The first cast-iron radiators, throbbing with steam heat, were invented during the Industrial Revolution. Almost immediately, radiator owners devised ways of covering them.
Radiators are often ugly and can cause burns if touched. A tasteful radiator enclosure can enhance a room, doubling as a bookcase or window seat.
Properly designed, an enclosure should also help heat the room more efficiently.
Air Lite Venitian Blind Co Inc home decorating improvement center in Queens has a large selection of radiator enclosures, priced according to size, style, and material. Ready-made painted steel enclosures in stock sizes with front grills start at $39.99 for an enclosure that covers a 20-inch radiator.
The simplest customized metal cover with a grill front costs about $70.00 for one that covers a 24-inch radiator. An enclosure with a louvered front to cover a
24-inch radiator starts at about $160.00.
Air Lite Venitian Blind Co Inc, which has built, sold and installed radiator enclosures for over 45-years, also sells “KD” or knockdown metal covers, which comes disassembled and with instructions. The knockdown covers cost 20% more than the ready-made ones.
The company also builds radiator covers made of colored or wood-grained plastic laminate (Formica). One model is fashioned entirely of mirrors with a Lucite grill.
Radiator covers can also be made of unfinished wood (from $139.00 to cover a
24-inch radiator), varnished wood (from $179.00 for the same size) and hardwoods like oak, cherry, and mahogany, which are about 40% more costly than lighter woods.
Air Lite Venetian Blind Co Inc's wooden enclosures have decorative aluminum grills in gold or silver. But modifications and enhancements, like moldings, can be made, said Joseph Rubino, the owner. Models are on view at Air Lite Venitian Blind Co Inc's showroom.
Mr. Rubino suggests heat-reflector panels (from $7.99) for the inside of wooden enclosures to lengthen the life of the enclosure. In humid rooms like bathrooms, metal covers should be buffed regularly with car wax to prevent rust.
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