From Romans to Designer Radiators
Article written by Trevor Powell, 14th Jan 2009
Most of us will remember from our schooldays that it was the Romans who perfected the idea of circulating hot water underneath their houses and municipal buildings. The principle was simple but clever: water was heated by fire and then allowed to flow freely through a network of channels below the room’s surface. Heat thus emitted would rise up through the floor and lead to a corresponding increase in room temperature, ancient designer radiators! Much of this technology was lost or forgotten in the dark ages that followed the demise of the Roman Empire. People resorted to open fires for warmth, and often just a single source of heat was used for the entire dwelling. The idea of using hot water for warmth took up steam again in the Victorian era. Coal-fired boilers would burn ceaselessly to heat water to scalding point and pump it into large, freestanding, cast iron radiators.
vertical radiator
In larger houses, there would often be a radiator in every room. Anyone who has visited such a property will be familiar with the chunky upright styles that prevailed. The evolution of modern radiators, or central heating radiators, can be traced back about sixty years. Modern radiators differ from their Victorian predecessors primarily in terms of style and cost efficiency. They also operate at lower temperatures and the water is heated by electricity as opposed to coal. While many people could be forgiven for believing that radiator design is these days fairly stagnant, the truth is actually quite different. Over the last few years lots of new designs have become available, many of which are referred to as designer radiators. Though technically the same as most other contemporary radiators, funky radiators warrant a classification of their own by virtue of their unusual and frequently ultra-modern styling. The actual number of different styles now available is vast, and most bear little or no resemblance to traditional heating radiators.
Because of their innovative and aesthetically pleasing styles, designer radiators have become extremely popular. Heated towel rails, for example, have been transformed into objects of interest and beauty; freestanding heaters have become fashion accessories; and many radiators designed for use in living rooms and large bedrooms feature such stunning design that they wouldn’t look out of place in a modern art gallery. But it’s not only for household use that these modern radiators have made their mark. Interior designers are now using them extensively in modern offices, boutique-style hotels, airport lounges, and other trend-setting public spaces. Chances are, if you have visited such a place recently you may have walked right past one of these radiators without even having noticed it. Ultimately, to fully appreciate designer radiators, you need to go and see them for yourself. And the best way to do this, of course, is to visit a reputable dealer. Most dealers will be happy not only to show off their (often) breathtaking stock, but also to advise on what type of radiator is best suited to your needs and to offer help with installation.