The Sublime Art of Heating

When I was growing up, radiators were simply utilitarian white metal panels fixed to the wall. I didn’t take much notice of them unless it was bitterly cold, in which case I would slump with my back to the warmth while I did my Latin homework. These days, it seems, some radiators wouldn’t look out of place in the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna.  

Alex Newman of Sapphire Spaces in Exeter suggests that, up until recently, interior design was perceived to be something for those with large homes and high budgets. But, she says, all this has now changed. “With interactive websites such as Houzz and Pinterest, more and more of us are taking time to plan and consider our next project, be it a whole house or a single room. And when it comes to redecorating and refurbishing we have a bit of a love-hate relationship with radiators – we love the warmth they give us but hate the way they traditionally look, often dominating an entire wall.” So what else is there? “Quite a lot actually, thanks to Italian companies such as Hotech and Cordivari who both offer interesting and well-made radiators. In fact, you don’t have to go to Italy to find style. Bisque, based in Kilburn, has been pioneering cutting-edge radiator design since 1979.”

Keith Fillingham, of kitchen and bathroom specialist Roomers in Exmouth, agrees. “Bisque was the first company to introduce designer radiators to the UK, bucking the trend for functional, but uninspired steel pressed panels and giving home-owners the chance to heat with style. Bisque’s ‘Hot Spring’ coiled designer radiator first came on the market in 1997 – and it’s as popular today as it was then,” explains Keith. His personal recommendation is Bisque’s coloured models, which have a more efficient output than the chrome options. From subtle greys, moka and lemon to strawberry or violet, and with special finishes available, these radiators are not only functional, but will certainly be a talking point for your home. The Bisque range is created by designers from the UK and Italy, but the Swiss can also turn their hands to design, and Keith commends the Zehnder range from Switzerland, as being “less costly but an attractive addition to the home”.

At Westcountry Tile & Bathroom in Plymouth, owner Jamie Shewbrook is another advocate of Italian style, or, as he describes it, the ‘weird and wonderful’. “One of my favourites is the Zero-Otto radiator designed by Francesco Lucchese. It’s quite simply a stunning concept – not just a heater but also a work of art.” The single unit model has an essence-holder that allows a delightful fragrance to permeate the room. 

But the Italians don’t have it all their own way; the eye-catching Reina range of designer radiators are manufactured in Turkey. Reina implies that the sleek lines and lightness of its radiators naturally creates the appearance of space in small spaces and can enhance the size of a room. On a slightly more practical note, Jamie says he’s very impressed by the energy efficiency of the Vasco range of aluminium radiators, which hail from Belgium. In addition to looking good, Vasco radiators use around 80% less water than other radiators and are safer in homes with young children, as they are not so hot to the touch. Yet, even with the plethora of funky designs available, it seems that many of us still like the familiar. “A lot of our customers are still drawn to the traditional ladder-style towel rail,” Jamie says, “although that doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be dull!”

A fluffy towel heated by a funky Italian towel rail – this is surely the best way to start your day, or even the perfect place for a teenage daughter to do her homework, even if it’s more likely to be Media Studies than Latin.

“…these radiators are not only functional, but will certainly be a talking point for your home”