A Brief History of Radiator Enclosures and Shrouds

In the early 19th century, public interest in personal hygiene and comfort grew, and as a result, there was a sharp decline in disease. This interest was met by the development of many domestic luxuries such as central heating, fresh water, piped gas, and an underground cast-iron sewer network. The demand for these new luxuries increased and with the advent of the industrial revolution the standard of living throughout the UK improved enormously. Mass production made many of these luxuries more affordable, and simple cast-iron radiators brought central heating within reach of many homes.

Wealthy people with large country houses began to have elaborate radiators specially designed to match their elegant interiors. Some of these radiators were extremely decorative, including special heating chambers for dishes and bedding, and some had boxes built around them with ornamental grilles that provided a decorative cover for the radiator. These were the first examples of the modern radiator shrouds and radiator cabinets now made by specialist companies and seen in homes around the world.

A good radiator cabinet company will provide a “made to measure” service: they will visit your home, measure the radiators you want to cover, and then build the cabinet just for you, in the style and color of your choice. Alternatively, radiator shrouds can now be supplied in fixed sizes as flat packs or already assembled. Some manufacturers supply adjustable radiator shrouds that can be resized to fit their radiators. Most radiator shrouds are painted in a variety of colors that can be specified when you place your order – or you can have them supplied unpainted, then paint them yourself in colors you know will match your room decor. .It is also possible to have radiator cabinets finished with real wood veneer and some are now supplied with a frosted glass front. panel.

The grilles on the front and sides can be decorated with a variety of patterns, making the radiator cabinet an attractive feature in any room, while also providing a valuable protective function – especially if there are small children or! older adults around! The front panel can usually be removed to gain access to the thermostat controls.

In addition to providing decorative and protective features, cabinet radiators also draw in cool air at the bottom and then direct the flow of heat into the room, rather than allowing the heat to escape through the wall or behind curtains.