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is it ok to hang curtains over a radiator

by Mozell Ullrich Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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What happens when curtains touch radiators?

  • Burning curtains: Since radiators radiate a lot of heat, they may warm up to dangerous temperatures. As a result, curtains directly over or touching a radiator may burn. ...
  • The curtain may catch on fire: Radiators are a source of heat. Many people use radiators to warm their homes in the winter. ...
  • Inefficient heating: Most curtains are made from thick fabrics. ...

Curtains can catch fire from electric radiators if the radiator is close to a curtain made of flammable material. Water radiators usually don't get hot enough to cause curtains to catch fire, but the radiator could still burn any fragile materials nearby.

Full Answer

Can you hang floor length curtains with a radiator cover?

With a large radiator cover in the way, hanging regular floor-length curtains that can close is simply not possible. One way around this is to hang the floor-length curtains you want but use stationary panels (meaning they do not close).

How to cover windows with a radiator under them?

This is another option for treating windows with a radiator underneath. Short curtains can cover your windows efficiently without cluttering the sides of the radiator or blocking the heat. Typically, short curtains end at the window sill but you can experiment with the lengths of your short curtains.

Can you put curtains over Radiator blinds?

Paired with Wooden Blinds: You can layer floor-length stationary curtains with wooden blinds. Since floor-length curtains drawn over the radiator block heat, opting for a stationary panel is a smart idea. These panels do not open or close. The rod and the curtains are usually threaded.

Which curtains work best with radiators under Windows?

Floor-length curtains work best with radiators under the windows, but closing them means they’ll block the heat generated by the radiator. Generally, pairing up floor-length curtains with other window coverings can do the trick.

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Should you put curtains over a radiator?

The main mistake that people make is to fit heavy floor-length curtains over both the window and the radiator below. This traps the heat in the window space and does not let it into the room. Correctly fitted curtains should not cover the top of the radiator, but should stop just below the window ledge.

Do curtains block heat from radiators?

If you want your room to benefit from the heat generated by your radiator, one obvious option is to choose curtains that don't extend below your windows. It's a practical choice, as longer curtains would act as a barrier, preventing heat from circulating around the room.

Why are radiators always under windows?

This is something most of us learn in school and it helps to explain why radiators are located underneath windows. As the hot air rises from the radiator, the cold air that is coming in through the window pushes against the warm air, circulating it around the room much more efficiently.

Are curtains a fire hazard?

Since curtains are usually made of flammable textiles or fabrics and synthetic fibres, they are prone to fire hazards, and curtain fires are commonly caused by overheating appliances such as high-power lamps, iron, and etc.

How do I stop my radiator from heating up?

Block Your Radiator's Heat The hotter a steam radiator gets, the more warmth it radiates. So covering it up with a blanket or sheet is a simple solution for limiting the amount of heat the radiator puts out into the room. Radiators use natural air convection to heat a room.

How do you hang curtains over a heater?

When hanging curtains in front of baseboard heaters, the curtains should fall 1″ from the floor and hang 2-3″ from the edge of the heater.

Do radiator covers block heat UK?

Of course, putting a solid object around your heat source will have an effect on the heat output as it acts as a barrier. However, a radiator cover will not block too much heat as long as your cover has gaps and slots for heat to escape, and warm the air up through convection.

Can curtains touch hot water baseboard heaters?

Never Allow Curtains and Baseboard Heaters To Touch When draperies or curtains come in contact with the baseboard heater, they can cause fire accidents or prevent it from sucking in air around the bottom of the room.

Where to place double curtain rods?

Center a traverse or pole-style double curtain rod over the window, ideally halfway between the top edge of the window molding and the ceiling. Mark the bracket locations according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Install the brackets according to the instructions, which vary by rod type, style and manufacturer. Place the rods on the brackets, but don't secure them if you're using a pole-style rod.

What are the two layers of curtain?

If you prefer the curtained look, the key is using two curtain layers: floor-length, fixed curtains to frame the window and shorter, under curtains you open and close.

How to secure pole rods to brackets?

If you don't have enough space for the recommended rod width in Step 2, choose a double curtain rod with end caps instead of finials , then use the longest rod possible in your available space.

Can you dress your windows with curtains?

Floor-length curtains complement most windows, but closing them over your radiator blocks the heat. Dressing the window with shades or blinds is one option, but the look doesn't suit everyone. If you prefer the curtained look, the key is using two curtain layers: floor-length, fixed curtains to frame the window and shorter, under curtains you open and close.

How to close curtains in front of radiator?

Tip: Hang curtains on extended rod brackets. Floor-length curtains hung in front of a smaller radiator may be able to close with the help of extended brackets that hold the curtains away from the wall.

What to do with short curtains in living room?

If your heart is set on doing short curtains in the living room, try to avoid heavy fabrics and intense colours, which would call attention to the hovering curtains. Instead, you could do rumpled white linen curtains, hemmed to break on top of the radiator covers, for a very casual look. Rebecca Hayes Interiors.

What to do with roller blinds in bedroom?

In the bedroom, where privacy and complete darkness at night are more important than adjusting sun levels during the day, try roller blinds with blackout liners and layer a set of floor-length curtains on top.

What is short curtains?

Short curtains. Short curtains are a style choice that can be quite divisive — most people find they either like windowsill-length curtains or can’t stand them. As a general rule, more casual spaces, like a child’s room or a den, take better to short curtains.

Can you hang floor length curtains with wood blinds?

Stationary curtain panels + wood blinds. With a large radiator cover in the way, hanging regular floor-length curtains that can close is simply not possible. One way around this is to hang the floor-length curtains you want but use stationary panels (meaning they do not close). A second window treatment, like the wood blinds shown here, will let you adjust the levels of sunlight and privacy.

Can you use cellular blinds on a ceiling?

Instead of using traditional curtain rods, consider curtains on a ceiling-mounted track system.

Do shutters need to be white?

Shutters. Wood shutters don’t have to look old-fashioned ; in crisp white, they are classic — and practical, too. Open just the top shutters to let in light while preserving privacy, or open them all. Shutters work best on their own, so if you want to add curtains too, it’s better to go with wood blinds.

How high should curtains be above a radiator?

Curtains should be a maximum of 2-4 centimeters above a radiator to prevent the curtains from covering the radiator and making it difficult for the warm air from the radiator to circulate to the room. If you allow your curtain to cover the radiator, all the warm air coming out from the radiator will be trapped behind the curtain, and they would be directed towards the glass other than serving its purpose in the room.

How to avoid covering radiator?

Use stationary panels on the floor-length curtains to avoid covering the radiator. It will also help you adjust the

What is a Radiator?

Anytime you hear about the term radiator, the first thing you should know is that it is a heat exchanger that serves the purpose of transferring thermal energy from one means to another. It is a device made up of a huge amount of cooling surfaces that houses a sizable amount of air that spreads through the water to cool efficiently.

How does a radiator work?

With the help of convection, radiators are able to heat the air in the room and then transfer the heat to the surrounding air by drawing cool air in at the bottom, warming the air as it passes over the radiator fins, and discharging the heated air at the top.

What is the purpose of curtains?

To some, it is just a mere piece of clothing for covering the doors, and windows and this makes them pay little or no attention to the type of curtain they use , while some other people place much priority on the texture, type, length, and width of their curtain.

What is a single panel radiator?

Single panels are emphatically known as the basic radiators. They are mounted over the wall to face outwards into the room. They can also be split into different columns to enable you to get more surface areas at home. This type of radiator is basically found slimmer and are just designed to fit the wall.

What is a column radiator?

Column radiators are well designed from tubes in different rows and are basically connected at the top and bottom of each other which enables them to make a single section in a double panel radiator. They are the most common radiators that come to mind when people want to buy a radiator because they are more traditional in design and shape.

How does a radiator work?

With a radiator, the heated air goes upwards because hot air is lighter, hits the ceiling, travels across the ceiling to the opposite wall, falls downwards because by now the stream of air is getting colder, then the radiator draws the air back across the floor to warm it up again. It's called a 'convection current'. So, by having a radiator under the window, the hot air travels up past the window. If the radiator and window were on opposite walls, more heat would be lost from the room because the radiator wouldn't be pushing air past the window, the air would be less controlled and be more free to escape.

Why does the air flow upwards when heating a radiator?

With a radiator, the heated air goes upwards because hot air is lighter, hits the ceiling, travels across the ceiling to the opposite wall, falls downwards because by now the stream of air is getting colder, then the radiator draws the air back across the floor to warm it up again. It's called a 'convection current'.

Can curtains cause a fire?

It won't cause a fire but it will prevent the heat from coming into the room when the heating is on. It would be better if you could get curtains that fall between the sill and the top of the radiator.

What to do if you don't like curtains?

2. Shutters. If you don’t like to hang curtains, then you can try shutters. They look good by themselves and when you choose a colour that complements your room, they’ll look great. For a classic look, opt for a white colour. 3. Blinds. You can try Roman blinds if you’re not fond of shutters and curtains.

What to use to cover windows with radiator?

Short Curtains. This is another option for treating windows with a radiator underneath. Short curtains can cover your windows efficiently without cluttering the sides of the radiator or blocking the heat. Typically, short curtains end at the window sill but you can experiment with the lengths of your short curtains.

Where do short curtains end?

Typically, short curtains end at the window sill but you can experiment with the lengths of your short curtains. Let the hem of the curtains graze just at the top of the radiator cover for a better decorative look. Avoid heavy fabrics. Choose light-weight materials and light solid colours for your short curtains.

Can you use stationary curtains with wooden blinds?

Paired with Wooden Blinds: You can layer floor-length stationary curtains with wooden blinds. Since floor-length curtains drawn over the radiator block heat, opting for a stationary panel is a smart idea. These panels do not open or close. The rod and the curtains are usually threaded.

Do floor length curtains work?

Floor-length curtains work best with radiators under the windows, but closing them means they’ll block the heat generated by the radiator. Generally, pairing up floor-length curtains with other window coverings can do the trick.

Can you put a radiator under a window?

Now that you know the tricks, windows with a radiator underneath will no longer be a hassle. Try out any one of these window treatment options and get more ideas on Pinterest.

Can you use wooden blinds for outdoor light?

The wooden blinds, on the other hand, will let you control the amount of outdoor light. Paired with Cellular Shades: Cellular shades are an excellent option for securing your privacy and controlling For your floor-length curtains, choose a ceiling-mounted track instead of regular curtain rods.

How to keep curtains from getting hot?

My advice: Keep all curtains and drapes far away from hot (electric) heaters or stoves. If any cloth must be near them, make it fireproof. Never leave the house with a stove or hot heater going.

How hot does a radiator get?

Standard household radiators circulate either water (usu ally 160–180 degrees F / 70–85 degrees C) or low temperature steam (usually about 215 degrees F / 102 degrees C for a 1psi over-pressure boiler). The radiator itself will generally be somewhat cooler than this, depending on design, so there is no way it will get hot enough to catch paper on fire.

Why do curtains catch fire?

Long curtains have a way of catching fire if 1) there is a nearby hot fire, like an electric heater, or 2) if they are near an open window which can blow them around onto of near such a heater.

Why do electric radiant heaters have fan?

However, most modern electric radiant space heaters are designed to have heating elements that are kept well away from the outside, and are generally operated at a lower temperature because they use a fan to keep the heating elements at a lower operating temperature, and to aid convection.

What temperature does water circulate in a radiator?

The water circulating in those “radiators “ is at about 70 degrees Celsius, and will not put anything on fire. There are also electric heaters, shaped like radiators ,and may contain oil or water . They function the same way. However their temperature is controlled by an electric thermostat,or switch.

Can a radiator cause a fire?

Sc. in Math and Physics Education. It depends on the radiator. If the radiators are from old fashioned steam or hot water heat, then no. However, if the “radiator” is an electric radiant space heater, then this can definitely cause a fire, depending on the design of the heater.

Should you keep electric heaters away from flammable materials?

You should keep electric and especially gas heaters far away from any flammable materials.

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33 hours ago  · Stationary curtain panels + wood blinds. With a large radiator cover in the way, hanging regular floor-length curtains that can close is simply not possible. One way around this is to hang the floor-length curtains you want but use stationary panels (meaning they do not close). A second window treatment, like the wood blinds shown here, will let you adjust the levels of …

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7 hours ago Is it OK to hang curtains over a radiator? The main mistake that people make is to fit heavy floor-length curtains over both the window and the radiator below. This traps the heat in the window space and does not let it into the room. Correctly fitted curtains should not cover the top of the radiator, but should stop just below the window ledge.

3.Can You Have Curtains Over a Radiator? | Houzz UK

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4 hours ago  · Off course if you had no windows it would not be a problem because of this curtains should fall just behind the radiator. But to me it seems a bit of a waste.. to put the heat source directly under the main cold source. But to me it seems a bit of a waste.. to put the heat source directly under the main cold source.

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17 hours ago The main objection to having long curtains hanging over the radiator,is that it either reduces the convection airflow,or directs it away from the room and up a window.

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