Industrial chic was one of the break-out hits for interior design in 2024, and it looks set to continue its streak well into 2025. If you want to commit to the trend, read on to find out how a new radiator could be exactly what you need.
Choose your industry
An important point to note is that ‘Industrial’ covers a huge range of looks and topics. While stark warehouses often spring to mind, the industrial style can cover so much more.
Minimalists love the concrete floors, open spaces and exposed ductwork for the warehouse look, but why not consider something of a slightly different era?
Victorian industry brings to mind something altogether more steam-punky. Play around with cogs and gears, warm bronzes instead of cool steel and stained glass for something that is uniquely industrial, just in a very different way.
Contemporary industrial has been an especially popular choice for coffee shops, boutique bakeries and more. This style blends gritty materials, like particle board with sleek but simple designs such as hairpin-legged tables. Throw in some exposed Edison bulbs, and you’re well on your way to charging over £5 for an espresso without anyone blinking an eye!
Vertical Radiators to Make Your Space Soar.
You’ve found your era of industrial style, but where do radiators come into it?
Let’s be honest, radiators are often a bit of an eyesore when it comes to interior design and if they were installed in the last 30 years or so, they are likely to be a somewhat bland feature of the room that requires covering up.
To go full industrial, we recommend taking a leap and installing new radiators that showcase your style to the fullest.
The Illusion of Space
Something that most industrial styles have in common is the appearance of large spaces. An easy way to draw the eye up and make a room seem loftier than it is is to use a vertical radiator. By sending your heating vertically rather than horizontally, you’ll free up valuable wall space to further your design aspirations. With more wall space, options for other furniture pieces or extra storage also become more readily available.
Find Your Style
Trade Radiators have a whole section dedicated to vertical radiators; we particularly like the column options if you want an older industrial style. Choose a bronze, copper or raw metal finish to embrace that Victorian or antiqued industrial feel.
If you are looking to stay more current, a flat panel option is ideal. To get the coffee house vibe, go with a flat panel radiator that makes use of a series of slim panels. Anthracite or black are the popular colours for this look. If a modern factory/warehouse is more your speed, a single large panel brings form and function to a space.
Can They Save in the Long Run
If you are worried about breaking the budget with a new radiator, it’s wise to note that a new one will most likely reduce your heating bills. Be sure to choose the correct size for the room in which it will be installed and let it shine! Covering up a radiator with layers of paint or a decorative radiator cover may fix your design woes, but it ultimately reduces your radiator’s ability to bring a room up to temperature.
Next Steps to Industrial Style
Once you’ve hit upon an era and style to emulate it’s time to get the measuring tape out. A new radiator is definitely a measure twice, cut once situation. Don’t hit the buy button until you have thoroughly measured your space and spoken to a trusted plumber. Switching from horizontal to vertical radiators will require significant piping adjustments.
Once you get your sizing down, it’s time to start upgrading!
