Radiator covers can be expensive and difficult to make. One of the major reasons decorating or hiding a radiator presents a problem for homeowners is not all radiators are the same dimensions. Luckily, creating a simple floating shelf is a great way to make your radiator attractive and functional no matter the size. Here's all the info you'll need.
Materials
1x2 piece of wood
1x12 piece of wood (adjust the size based on the width of your radiator unit)
Wood glue
Foam paint brush or stain rag
Sandpaper or power sander
Metal shelf brackets & screws
Clamps (optional)
How to Build Your Shelf
- First, measure the top of your radiator. Then, add three inches for overhang on each end.
- Use this measurement (including overhang) and cut the piece of 1x12 to size.
- Now measure the width of your radiator unit extending from the wall. To make the side pieces, cut the piece of 1x2 wood to this length plus at least one inch of overhang.
- Lay the wood pieces on the floor face down. Add wood glue along the side pieces of 1x2 and press to attach to the 1x12 piece.
- Either using clamps or by holding the wood pieces tightly together, allow the glue to dry. Consult the packaging on your glue for a time estimate.
- Sand any rough edges to avoid splinters. This will also prepare the surface for painting or staining.
- Use your paint or stain of choice to add some color and character to the shelf. For a naturally distressed appearance, sand lightly again once the treatment is dry.
- Position the shelf on top of your radiator. While the shelf is steady enough to remain on its own, adding brackets on each side will prevent it from falling or slipping when you add objects on top.
Now you can enjoy a simple and effective shelf for the top of your radiator. While it won't conceal the entire unit, it does give you extra display space for your favorite décor.
About the Author
Maryann Ross Levanti
I'm Maryann Ross Levanti, looking forward to meeting you and helping you find your new home and/or sell your current one. I've lived in Fairfield County the majority of my life - grew up in Westport, (Coleytown, Coleytown, Staples), undergrad at UPenn, masters from Edinburgh, Scotland. I'm ABR and GRI certified, and hold a broker's license in real estate, as well as a provisional appraiser license. Additionally, I am the exclusive agent for CCO Habitats - a HOBI award winning building company which regularly offers new construction homes as well as renovated homes to the market in Westport. In my 20 plus years of selling homes, I've learned many things - among them - the customer is not always right. Nor am I. However, if we work together we have a much better chance of being correct and either getting your home sold or finding the home that best suits your needs. Yes, I'm outspoken and opinionated. But anyone with a license can open a door - wouldn't you rather have doors opened by someone who actually tells you the truth and is willing to put her years of experience and knowledge into working 24/7 for you to help you understand what you're getting into? You may not always like what you hear, and there are no crystal balls in this business. But I believe an informed decision is always better. Hopefully you do too! As a yearly winner of the Connecticut Five Star Realtor award and frequently repeated recipient of customer service awards indicate; my priority is you, my client, and my clients appreciate it. Put my local knowledge, professional skills, ethics and dedication to work for you - give me a call 203.984.5157.
