10 Ways To Repurpose Radiator Covers And Furnace Grates For Intricate Decor All Over Your Home

Vintage radiator covers and heating grates can often be quite ornate and beautiful in older homes, showing a craftsmanship not always found in new construction. The unique salvaged elements are also often very durable, made from materials like wrought iron and solid wood. They range from pieces designed to cover large freestanding radiators to box covers for wall-mounted units. There are also intricately wrought grates of various shapes and sizes that cover recessed heating and air flow ducts. All can be repurposed into new pieces of furniture and decor, or used in clever ways to solve a variety of problems, including covering unsightly window air conditioners or stylishly holding your jewelry.

These covers, both large and small, can usually be found at architectural salvage, flea markets, and antique shops. Plus, they often boast the beautiful patina of many decades of use. Adding them as functional or decorative items immediately gives your space a sense of history, age, and architectural interest. 

Since they are designed to sit flush against the wall, salvaged radiator covers often make perfect console tables to place along a wall in a tight spot like an entryway, stairwell, or hallway. They usually do not require much modification beyond placing items on top, especially if they were designed to already serve as a shelf. They are also great for tucking behind a sofa as an alternative to end tables in a smaller space. Because they extend to the floor in the front, they can be a great spot for adding some secret storage behind. 

A perfect use for radiator cover materials like metallic mesh or iron grating is using them as a clever means to hide an unsightly air conditioning unit. Just build a simple wood frame from scrap wood that fits in your window recess and paint it to match your décor. Then, add the mesh with nails, screws, or glue. The mesh allows the cool air to circulate, but keeps the machine somewhat hidden. When you need to adjust the A/C, just pop the frame out of the window and replace it when you're done.

Radiator covers, whatever their materials, can make stylish headboards. Their narrow profile fits perfectly against the wall while also offering a narrow shelf above to set things on and stack pillows against. The free-flow of air around the cover allows for more circulation, excellent for combatting allergens like mold and mildew that may grow behind a bed in more humid conditions. Use a metal radiator cover for an industrial decor look, or opt for one with stylish wooden slats that has been painted to match your space for more traditional styles.

Metal radiator and furnace grates can be very intricately carved, richly aged, and visually arresting, making them a great decor element to use all on their own. Hang one on the wall to fill space and add architectural interest or lean one against the wall to add height and texture to a tabletop tableau. They can even make a great focal point over a mantle if they have a lot of decorative details. Paint the grate to match your space or leave it in its natural state, which will give off a unique rustic or industrial decor feel.

Use a stylish and intricately beautiful radiator or air flow grate to create a unique and distinctive tabletop. You can build a table with a shallow recess to rest the grate inside, or fasten metal or wooden legs to the grate itself. It's an especially clever use for outdoor tables, that will allow rain and moisture to pass right through the table's surface. If you prefer a flat surface for the table, use a piece of glass over the grate.

Radiator covers, especially the low ones, make excellent additional seating as indoor or outdoor benches, with many designed to already double as seating in older homes. To repurpose an open one, you can easily add a wood top to any low radiator cover to make the surface wider and more comfortable. Because they are hollow, they also give you some extra storage in the cavity of the cover. Add some cushions on top and paint the cover to match your decor. If you're unable to find one to repurpose, you can build an easy wood DIY radiator cover and use it as a bench.  

Use a beautiful radiator or furnace grate as a serving or decorative tray that you can paint to match your other decor or leave in it's original metal finish. Use the tray as a centerpiece on a coffee table with other decor accents like candles. bowls, and greenery on top. Add a piece of glass or plexiglass to the top for an even surface if you plan to use it as a serving tray or need it to hold smaller objects without them slipping through. You can also add a simple frame of wood around the edges to make carrying it easier. 

Because they have lots of recesses and holes, many radiator covers and furnace grates make excellent places to hold and display small jewelry like earrings. You can even add some tiny S-hooks to hold larger pieces like necklaces and bracelets. Hang it on the wall above a dresser or bathroom vanity for easy access and a pretty rustic decor piece. You can also transform a piece of metal mesh into unique storage rack by creating a simple wood frame around the exterior and painting it your desired color or finish.

Want a pretty alternative to ordinary solid cabinet doors?  Opt for Shaker style doors and replace the central panel with metal radiator grating. It not only adds texture, but the doors aren't quite as dark and heavy as solid wood. However, they still offer more discrete storage than completely transparent glass doors. Gold grating is especially beautiful for adding a casual, yet glam touch to ordinary wood furniture. It creates a similar aesthetic to rattan cabinet doors, but is much more durable and puncture-proof. This is especially handy if you have children or pets. 

Use a simple rectangular floor grate with square perforations for a stunningly rustic centerpiece. Insert several taper candles and flowers or greenery in the holes. Many grates are thick with an interior cavity to accommodate the candles, but you can turn a flat grate into a raised one by screwing it into a couple blocks of scrap wood. Paint the grate or leave it with a rusted finish for a charming rustic decor aesthetic. It also makes a great holder for air plants on the table or hung on the wall.