Best Designer Radiators: 8 Great Buys to Update Your Heating with Style

Looking to add the best designer radiators for your home? Whether you want your heat emitters to match a contemporary new build, or are looking to refresh your existing interiors, designer radiators shouldn’t just look great, but also work efficiently in your home and for your lifestyle. 

When choosing radiators for any home, taking heat output into account based on rooms size is essential before looking into colours or designs — this is commonly known as calculating the BTU (British Thermal Unit) energy requirement of the room. 

With your specifications in hand, peruse our top picks of the best designer radiators out there. From towel rails, column radiators and even heated mirrors, there’s something for every house and every budget. 

(MORE: Designer Radiator Ideas)

What's the Best Designer Radiator?

Contemporary in both design and appearance, the Jaga Knockonwood range is catered specifically to blend with modern home interiors. 

Unusually covered in a wood vaneer (sourced from Forest Friendly timber, no less), the durable design actually withstands the heat required remarkably well while Jaga boast the surface of the radiator is safe to touch even at temperatures up to 90º — a bonus for interior-minded young families.

But that's not the mean this radiator is all style and no substance, the unit is equipped with a Dynamic Boost Effect technology for an extra kick on those cold winter mornings, as well as a great BTU rating. 

While designer radiators tend to lean towards the more contemporary end of the spectrum, the Arroll Montmartre is a masterclass in blending the timeless, delicate designs of traditional cast iron radiators with modern efficiency. 

The radiator is supplied with solid wall brackets kit and air vent and, as is so beloved about cast iron designs, has a high heat retention so they stay warm long after you turn your central heating off. 

The daring industrial appearance only belies the power-house nature of this designer radiator. 

The Terma ribbon horizontal radiator is made from shaping mild steel into six coiled columns so a truly stand-out finish, but the great heat output of this model is what makes it truly worth your while. 

Sleek and simple in its design, Reina's Neva series is perfect for those with limited wall space and a tight budget. 

The vertical steel is finished in a high quality powder-coated finish to match any home style and comes with all the fixings to help with a mess-free and easy installation. 

Blending seamlessly into a bathroom, this glass mirror radiator saves on space and energy to heat. Warmed by infrared technology, the mirror won't steam up like a regular mirror while also providing a long-lasting and quick heat. 

Supposedly, as a result of the infrared heat airborne allergens are prevented from circulating spaces and the radiators been reported to help those with high blood pressure, poor blood circulation and joint stiffness. 

Add a true statement feature to your living space with this sharp, hexagonal design. Efficient with a great heat output, the Hex radiator also includes handy peg branches on which to hand towels in a kitchen or bathroom — or even a scarf before braving the winter weather!

Small but mighty, Milano's Aruba design kicks out a fair amount of heat for its size and looks great while doing it, although you may have to be careful in which room you position it — while it is good for it's size, it is still a small radiator so won't be able to keep up with large rooms by itself. 

Careful attention to detail – specifically to the low-profile – elevates this radiator from being a functional bit of kit in the corner to a feature for your home. 

The slimline  Wickes' Soap Ellipse radiator is perfect for use in either a family bathroom, living room or entry way where it's multi-use design as a full length mirror comes very much in handy. 

Featuring infrared technology and a waterproof touch screen control, this radiator (which can be hung horizontally or vertically) has built-in sensors that control an even heat output — perfect for busy families. 

How to Buy the Best Designer Radiator

Research is always key when investing in any radiator but, with the extra price tag that comes attached with some designer radiators, never has it been more true. 

The best place to start is with the dimensions of your room: find out the required BTU rating and make a note. 

Then, work out where in your room your radiator is best placed. Gone are the days where radiators were relegated to under the window; vertical designs and extra modern efficiency have made it possible to get a little creative in their positions. 

Once you have your BTU and designated space size, start looking into different designs — the world is your oyster these days when it comes to heat emitters so try not to get overwhelmed! 

Always make sure you central heating system is compatible with your chosen radiator and consider the cost of installation and added extras like valves and wall fixings before purchasing. 

Are Designer Radiators as Efficient as Regular Radiators?

In a word, yes, designer radiators are as efficient as regular radiators — they just come in a prettier package! 

Usually made from higher quality materials, such as steel, aluminium or glass the heat tends to be conducted more easily, meaning your home gets hotter faster. 

Time spent on the beautiful forms and design can result in more energy efficient radiators which are cheaper to run than the white rectangular models of times gone by.