
A radiator is far removed from a mere home heat source nowadays.
More than ever, both vertical and horizontal modern radiators are used to create interior style statements. Away from simply providing warmth throughout the home, they can be used to completely transform the look of a room.
Vertical radiators have garnered a reputation as the more fanciful designer radiators available. However, horizontal models can be considered just as eye-catching. Especially when compared with traditional convector radiator designs.
The question is which is the best type of radiator to select for your home?
This blog will help you make the right choice…
Vertical or Horizontal: What difference does it make?
For transmitting warmth to a room, what difference does it make if you opt for a vertical or horizontal radiator?
In truth, very little. They both serve to deliver warmth to your chosen space and to keep the cold at bay on a chilly evening.
The same can be said for any other weird and wacky design shape you might come across when shopping for designer radiators.
So many modern home heating solutions are currently in development, that the market is saturated with unique radiator styles.
Our Xcite designer radiator is one such example. Though it technically falls into the vertical category, it undoubtedly incorporates a letter X shape.
This dearth of models testifies to the popularity of designer radiators in the current landscape. It also signifies the technological advancements that have aided their growth.
And ultimately, it testifies how radiators are increasingly viewed as interior design commodities. Previously, they’d be seen solely as a functional means for heating the home.
But when deciding between vertical and horizontal options, one thing that does need to be considered is the size of the room you are populating.
In fact, whether a modern vertical radiator or more traditional horizontal radiator will offer an adequate heat output to warm the space will likely be one of the main factors in your decision.
Otherwise, what’s the point investing in a radiator that doesn’t warm your room to a proper effect?
Our BTU Calculator can help you paint an accurate picture of how much heat is required. You can then keep that figure in mind when looking for the perfect designer radiator.
When you have an idea of your BTU requirements, you can start to think about other elements that might affect your decision. For instance, the layout and aesthetics of the room, and what you want to achieve with regards to comfort, performance and looks.
Why choose a Horizontal Radiator?
If you want to complete a swift home heating upgrade, it can often make life easier to go for a simple like-for-like switch of your existing radiator.
For instance – after making sure a new component would offer a similar heat output – you could source a contemporary design with matching dimensions, and fit it in the same spot as your old radiator.
This can be completed with relative ease. Provided you have a hint of DIY nous, you should be able to complete the removal and installation of your radiator.
Follow the instructions in our guides on how to remove a radiator and how to install a radiator for helpful tips. Or, if you’d prefer, use visual assistance in the form of a YouTube video.
By doing this, you can save plenty of cash on installation costs. You won’t need to give the green light to any invasive plumbing work and mess around moving pipework. It’s likely only an afternoon’s worth of a job.
This is a perfect means to create a brand new look in a room at a relatively low cost.
Add some snazzy radiator valves to complete the appearance and functionality of your new radiator. Our Buyer’s Guide to Radiator Valves can provide you with inspiration if necessary.
Upon installation, the new designer radiator will instantly breathe new life into your chosen area. You can completely transform the way a room looks and feels, just through the fitting of a fresh designer radiator.
Hudson Reed offer all sorts of stunning horizontal designer radiators. Every design provides excellent aesthetics and premium performance quality. Browse our horizontal radiator collection and scope out the ideal option for your home.
Why choose a Vertical Radiator?
As detailed earlier, replacing a convector radiator with a modern upgrade is quite simple.
If you wish to create a standout look that is totally detached from what you’re used to though, a vertical designer radiator has to be the ideal option.
A vertical radiator that provides a similar heat output to a horizontal model can prove an excellent heating solution for most areas of the home.
Due to the vertical design, the radiator won’t accommodate as much wall space as your existing radiator. But it will still deliver the same level of warmth to ensure your chosen room is heated effectively and adequately.
You can see a simple comparison between the two contrasting styles – and the impression they make on the space – adjacent and below.
This horizontal Revive double-panel designer radiator measures 70 inches in width, and provides a heat output of 6135 BTUs, or 1,798 Watts.
Whilst it isn’t an especially large radiator, the Revive model would account for a significant amount of wall space in a small area. As a result, you could be somewhat restricted in positioning other fixtures and furniture.
As you can see, there’s plenty of room for a giant clock above, but little space to manoeuvre either side of the radiator.
The component could influence your choice of decor as well, with factors such as the long width at play.
With vertical radiators, you maximize the wall space in the channels between your radiator and parallel wall.
Of course, you might have to relocate the clock, but there’s still plenty of room to fit such a fixture if you do travel the vertical route.
There’s just a couple of differences between the layout in each example (see if you can spot them) – but they essentially offer the same space to work with.
Using that room for reference, the vertical design would account for way more than half a meter extra space. To give a bit of context to that notion, if your wall is two meters long, you can reclaim over a quarter of the space by opting for a vertical designer radiator.
The added room gives you the scope to be more adventurous with decoration, fittings and any other nuances you might wish to populate the area with.
So especially for more compact rooms, a vertical radiator might prove the best heating option.
A further factor in selecting a vertical radiator is the range it provides buyers with regards to adjusting how their room operates.
For instance, if you were planning some renovation work on a dining room area, you might need to eliminate a wall leading into the kitchen. The added wall space would allow you to do just that, and make perfect use of the area beside your kitchen’s entrance.
The result is a bigger kitchen-diner space, without compromising on warmth.
If you are committing to a larger scale refurbishment like this, consider carefully the location of your radiator fitting.
It is wise to opt for the coldest part of the room for obvious reasons. If there is an exterior door or wall entering the kitchen, it is probably a good idea to fit your new radiator nearby either.
If you just want to make space for other fittings such as a kitchen unit, there’s many ultra-thin vertical radiators worth considering.
The Aurora aluminum vertical designer radiator, pictured adjacently, is one such example that can really enhance surrounding space while delivering an outstanding heat output.
Spanning only 11 inches wide, this component still manages to provide a 3931 BTU heat output, equating to 1,152 Watts.
It is one of several available vertical radiators that maximize wall space immensely. The radiator creates adequate room for all sorts of different fixtures, fittings and furniture.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a comfortable, warm environment with scope for adventurous design props, if that is your forte.
This horizontal Revive double-panel designer radiator measures 70 inches in width, and provides a heat output of 6135 BTUs, or 1,798 Watts.
Whilst it isn’t an especially large radiator, the Revive model would account for a significant amount of wall space in a small area. As a result, you could be somewhat restricted in positioning other fixtures and furniture.
As you can see, there’s plenty of room for a giant clock above, but little space to manoeuvre either side of the radiator.
The component could influence your choice of decor as well, with factors such as the long width at play.
With vertical radiators, you maximize the wall space in the channels between your radiator and parallel wall.
Of course, you might have to relocate the clock, but there’s still plenty of room to fit such a fixture if you do travel the vertical route.
There’s just a couple of differences between the layout in each example (see if you can spot them) – but they essentially offer the same space to work with.
Using that room for reference, the vertical design would account for way more than half a meter extra space. To give a bit of context to that notion, if your wall is two meters long, you can reclaim over a quarter of the space by opting for a vertical designer radiator.
The added room gives you the scope to be more adventurous with decoration, fittings and any other nuances you might wish to populate the area with.
So especially for more compact rooms, a vertical radiator might prove the best heating option.
A further factor in selecting a vertical radiator is the range it provides buyers with regards to adjusting how their room operates.
For instance, if you were planning some renovation work on a dining room area, you might need to eliminate a wall leading into the kitchen. The added wall space would allow you to do just that, and make perfect use of the area beside your kitchen’s entrance.
The result is a bigger kitchen-diner space, without compromising on warmth.
If you are committing to a larger scale refurbishment like this, consider carefully the location of your radiator fitting.
It is wise to opt for the coldest part of the room for obvious reasons. If there is an exterior door or wall entering the kitchen, it is probably a good idea to fit your new radiator nearby either.
If you just want to make space for other fittings such as a kitchen unit, there’s many ultra-thin vertical radiators worth considering.
The Aurora aluminum vertical designer radiator, as seen below, is one such example that can really enhance surrounding space while delivering an outstanding heat output.
Spanning only 11 inches wide, this component still manages to provide a 3931 BTU heat output, equating to 1,152 Watts.
It is one of several available vertical radiators that maximize wall space immensely. The radiator creates adequate room for all sorts of different fixtures, fittings and furniture.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a comfortable, warm environment with scope for adventurous design props, if that is your forte.
Vertical Radiators vs Horizontal Radiators: The Pros
Hudson Reed USA supply a superb array of radiators in both vertical and horizontal designs.
Every model, regardless of orientation, is designed to add warmth, comfort and style to a space.
To make an informed decision on which type to select for your home, there are several factors to take into consideration.
The size, layout and function of your chosen room will largely influence what sort of model you go for.
But that’s not all…
What are the Advantages of a Vertical Radiator?
Vertical radiators are ever increasing in popularity, and with good reason.
The so-called novelty of the design is certainly a factor in comparison with horizontal radiators, though.
It would have been an unprecedented notion to firstly think vertical for a home heating solution not too long ago.
But many homeowners are doing just that nowadays. Vertical designer radiators really have ascended to the forefront of the queue with regards to ultra-stylish, contemporary home heating options.
Incorporating a minimalist appearance with sleek design lines, a vertical radiator profile is sure to stand out in any space.
Often standing way taller than a standard horizontal radiator would, vertical radiators can have a real imposing effect on a room. That is a big factor in their reputation as an aspirational interior design solution as opposed to a simple source of heat.
In terms of practicality, vertical radiators are an ideal selection for smaller rooms especially. This is the case because they take up much less floor and wall space.
It’s easy to overlook extra unused wall space in the room you’ve chosen for your radiator installation. But vertical radiators help you to look at the room in a different way.
As such, they can be deemed an especially pertinent choice for a smaller kitchen or bedroom. They can also provide a perfect heating solution for the likes of hallways and staircase walls, so not necessarily areas that are full rooms.
Popular opinion: the perfect scenario for a staircase vertical radiator installation doesn’t exist.
Well, while ‘perfect is purely a matter of opinion, there are some circumstances that would make the staircase addition of a vertical radiator as near to ideal as possible.
If you have a lounge, kitchen or dining area adjacent to a staircase, you could be in luck.
By placing a vertical radiator towards the foot of the stairs, you can ensure the delivery of an adequate heat output for your downstairs room.
You’ll also free up valuable space for other furniture, fixtures and fittings, whilst adding a stylish decorative element to limited wall space.
Something like like the Sloane double flat panel vertical designer radiator would be a perfect option in this regard. Provided it fits in with your color scheme, of course!
So what if it’s a bit of an unusual location for a radiator installation? A vertical designer radiator will look good ANYWHERE. And here it provides all the functionality you need with scope to make key adjustments elsewhere.
What are the main takeaways concerning vertical radiators, then?
- An excellent heating option for areas with limited floor or wall space
- Maximizes room for other furniture and fittings
- Ideal for creating a minimalist appearance and ambience
- Provides a standout focal point
- Increases the value of your property
What are the Advantages of a Horizontal Radiator?
A more traditional avenue to travel is to replace your existing radiator with a new horizontal model.
Even the most contemporary designs are still more common in comparison with vertical radiators. However, they can still be considered an impressive interior design feature.
Horizontal radiators work in the exact same manner as vertical designs. They tend to be positioned in the coldest area of a room, often beneath a window.
By fitting them in such a location, your horizontal radiators won’t hog useful wall space elsewhere in the chosen room. Thus, they won’t affect the positioning of furniture or other appliances.
The downside to this, though, is that you are somewhat pigeon-holed in terms of where you can install your radiator.
Therefore, if you want to move your radiator away from underneath the window for whatever reason, a vertical radiator could be considered a better option.
But if you do have your heart set on a horizontal radiator, there are some versions available that enable you to enhance space.
A middle connection model – such as the Aurora aluminum horizontal designer radiator – ensure that there is no requirement for extra space at either side of the radiator.
Although no added room is needed for valves and pipework, any middle connection horizontal radiator will still surely be wider than a vertical option that delivers an identical heat output.
You might just want to upgrade the appearance of your room a touch. In that case, trading your traditional convector for a brand new horizontal radiator might prove the best solution.
There is one main disadvantage of horizontal radiators. It is accentuated by the presence of so many vertical radiator designs.
That being the restrictions that horizontal radiators can have with regards to the positioning of furniture and other fittings.
Via the opening of ‘vertical space’, done through the installation of a tall radiator, extra room is created for shelving, chairs or tables. A bulkier horizontal radiator simply won’t afford the homeowner with the same luxury.
Furthermore, it isn’t really a viable option to re-position your sofa or other furniture in front of the radiator to create space elsewhere. All you’ll end up doing in this scenario is blocking the heat and robbing your chosen room of comfortable warmth.
Keep that in mind if you do opt for a horizontal radiator.
You don’t want to block the radiator with any sort of furniture – instead make sure it is exposed and able to transmit its heat output to the air within the room.
In doing so, you can guarantee that your radiator will heat your space properly and efficiently. As a result, energy won’t be wasted and lead to unnecessarily accumulated heating bills.
What are the main takeaways concerning horizontal radiators, then?
- More traditional design elements
- Perfect for installation beneath a window, where space is redundant to the majority of furniture
- Probably easier to install, with no requirement to adjust pipework if replacing an existing horizontal model
- Make sure you don’t position furniture in the way of them. If you need extra space for other furniture and fixtures, vertical radiators are a preferable option
A stunning array of Horizontal and Vertical Radiators
As is the case with many interior design choices, opting between a horizontal and vertical radiator will be largely influenced by the layout and shape of the room you are hoping to heat.
If you have lots of wall space already – and a horizontal radiator positioned beneath a window – it might be best to simply upgrade to a more modern horizontal radiator design.
By doing so, you’d remove the monumental stress of tearing out floorboards and altering existing pipework.
All you need to do is find out what heat output your current radiator supplies. Then, choose one from our online range that provides at least as much warmth.
We’ve plenty of resources to help you make the perfect decision for the right room…
Check out our Buyer’s Guide to Kitchen Heating, our guide on the Best Hot Water Radiators for your Home and our blog on What to know about Cast Iron Radiators for a start. And we’ve also produced a guide on where to position your radiator to solve any installation headaches.
Don’t forget! If you are looking to invest in a larger radiator, you should be certain that your central heating system has the performance capacity to deal with the more powerful appliance. Boilers are limited with regards to how much water they can use when in operation. It would be beyond frustrating to purchase a shiny new radiator to find out it won’t heat up properly!
All in all, despite the pros and cons listed about each type here, your decision between vertical and horizontal radiators will come down to which version you feel is most suitable for your home.
Much of that will be dictated by your personal style preferences. The existing look and feel of the room you’re looking to populate with a new designer radiator will also play a part.
Even if you want to be inventive with the positioning of your home heating solution, go for it!
The staircase radiator suggestion earlier in the article isn’t exactly conventional. There’s plenty of other examples of radiator installations that could be considered a touch ‘out there’ too.
Halfway up a wall? On the ceiling? Those are just a couple of bizarre radiator fittings we’ve come across over time, so it really is fine to just go with what you feel is right for you.
Maybe not the ceiling though, that’s a bit too strange!
To summarize, if you are looking to upgrade your home heating in a smaller room with limited space, and hoping to make a bold style statement, then a VERTICAL radiator should be at the forefront of your thoughts.
For a classic, understated appearance, you could be better served opting for a HORIZONTAL radiator, in what might represent a straight swap in terms of shape.
Don’t fret though – sticking with a horizontal model doesn’t restrict you to a simple, undistinguished home heating option.
There is a plethora of stunning horizontal radiator designs on the market that will instantly grab attention. You can play it as safely or as dangerously as you’d like with regards to the unique design elements your horizontal radiator incorporates.
Ultimately, the decision is down to you. The wide range of modern designs currently available means it has never been easier to find an eye-catching home heating solution that will deliver warmth and a real sense of contemporary verve to your interior.
Discover the perfect designer radiator to deliver style and value to your home, and to create a standout focal point within any room.
Shop Vertical and Horizontal Radiators Online from Hudson Reed USA
An excellent variety of vertical and horizontal radiators are available to buy online from Hudson Reed USA.
If you need further assistance in choosing the right heating option for your home, don’t hesitate to contact us for help and advice.
Simply contact us via our website with your enquiry. Alternatively, you can call our friendly team on 1-877-778-8460.
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