Are you part way through designing your home and thinking “should I paint my radiator the same colour as the wall?”
If so, you’ve come to the right place. The team here at Bathroom Takeaway have compiled the best tips to help you seamlessly integrate your radiators into a modern or traditional home.
So…Do You Paint Radiators The Same Colour As Walls?
Yes, you can absolutely paint your radiators the same as your wall! But if you are thinking about painting your radiators in an aim to coordinate with your interior design, there are several different ways you can actually achieve that. So let’s get into it:
1.Matching Colours
So if you're thinking “should I paint the radiator the same colour as the wall?” You're looking to achieve a coordinated look across your home. Then it’s easy enough to match it with your decor.
If you cannot find a pre-colored radiator that matches your existing paint, you may need to do some DIY painting.
To achieve the best colour match, we suggest choosing paints from the same manufacturer and comparing colour swatches side-by-side before starting your painting project.
2.Contrasting Colours
If you lack confidence in colour matching, don't worry. Instead of precisely matching your radiator's shade to the wall, consider a contrasting hue to add a vibrant pop of colour to the room.
Choose a colour that complements other elements, like the sofa or décor. For example, dark grey walls pair beautifully with splashes of purple, orange complements neutral tones, and green works well for plant-filled spaces.
By selecting a contrasting colour, you create a dynamic, visually interesting look without stressing over an exact match.
3. Match To Your Wallpaper
Do you have patterned or colourful wallpaper? If so, consider painting your radiators to match one of the hues. This is a creative way to transform your radiators from purely functional to decorative elements that complement your existing wallpaper.
Choose a colour that catches your eye or that you want to highlight - think pink or purple flowers, jade green from a tropical motif, or a metallic tone from a geometric print.
The possibilities are endless. Be sure to match your selected shade to paint swatches for the best cohesive look.
FAQ’s
What Is The Best Colour To Paint A Radiator?
Painted coloured radiators typically generate around 25% more heat output compared to unpainted radiators. While scientifically, matte black is the most efficient colour, the difference in heat output between a matte black and a white radiator is negligible, at only around 1%.
Can A Radiator Be Painted With Wall Paint?
While lower-quality paints may chip and peel over time, good-quality emulsion paints can be effectively used to paint radiators.
However, it's important to apply a clear radiator overcoat after the emulsion paint to ensure a durable, long-lasting finish.
Why Are Most Radiators Painted White?
Painting radiators white is an effective way to maximise heat projection from the inside to the outside.
This is because black surfaces absorb heat and light, while white surfaces reflect them. By painting radiators white, you can efficiently transfer heat from the interior to the exterior, projecting as much heat as possible.
Should Radiators Be Painted Gloss Or Satin?
If your radiator has some minor damage, consider using a satin paint instead of a glossy finish. Satin paint will provide a more subtle, muted sheen.
Additionally, oil-based gloss paints require extended drying time. To allow the paint to fully cure, you'll need to keep the radiator turned off and avoid touching it for up to 24 hours.
Should I Paint the Radiator Cover The Same Colour As The Wall?
Yes! It is absolutely possible to paint your radiator cover too! But we suggest adding 2-3 layers to ensure the paint remains.
