head of this animal out of cardboard or plastic, decorate it, and attach it to the side of the battery opposite the tail.


If you have modern battery, which is time to update, then take:
  • acetone;
  • stickers;
  • scissors;
  • soft cloth.
Degrease the surface of the washed and dried battery with acetone, then attach the selected sticker to it. If it is large enough and matches your idea, then use the entire sticker.


This is how the heating radiator is decorated. You can turn it not only into blooming oasis, but also into a cozy fireplace.


Perhaps for some the radiator will become an imaginary cellar for storing wine.


This way you can decorate the battery in the nursery using large or small stickers.


But if your heating radiator is made of cast iron, this method of transforming it may not be suitable, since the surface is uneven and voluminous. In this case, it is better to repeat the following idea.

You can use stickers that will turn the battery into a musical instrument. If you have an unnecessary button accordion whose bellows are torn, you can make another creative idea, glue one and the second part of the keyboard to the radiator.

Battery decor using decoupage technique

This option is also suitable for those who have long-lasting cast iron batteries. Here's how to do decoupage in in this case. Take:

  • decoupage cards;
  • acrylic paints;
  • sandpaper;
  • decoupage varnish;
  • PVA glue;
  • brush;
  • light enamel.
With help sandpaper Level the surface of the battery, but do not try to remove the entire layer of paint. Now you need to wash the radiator and wipe it dry. The next step is to paint it with white enamel.


Enamel has a strong specific odor, so work in a ventilated area. It's even better if you cover your breathing organs with a respirator.


While the enamel is drying, open up the decoupage cards so that each piece covers part of the radiator. After the paint has dried, glue the prepared parts using PVA mixed with water.


If you want, leave the painted fragments (not decorated with a blend) light, cover them with white acrylic paint. You can use the same shade as in the picture; in this case, blue acrylic paint was used. Once any of these solutions are completely dry, coat the radiator with 2-3 coats of varnish, allowing each coat to dry.


You can use napkins for blending and decorate a heating device with them.


For this purpose it is taken only upper layer with a pattern, glued to a pre-painted, dried battery. After the glue has dried, to secure the decoupage, you need to cover the radiator with a couple of layers of varnish. But you need to choose one that can withstand the intense heat of the heating device.


If you want to give the batteries a chic look so that they look like antique ones, then use a self-hardening mass and a stencil to apply a design. Then cover with paint. Such stucco molding will adhere firmly to the battery, as it adheres well to similar metal surfaces.


The next type of radiator decoration is making a screen for it. Moreover decorative panel you can buy, there are some that are inexpensive, and make a box for it with your own hands.

Making a screen for decorating a battery

Before you start making it, prepare:

  • waterproof plywood 2 cm 2 mm thick;
  • paint;
  • a slab of painted plywood, fine wood chips or edged boards;
  • connecting elements measuring 50x32 mm made of pine;
  • brackets;
  • wood glue;
  • screws;
  • wooden corks dowels.
First, determine the dimensions of the battery by knowing its height, width and depth.


To prevent the room from becoming cool during the heating season, when installing a screen, it is necessary to ensure that warm air circulates unhindered. To do this, space must be left between the battery and the screen.


Determine the size of the panels. You already know the width of the radiator, and if its height, as in the figure, is 72 cm, you need to add 8 cm for air circulation, so the height of the vertical panel will be 80 cm.


If the radiator has a temperature control, or a pipe fits here, then you need to determine where these components are located in order to then make cutouts in the screen edging at this place.


Now you need to attach connecting elements, which act as bars, to the vertical wooden sides using wood glue and wooden plugs or screws.


Attach the top panel to the sides.

If you make the front panel yourself, then use a horizontal strip 18 cm wide and two vertical strips, each 12 cm wide. They are attached to each other using holes and dowels.


Look in more detail at how panels need to be prepared for this. First, mark with a pencil where the end holes will be located. In another board you need to do them at the same level. Pour wood glue here, insert wooden plugs into the holes on one side first, then attach the second board. To ensure the attachment point is secure, carefully pull the two boards together by lightly tapping first one, then the other with a rubber mallet.


In the same way, you will attach the four horizontal crossbars using dowels and holes. Please note that 60mm wide gaps are left between the cross members for air circulation. You can make adjustments to these parameters or make the screen for the battery more elaborate, for example, by stuffing slats here in the form of a sheathing.


You have determined in advance where you need to make cutouts in the sidewalls. Using a drill attachment, complete this part of the job. To make the hole more even, after cutting it with a hole saw, you need to process it with a hacksaw.


To install the battery screen, you need to provide it with support bars. First, they are fixed inside the screen at the top. Then you need to determine the location of the support strips on the wall, above the battery.


Determine the length of the support bar, do not forget to leave room for the tap that regulates the temperature. If it is located on the side, then leave a distance of at least 18 cm so that the support bar can move freely. If you wish, you can use a magnetic one instead of such a mount.


If you assemble the box yourself, and you already have a decorative panel, then the screen for the radiator may look like this.

Should I buy a false fireplace or make it myself?

This question invariably arises among those who want to create the atmosphere of a country house in a city apartment. At the same time, you can “kill” two birds with one stone, not only create such a piece of furniture, but also hide an unsightly battery. Not everyone has it under the windowsill; for some, this heating item is mounted almost in the most visible place in the room.


See how such an unsightly sight can be turned into a cozy, almost fairy-tale corner. To do this you will need some materials, these are:
  • plywood 9 mm thick;
  • wooden layout;
  • bars with a cross section of 50 mm;
  • self-tapping screws;
  • fragment of a garden fence;
  • construction glue gun;
  • decorative plastic panel depicting brickwork;
  • furniture stapler;
  • stain;
  • polyurethane skirting boards;
  • putty;
  • fine sandpaper;
  • acrylic paint;
  • brush;
  • long lamp;
  • bath stones.
All this will really help magical transformation, because very soon instead of an unsightly radiator you will have an imitation fireplace.


Mark the location of the front part of the fireplace. Cut a rectangular hole in the center of the plywood.


Using a furniture stapler, attach a decorative panel to the center of the portal, trim it with a wooden layout, attaching these elements to a glue gun.


Paint furniture board stain, when it dries, attach it with self-tapping screws as a shelf on. Glue the polyurethane baseboard to where the plywood meets the floor and to the top. If they do not hold well here, then additionally secure them with self-tapping screws. You will cover these places with putty; when it dries, carefully go over it with fine sandpaper.

If it happens that there is no putty on the farm, you can replace it with sealant or liquid nails. After these soft materials have dried, you need to smooth the surface using sandpaper.



Now paint the fireplace portal with the first layer of white acrylic paint, when it dries, apply the second.


To simulate a fire, place a long lamp in the firebox so that you can plug it into an outlet. Nearby, closer to the viewer, you need to put stones for the bath. All that remains is to attach one more element - this is part of a decorative garden fence, in this case, it will serve as a metal lattice. In this case, you can even use a plastic fence, covering it with metallic or golden paint.

This is how unusual and very stylish a DIY battery decor can be.

This option is suitable for those who have a lot of heat in winter. It will not be cold in such a room, the radiator is closed, but warm air will escape through the rear side openings. But if the boiler room does not work at 100%, in the cold season without hot battery there is no way around it, then don’t close it almost completely, as in the option presented above. The following idea will suit you.

To implement it you will use:

  • drywall;
  • metallic profile;
  • self-tapping screws;
  • drywall knife;
  • putty;
  • acrylic paint white and golden;
  • sealant in a tube;
  • construction gun;
  • polyurethane skirting boards and glue for them.
Manufacturing instructions:
  1. As in the first case, cut a hole in the drywall sheet. Make a base from a metal profile, attach a plasterboard blank to it using self-tapping screws. From the same material, make a rectangular shelf that will become the top of the false fireplace.
  2. In this part you need to connect the front and top elements by gluing here polyurethane skirting boards in front and two small ones on the sides. These same parts need to be attached between the floor and the sheet of drywall below.
  3. Put the sealant in the construction gun, feel like a real sculptor, as now you will make various monograms on the top of the fireplace. If something doesn’t work out, remove the excess before the composition hardens. The end of the extruded strip will be straight if you simply trim it with scissors.
  4. Allow the sealant to dry thoroughly. Now paint the fireplace portal with white acrylic paint in two layers. When it dries, take a thin brush and use it to paint the monograms with golden paint. If you want to decorate the top of the fireplace, you can use a laminate board for this.
  5. Of course, the battery must also be painted in a suitable color.


By making a fireplace portal from plasterboard, you can show your imagination. The inner hole does not have to be cut rectangular; it can be of a slightly different shape.


If desired, you can not only decorate the battery, but at the same time turn this part of the room into comfortable table or a cat bed. After all, these animals love to take a nap in the warmth and lie on the windowsill.


To implement this radiator decoration option, take:
  • thick sheet of foam rubber;
  • thick fabric;
  • drywall;
  • polyurethane ceiling plinth;
  • drywall saw;
  • acrylic paints;
  • metallic profile;
  • self-tapping screws
Next follow these instructions:
  1. Assemble from a metal profile rectangular base, using self-tapping screws, attach it on the sides to the wall, on top to the window sill, and on the bottom to the floor.
  2. Now, again using self-tapping screws, you need to attach a sheet of drywall to this metal base, of course, you first need to cut out windows of this size or smaller ones in it. You need to glue the baseboard onto the top of the drywall, and then paint this decorative element with white acrylic paint.
  3. Cut a sheet of foam rubber to the size of the window sill and sew a cover of thick fabric on it. Insert a zipper on one side so that this part of the mattress can be removed and washed. You can also make rollers from foam rubber. To do this, you need to connect the small edges of the rectangle and roll it up. A pre-sewn cover is placed on top.
This area of ​​the room can also be turned into a table.


If you attach shelves made of wooden planks to the side, then you can store newspapers, magazines and other small things here.


Here's how, if you wish, you can decorate the battery, turning this not always attractive element into an object of your joy and pride.

If you want to see a few examples of converting a radiator and window sill into a sleeping place, bench, table, then watch the following video collection.

If you want to carefully study how to decoupage a battery, then the next review is especially for you.

How to beautifully close the battery in a room with your own hands? In this article I will share with you tips on how to do it correctly and beautifully. What are the options and which is the most suitable? We will consider all the materials for casing the battery and the tools required for this. I will tell you about the stages of work, what needs to be done. After reading this material, you can easily close your radiator, which will make the room even more beautiful and modern. The article also contains useful videos materials.

Very often, when completing renovations, people are faced with a situation where the appearance of the room is spoiled by a battery. However, many are afraid that closing it will lead to loss of heat in the house and therefore leave everything as it is.

However, there are technologies and materials that will help not only avoid heat loss, but also give the room completeness and beauty.

Selecting material for battery casing

Today, there are a wide variety of options and materials to Beautiful sew up the battery.

According to the features of the closing structure, experts identify the following: decorative finishing groups:

  • hinged screens with a lid. You can beautifully close cast iron batteries;
  • hanging screens without a cover. With their help it is also possible finishing cast iron batteries;
  • flat screens. They can be used to cover modern radiators. In such a situation, the radiator is located deep in the niche;
  • side box With its help, you can completely hide not only the heating device itself, but also the place where it is mounted.

Radiators can be finished with the following materials:

  • metal;
  • plastic;
  • glass;
  • tree;
  • drywall.

Because everything larger number Since people prefer to use drywall for repairs, it is also used quite often for covering batteries. Moreover, you can sew up the battery with plasterboard yourself.


Drywall in terms of finishing heating devices gained such popularity thanks to his advantages:

  • environmental friendliness of the material. Finishing interior space this material is completely safe;
  • plasterboard sheets have excellent physical and mechanical properties, so they can be used both in the room and in the bathroom or kitchen;
  • low price;
  • ease of installation. You can easily make a screen with your own hands;
  • the opportunity to realize any fantasies for interior decoration.

When working with drywall, the following options for closing radiators are possible:

  • box The fastest and easiest way. The finishing of the battery in this case exceeds its dimensions on each side by 12-29 cm;
  • building a plasterboard wall in front of a heating device. A more expensive and time-consuming method.

The choice of design designed to beautifully close the battery should be made based on your own capabilities and desires.

Tools and materials required for work

To do plasterboard box yourself, you must have the following tools with you:

  • building level;
  • drill with screwdriver attachment;
  • screws and dowels;
  • metal knife;
  • perforator;
  • pliers;
  • tape measure and pencil;
  • ruler-corner.

In addition, to beautifully close the radiator you will need the following materials:

  • plasterboard sheets. Can be used both ceiling and wall;
  • metal profiles having a U-shaped section;
  • putty.

Once the material and design option have been selected, the work itself should begin. First of all, you need to do the final preparation of the battery, which consists of painting it. Since after the finishing is completed, this procedure will be impossible to carry out.

When the paint has dried, you can begin marking. Let's consider this procedure using the example of a plasterboard box. To do this you need:

  • measure all parameters of the device. Measurement accuracy is up to a centimeter. The exception is for projects that require precision down to millimeters;
  • Since the box is small, its depth and width are determined by the dimensions of the radiator. Remember that you need to make a minimum distance of 10 cm from the edges of the device;
  • taking into account the position of the box, you need to draw a horizontal line;

Note! All markings should be made using a level. Otherwise, creating an even and correct structure will be very problematic.

  • if the box will stand on the floor in a room or kitchen, then you need to draw three lines: two on the sides (depth) and one that will connect them (the front edge of the structure);
  • A square should be placed on the bottom edge of the device and vertical lines should be drawn along the wall at right angles. They should be brought up using a level;
  • Above the battery, these lines must be connected with a horizontal segment.

If everything was done correctly, then at the end of the marking you will get a rectangle or square (depending on the length of the radiator). If the box will be on the floor, for example in the kitchen, then the markings on it should reflect its base.

When making a decision beautifully close radiator plasterboard wall in order to hide the pipe, markings are made in the following way:

  • The markings are drawn from the floor to the ceiling. Vertical lines are marked on the wall. The distance between them is half a meter or a whole meter. Don't forget to use a level;
  • The vertical line is extended to the floor using a corner. The distance between them depends on the planned distance from the battery;
  • similar markings are made on the wall. Lines are drawn strictly opposite to the floor lines and parallel to them;
  • then we draw two lines above and below the radiator. In this case, you need to retreat 10 cm;
  • Lines for the profile are also drawn on the right and left sides of the heating device.

Stages of installation work

Finishing the battery with plasterboard (or any other finishing material) with your own hands is possible only after finishing preparatory work. When the markings are ready, you can begin mounting the profile frame. To do this you need:

  • first you should attach the profiles, which should be located on the walls;
  • Marks are made in the wall with a screwdriver, and the required holes are drilled along the entire length of the profile using a hammer drill. Dowels are inserted into them;
  • The profiles are pressed to the holes and screwed with screws. Fasteners must be installed every 15-25 cm;
  • Then, by analogy, you should attach the guides that are adjacent to the wall;
  • after this you need to install the profiles into the depth of the structure. To do this, they should be cut into suitable lengths and attached to long guides that run vertically;
  • We connect the profiles at the top and bottom with long segments.

After creating the frame, you can begin attaching the material. Finishing with plasterboard sheets involves the following actions:

  • we apply the sheets to the profiles and make marks in the places of the cuts;
  • cut the sheets into the required pieces;
  • We attach them to the frame with screws. The interval between them should be 10-15 cm;
  • To create smooth and neat corners, you should use an aluminum corner and putty.

Upon completion of the installation work, the plasterboard box is ready for final finishing. It can be painted, wallpapered or tiled.

Installation of a plasterboard wall frame involves the use of longer profiles that will run vertically. In all other respects, installation work is carried out in a similar way.

You can sew up any heating device using drywall yourself. To do this, you just need to correctly mark and install. Thanks to this, your battery will be hidden from view, while it will continue to heat the room as before.

source: https://gipsportal.ru/montazh-i-svojstva/chem-zakryt-batareyu-v-komnate.html

Closing the gypsum board battery quickly and securely

Sewing a battery with plasterboard is actually as easy as shelling pears; a simple process will take 4 hours at most. By giving preference to gypsum boards, you get their main advantage. Drywall is an incredibly convenient material; it is easy to install and bends easily. Therefore, making a box of the desired shape for the radiator will not be difficult. Below is a simple method describing how to cover a battery with plasterboard.


You can cope with this task yourself, the main thing is to have the necessary tools and materials at hand, then the installation process will not take much time.

Preparatory work

So, in order to cover a radiator with plasterboard, you need to correctly mount the frame from the profile. To do this you will need the following Consumables:

  • metal profiles UD and CD (the differences between these profiles are that one of them is used as a guide, and the other as a stand);
  • dowels;
  • self-tapping screws;
  • screwdriver;
  • putty knife;
  • putty;
  • metal scissors;
  • decorative lattice;
  • level;
  • roulette;
  • pencil;
  • directly the gypsum board itself.

You can use a wall sheet of plasterboard or use the ceiling sheet left after renovation, it all depends on the size of the structure itself, as well as on your personal preference.


Stages of work performed

Structure of a plasterboard sheet:

  1. First, make markings on the floor, so you will determine the location of the UD profile. You will need to step back 40 mm from the wall, because the thickness of the plasterboard is 12.5 mm, and the width of the profile is 27 mm.
  2. According to the markings, it is necessary to sew a guide profile along the entire perimeter of the opening, this way we will get a finished frame for the future design. Professionals advise fastening with self-tapping screws and dowels, maintaining an interval of 15 cm.
  3. CD profiles are vertically inserted into the frame on both sides of the radiator, which must first be cut with metal scissors in accordance with the required height from the floor to the window sill. Make sure that the profiles are located strictly at the specified level. Fastening to the frame is best done with self-tapping screws of the “seed” type.
  4. If the distance from the installed CD type profiles exceeds the distance to the wall by more than 60 cm, then you will need to install additional vertical guides.
  5. Next, you will need to install guide profiles horizontally above and below the batteries. This way you will have a finished frame around the entire perimeter of the radiator, which can be safely sheathed with plasterboard.
  6. After the frame is completely covered with gypsum plasterboard sheathing, feel free to proceed to the final stage of installation work - puttying and painting the surface.
  7. Install a decorative grille that masks the radiator.

Helpful tips when working with drywall:

  1. When purchasing gypsum boards in a store, it is best to choose waterproof drywall. Remember that you have to finish the area in the apartment that is most at risk of flooding.
  2. If after the repair you have a sufficient number of wooden slats left, they can become a worthy replacement for a metal profile during installation of the frame.
  3. Do not under any circumstances allow the window sill board to protrude from under plasterboard construction, otherwise this may lead to disruption of air convection, that is, to blowing warm air and to unpleasant appearance condensation on the windows. Moreover, if the window sill board overlaps the battery by more than 50%, this leads to an increase in the likelihood of condensation on the windows.
  4. Material for decoration heating radiators can be more than just a decorative grille. Here everything depends on the personal preferences of the owners themselves. For example, in addition to the well-known wooden fences, metal structures made of chrome and of stainless steel. These designs are perfect for a high-tech interior.
  5. If you want the drywall seams not to be noticeable, then chamfer along the entire edge of the gypsum board being installed. Their size will depend on the way you putty the seams. If you use reinforcing tape, then the chamfer is removed at an angle of 45 degrees. If you plan to putty without using serpyanka, then the chamfer angle is 20-25 degrees. A special edge plane will help you easily remove the chamfer.
  6. Before you start puttingty, use a primer; it will allow you to get better adhesion between the gypsum board and the putty mixture. Do not forget also about the places where the screws were screwed in and the corners.

And choosing paint for finishing finished design, it is also best to purchase heat-resistant. Since the heating season is long, paints may lose their brightness or, even worse, crack.

source: //www.vashgipsokarton.ru/konstrukcii/zashit-batareyu.html

Many, during repairs, strive to beautifully cover the battery with plasterboard. This is primarily due to the unaesthetic appearance of the batteries. It is very difficult to come up with and implement a successful design solution that could make the part of the room in which this element is located attractive. That is why owners are increasingly deciding to cover the radiator with plasterboard. This solution obscures the radiator from view and does not harm the heating system in any way.

In order to cover the battery with plasterboard, you will have to build a special plasterboard box. Anyone can make a plasterboard box for a battery on their own. This solution will not only cover unsightly heating pipes, but will also decorate the room if you choose the right design.

What will be required during the work process?

In order to create a box for a plasterboard battery, you will need the following:

  • Screwdriver;
  • Hammer drill (as well as a six-centimeter drill);
  • Scissors cutting metal;
  • Roulette;
  • Level;
  • Pencil;
  • Stapler;
  • Knife (stationery and preferably with replaceable blades).

How to sew up a battery with plasterboard without materials? That's right, no way! You will need the following:

  • Twelve-millimeter plasterboard sheets;
  • Metal profiles;
  • Serpyanka;
  • Perforated corner;
  • Self-tapping screws for metal;
  • Self-tapping screws for drywall;
  • Dowels.

And also, you probably want to decorate the structure after hanging the battery on the drywall. For decoration, of course, additional materials will be required.

Let's get started

The first condition for installing a plasterboard box is that the window sill should be three centimeters or more away from the battery. If the distance is too small, the window sill will have to be repositioned to achieve the desired distance. If this becomes necessary, cut out the window sill the right size, insert it under the window frame and fill it with foam from the base to the window sill. Place a weight on top for three hours. After this, you can begin installing the box.


Wall marking

Before proceeding with installation, it is necessary to carry out preliminary markings. It is worth remembering that a plasterboard box is a small structure and should not occupy half the room. Its parameters depend only on how large your battery is installed. Minimum distance from the edge of the battery to the edge of the box should not exceed ten centimeters. This is the shortest distance that allows you to install a removable screen on the front of the box.

What is markup for? Many people do without it, however, the markings will allow you to more accurately install the frame. Drawing markup is divided into three main stages:

  1. Draw a horizontal line starting from the position of the future structure. If the bottom of the box does not reach the floor, retreat the required distance and use a level to draw this line. If the bottom of the box is in contact with the floor, then you will need to draw three lines. Two of them will be located on the sides and indicate the depth. The third connects the first two and points to the edge of the structure.
  2. Using a square, draw vertical lines on the wall. Place the tool on the bottom edge and draw lines along the wall at right angles. To bring the lines to the required size, you will have to use a level.
  3. Draw a horizontal line that will connect the vertical lines. You need to run this section directly above the battery along the wall.

After finishing the marking, you will see that you have formed a square or rectangle, depending on what shape your battery. If the structure touches the floor, then you need to draw the base of the box.


Installation

After the necessary preparatory work, you need to start creating a frame from metal profiles. You need to install profiles on the wall, floor and window sill. To secure the profile, press it against the wall with your hand and use a hammer drill to drill a hole in the profile and in the wall at the same time. You need to install a dowel in the resulting hole and secure the structure with a screwdriver.

You also need to install a profile under the window sill, but now you will have to use metal screws. The length of each screw should not exceed the thickness of the window sill. When you have installed the profile to the base and under the window sill, install the jumpers.

As a rule, by covering the battery with plasterboard, a screen is installed - a kind of decorative grille. Decide where the future screen will be placed and frame it with a size slightly smaller than the lattice parameters.

After finishing work with the frame, you can proceed directly to plasterboard covering. Drywall is a material that is very easy to process. And in such work, this parameter is simply necessary. Ordinary stationery knife enough to cut a plasterboard sheet and cut out a shape of the desired size. This is done quite easily, but after cutting there is a lot of dust left. Therefore, you should not cut plasterboard sheets next to expensive furniture.

Drywall pieces can only be screwed to the structure with a screwdriver and nothing else. Theoretically, you can do without a screwdriver if you put a Phillips bit on the drill. However, this is terribly inconvenient, so if you do not have a screwdriver, it is recommended that you purchase one before starting to work with drywall. Even after the renovation is completed, it is unlikely to be found master, which will not need a good unit, so you don’t have to spare money on tools.

After you finish the box itself, you need to start installing the perforated corners. Secure them at the corners of the structure. There are two ways to make the mount. You can simply attach the corners with a stapler, or you can directly glue them using gypsum plaster. Which method suits you best, decide for yourself.

You will find that there are many seams left on the structure, which will significantly interfere with further design processing of the box. Apply sickle tape to each seam and then use gypsum plaster again to seal the seams.

After this, you can begin to design the box. But before you begin this step, you need to do some preparation. The entire plasterboard box must be puttied, treated with sandpaper and a deep penetration primer.

Decor

Plasterboard sheets form a surface that is very easy to finish with any material. They are smooth, which allows you to glue wallpaper or paint the box without any problems. Simple painting- This is the most popular method of finishing plasterboard boxes.


Often two or more colors are used for painting. The choice of paint completely depends on the interior and design of the rest of the room. It is extremely important that the box does not stand out from the overall style.

Various patterns applied on top of already painted drywall look very interesting. It all depends only on your imagination. If you wish, you can even disguise the battery as a cabinet.

Even if you have not found any original design solutions that could beautifully fit the plasterboard box into the interior of the room, you can always simply hide the structure by connecting it to the window sill. The box will simply look like part of a solid wall, not standing out at all.

How to cover radiators so that they fit perfectly into the overall design of the rooms and do not spoil their design? But with this calculation, of course, to avoid significant losses in the efficiency of radiators? This question arises quite often when completing renovations of an apartment or house. If cast iron radiators of an old model are installed in the heating system, but there is no desire to change them, since they function perfectly, then they can be disguised with decorative screens or grilles.

These devices, we repeat, must be made in such a way that they do not interfere with the flow of heat into the room. Therefore, if you plan to make them yourself, you need to carefully consider the design. Besides, similar products You can order them at a furniture workshop, taking measurements from the place where they are installed, or you can immediately purchase them ready-made in specialized stores.

It should be noted that you can choose a model of protective and decorative screen that will not only mask the unsightly appearance of cast iron products, but will even increase the circulation of warm air from the radiators towards the room.

To choose the right screen model, you need to understand the operating principle of heating radiators and some of the patterns of transfer of thermal energy into the room.

Operating principles of heating radiators

The heating radiator, heated by the coolant passing through it, releases heat into the room in two ways. The first is natural convection of heated air. The second is thermal infrared radiation that comes from the surfaces of the heating device.

Thus, the familiar MS-140 cast iron radiators heat the room with convection currents when not high temperatures ah coolant, that is, when it is still slightly cold outside. When will the system be launched? maximum temperature heating is 70 degrees and above, then the heat entering the room occurs to a greater extent due to direct thermal radiation from the surfaces of the radiators.

Efficiently working decorative screen

In order to select or make a screen that will minimally reduce infrared radiation and will not slow down (and sometimes even improve or activate) the circulation of heated air, it is necessary to take into account some nuances:

  • Although the design shown in the first illustration looks aesthetically pleasing and is generally functional, it will not allow heated air to flow freely into the room. The wooden grille almost completely blocks access to the heat emanating from the radiators. The upper part of the radiator is also closed, and if it does not have special aerodynamic guides, then the convection of warm air will be extremely difficult.

  • This version of the design covering the radiator is more acceptable, since there are sufficiently large gaps between the trim strips - this will allow direct thermal radiation to freely enter the room. However, it is unsuccessful in that the top and bottom of the grille are closed, which will impede the circulation of air masses. A wide window sill may be convenient for use as a shelf, but it does not create a warm air curtain, which should block cold air flows from the window.

  • This grille-screen model can be called a very good option, since the facade panel has many gaps through which the heat emanating from the surfaces of the radiator sections can pass (it would not be advisable to have a more sparse weave). The horizontal upper part of the structure is a frame that will not become an obstacle to circulating air flows. There are no barriers at all to the entry of cooled air from below. In addition, the bottom façade panel can be raised when cleaning.

  • Another model of a decorative screen that is suitable for masking any battery. The product is made in the form of an openwork mesh, so it looks light, almost weightless, but at the same time, the panel reliably hides the radiator located behind it. Thanks to the mesh structure of the façade and top panels, the heated air will not encounter obstacles to both direct heat input and the circulation process.

An effective device that can be used to complement the screen design is an aerodynamic visor. This element, installed under the window sill at an angle, will direct the rising hot air towards the room, preventing it from accumulating under the plane of the window sill. Such a visor should run along the entire length of the radiator.

But that's not all. It is recommended to supplement the design with another device - a heat injector. These are two more guide plates curved towards the room along the entire length of the radiator, installed on top along the boundaries of the space between the battery and the decorative screen. This does not interfere with the operation of normal convection flow when the coolant temperatures in the heating system are low. But when the heat is high, it collects all the heat that accumulates between the radiator and the screen, and redirects it into the room with a powerful air flow, creating a kind of thermal curtain. The efficiency of the heat exchange device increases significantly, and thereby largely compensates for the losses arising due to existing obstacles to direct thermal radiation.

The diagram below shows a screen, complemented by an aerodynamic visor, mounted on a radiator, as well as the heated air flows emanating from it:

  • A - heat-reflecting foil screen thermal insulation material, mounted on the wall.
  • B - aerodynamic curved canopy, installed under the window sill from its edge to the wall at an angle.
  • B - two heat injector blades, fixed in the upper part inside the decorative screen, creating a tapering nozzle in the space between the radiator and the outer casing (screen).
  • G - elements of the lattice front part of the decorative screen.

Thermal direct radiation is shown in the diagram with red dotted lines (item 3), ending with arrows. It is clearly visible that those of them that were initially directed towards the wall are reflected from the foil screen and redirected towards the room. They also heat the decorative panel, which, in turn, also becomes a source of thermal radiation.

Blue arrows show the direction of cooled air (item 1) entering the radiator from below, which then heats up and rises upward, again heading into the room (brown arrows, item 2), which is facilitated by the aerodynamic visor and heat injector.

Types of decorative screens by material and design

Decorative screens for heating radiators are divided according to two criteria - these are design features and material of manufacture. Before moving on to their consideration, it is necessary to note two more important factors that you need to pay attention to when choosing these products:

  • In winter, when radiators heat up to high temperatures, strong convection currents are created. That is, cold currents tend to the radiators along the floor, pushed by warm air, carrying dust with them. Dust particles will inevitably settle not only on the radiators themselves, but also on the surface of the screen or grille. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a product from a material that is easy to wet clean.
  • Apart from decorative? The screens also have a protective function, since it covers the radiator fins, reducing the risk of traumatic situations. This is especially important to take into account when choosing the material for making panels if small children live in the house, and cast iron radiators with their characteristic angular shapes are installed in the system.

Design features of decorative screens

Decorative masking panels are divided according to the method of attaching them to radiators. Today there are box-type screens and wall-mounted products.

  • Box screens are made in the form of a lattice enclosed in a frame. This type of product is used when it is necessary to hide the unsightly appearance of the radiator, and sometimes even the heating circuit pipes. The boxes are lined up along the entire window sill or cover only the radiator.

Quite often the masking box is turned into a continuation of the window sill or even into desk or a cabinet. However, as mentioned above, such designs significantly reduce the flow of heat into the room.

  • Hinged lattice screens can be equipped with an upper horizontal panel with a decorative lattice installed in it, or consist only of a facade part.

The first ones are used to disguise batteries installed in a niche or areas not covered by a window sill. These screen options are hung directly on the radiator sections.

Mounted screen models are installed on radiators installed in any way, that is, both in a niche or under a window sill, and on devices protruding from the wall.

  • Flat screens mounted on the wall are most often installed on radiators that are not covered by a window sill, but can be used to cover radiators installed in a niche.

If this option is planned to be used to disguise batteries recessed into the wall, then it is necessary to leave gaps in the upper and lower parts of the niche for the free circulation of heated air masses.

By the way, many people prefer solid facade screens for the reason that they best hide the “unflattering” appearance of the batteries. One can argue with this - a neat grille, especially one that has a certain “pattern”, even with a fairly large vacuum, attracts the eye, and the sections shining through it become almost invisible. But at the same time, the efficiency of direct thermal radiation is incomparably higher.

Types of screens by material of manufacture

Both screens and grilles are made from different materials. To decide on the choice of products according to this criterion, you need to consider them characteristics. It is especially important to consider temperature regime, in which the heating system operates in winter, as well as the resistance of the material to thermal loads and its environmental friendliness.

  • Metal grating screens - this is a perforated sheet of metal without a frame or fixed in a metal frame, and having a protective and decorative enamel coating. Such screens are made using stamping technology. They may simply have geometrically correctly located holes (slots), or the perforation may even create one or another simple pattern.

Such grilles do not completely cover the radiators, allowing air flows to circulate freely throughout the room. The screens look quite neat and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the product meets environmental standards, and the manufacturing material is resistant to high temperatures that may arise during operation, warms up well and itself becomes a source of thermal radiation.

The enamel coating is applied to the surfaces of metal gratings using the powder coating method. Therefore, the metal is not exposed to corrosion, and the “fresh” color is preserved for a long time without fading.

Metal versions of screens are produced both in a hinged version and in the form of boxes.

In addition, this type of screen will well protect the child from serious injuries if he accidentally falls near a cast iron battery.

The screens are easy to install at the site of operation and are durable. According to the design, the product can be selected to suit any interior style. If desired or if changed color range Interior metal grilles can be easily repainted in the desired shade.

Metal screen grilles have a relatively affordable price, despite their excellent characteristics.

It should be noted that panels can be manufactured to individual orders according to specific dimensions provided by the customer, as well as taking into account the specific configuration and location of radiators.

Prices for decorative metal screen

decorative metal screen for radiators

  • Screen-grids made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) . This version of the panels is made entirely of plastic or in a combined version, in combination with natural or artificial rattan. In such PVC panels, a frame is made in which a rattan mesh is fixed. Plastic can have a coating that imitates various materials - it can be various types of wood, stone, metallic or fabric weaving.

PVC has lower thermal conductivity than metal, which is why it is combined with natural rattan, which conducts heat well.

Polyvinyl chloride is resistant to fairly high temperatures and can be easily cleaned from dust using a vacuum cleaner or wet cleaning. The material does not emit toxic fumes and will provide good protection against injury for a small child.

The screens have a fairly aesthetic appearance and can be matched to any interior design.

The cost of PVC products is more affordable than metal panels, but in terms of service life they are significantly inferior to the latter.

  • Wooden screens for radiators . Wood has always been ideal material for residential interiors, as it can bring them an atmosphere of comfort and coziness. Treated and sanded wood, coated with a tinting compound, will be a harmonious addition to interiors designed in different styles, since the grille can have any relief patterns.

After tinting, wooden screens are covered with several layers of water-based varnish, or painted with special heat-resistant paints. The coating not only gives the products a noble appearance, but also protects the wood from a combination of moisture and elevated temperatures, that is, it preserves it from deformation.

If wooden screens are intended to be installed on radiators operating on the convection principle, then the top of the radiator must remain open. To do this, the panel installed horizontally on top should, like the front one, be lattice-based, since small slotted holes for a full-fledged process may not be enough to fully transfer heat from the radiator.

Wood is often combined with a mesh woven from thin rattan (rattan palm stems). This option transfers heat from radiators into the room much more efficiently than just a wooden grille. In such models, a rigid frame is made of wood, on which rattan weaving is stretched. This combination of materials gives the product a particularly aesthetic appearance. Rattan and wood, as well as those used for their decorative processing compositions are environmentally friendly clean materials that do not emit toxic fumes.

Sometimes MDF is used instead of wood to make frames, which is almost impossible to distinguish from natural material. However, you need to know that in the production of MDF they use adhesive compositions which may contain formaldehyde. When heated, fumes of this substance, which is toxic, will enter the premises. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase this option for installation in residential premises, and even more so in bedrooms or children's rooms.

It is recommended to periodically clean wooden screens and screens combined with rattan using a vacuum cleaner.

Disadvantage (conditional) wooden products their high cost may be considered, especially in cases where they are made to an exclusive order. In many ways, the price of such gratings will depend on the type of wood used and the complexity of the planned project.

  • Glass decorative screens . Many are afraid to install products made from this material as panels decorating radiators. But such fears are in vain, since the screens are made from special high-strength tempered glass with a thickness of 6–8 mm. And breaking it even intentionally is quite easy.

Glass screens for radiators are made in the form of flat panels with drilled holes for fastenings. They are fixed only on the wall or on the wall and floor using racks, which themselves are also an element of the screen’s decor.

Glass screens completely cover the front part of the radiators, but the top and bottom of the heating device remain open, which allows convection air flows to circulate freely. Therefore, this type of panel will be an ideal option for radiators operating on the principle of convection heating. But if they are used to cover conventional radiators, similar panels will very significantly inhibit direct thermal radiation.

Products made from glass have many advantages, which include the following:

- affordable cost - they have a lower price than wooden options screens and grilles;

— it is quite possible to install the panel yourself, since all the necessary fasteners for installation are included in the kit;

- decorativeness and variety of design of products - they can be matte, plain in various colors, with thematic and floral designs and photo collages;

- opportunity to do individual order by applying a specific design or photograph to a special film using thermal printing, which is then fixed to the panel;

— safety in operation and care of products;

— environmentally friendly materials;

- heat resistance.

But for safety reasons, it is hardly worth installing such glass screens in a nursery, where children can be very active. active games. The glass is unlikely to break, but the end sides of such a screen still pose an increased risk of serious injury.

You may be interested in information about what characteristics have

* * * * * * *

So, a lot when choosing screens depends on the type of radiators, the style of the interior, as well as the financial capabilities of the homeowner.

However, no matter which option is chosen, decorative screens will perfectly disguise the unsightly appearance of cast-iron batteries of old models, protect them from dust and dirt, as well as grease deposits if the battery is installed in a kitchen area. In addition, the panels will reduce the risk of injury to children who may accidentally hit themselves or get burned when the batteries become very hot.

The above information will be good help when purchasing decorative screens or grilles, since it highlighted all the main aspects that you need to pay attention to when choosing a product from a particular material.

Video: screen options for radiators from the Premier Profile company

APPENDIX: Calculation of radiators for a room, taking into account the features of their connection and location

We must assume that since a site visitor is reading this article, he will be interested in calculating the required power of the heating radiator (number of sections - for collapsible models). Moreover, the final value also depends on the presence and type of decorative screen.

You may be interested in information about how it is produced

The required power of a heat exchange device installed in a room depends not only on the area of ​​the room, but also on a number of other criteria. All this is taken into account in the calculator presented to the reader.

Below are some explanations on how to carry out the calculation.

Heating radiators cannot always serve as interior decoration. Therefore, they have to be hidden, decorated with all possible ways. Let's try to figure out how to do this beautifully and correctly.

Features and Requirements

Decorating heating radiators is not as simple a task as it might seem at first glance. It is necessary not only to hide the unsightly radiator, but also to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. Obviously, closed batteries provide much less heat, and access to them becomes difficult.

In order to properly close the radiators and not reduce heat transfer (or at least reduce it slightly), you need to understand how radiators heat the room and on what principle they work. And choose the decor so that it represents minimal interference when the batteries perform their functions.

Removable or attached screens that do not have solid fastenings are well suited for this. This is necessary so that the radiator can be accessed at any time. Such a need may arise unexpectedly, and if the battery is mounted into a wall, a plasterboard box, or covered with a screen “tightly” attached to the wall, the structure will have to be broken. It will not be possible to dismantle it without damage.

Another important criterion when choosing decor is how much it will affect heat transfer. Heating of the room occurs due to the release infrared radiation(it heats objects) and convection (it heats the air directly).

Solid screens, devoid of gaps at the bottom and top, will become a serious obstacle for both the first and the second. The best option would be perforated, carved or lamella screens that do not cover the battery either from above or from below. Or closing slightly.

In order for the air to warm up evenly, it must be able to freely enter from the bottom of the battery, pass through it and exit from the top already warm. A tightly “sealed” radiator does not give it this opportunity, which is why the temperature drops. As for IR radiation, it simply cannot pass through a solid, impenetrable screen, which provides almost one hundred percent thermal insulation of the battery.

Recently, you can see that batteries are often covered with glass screens with photo printing. Of course, such a solution has high decorative properties However, the temperature in a room equipped with such decor drops significantly.

The optimal solution for any interior would be a wooden perforated or carved screen. The main thing is that it has as little continuous surface as possible and as many holes as possible to allow air to circulate freely. In addition to the fact that wood fits harmoniously into almost any interior style, it is also necessary to highlight its environmental friendliness. When heated, it will not release any harmful substances. On the contrary, when exposed to heat, wood releases essential oils, which have a positive effect on human health (of course, we are talking about natural wood).

Economical ways

To hide old heating batteries, it is not at all necessary to use expensive materials and designs. There are many budget-friendly ways to close unsightly radiators while maintaining high heat transfer rates and easy access to the system.

These methods include:

  1. Coloring. Even old, Soviet models of batteries can be turned into a stylish element of the interior by painting them to match the walls or, conversely, in a contrasting color. The costs are minimal, and the benefits are obvious: the opportunity remains quick access to the radiator, convection is not hampered in any way, it remains in the room comfortable temperature. Such radiators will fit into any interior, from modern loft to classic, the main thing is to choose the right color.
  2. Textile. The simplest thing is to cover the radiators with curtains that go down to the floor. The main thing is to ensure that there is no possibility of the fabric catching fire from too hot batteries. Or - if the option with curtains is not entirely acceptable - you can pull it over wooden frame fabric that harmonizes in color with all other textiles in the room, and cover the radiators with this screen. Air easily passes through the fabric; it does not present any obstacle to this, which means that heat transfer will not decrease.
  3. The use of materials such as plastic, MDF panels, and drywall will also be inexpensive. However, they also have a significant drawback - a decrease in heat in the room. And from the point of view of environmental friendliness, these materials leave much to be desired. The same plastic, for example, is better used in the bathroom to turn off the tap, in the kitchen, that is, in rooms with high humidity, where the same wood, the same metal will quickly become unusable due to external factors. Boxes made of MDF panels or plasterboard have good thermal insulation properties, which in this case is completely unnecessary. And it will be difficult to get close to the system.

Of course, low cost is a significant advantage of the material, and for many it is decisive. However, we should not forget that its main function is to provide not only the aesthetic appeal of the heating system, but also warmth in the apartment. Therefore, you should not focus solely on price.

They have a good combination of accessibility, aesthetics, environmental friendliness and the ability to transmit heat. wooden structures. A simple lattice made of narrow slats, which are sold in any hardware store, can effectively hide radiators and will not interfere with their normal operation. In addition, such a solution will look natural in any interior. It is not for nothing that wood has been used since ancient times to decorate houses. Its unique natural aesthetics, the warmth and comfort that it brings to the home are still appreciated and in demand.

If you choose a metal sheet - copper or aluminum - as a background for a carved wooden panel, this solution will bring double benefits. Wood will take on a decorative function, and thanks to metal, the temperature in the room will not only not drop due to closed battery, but may even increase.

Popular solutions

Currently, there are many ways to hide old cast iron radiators under the window. Screens from a wide variety of materials, niches, painting, mounting into the wall - options for every taste. But if decorating heating radiators in a living room, bedroom or nursery is quite simple - just choose a solution that will harmonize with the overall style of the interior - then in rooms with characteristic conditions (for example, in the kitchen, bathroom) this is more difficult to do.

For these rooms it is necessary to select a material that will withstand and high humidity , and temperature changes, and possible exposure to steam, chemical substances. And with all this it will be non-toxic. The best option would be to paint the radiators to match the walls or in a contrasting color. This method of decorating pipes is the most common in bathrooms.

As for the other rooms of the house, everything depends solely on the imagination and budget of the owners. But the basic requirements for radiator screens must be met in any case. After all, their main task is to hide unsightly heating elements without compromising heat transfer. Therefore, any screen must provide free air circulation and IR radiation. At least create minor obstacles to this.

The now popular glass screens, of course, are highly decorative, look great in the interior, but they significantly reduce heat transfer, which means they help lower the temperature in the room. This decor can be used if heating is carried out in some other way, for example, using heated floors.

Quite often you can find such a solution - radiators are mounted inside the wall, and a small window (or two) is left behind a grill for the passage of heat. Not only does the temperature in the room drop significantly in this case, but also access to the system becomes almost impossible - to do this you will have to break the wall in the literal sense of the word.

The same applies to boxes made of plasterboard, plywood, MDF, chipboard and other similar materials. Reduced heat transfer, difficult access to the system versus decorativeness. Everyone makes a choice for themselves.

Screens made of metal – copper or aluminum – are now gaining popularity. Such models not only will not lower, but may even increase the temperature in the room. Heated by the radiator, such screens themselves act as a battery and additionally heat the room.

If the room is covered with wallpaper, the heating elements can be decorated using leftovers. By cutting them into strips and gluing them onto radiators (with heat-resistant glue, of course), you can minimum costs get beautiful element decor that will harmoniously fit into the interior.

In a children's room, you can generally give free rein to your imagination, or you can involve the inhabitants of the room in the process. Children will happily take on the task of decorating their own home and will tell you how they would like to decorate the radiators. Favorite cartoons, fairy tales, your own imagination, in which the room is not a room at all, but a ship, a tank or a racing car. All this can be used when decorating radiators.

To decorate old heating radiators, you don’t have to spend a large number of funds, effort and time. You can simply paint them. Freshly painted batteries will look good in a modern interior, such as a loft, or in a classic or soft pastel room. The main thing is to choose the right color.

The same loft - industrial style, and its color scheme is appropriate. The most commonly used is black or White color. One of them can be used to color batteries. Elements painted in a contrasting color - black on white or white on a black background - will look especially impressive.

This is unlikely to be suitable for more prosaic, calm interiors - after all, it still emphasizes the heating system, highlights it, and does not hide it. In an industrial loft this is what you need. But, for example, in classic interior it would be inappropriate. Here it is better to paint the batteries to match the walls so that they blend into the background.

Heating radiators can be decorated with paintings. Such elements will look good in a nursery and will emphasize the dynamic, active, unusual atmosphere inherent in this room.

In the bathroom, you can put the pipes in a plastic box. It would be irrational to use wood or metal in this room - the materials will quickly become unusable, and the design will have to be changed. And plastic can easily withstand the high humidity of this room. However, plastic is not suitable for the kitchen; here it is better to give preference to traditional materials.

The decor of a heating system implies not only the camouflage of its elements, but also the possibility of easy and quick access to any of its components. This is one of the most important selection criteria that must be followed when choosing the design of radiators.

Another important factor is heat transfer. But here you can resort to a little trick. A foil foam insulator hung on the wall behind the radiator will reduce heat loss by twenty times.

But it must be attached to the wall, and not just put the battery. In this case, a distance of at least two to three centimeters should remain between it and the piece of insulator.

It is not advisable to cover the elements of the heating system with boxes, hide them in niches or mount them in walls. If another option is not possible, it is necessary to provide the box with a door to ensure the fastest and easiest access to the system at any time.

Modern industry produces heating radiators that are significantly different from Soviet models, which everyone is so eager to hide or change. These are not only strictly geometric white radiators. These can be models of almost any shape and size. Such batteries do not have to be hidden or covered; on the contrary, it is customary to put them on public display, hang them in the center of the wall and show them to guests as a bright, unusual accent.

Modern radiators are a spectacular decorative element that is attractive in itself. Even simple white models have their own aesthetics. They don't have to be hidden at all. They will cope perfectly with the role of discreet, but stylish elements decorations that also perform a practical function - they heat the room.

Examples in the interior

To decorate or hide radiators in a room beautifully so that they are not a “fly in the ointment” and do not spoil the entire appearance of the room, not so difficult task. Modern materials allow us to solve this issue with minimal costs.

Vertical, horizontal, sectional, copper, cast iron - the modern market offers a wide variety of radiators for every taste.

A battery with a bright, cheerful color, such as yellow, will look good in a children's room - it has a positive effect on nervous system And emotional state person.

New models, unusual for the eyes - vertical radiators. They are located vertically on the wall and can occupy the entire height from floor to ceiling. This element looks quite stylish and does an excellent job of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room.

A heating radiator that fits beautifully into a new interior is a rarity. Batteries, especially old cast iron ones, stand out sharply against the background of fresh wallpaper and look ridiculous in a room if its design is not made in a retro style. Think about how and what to close heating batteries, it is necessary at the stage of planning the repair, and not after its completion, when some work can no longer be carried out.

Installation of new radiators

Owners of apartments in old buildings are most often faced with the fact that the rooms have installed cast iron batteries. For efficient heat transfer, such a device is better. However, over the years of operation during the Soviet era, in conditions of shortage of materials of any kind, the only manipulations that were performed on the radiators were painting. Turning a monster covered in many layers of peeling paint into something decent is extremely difficult. In addition, at cast iron radiators not provided Ball Valves, which allow you to turn off the radiators if it is hot in the apartment.

The easiest way is to replace the radiator for a modern model and immediately install shut-off valves, which can be used to reduce the temperature in the room and shut off the water for repairs.

For the new radiator to work effectively, during installation you need calculate accurately place of its attachment:

  • The heating radiator must be placed strictly in the middle of the window opening.
  • The distance from the floor to the bottom edge of the battery should be within the range of 8–14 cm.
  • The radiator should hang 10–12 cm below the window sill.
  • The gap between the wall and back wall should not be less than 3 and more than 5 cm.

If these rules are followed, heat transfer will be maximum.

It's hot in the apartment

Complaints about heat in the apartment quite rare. Usually the temperature of radiators is regulated by shut-off valves, but they are not always installed. Therefore, if you need to reduce the heat transfer of a battery without taps, this can be done in several ways:

  • A budget option is to cover the battery with a thick cloth or blanket. This method allows you to solve the problem of “overheating” here and now, until a special screen for the radiator is purchased.
  • Another “quick” option to reduce the temperature is to cover the radiator with a shield made from a tabletop or board.
  • A more expensive option is reflective insulation. As a rule, this is foil on a backing made of gas-foamed polyethylene foam, which is used to cover or wrap sections of a radiator that is too hot.
  • If you want it to be not only cool, but also beautiful, the battery needs to be packed in a box made of wood, metal or plasterboard. The construction of the box will require not only financial costs, but also time.

If the room is cold

Much more often people complain that There is not enough heat from the radiators to warm up the room. To make the radiators warmer in the apartment, you can also use reflective thermal insulation, only in this case it must be mounted on the wall behind the radiator and on the floor under it. Other methods are more complex:

  • It is advisable to install it on the battery Mayevsky crane, which allows you to release air accumulated during the start of the heating season and when filling the radiator with water.
  • Careful removal of dust and dirt will improve heat distribution. You need to clean not only on the outer and upper sides of the radiator, but also in the space between the sections.
  • In the battery itself, in addition to air, there may be dirt accumulate and rust. To clean the batteries you need to call a technician.

Ways to disguise radiators

If the temperature in the apartment is completely satisfactory, but you are only concerned about the appearance of the batteries, then you can use one of the decorating methods. The main thing is not to harm the heat transfer process and observe several important points:

  • The radiator may require repair or replacement, so you need to think through the decorative design so that in the event of an accident the battery can be easily removed. Plumbers who regularly encounter problems with heating devices generally recommend using only attached screens that simply slide to the side.
  • The main threat from a radiator is a possible leak at the junction with the heating pipes. Therefore the second important nuance- accessibility of connection nodes, which can be ensured by providing a plastic door in box designs.

Using wallpaper

Typical heating radiators are painted white and look good only against white walls. If the walls are dark in color but without a pattern, the radiators can simply be repainted. Only heat-resistant paint can be used.

Drawing on the walls complicates the task. Using a stencil and paint, it’s easy to duplicate a simple pattern on a battery. If the pattern is complex, you can cut pieces from the leftover wallpaper that match the size of the sections and stick them on the radiator.

A special way to decorate a battery is decoupage. Craft materials stores sell vinyl based stickers, which do not deform under the influence of temperature. For decoupage, you can use not only ready-made patterns, but also create your own from scrap materials: fabric, paper, hot melt glue and even beads.

Fabric screen

Women with good sewing skills often make their own fabric radiator covers.

An alternative way to decorate is to create a special curtain for the battery. They are made of loose fabric and attached to the wall or window sill using textile Velcro. Most often, a fabric screen is made from the same material as curtains.

The undoubted advantage of such screens: minimal impact for heat transfer and basic care - the curtain for the battery, which has collected all the dust, can be effortlessly cleaned when washed in a regular washing machine.

Mounted and attached structures

For lovers of ready-made solutions, construction and furniture stores offer screens made of various materials. The variety of choices allows you to choose a design that will fit perfectly into any interior. The most popular screens are made of metal and wood:

  • Metal decorative screens are made from stainless steel. Chrome structures fit well into a stylish high-tech interior. The main advantage of metal decor is high thermal conductivity, easy maintenance and wear resistance.
  • Wooden screens are suitable for interiors in American or Scandinavian style. Most often, wooden screens are made in the form of a large-mesh lattice, which does not interfere with the normal convection of the battery.
  • Screen from decorative glass looks very elegant, and the design itself takes on airy lightness. But decorating with solid glass reduces heat transfer by almost half; a more effective way is to use a screen made of several glass panels.
  • Drywall screens are also very common because you can make them yourself. It must be remembered that the thermal conductivity of drywall is very low, and the material itself begins to deteriorate under the influence of high temperatures. Therefore, it is better to choose fire-resistant drywall and treat the sheets with a primer or PVA glue.

Masking boxes

More difficult to perform decor option- a box covering the radiator on all sides.

Most often, boxes are made from the following materials:

  • Heat-resistant plasterboard - inexpensive material, which at the final stage is painted, covered with wallpaper or film, decorated with decorative elements and even stucco.
  • MDF panels are also inexpensive and successfully imitate rare wood species. The panels are selected to match the color of the main furniture.
  • Plywood, like drywall, is very often used when making boxes yourself, and on final stage decorated with various materials.
  • Wood is used as a material for the box due to its high environmental friendliness, but it is more expensive and difficult to process.
  • Plastic, although it is used as part of the box structure, is not particularly popular. When heated plastic elements capable of releasing toxic fumes.

The box is often made not in the form of a simple box, but as interior items: an imitation of a fireplace, a false wall, or a section of a cabinet built under a window.

Hidden battery installation

One of the most difficult decorating methods is to hide radiators as if they were not installed:

  • Installing pipes and batteries in the wall radically solves the problem of the appearance of heating devices. In this case, thermal conductivity invariably suffers, and in the event of a leak or breakage of the radiator, you will have to break the wall.
  • In the bathroom and kitchen, you can successfully cover the heating elements with furniture. In the bathroom, cabinets are most often used, small kitchens the window sill is replaced with a tabletop, and false cabinets with lattice doors are installed under it.

Radical method

You can completely abandon batteries, replacing them with alternative heating systems:

  • Warm floor. Electric and infrared floors are most often installed in apartments, but in a cottage this can also be water system. The point here is not efficiency, but the fact that it is impossible to obtain permission to install a water floor in an apartment. The disadvantages of heated floors include:
    • a large number of building materials that need to be purchased and installed - pipes, pump, mixing unit.
    • Heat transfer losses due to floor coverings (carpets) and furniture.
    • High accident rate of the system: laminate (or parquet) laid on top of a heated floor can catch fire; the water system, like conventional batteries, has a risk of leaking.
    • Difficult to regulate heating temperature.
  • Film electric heaters. They belong to infrared heat devices and work by flowing electricity through resistive elements, the heat from which is transferred to an aluminum screen. Film heaters are good because they can be mounted as decoration in any part of the room: floor, ceiling or walls, or stylized as a painting, for example. The advantages include durability (up to 50 years of operation), absence of combustion products, noiselessness, ease of installation and low weight of the structure. Among the negative features of this heating method, it should be noted that it is effective only in rooms with good thermal insulation, it requires high power power supply, and its operating costs are higher than that of gas equipment.