Hi all,
I have an old house, and there is a radiator in a very awkward place in my diningroom. ( See ‘diningroom’ below).
I need a new diningroom set, and I have seen these sets that have a bench on one side. (See ‘benches’ below).
My husband has been wanting to build a radiator cover for this for a while, and I was thinking it might be a great idea to make one that acts as a bench. I saw a great example online. http://www.coveritwithwood.com/index.html
I was thinking we could put a heat reflecting material on the top of the unit so that the heat would not toast your buns, but my husband points out there is also the problem of heat coming out around your ankles.
So what do you all think? Is he right about it being uncomfortable seating, or do you think this solution might work in the diningroom?
As always, thanks for your input!
~ Rosa
Edited 3/25/2008 4:20 pm ET by RosaSharon
Edited 3/25/2008 4:36 pm ET by RosaSharon
Replies
Deleted the diningroom attachment by mistake - here it is
I have to side with your husband.
I had a similar idea in a house I used to own. The main issue was the fact that you'd be sitting with a window at your back. Build a back on the bench and you'd block the window.
Cover them to make them look nicer, but don't plan on sitting on them.
Excellent point about the back to the window. I would not want to block the view by adding something, and I would not want to be the one sitting there who can't lean back!
Thanks!
~ Rosa
Agreed, it would be a very uncomfortable window seat, because of the window location. However, I have done some really nice wood radiator covers with marble or granite on the top that make great buffets. Make the cover a bit wider, like 14" or so, and it makes a really nice display and serving area. Also, if you have cats, it becomes the perfect heated cat sauna with a bird view.
Another idea, frame each side with a built in china cabinet with the radiator in between. It will look great.
I LIKE the buffet idea! A nice piece of marble would really dress it up and make it really useful. As you can see it is a small room, and places to put things are at a premium.
That's the way we are going to go, I think. This will be fun.
Thanks!
~ Rosa
Steam or hot water? I lived in a house with steam radiators that got too hot to touch, but another house had hot water and the radiators only ever felt warm... I'm guessing about 120 degrees.
It is hot water heat, but the point about having a back to the window I think made me change my mind! :)