Offer an attractive and efficient alternative to traditional vertical models. They take up less visible wall space while still providing sufficient heat output.
With endless options for shape, size, colour and finish, horizontal radiators can complement any decors. They are no longer plain, white utilitarian pieces to hide in a corner. Today’s models are design showpieces meant to enhance a room’s aesthetic.
The Evolution of Horizontal Radiators
The earliest central heating systems used bulky, inefficient cast iron radiators. They were purely functional and not designed with aesthetics in mind. Homeowners often hid them behind furniture or covered them up.
In the past few decades, radiator technology and design options have vastly improved. Horizontal models emerged as stylish alternatives to traditional vertical radiators.
Today’s horizontal radiators are sleek works of art for showcasing in a room. They come in a diverse range of styles, sizes and finishes to complement any decors.
Key Takeaways
- Early radiators were bulky and ugly utilitarian pieces
- Recent decades brought huge improvements in style and efficiency
- Horizontal models are now aesthetically pleasing design pieces
Horizontal vs. Vertical Radiators
Horizontal and vertical radiators have comparable heating efficiency and warmth output when using the same BTU rating.
Horizontal Pros:
- Take up less visible wall space
- Easier to clean around
- Prevent accidents by keeping hot surface away from children’s reach
- Allow more flexible furniture placement
Vertical Pros:
- Fit in narrow spaces
- Provide targeted heat in small rooms
- Offer larger surface area for greater heat radiation
Key Takeaways
- Both styles provide equal heat with same BTU rating
- Choice depends on space constraints and visual preference
- Horizontal models offer safety and furniture layout benefits
| Horizontal Radiator Pros | Vertical Radiator Pros |
|---|---|
| Less visible wall space | Fit in tight spaces |
| Prevent accidents | Target small rooms |
| Flexible furniture placement | More surface area |
Benefits of Horizontal Radiators
Beyond the sleek, modern aesthetic, horizontal radiators offer additional benefits:
Space Saving
Their condensed, linear shape allows flexible placement on walls with limited area to spare. Avoid awkward gaps above or unused space below the units.
Safety
Low-mounted horizontal radiators keep hot surfaces away from children’s reach. This prevents accidental burns.
Efficient Heating
Their waist-height position lets heat circulate at the level people occupy a room. The warmth spreads more evenly throughout the space.
Easy Cleaning
Horizontal models lift heating elements off the floor. This allows vacuuming or mopping right up to the wall underneath without obstruction.
Furniture Flexibility
With heat and surfaces positioned higher up the wall, there’s greater flexibility for furniture layouts. No need to hide radiators behind couches or tuck them into corners.
Air Circulation
Wider, open gaps between horizontal tubes or panels allow enhanced airflow. This contributes to faster warm up times.
Key Takeaways
- Save wall space compared to bulky vertical models
- Safer by keeping hot surfaces away from kids
- Allow flexible, unobstructed furniture placement
- Enhance airflow and heat distribution
Styles and Construction
Horizontal radiators come in a diverse range of constructions and designs to deliver heating in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Flat Panel
Flat panel radiators contain vertical water channels behind a smooth steel or aluminium faceplate. This provides a clean, minimalist look popular in modern and contemporary rooms.
Benefits:
- Streamlined appearance
- Easy to clean smooth surface
- Can cover large wall areas
- Paintable to blend with wall colour
Considerations:
- Limited finish and colour options compared to other styles
Cylindrical Tube
Multiple cylindrical tubes linked horizontally generate heat. Available in round, oval, square and rectangular tube shapes.
Benefits:
- Distinctive style stands out
- Allows visibility of wall behind tubes
- Range of sizes and tube shapes
Considerations:
- Not as minimalist as flat panels
- More visible wall gaps than other styles
Extruded Aluminium
Aluminium is extruded into elegant formations with integrated channels to allow water flow. Slim profiles provide understated style.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Excellent heat conduction
- Sleek, contemporary look
Considerations:
- Limited size options
Square Section
Interconnected square steel tubes conduct heat across the length of the radiator. The modular, scaffold-like design has an industrial style.
Benefits:
- Distinct industrial, modern look
- Large sizes available
- Can act as room divider
Considerations:
- Not as minimalist as other options
Key Takeaways
- Many styles like flat panel, tube, extruded or square designs
- Choose based on visual style and space constraints
- Flat panel is most minimalist and unobtrusive
Finishes and Colours
Horizontal radiators are available in a diverse range of finishes and colours. This allows coordinating with any decors, from modern minimalism to traditional elegance.
White
A timeless clean finish. White models blend seamlessly into light and neutral coloured rooms.
Good for:
- Minimalist interiors
- Light and airy rooms
- Coastal, nautical or Scandinavian decors
Anthracite Grey
Deep charcoal gray complements modern and industrial spaces. Provides an understated look.
Good for:
- Concrete loft spaces
- Modern and contemporary rooms
- Moody, dramatic interiors
Polished Stainless Steel
A mirror-like finish gives a glamorous, luxury look. Suits sleek modern rooms or art deco design. Shows fingerprints.
Good for:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Modern luxury spaces
- Rooms with chrome/stainless accents
Brushed Stainless Steel
A lightly textured finish that resists fingerprints. Provides an industrial/nautical vibe.
Good for:
- Bathrooms and kitchens
- Workshops and garage spaces
- Coastal, ship or loft inspired rooms
Custom Colors
Select radiators can be powder coated in custom hues to perfectly match walls, trims or decor.
Good for:
- Colorful and eclectic rooms
- Matching brand color schemes
- Coordinating with non-neutral walls
Key Takeaways
- Choose white for light and neutral spaces
- Gray complements modern, concrete and moody rooms
- Stainless suits bathrooms, kitchens and industrial decors
- Custom colors to match existing walls and trims
| Finish | Best Use |
|---|---|
| White | Minimalist decor |
| Anthracite Gray | Modern and industrial |
| Polished Stainless | Kitchens and baths |
| Brushed Stainless | Coastal, nautical spaces |
| Custom Color | Match existing decor |
Wall Mounted vs. Freestanding
Horizontal radiators come in wall mounted or freestanding models. Consider the following when deciding:
Wall Mounted
- Neater, more space saving
- Allow flexible positioning
- Require studs/anchors for secure mounting
Freestanding
- Don’t require wall mounting
- Can divide a space or act as room focal point
- Limit furniture placement flexibility
Key Takeaways
- Wall mounted styles are less obtrusive
- Freestanding models make bold statements
- Choose mounting method based on space and style
Uses by Room
Horizontal radiators work well heating almost any room. Consider these options for different spaces:
Bathrooms
Radiators help prevent moisture and mildew growth in humid bathrooms.
Recommended:
- Stainless steel finishes resist corrosion
- Electric models for instant, localized heat
- Heated towel warmers double as towel dryers
Kitchens
Provide warmth in open concept kitchens and protect plumbing from freezing.
Recommended:
- Stainless steel resists grease and splatters
- Wall mount flat panel style in tight spaces
- Size appropriately for large open kitchens
Living Spaces
Choose stylish models to enhance your decor as statement pieces.
Recommended:
- Slim electric for minimalist heat
- Cylindrical or square tube for industrial flair
- Custom colors to coordinate with walls and furniture
Bedrooms and Studies
Unobtrusive radiators provide targeted warmth without cluttering the room.
Recommended:
- Wall mounted flat panel models
- Slim electric radiators for bookshelves
- Compact sizes for small rooms
Key Takeaways
- Use stainless steel horizontal radiators in kitchens and baths
- Custom coloured models make bold living room accents
- Compact electric versions work well in studies and bedrooms
Choosing the Right Size
Consider room size, layout, insulation and heat loss to determine the proper radiator BTU output.
Tips:
- Size slightly larger than calculated for occupied rooms
- Use BTU calculators to determine heating needs
- Add up BTUs for open concept spaces
- Factor in heat loss through windows and doors
Oversizing can make rooms uncomfortably hot. Undersizing results in cold spots. Consider expandable modular radiators to fine tune heat for tricky rooms.
Key Takeaways
- Accurately calculate BTUs needed for each space
- Size up slightly for occupied rooms
- Expandable modular designs help customize output
Installation Tips
Proper installation is key to ensure efficiency and safety.
- Use a qualified plumber for electric and hydronic radiator setup
- Follow all local building codes and manufacturer instructions
- Clean radiators and flush systems before refilling and turning on
- Bleed air from hydronic systems to prevent noise and poor circulation
- Allow proper clearance to drapes, furniture and room edges
Key Takeaways
- Hire professionals for electric and hydronic installations
- Follow all codes and included manufacturer guidelines
- Bleed hydronic systems properly to maximize performance
| Installation Tips | |
|---|---|
| Hire qualified installers | Ensure correct setup |
| Follow manufacturer instructions | Prevent issues |
| Bleed hydronic systems | Maximize efficiency |
| Allow proper clearances | Safety first |
FAQs
Are horizontal radiators as efficient as vertical ones?
Yes, horizontal and vertical radiators provide the same heat output when using equivalent BTU ratings. Convection and radiation disperse warmth evenly.
Do horizontal radiators heat a room as well as vertical models?
Correctly sized horizontal and vertical radiators heat rooms equally well. Horizontal models actually provide warmer feet and torso level heat compared to vertical units.
What size of horizontal radiator do I need?
Choose a radiator with a BTU rating appropriate for the room’s size, insulation, and heat loss factors. BTU calculators help determine ideal radiator output. Size slightly larger for occupied rooms.
Can you mount a horizontal radiator vertically?
It is not recommended. Horizontal radiators are designed for waist level wall installation only. Mounting them vertically may decrease efficiency and lead to unsafe operation.
Are horizontal radiators more expensive than vertical ones?
For basic panel radiators, prices are generally comparable. More decorative horizontal styles like columns or cast iron cost more than basic vertical panel radiators.
Do horizontal radiators work with any heating system?
Both electric and hydronic/hot water systems work with horizontal radiators. Models are available in electric or hydronic configurations. Ensure your heating system matches the radiator type.
Conclusion
Horizontal radiators offer stylish and effective home heating. With so many models to choose from, you can easily find the perfect look and size to enhance your space. Mount them proudly and take advantage of improved safety, comfort and flexibility compared to outdated vertical radiators.
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Explore the top-selling radiators in the UK and choose one that fits your budget and requirements. Don’t settle for a subpar heating system and upgrade your home heating with the best selling radiators today. Your comfort, energy bills, and the environment will thank you.
It is crucial to seek guidance from the manufacturer and a certified professional for the installation process to ensure safety and compliance with all technical specifications and requirements. Proper installation is key to the optimal performance and longevity of the product.
Additionally, professional installation may be necessary to maintain the product’s warranty. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult with experts and not attempt to install the product yourself unless you are qualified to do so.
Zehnder radiators are known in the industry as exceedingly high quality products, carefully crafted and lovingly finished; when you buy Zehnder there is not a single doubt that you have made the right choice.
Zehnder created the original column radiator style, and have been at the forefront of the designer radiator movement since the very beginning, which by rights makes them the godfather of the industry.
To celebrate their success, today DRS are showing off two truly exemplary Zehnder radiators, so don’t stop here, read on for more…
ZEHNDER BAY
The Zehnder Bay is a stainless steel, flat panel designer radiator which is ever so contemporary and remarkably well made. Though its panels may be flat, the aesthetic quality you draw from looking at the Bay is one of cubism, straight edges and a neat and ordered lifestyle.
Available in both a vertical and a horizontal variation, the Zehnder Bay is flexible enough to warrant using it in almost any room in your home. Looking so sharp, it becomes a defining part of your interior design, and a huge feature to be proud of.
Like all stainless steel Zehnder radiators, the Bay is guaranteed for 10 years, and with thorough craftsmanship and high quality materials it will last likely 3 or 4 times longer than that! The gorgeous brush treated stainless steel finish is superb, and a huge part of what makes the Zehnder Bay so attractively modern.
ZEHNDER ROAD SPA ASYM
Visually and practically one of the designs that you, the public, are most interested in is the Zehnder Roda Spa Asym. With its open ended, asymmetrical design, it facilitates effortless access for towels both large and small, and even bath matts or your favourite garments. No more trying to thread your towels through the awkward games on a boring old ladder rail, we’re much more civilised than that now.
The flat fronted, horizontal panels contrast terrifically with the two rounded, vertical collector tubes at the rear, giving it a simple, clean and minimal appearance. It is available from stock in White, along with a lovely textured dark grey named the Volcanic finish, and both Beige and Brown Quartz, giving you 4 brilliant options to choose from right from the get go.
But if you are feeling bold on any given day, that little bit daring and yearning for something unique, Zehnder radiators are available custom made in an enormous colour range replete with an entire special colour chart as well.
