I have never lived in a place with the wall radiator heaters. In our new apartment we have one under each window. However, I would like to hang full length curtains. I am wondering if the curtains will block the heat from the radiators, or if you aren't supposed to have anything blocking them? Do I need to hem the curtains so they aren't blocking the radiators, or is it fine to leave them long?
At the risk of making myself look like an idiot yet again, I have another question.
Hi,
From what I hear you should not block the radiators with your curtains - it apparently will stop the heat from filling the room! It wont matter for the summer but early winter mornings may be different story...
I had to adjust all of mine when I moved here first for 2 reasons - the heat reason and number 2 - I also did not like the idea of the curtains trailing on the floor!!
From your picture both long and short curtains look nice so good luck with the decision making!!
Don't you have shutters? We close our shutters at night and leave the curtains pulled back away from the radiators. The curtains are only there to dress the windows.
We have shutters, but I like to leave the windows open for the breeze, but still have some privacy (curtains).
The long curtains will absorb the heat intended to keep the room warm. You'll have nice warm curtains, and a rather cooler room. Shorter curtains will be better. They'll also act as an insulator to an extent, adding to the effect of the shutters being closed.
Radiators under windows are a trade off. They help counter drafts from old windows and stop another section of the room from having an un-usable wall to place sofas againt etc. But then floor length curtains (the only type I like) will block the heat.
My solution here is to use the external shutters in winter and the curtains in summer. At my flat in London I have no curtains and use window-sized venetian blinds, but then windows in the UK open outwards and the ledges are inside so plenty of room for blinds.
The perfect solution, I guess, is underfloor heating.
Moving into a place that has underfloor heating, and this will be my first experience with it. Looking forward to it!
As for the floor length curtains with the heate ron, couldn't this also be a fire hazard if the heat was left on long enough? Good luck with whatever you decide!
Radiators don't get hot enough to cause fires.
Be careful your wooden floor doesn't burst into flames!!
Use Cardboard and foil. Make a surfboard shape (ie curved over at one end out of card, cover with foil. Stick behind radiator so it pushes the curtains away from the radiator. the heat is pushed into the room. You can always shove it down in the daytime too.
Heat rises, so a fair amount of the warm air generated by your radiators is going to 'escape' into the room through the large gaps at the top of your drawn curtains.
Presuming those are your curtains of course....
If you have the windows open at night and shutters closed then long curtains should help retain any heat that's built up in the room during the day.
Personally I'm with adrianlondon, it's long or nothing!
Hi there
We have similar heaters beneath the windows , in our furnished appartment. In the bedroom we have lace / net curtains that cover just the windows .these net / lace windows do give you lot of sunlight and the outside view, while still maintaining your privacy- during the day.we know so because of an appartment complex just opposite to ours, where they too ,have net/ lace curtains :
The night when the lights are switched on is a different story...
So my advice, get lace curtains and keep them just short of the heater