How to make a radiator look old

noodles57

I live in an old house, and have a new white radiator in my living room, which sticks out like a sore thumb. I don't want a radiator cover/box, but would like to know how to age/disguise it. Does anyone have any hints, tips or recommendations they could share please? Please be kind, as this is my first day on here

Jonesya

Tricky one, the radiator cover seemed an obvious one, perhaps a custom designed one if you dont like the standard ones or box it in somehow. You could put some furniture in front of it?

You could paint it, perhaps something metallic like old iron but then if its a modern flat panel radiator it might not look right.

27col

Chuck a few cups of coffee at it.

JustinR1979

Get it to max temp and urinate over it.
What about a bit of a scrub with cif to take the new shine off it?

noodles57

Jonesya - thanks for your reply. You seem to have covered all my thoughts and actions so far I have (in different rooms) tried the hiding behind furniture and boxing in, but can't do it in this (living) room. I'm really stuck with what to do, and I don't think my hubby would be happy if I suggested us replacing it with a really old, decorative one now.

27col - Thanks, but what a waste of good coffee! Besides, my hubby would have a fit, as he is usually sick when he smells coffee.

Davesnave

Can you not just rub it down and then paint with a suitable paint to match or key in with your colour scheme?

A modern radiator won't look right 'distressed' IMO.

lostinrates

I'd go with painting too.

A friend of mine has the best radiator box I've seen, which has no wood on the front panels ( it was second hand and they were damaged) but rather vintage fabric.

I know you said no boxes, I used to feel the same, but a reclaimed wood shelf over such a fabric screen would tempt me.

chickens11

Paint some flames on it it will look nice and warmer then...

Mardle

Maybe you could ask for one of these for Christmas http://www.woworads.com

trailingspouse

Hard to say what you should do without knowing how old your house is and what sort of radiator it is.

new_owner

Why not replace for a radiator of the era?