Radiator Behind Sofa Is It Safe?

Is it dangerous? What are the consequences of having a radiator behind your sofa? Don’t worry. We’ll put your heart to rest.

So, is it dangerous to have a radiator behind your sofa?

No. It’s not. Maybe in the past, but modern radiators are less likely to causes fires just because they’re behind a sofa. We’ll have you know that many people have their sofas in front or very near to their wall radiators. Nonetheless, it’s not recommended. Not only will it mess with your system’s efficiency, but it will also damage your furniture.

It reduces system efficiency

Just like any other appliance, you want your central heating system to operate at its best. Radiators are among the most crucial components of heating systems. In this case, we’re referring to horizontal radiators.

Once you have your radiator behind a sofa, you are basically lowering its efficiency. Your sofa will absorb all the hot air before it spreads in the room. In the worst-case scenario, you might even think that your central heating system is faulty. Most people will then set it to a higher setting that is required. In the end, you end spending more on heating expenses than is necessary.

It spoils furniture

As explained earlier, the piece of furniture will absorb most of the heat emitted by the radiator. That heat will affect the furniture regardless of material. Below we explained how heat can negatively affect some of the most commonly used furniture materials.

Leather: Your leather furniture might appear tough, mean, and resistant. Nonetheless, it’s still vulnerable to high temperatures. Prolonged heat from the radiator will dry your leather sofa faster. Not long after, you’ll notice leather cracks and flakes.

Wood: Most people are aware that water is the most notorious kryptonite for indoor furniture. However, for some reason, they forget that most heating systems produce heat from steam. Without a doubt, the moisture in the hot air will affect your sofa.

Upholstery: We understand that most furniture these days are flame retardant. That’s good. However, we are reminding you of the very low chances of a fire erupting from the radiator-sofa relationship. It’s not fire that will damage your furniture. Instead, it’s the prolonged heat. It will wrap your sofa’s surface and cause fading.

Solutions

1-foot distance between radiator and sofa

We understand that some people might be running out of indoor space. Therefore, having a radiator behind a sofa might be the only viable option.

We are happy to announce that, yes, you can have a sofa or any other piece of furniture in front of your radiator. Ideally, make sure that the sofa is about one foot away from the radiator. The distance will help reduce the intensity of heat reaching the furniture.

Vertical radiators

If you don’t have one foot of space in front of your radiator, then maybe you should consider vertical radiators. Just as the name suggests, they stand upright and take very little horizontal space. Additionally, you can install it on wall space that is impossible for horizontal radiators. With verticle radiators, you’ll rarely have to worry about them roasting your furniture.

The best location for radiator installation

Experts and manufacturers have repeatedly suggested that space under the window is the best for horizontal radiators. The suggestion works particular well for houses with inefficient and poorly glazed windows. Indeed, modern houses are now properly insulated. Despite that, that space under the window remains the most ideal radiator location in the room.

Why?

The cold air rushing through the window will pick up and circulate the hot air from the radiator below. As a result, you’ll feel much more comfortable. It also helps bring that “warm effect.”

How to decorate a horizontal radiator

 So you’ve probably followed the “one-foot rule” or decided to remove your sofa and leave the radiator uncovered. However, maybe you don’t really like how the radiator’s looks. What are you going to do?

Below are suggestions on how you can decorate your radiator.

Use radiator covers: Ask around, and you’ll find gorgeous radiator covers. Some even come with “pockets” that can help store things and clear living space.

Radiator buffet stations: Did you know that you can build a dining room buffet station around your radiator? You’ll have a place to store your favourite silverware, teapots, and plates.

Radiator mushroom bench: Warning! It’s going to take some work. You can create a mushroom bench around your radiator. A place you can sit and read a book as you peak at the outdoors.

Conclusion 

Having a radiator behind your sofa isn’t particularly dangerous. However, it’s not recommended. The practice will drastically reduce your heating system’s efficiency. If it’s your only option, then you should, at least, adhere to the “one-foot” distance between your radiator and sofa.