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Traditional Radiators

Traditional Radiators

Column radiators date back to Victorian times, yet they're still one of the best-selling heating options. The design hasn't changed much because it doesn't need to, vertical tubes arranged in rows simply work. You'll find them in restored period homes and brand-new developments alike.

White, black, and anthracite grey are the standard colours. Anthracite has taken off massively over the past few years. It costs a bit more but looks sharp in modern interiors, especially against lighter walls.

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Choosing Between 2 Column and 3 Column

The difference comes down to depth and output. A 2 column radiator sits about 100mm off your wall. These work brilliantly in tight spaces, hallways, small bedrooms, anywhere you can't afford to lose much depth. 3 column versions project around 150mm but generate more heat. The extra column means more surface area, so you get higher BTU output from the same height and width. Pick three columns when you need serious warmth in larger rooms.

Getting the Size Right

Measure your room's cubic volume, that's length times width times height. Take that number and multiply it by 40. That gives you a rough BTU target. Most radiator specs list watts rather than BTUs. Multiply watts by 3.41 to convert, or just search "watts to BTU calculator" and let Google do the maths. Rooms with big windows, thin walls, or poor insulation need more output than the basic calculation suggests. Same goes for north-facing rooms that never catch the sun. You're better off going slightly bigger than ending up with a cold room.
Heights start at 600mm and go up to 1800mm. Taller radiators make sense when wall width is limited but you've got the vertical space. A 1800mm x 300mm radiator heats better than a 600mm x 900mm one in most cases.

What You're Getting

Carbon steel construction, usually 1.5mm thick walls. Powder-coated finish that won't chip or peel like old paint used to. White is always cheapest. Add £20-30 if you want anthracite or black. The column design creates lots of surface area relative to how much wall space the radiator takes up. That's why traditional radiators heat efficiently despite their relatively narrow profile. Brackets are included. You'll need two for smaller radiators, three for anything over about 1200mm wide. They're not complicated to fit but these radiators have some weight to them, so decent wall fixings matter.

Installation Points

Check your pipe centres before ordering. Most UK central heating runs at 500mm or 550mm between flow and return. If your new radiator doesn't match your existing pipes, you'll need plumbing work done to reposition them.
Standard 15mm connections fit all central heating systems. The radiator comes with blanking plugs and an air vent already fitted. Buy thermostatic valves separately. They're not expensive and they pay for themselves through lower heating bills. Set different temperatures for different rooms instead of heating everywhere to the same level.

Maintenance

Dust settles between the columns. A radiator brush with a bendy handle gets in there properly. Do this every few weeks and the radiator stays looking clean. Bleed annually to release trapped air. You'll know when air's built up, the top feels cold whilst the bottom stays hot. Takes thirty seconds with a radiator key. If a radiator won't heat up even after bleeding, sludge in the system is usually to blame. Power flushing the whole system costs several hundred pounds but it's the only proper fix. Ring a heating engineer rather than attempting it yourself.

Running Costs

Traditional radiators aren't less efficient than modern ones, despite what some people think. A correctly sized traditional radiator with a thermostatic valve costs the same to run as any other type. They heat up slightly slower because there's more water volume inside. They also cool down slower after the heating switches off. Over a full day, the difference is minimal. Your valve settings make far more impact on bills than radiator style. Bedrooms at 18°C, living areas at 20-21°C. No point heating rooms you're not using.

Where They Work

Hallways suit them perfectly. The tall, slim profile fits narrow walls that won't take wider radiators. An 1800mm tall unit that's only 300mm wide delivers plenty of warmth without blocking the space. Living rooms and dining rooms look good with traditional radiators, particularly in older houses where the style matches other period features. They work as a design element rather than just a functional necessity. Bedrooms are fine, though you'll want to consider whether you can reach behind them easily for cleaning. Wall placement matters more with column radiators than flat panels. Kitchens can be awkward. If you're fitting units wall to wall, a traditional radiator in the middle of a run breaks up the flow. They're best on clear wall sections where nothing needs to fit around them. Towel radiators in the traditional style are available for bathrooms. They dry towels whilst heating the room, practical and better looking than chrome ladder rails.

Stock and Delivery

All orders ship free to UK mainland addresses. Most sizes and finishes are held in stock for immediate dispatch. Check individual product pages for availability on specific models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Traditional Radiators

The main difference lies in heat output and depth. Three-column radiators have an additional row of tubes, which means they produce more heat from the same height and width but project further from the wall. Two-column models are slimmer and work better in tighter spaces, whilst 3-column versions suit rooms needing higher heat output.

Yes, absolutely. Traditional radiators function perfectly with contemporary central heating systems, including combination boilers and systems using thermostatic controls. The connections are standard 15mm fittings that work with modern pipework and valves without any special adaptors required.

Calculate the room's volume in cubic metres and multiply by 40 to get a rough BTU requirement. Check radiator specifications for their heat output, typically shown in watts (multiply by 3.41 to convert to BTU). For accurate sizing, consider factors like insulation quality, window size, and room usage.

Not necessarily. Running costs depend on heat output efficiency rather than design style. A properly sized traditional radiator with good thermostatic control can be just as economical as a modern flat panel. The key is matching the radiator to the room and using smart controls.

Traditional column radiators warm up slightly slower than some modern designs because of their greater water content, but the difference is minimal in practice. Once heated, they retain warmth longer, which can actually improve efficiency by reducing on-off cycling.

White, black, and anthracite grey are the most common finishes. White offers a clean, classic look that suits any décor. Anthracite provides a sophisticated modern twist, whilst black creates dramatic impact. Some manufacturers offer custom colours, though standard options prove sufficient for most homes.

Basic DIY skills allow you to replace a like-for-like radiator, but any work involving gas boilers or system modifications requires a Gas Safe registered engineer. If pipe positions don't match your new radiator, professional installation ensures proper connections and system safety.

With proper maintenance, quality traditional radiators easily last 15-20 years or more. The robust carbon steel construction resists corrosion when the system contains appropriate inhibitors. Regular system servicing prevents sludge build-up that could reduce lifespan.