Where to Position Your Radiator: A Practical Guide

Getting the most out of your heating isn’t just about choosing the right radiator it’s also about putting it in the right place. A well-placed radiator can make your home warmer, more comfortable, and even cut down your heating bills. Whether you're designing an open plan living area or sprucing up your bathroom, here’s how to position your radiator like a pro without needing to be one.

Why Radiator Positioning Matters

If you’ve ever felt a room that’s warm in one corner but chilly in another, chances are the radiator’s in the wrong place. Proper placement helps heat move evenly throughout a space, preventing those annoying cold spots. According to the Energy Saving Trust, positioning your radiator well could shave up to 10 percent off your heating bill. That’s not just comfort – that’s money saved.

Open Plan Living: What Works Best

Modern homes often favour open plan spaces, which look great but can be tricky to heat evenly. If you’ve got a large area, two radiators ideally at opposite ends – can work wonders to balance the warmth. For anything over 25 square metres, it’s best not to rely on just one.

Should You Stick It Under the Window?

In older homes, radiators were nearly always placed under windows to fight off the cold air that came through single-glazed panes. These days, with double or triple glazing, it’s not as essential. In fact, placing your radiator on an interior wall instead can stop precious heat from leaking outside. If your radiator has to go on an external wall, stick a reflective panel behind it to bounce warmth back into the room – it can cut heat loss by up to 20 percent.

Watch Out for Furniture

Your radiator might be cranking out heat, but if you’ve got a big sofa or cabinet in front of it, you won’t feel the benefit. It can block up to 40 percent of the heat. Always leave about 20 centimetres of breathing space between your radiator and any large pieces of furniture or curtains.

Vertical Radiators: Space-Saving and Stylish

Got a narrow wall or a tight alcove? A vertical radiator can be a game changer. They free up space, look modern, and perform just as well as their horizontal cousins – as long as they’re properly sized. Don’t underestimate their heating power just because they’re tall and slim.

Places to Avoid

Try not to position radiators behind doors or in places where people walk by constantly. Doors often lead to colder areas and can draw heat away from your space. Meanwhile, high-traffic areas disrupt airflow and make it harder for the heat to settle where it’s needed most.

Radiator Placement in Bathrooms

Bathrooms are small, often chilly, and filled with moisture – making good radiator placement essential. One smart option is to place the radiator near the door. This helps tackle draughts and warms the room as soon as you walk in. Towel rails work best when they’re close to the bath or shower, but not in the splash zone. And a bit of elevation helps – aim for the bottom bar to sit around 10 to 15 centimetres off the floor for proper airflow.

Keeping It Dry and Warm

Bathrooms are prone to condensation, which isn’t great for radiators. Make sure there’s decent ventilation – an extractor fan or a window that opens will do the job. If your bathroom is badly ventilated, you’re more likely to deal with corrosion, which can shorten your radiator’s lifespan.

Don’t Forget About Sizing

Even the best-positioned radiator won’t help if it’s not big enough. To figure out what size you need, there’s a simple calculation: multiply your room’s length, width and height (in metres), then multiply that number by 153 for living areas or 175 for bathrooms. That gives you a rough BTU (British Thermal Unit) figure. If you’re using more than one radiator in a room, just divide the total between them.

Smarter Controls, Better Warmth

Once your radiator is in the right place, a thermostatic valve or smart control system can help you heat only the areas you need – and at the right times. Zoned heating is more efficient, and smarter controls can cut energy use by up to 17 percent. It’s an easy win for both comfort and cost.

Quick Tips for Radiator Placement:

- Avoid blocking with furniture or heavy curtains
- Reflect heat back into the room with foil panels on exterior walls
- Keep it in the coldest part of the room if possible
- Leave 10 to 15 cm space from the floor
- Use multiple radiators in large open areas
- Consider vertical radiators for awkward spaces
- Make sure to size it right with a BTU calculator
- Use smart controls or thermostatic valves for efficiency

Final Thoughts

The way you position your radiator can have a big impact on how your home feels. Whether you’re working with a stylish open plan space or a cosy bathroom, these simple changes can lead to better warmth, lower bills and a more comfortable living space. It’s all about thinking smart – and warming up wisely. Check out our range of radiators here!