Radiator covers can be expensive and difficult to make. One of the major reasons decorating or hiding a radiator presents a problem for homeowners is not all radiators are the same dimensions. Luckily, creating a simple floating shelf is a great way to make your radiator attractive and functional no matter the size. Here's all the info you'll need.
Materials
1x2 piece of wood
1x12 piece of wood (adjust the size based on the width of your radiator unit)
Wood glue
Foam paint brush or stain rag
Sandpaper or power sander
Metal shelf brackets & screws
Clamps (optional)
How to Build Your Shelf
- First, measure the top of your radiator. Then, add three inches for overhang on each end.
- Use this measurement (including overhang) and cut the piece of 1x12 to size.
- Now measure the width of your radiator unit extending from the wall. To make the side pieces, cut the piece of 1x2 wood to this length plus at least one inch of overhang.
- Lay the wood pieces on the floor face down. Add wood glue along the side pieces of 1x2 and press to attach to the 1x12 piece.
- Either using clamps or by holding the wood pieces tightly together, allow the glue to dry. Consult the packaging on your glue for a time estimate.
- Sand any rough edges to avoid splinters. This will also prepare the surface for painting or staining.
- Use your paint or stain of choice to add some color and character to the shelf. For a naturally distressed appearance, sand lightly again once the treatment is dry.
- Position the shelf on top of your radiator. While the shelf is steady enough to remain on its own, adding brackets on each side will prevent it from falling or slipping when you add objects on top.
Now you can enjoy a simple and effective shelf for the top of your radiator. While it won't conceal the entire unit, it does give you extra display space for your favorite décor.
About the Author
Judy Szablak
With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.
She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.
Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”
Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com
