Putting curtains in front of a radiator can cause damage to both the curtains and the radiator, as well as waste energy and reduce comfort. Curtains that cover a radiator completely can block the heat from circulating in the room, pose a fire risk, and fade or shrink due to the heat.
Curtains that are tucked behind or above a radiator can prevent these problems and still add style and insulation to your windows.
Curtains are a common and useful window treatment that can add style, privacy, and insulation to your windows. However, if you have a radiator below or near your window, you may wonder if you can put curtains in front of it or not.
Putting curtains in front of a radiator can be tempting, especially if you want to hide an unsightly or outdated radiator, or if you want to create a cozy and warm look for your room. But is it a good idea or not?
In this blog post, I will explain the pros and cons of putting curtains in front of a radiator and how to do it safely and efficiently.
Cons of putting curtains in front of a radiator
Putting curtains in front of a radiator can have some drawbacks, such as:
- Wasting energy. Curtains that cover a radiator completely can waste energy by blocking the heat from circulating in the room. The heat from the radiator will be trapped behind the curtains and escape through the window instead of warming up the room. This can make your room colder and increase your heating bills.
- Posing a fire risk. Curtains that cover a radiator completely can pose a fire risk if they come into contact with the hot surface of the radiator or catch sparks from electrical appliances nearby. The fabric of the curtains can be combustible and the heat produced by the radiator can cause the curtains to catch fire.
- Damaging the curtains. Curtains that cover a radiator completely can damage the curtains by causing them to fade or shrink due to the heat. The color of the curtains can fade over time due to exposure to direct sunlight and heat. The size of the curtains can shrink due to moisture loss and thermal contraction.
- Reducing comfort. Curtains that cover a radiator completely can reduce comfort by creating hot spots or cold spots in the room. The area behind the curtains will be too hot and stuffy, while the rest of the room will be too cold and drafty. This can make it hard to regulate your body temperature and affect your health.
Pros of putting curtains in front of a radiator
Putting curtains in front of a radiator can have some benefits, such as:
- Adding style and insulation to your windows. Curtains can enhance the look of your windows by adding color, texture, and pattern. They can also insulate your windows by creating an air pocket between the fabric and the glass. This can help reduce heat loss through the windows and keep your room warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Blocking drafts and noise from outside. Curtains can block drafts and noise from entering your room through the gaps around the window frame or the sill. This can help improve your comfort and sleep quality by creating a more peaceful and cozy environment.
- Protecting your furniture and flooring from sun damage. Curtains can protect your furniture and flooring from fading or cracking due to exposure to direct sunlight. They can also filter the sunlight and create a soft and pleasant ambiance in your room.
How to put curtains in front of a radiator properly
If you decide to put curtains in front of a radiator, you should follow these tips to do it properly:
- Choose curtains that are made of fire-resistant or flame-retardant materials. These materials are less likely to catch fire or spread flames in case of an accident. You can check the labels or tags of the curtains for this information or look for symbols like BS 5867 or NFPA 701.
- Choose curtains that are hung properly and do not block the heat from circulating. You have two options for this:
- Tuck the curtains behind the radiator. This is the safest option as it prevents any contact between the curtains and the radiator. It also allows the heat to flow freely in the room. You can use curtain tiebacks or hooks to secure the curtains behind the radiator.
- Hang the curtains above the radiator. This is another option if you want to have floor-length curtains that do not touch the radiator. You should hang the curtains at least 2-4 centimetres above the radiator to prevent them from blocking any wanted heat2. You should also use extended brackets that hold the curtains away from the wall.
Conclusion
Putting curtains in front of a radiator can cause damage to both the curtains and the radiator, as well as waste energy and reduce comfort. Curtains that cover a radiator completely can block the heat from circulating in the room, pose a fire risk, and fade or shrink due to the heat. Curtains that are tucked behind or above a radiator can prevent these problems and still add style and insulation to your windows.
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
