How do I hide ugly electric floor heaters?

Joan
by Joan

These are the ones that come built in to the house by the builder...and are controlled by a wall thermostat...in order to maximize their effeciency they should not be blocked by drapes or furniture, so what can be done??thanks

  7 answers
  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Dec 30, 2018

    Install drapes that only cover the windows, or remove drapes and install blinds or pleated shades. Keep furniture arranged away from heaters. OK in the summer.

    • See 1 previous
    • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Dec 31, 2018

      Shears would be better than drapes. William's paint idea is good. There are hi-temp paints available at store. Usually in a spray paint section. From your description, it sounds like the heaters are electric units that should NEVER be blocked.

  • William William on Dec 30, 2018

    Painting them the wall color will "hide" them.

    • Joan Joan on Dec 30, 2018

      that's a good idea, I am sure there is paint that can withstand heat..

  • Dwp7470b Dwp7470b on Dec 30, 2018

    You can place standard Radiator Covers over these and make these function like Built In Wooden Seating with Ventilation Screens at the Front or the Sides. It is alot of work to do, and design as every Home layout differs, but: It can be designed and built. You just need to measure it from end to end, constrict it more like a Table with 2×4s as legs, and if it has Top Blowers rather than front blowers you need to use Sheet Aluminum inside the wood, and leave space in the measurements for the Air to Flow and Exit out of additional 6" Height.

    Once you control that airflow to away from the Areas you desire Curtains you can freely place curtains there.

    The design works like a flue or an oscillator on a fan, It only redirects the air.

  • Purchase decorative grates for them. Then they will be pretty to look at.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Dec 30, 2018

    Joan, paint them a neutral color that blends with your floors, as much as possible. Remember, almost everyone with a house similar to your has them, too. So, hide them in plain sight, or angle your furniture so that the focus of the room is not a heating vent. Best wishes, 😊

  • Kc Kc on Dec 30, 2018

    My previous home had electric floor heaters--what a pain in the a**. Looked just like central air vents until you peered inside and saw all the heater stuff at the bottom.

    You can change the direction of air flow so that some "legged" furniture can be set over the vents but

    ******** this carries some safety risks so proceed with caution. ********

    Check with your local hardware store for a metal cowl that will fit over the vent and redirect the air flow 90 degrees to move parallel to the floor. (You are looking for a "toe kick" type of vent).

    Construct an insulated box to cover the cowl. If you have extra flooring to use for the top it will blend in much better.

    ******Now for the warning******

    Some electric floor heaters can put out much hotter air than a central air system. The metal cowl can get hot enough to blister if touched. You will need an insulated cover.

    I'm assuming you don't have carpet with these heaters but if you do, don't try this project. The redirected heat may singe the carpet or worse.

    Before moving furniture into place, monitor your completed project for a few days. Check how hot the flooring gets in front of the new vent. If it isn't comfortable to touch you should not leave the cowling in place.

    • Joan Joan on Dec 30, 2018

      thanks, no carpets, but rooms are very small...

  • William William on Dec 30, 2018

    You don't need high heat paint. Me and My crew painted radiators, baseboard heaters, registers, and used regular acrylic latex paint for years.