While we at the Designer Radiator Showroom are driven to provide the cutting edge of designer radiators, that edge doesn’t always have to mean the ultra-modern styles of the future.
Cast iron radiators are still being manufactured today in the UK, and are of higher quality now than ever before, and with an even greater range of options and choices to allow you to purchase the cast iron radiator of your dreams.
Join us today as we teach you about an old dog out who’s learned a few new tricks.
THE TRADITIONAL LOOK
The next time you go to a stately home or to a period hotel with some rich history, have a look at the radiators you see fitted in the lobby, your room or the various amenities throughout. Chances are there are cast iron radiators sitting beautifully in each room, either ornately decorated or painted to elegantly blend in.
This refined style can be made for you extremely quickly, and without so much as breaking a sweat on the price.
Our specialist cast iron manufacturer Paladin is able to start from scratch, take your order and deliver to your door in only two weeks. It doesn’t matter if you live in the sticks, want an enormous size or a whole house full or radiators; Paladin takes your order and deliver on time, every time. Paladin’s cast iron radiators are easily the best quality vs. price vs. flexibility on the market too, making it very easy for the team here at the Designer Radiator Showroom to thoroughly recommend them for your home.
A LIBERATING AMOUNT FREEDOM
One very important thing which you can do with a cast iron radiator, which you cannot with most modern designer radiators, is decide exactly how wide you want it to be. Cast iron radiators are built by the section, so you might choose a model like the deliciously detailed Paladin Montpellier, and see that it is available at either 590mm tall, or 790mm tall.
From there you can see that each one of its sections is 71mm wide, and choose to have your radiator made for you in the size which you want it to be, and Paladin take care of the rest.
The finish choices are also amazingly diverse, you can choose from;
- Farrow & Ball – The entire Farrow & Ball colour range, or any colour at all because Paladin offer a paint match service for free – Available at the standard price
- Metallic Finishes – Available at the standard price
- Hand Finished Antique Paint Effect – a paint treatment which carefully adds rich depth to your chosen colour or metallic finish, and emphasises your radiator’s detail
- Hand Finished Highlight Paint Effect – Going one step further than the Antique effect, the Highlight paint effect takes a base finish of your choosing, and then Paladin’s radiator artists hand finish the raised detail in a second finish of choice, perfectly accentuating the raised detail so it is unavoidably eye-catching
- Hand Polished Service – Remarkably different. Take the paint away and leave the cast iron bare to the elements. Sounds preposterous, but Paladin hand polish each section of your radiator to a sumptuous glean, and leave it bare for you to take care of.
The selection available when you start to look at cast iron radiators is tremendous, and this is why we at DRS offer complete assistance to help you find just the traditional radiator for your rooms, and make the process as easy and clear as possible.
If we’ve piqued your interest at all today, please feel free to contact us about our cast iron radiator range on our helpline 01257 452879 or email us at sales@designerradiatorshowroom.co.uk
You’re probably wondering why a person might spend the time creating an article about plain old boring towel rails (this author might have wondered the same thing a long time ago)… Or you might have spotted the preview image and you know EXACTLY why we at DRS get a little irrational about inspired designer towel radiators!
Today we’re going to examine what makes a towel radiator ‘designer’, and we’re going to show off some of the slickest models our team has seen over our years in the industry. Join us now or forever be stuck with boring old ladder rails…
Speaking of ladder rails, just in case you forgot, they look like this;
You’ve seen them, you get what they do, you’re probably sick of them and honestly we are too, so let’s waste no time and step into a world of newfound bathroom possibilities.
INSPIRATION AND STYLE
At DRS we get to see these beauties day in, day out in our showroom and on our website, so the thought of putting another ladder rail into someone’s property nearly knocks us sick. Your home deserves more, your bathroom deserves better, and you deserve to treat yourself to something amazing like the alphabetic Aeon S-Type, or the dramatically tiered Aeon Gallant;
Left: Aeon Gallant, Right: Aeon S-TypeAeon is a hallmark brand known for their exceptional stainless steel quality in the designer radiator industry, and these two dramatic towel radiator designs really stand out (in both depth and the visual impact to the bathroom).
Designer towel radiators are where the real inspiration of our artists can be allowed to flourish and explore design frontiers previously left unexplored. These models push the boundaries of what is possible because unlike the other rooms in the home, a bathroom doesn’t need a tremendous amount of heat.
Not to be outdone by Aeon’s work, Bisque is one brand which blurs the line between heat and art, and creates towel radiator wonders that transform your en-suite from functional space into the pride of your home.
Above: Bisque Arichbald Electric, Below: Bisque Chime
Hanging towels, shirts and ties on the award winning Bisque Archibald is an utterly satisfying experience. This radiator was so well received that it has hung proudly in art galleries across Europe. Though less extravagant, the Bisque Chime is still just as much of a feature for a master bathroom, with elegant, cylindrical fingers, and perfectly proportioned dimensions.
EXPRESSION THROUGH CHOICE
The modern shapes which Bisque craft are not always suitable for every bathroom however, which is where the traditional, hand polished ball joints of the Vogue Ballerina come in. This spirited shape harks back to the lavish bathrooms of the Victorian and early Windsor periods, and enriches your bathroom from a modest dwelling to a classic abode;
Left: Vogue Ballerina BJ Floor Mounted, Right: Aestus Eos
Simpler than the Aeon S-Type; the Aestus Eos rolls both sharply off your tongue and sharply around its own shape. This neat shape is characteristic of the postmodern movement of ultra-minimal, hyper-aesthetical interior design, the kind of thing you see in the movies but rarely believe you might see in your own home. Well, with the Eos, you just might.
Coiling superbly around itself in complete contradiction to the Eos is Bisque’s Hot Hoop; a softly curved shelf which provides a luxurious place for your cats and towels alike to curl up and get cosy.
Left: Bisque Svelte, Right: Bisque Hot Hoop
The final designer towel radiator we have today for you is a real eye-catcher in the showroom. You can picture the Bisque Svelte inside your bathroom so easily because of its gentle curvature, and soft appearance matched in parallel by the mild arc of the thick, outer towel ring.
The charm which our towel radiator designers are able to impart upon their works of art is precisely what gets us excited about each and every design we offer. It’s something primal, the need to be unique and convey your personality through stylistic choice, and while the bathroom might be a personal place that not many others will see, what you say to yourself is likely to be the most honest and truthful expression you can make.
With our help you can remind yourself of who you are, and take pride in it each morning and night.
If you would like some assistance in finding the right towel radiator for you, then please feel free to contact us at sales@designerradiatorshowroom.co.uk, or reach us on our helpline; 01257 452879
Today, we at the Designer Radiator Showroom have tens of thousands of designer radiators which are wonderful, modern features of heating right at our fingertips. We can celebrate hundreds of unique designs which encapsulate what it is to live now in the modern age.
There are few design sins more grave than standing still while all the world progresses and leaves you behind, and if you will join us for today’s DRS blog, we’re going to walk you through some of the most eye-catching modern radiators to thrust your style into the future and shore up your interior design defences.
MODERN RADIATORS – HOW DO YOUR TASTES FIT IN?
We are not for a minute suggesting you should slap any old radiator from the 21st century into your home and call it a day. At DRS we tailor our radiators to your dreams, and by the time we’re done with you you’ll be just as inspired as we are.
The secret is excitement. The secret is a radiator which captures both your imagination and the ambience of your home. Nothing else matters: Practicality, expense, waiting times; none of this matter when it comes to achieving your dreams with a modern radiator.
A new radiator with new décor must be romantic. If there isn’t a deep feeling of inspiration and impulsiveness then what have you really achieved other than a few licks of paint and a bit of new furniture? Our passion is your passion, and we encourage you to fall in love with a modern radiator like yours truly has become smitten with the soft, dreamlike quality of the Vogue Quilt.
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
Thanks to our enormous range you can let give your mind a break and let your gut do all of the work. Perfect modern radiator features like the Aeon Sesriem will jump out at you, and if you are browsing the range and not feeling stimulated, please get it touch with us and allow our inspired team to go to the lengths they do to find you what you just the thing.
We have the very cutting edge of modern radiators available to see here in our Lancashire showroom (over 160 radiators!), from exceptional designer radiator brands like Aeon, Paladin, DQ Heating, Zehnder, Reina, Kermi as well as Bisque, who are the creators of a rounded beauty named the Bisque Trubi.
What’s more, we have TENS of THOUSANDS of products available on our website, Designer Radiator Showroom, so we have the expertise and modern radiator selection to get you just as excited as we are.
Visit our website and start living your dreams today!
How To Bleed Designer Radiators: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Trapped air is one of the most common causes of inefficient heating and higher energy bills associated with home radiators. Over time, air bubbles accumulate inside the radiator piping network and prevent hot water from heating up the entire unit. The solution is to periodically bleed or release built-up air trapped inside – restoring even heat distribution and heating capacity.
While straightforward in concept, correctly bleeding all types of radiators does require some basic knowledge. We’ve put together this comprehensive, visual step-by-step guide to teach everything you need to know about bleeding designer radiators.
What Causes Air Build Up Inside Radiators?
Before getting into the step-by-step process, it helps to understand precisely how air infiltrates the sealed piping system and collects inside the unit in the first place. There are primarily three main origins of these problematic bubbles:
1. External Leaks or Faulty Parts
- Small leaks in the central heating pipes, radiator bleeder valves or compression fittings located behind the scenes allow air to slowly seep into the water-filled internal network over months of operation.
- Faulty heating components like a dying pump motor can release air pockets into the system. This tends to happen more with older heating systems.
2. Internal Corrosion By products
- Years of water circulating inside metal central heating pipes and radiators can lead to gradual internal corrosion. Chemical reactions between metal and water release hydrogen gas that manifests as bubbles.
3. Routine Maintenance Side Effects
- The radiator bleeding process or annual power flushing of heating systems themselves introduce small air bubbles that get trapped within components.
Tiny air bubbles from each of these sources gradually accumulate in high points of the piping system due to natural buoyancy. Being less dense than water, they float upwards over time. The highest elevated part is usually the radiator header tanks and upper pipes inside the unit. Enough trapped air starts to interfere with hot water circulation, preventing the tops of radiators from getting fully hot.
When to Bleed Radiators?
Watch out for the following signs indicating air build up and a need to bleed:
- Colder sections towards the top portion of the radiator panel
- Reduced overall heating capacity
- Metallic bubbling or knocking noises
- Higher than usual energy bills
For optimal efficiency, radiators should be bled 1-2 times per year as part of seasonal maintenance before the heating season commences. Bleeding during warmer months lets you identify and fix any underlying leaks allowing air ingress once heating demand reduces. You can also bleed right away if you notice cold spots mid-winter.
What You’ll Need
Bleeding designer radiators is a straightforward DIY task. Ensure you have the following tools:
- Bleed key – A small square or hex key designed to fit and turn most common radiator bleed nipple valve sizes
- Towel/container – Place below the nipple valve to catch drips during the process
- Flashlight – Helpful for identifying hard-to-see bleed valves and leaks
Optional items:
- Water vacuum tool – Makes mopping up small spills easier
- Replacement bleed nipples – Handy for fast valve replacements if leaks occur
How To Bleed Designer Radiators Step-By-Step
Follow these steps to safely and correctly bleed accumulated air out of designer radiators:
Step 1: Turn On Central Heating
Start the bleed process with all radiators activated and the boiler fired up circulating hot water. This allows easy identification of problem cold spots.
Turn the room thermostat up temporarily to enable continuous heating during the process.
Step 2: Locate The Bleed Nipple
Designer radiators feature one or more small bleed nipples usually along the upper header pipe. Consult manufacturer guides to identify the nipple location if unclear. They resemble a bolt head with a small opening to insert the bleed key.
Newer models may conceal the nipple valve behind snap-on plastic magnetic covers. Check product manuals for cover removal instructions.
Step 3: Place Absorbent Cloth Under Nipple
Have an old towel or piece of cloth ready under the bleed nipple to catch escaping water drips once the valve opens. A shallow pan, bucket or Ziplock bag also does the job nicely.
Step 4: Insert Key & Partially Open Nipple
Insert the appropriately sized bleed key into the nipple valve opening. Gently turn it counter-clockwise to loosen and crack open the valve.
Don’t open it fully yet! Doing so too quickly lets high pressure water gush out. Partially opening builds up gradual pressure release.
Step 5: Listen For Air Hissing Sound
Keep an ear close to the valve opening and listen for a distinct hissing sound. This indicates trapped air escaping from inside the radiator.
Let the valve remain partially open as air continues exiting. Have your absorbent cloth ready below to catch drips.
If no hissing noise occurs, air build up may not be causing heating issues. Try bleeding other radiators instead.
Step 6: Allow Water Drips To Escape
Once the hissing sound stops, gently open the bleed nipple further. This lets a controlled amount of water escape carrying more bubbles out along with it.
Keep at it until you see a steady stream of water without sputters and spurts.
Step 7: Close Nipple Tightly
When only water drips out, air removal is complete. Use the bleed key to tightly close the nipple in a clockwise direction again. Avoid over tightening.
Check under radiators and around floor valve areas for any leaks post bleed. Dry surfaces completely.
Step 8: Repeat Process For Other Radiators
Feel along the panels of all radiators to find any others with cold upper sections, especially the farthest units from the boiler. Bleed additional radiators exhibiting symptoms using the same method.
Step 9: Check Heating Operation
Give the heating system some time to stabilize after bleeding a batch of radiators. Verify that previously cold-to-touch upper radiator sections now heat up as intended.
Monitor over the next days to ensure heat consistency. Repeat bleeding if temperature differences reappear.
And that’s all there is to it! Practicing on one radiator helps perfect the essential bleed process skill. Over time and several cycles, you’ll know exactly how to spot and fix trapped air issues hampering home heating performance.
Common Radiator Bleeding Mistakes To Avoid
- Opening valves too quickly and causing water gushing instead of gradual air hissing
- Forgetting to place an absorbent cloth to catch drips
- Failing to firmly close/tighten nipple post bleeding leading to leaks
- Using pliers instead of proper sized bleed keys and damaging valves
- Not checking for underlying leaks causing continual air ingress
One of the simplest things that can cause you to lose heat in your radiators, and cost you more money, is trapped air in the heating system. Bleeding your radiator is the solution, but just how do you go about doing that?
Hit the jump to find out!
HOW DID THAT AIR GET IN THERE?
Air can enter your heating system a number of ways, but the most common ways are down to faulty parts on the system (like a failing pump for example), or corrosion in the system causing hydrogen to be released via chemical reaction.
Bleeding Radiator
When these gases are released into the system they naturally travel to the highest part of it they can (like air trapped in a bottle), and settle there, taking up space which could otherwise be filled with hot water, causing your radiator to be cool near the top.
HOW TO BLEED YOUR RADIATORS
You will need;
- An old towel, cloth or some kitchen roll to catch any water which comes out
- A bleed key; we recommend purchasing a multi-purpose 4-way key which features square, triangle and other shaped keys for a variety of utility cupboards and bleed valves
- First, turn on your heating and make sure all of your radiators are on. Then go radiator by radiator to determine exactly which ones require bleeding by feeling towards the top of the radiators for cold spots
- Once you know which ones have trapped air, locate the bleed valve. At the top of your radiator on one end you will find a bleed valve with a smaller inner piece to turn and open to release the trapped air
- Using your bleed key, position your cloth gently around the valve and slowly open it. You will hear a hissing and the sound of air being released. By gradually releasing the air you will be more prepared for once the air is all gone and water tries to escape.
- Once water starts spilling into your chosen cloth/towel, close of the bleed valve until firmly shut
All done! Move on to the next radiators (if there are any) and repeat the process until finishes.
Conclusion
Like so many home maintenance tasks, the effort invested to bleed radiators periodically really pays off through years of subsequently improved comfort and efficiency. Plus it’s one of the easier DIY skills to pick up.
We hope following this visual, step-by-step guide to bleeding designer radiators imparts the confidence and knowledge needed to handle this essential activity seamlessly on your own. Here’s to radiators that heat fully and home heating bills kept firmly in check this winter!
