Help with Ugly Radiators.

Question

I have old hot water steam radiators in every room of my house. The ones in the bathrooms are small, but a few of them are very long. I know how to paint them and with the type I have they need drained and completely taken apart. Way too much work. I priced covers for them and they are very, very expensive so that's out. I check Craigs List regularly for used covers but never find enough or not the right size. My husband, believe it or not owns his own construction company and has been telling me for years that he will build wood covers for them. I'm sure most of you have heard the saying that a mechanics car never runs and a guy in construction has the worst house on the block? Well that saying isn't entirely false. I know my husband will never build me those covers so I'm being realistic. So, other than painting and buying metal or would covers, does anyone have a clever or creative way to cover up these giant metal eyesore that are in every room of my house?? Any ideas are welcome. Thanks you craft folks!!

Z · Answer

Learn how to make your own. I have plenty of female friends that hubby's have no clue how to do anything DIY around the house that have taken it upon themselves to learn how to do the work. Something like what you are wanting wouldn't be hard to do at all and with your hubby in construction you possibly have the tools needed already! Check out Ana White's search page for patterns for something that you could make a few changes on. Good luck! If you have any questions please ask. I and many others would be more than happy to help you make them. http://ana-white.com/plancatalog

CC · Answer

Thank you for the reply but unfortunately that's not an option. I have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis along with lupus that are all crippling health problems. So I can't use power tools or anything sharp unless I want to accidentally chop of a body part. But thank you

CC · Answer

Thank you Becky..that is a thought to at least cover the tops and then I have some extra space to put things on. They are all different sizes but the 2 in my bathrooms are the same. Everyone of them come out from the wall either 9' or 11' the bathroom ones are 3' long and then there are various widths with 6' being the longest. I have 9 radiators total. I look forward to hearing your other idea, but I do also really like just some painted plywood to at least spruce up the tops a little. Never would have thought of something so simple. That's why I ask for suggestions because people come up with some of the cleverest ideas. Thanks again.

Z · Answer

Yours might be too big for my idea, but basically it was to use thrifted picture frames a mesh tacked inside. I'm not sure how to explain it more than that.

G B · Answer

They may be ugly but they provide the best heat in the world. Wish I still had them in my new home. I made a frame and used the metallic inserts but your medical problems preclude this. Google for ideas or pay one your husband's employees to make the covers for you. https://www.google.com/search?q=radiator+covers&client=firefox-a&hs=j4P&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=LpUhU6uoEYmmqgGtuoDoBQ&ved=0CGcQ7Ak&biw=1600&bih=732

Carol · Answer

If you could get your husband to cut a piece of shelving board to the right length to use as a shelf on top of them, you could Velcro a simple fabric skirt around three sides to cover.

CC · Answer

Becky...it sounds like a really cute idea. I understand what you mean about can't explaining it. You have the picture in your head, but can't put it into the right words. If you figure it out, please let me know. I like where your going with it.

Carol · Answer

So very glad I could help. Hope it all works out well for you. Please don't forget to post pictures!

Ella Frierson Bond · Answer

This amuses me. Women get out there and cut your own boards. Power tools are not scary. Get some old boards and practice. Easy !!!!

Help with Ugly Radiators.

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Help with Ugly Radiators.

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