Can you use traditional radiators in modern settings?

Can you use traditional radiators in modern settings?

While commonly associated more with period or vintage-inspired homes, traditional cast iron radiators are also a great choice for placing in contemporary spaces. This type of radiator has become increasingly popular for modern homes over the past few years, and there are many design trends that actively support or feature cast iron radiators among more current styles. Here, we've put together a short guide to the various settings these classic radiators make an ideal addition that you may not have otherwise considered.

First of all, what is a traditional radiator? These are generally radiators that are made from a cast iron mould, and feature design inspiration from the 19th and early 20th centuries when these styles were first used. This makes them ideal for placing in rustic vogue settings, as the combination of modern comforts alongside traditional influences helps to emphasise the classical features of these kinds of radiators. Cast iron radiators with more subtle or utilitarian designs are especially suited to these environments, as they help to tie the modern and period inspired elements together, especially when combined with a copper-coloured or other light shades.

This however is far from the only modern design trend in which traditional radiators can be placed. Industrial-inspired interiors, with their exposed brick or stonework, high ceilings, and neutral colours being naturally suited to the style of many cast iron radiators, particularly those with authentic Victorian influences. The  Knight 7 Column Cast Iron Radiator and Rook 2 Column Cast Iron Radiator are excellent examples of this style, and we also have various finishes available that further complement the industrial aesthetic, with our metallic or full-polished options being some of the most striking for this type of design. Similarly, this particular style of radiator can also be used to great effect in homes with minimalist or monochrome interiors, as these products will add just a hint of detail to these rooms and help to enhance the existing colour schemes.

At the other end of the scale, there are also modern design trends that fully embrace more striking, ornate cast iron radiators. The 'Maximalism' concept involves creating highly individual spaces containing elaborate and decorative pieces that allow the designer to express themselves in a way that previously-popular design styles may not have allowed. Rooms decorated in this style would be a perfect home for one of our elegant, decorative radiators such as our  Cromwell Regal Cast Iron Radiator, or the Rochester Cast Iron Radiator. Both of these products feature intricate, scrolling patterns that are guaranteed to make a stand-out impression, especially combined with one of the many stunning finishes we have available.

Outside of design trends, there are many types of building that are innately suited to traditional cast iron radiators. Barn conversions, for example, are seen as a natural home for these types of radiator, as they are able to emit heat throughout this kind of structure's wide open spaces and high ceilings. This ability to emanate warmth around large rooms also makes traditional radiators the perfect choice for loft or studio apartments, and these spaces are also great for experimenting with the industrial-style aesthetic mentioned above.

There are, of course, many other modern settings that cast iron radiators will fit into. If you're looking for some inspiration, why not take a look at our  customer gallery to see how others have utilised these beautiful radiators, or our Instagram page @radiators4u to view our ranges further.