How to cover ugly floor to ceiling heat pipes?
by Shelley Rich
+3
I am in an old building with UGLY floor to ceiling heat pipes. People have suggested rope but not my style. Is there any thing to "box" them in that won't affect the heat - wouldn't want it to smell or cause problems and/or break down. Thanks!
Suggested Project Book
A cute 3 panel room divider like the Chinese motif may be your fix. You could custom make one to suit your style or to hold photographs and it could be easily moved if need be if you find it is blocking heat. Then it could be put back when you do not require heat. It would be easy to make using plywood and piano hinges.
Could you post a photo? That will help to help! :)
You could build a three-sided box frame and cover with stretched canvas and paint to blend into surrounding walls. Use fabric with a loose weave that heat can pass through easily.
Most box them in with drywall and a vent in the face of the box into the room. Must leave enough room to ensure it won't touch hot pipes.
Cut 2x4s to make a frame to fit floor to ceiling. Paint the part that will be seen. Turn over and staple wire to the back of the frame and install. Here's the kind of wire I was thinking of, the holes will let the heat through but should hide the pipes. This one is 3 feet wide so you could cut it in half or thirds depending on how much you need and it's 10 feet long (not sure how tall your ceilings are) that way you don't have any seams or rough edges. Make sure to give the pipes plenty of clearance so nothing is touching.
https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Zone-23-gauge-Galvanized-36inx10-25ft/dp/B000HHQECY/ref=sr_1_49?keywords=Decorative+Wire+Mesh&qid=1554676566&s=gateway&sr=8-49
Paint them the same color as the walls.