13 November 2024

Best Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

Radiator valves are small but essential components of your home’s heating system, playing a crucial role in both efficiency and style. Choosing the right radiator valve not only enhances the look of your radiators but also impacts how effectively they heat your space. Whether you're updating your heating system, installing new radiators, or simply looking to add a finishing touch, the right radiator valves can make a significant difference. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best radiator valve options available, explore different types and designs, and help you select the ideal valves for your radiators.

Table of Contents

What are radiator valves?
How to choose radiator valves
The best radiator valve ideas

The best valves for cast iron radiators
The best valves for classic column radiators
The best valves for black radiators
The best valves for raw metal radiators
The best valves to make a statement

Customer-submitted radiator valves photos

What are radiator valves?

Radiator valves control the flow of hot water into your radiator, allowing you to regulate each radiator’s temperature and, by extension, the overall comfort and energy efficiency of your home. They’re an essential part of any conventional hot water central heating system powered by a gas boiler, as they enable you to set different heating levels in various rooms according to your needs. There are two main types of radiator valves: thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and non-thermostatic valves.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) allow you to set a specific temperature for each radiator. When the room reaches the desired temperature, the TRV automatically reduces the flow of hot water to maintain that level, helping to prevent overheating and save on energy costs. This makes TRVs an excellent choice for those looking to improve energy efficiency.

Non-thermostatic valves, also known as manual valves, provide simple on/off control without any temperature regulation. While they don’t offer the same energy-saving benefits as TRVs, manual valves are often chosen for their straightforward operation and may be preferred in rooms where precise temperature control is less important.

With the right radiator valve in place, you’ll not only improve heating efficiency but also have more control over your home’s comfort.

How to choose radiator valves

Selecting the correct radiator valve depends on both functionality and design. The three main types of radiator valves are straight, angled, and corner valves, each suited to different radiator placements:

Straight Valves: Best for radiators with pipes that connect directly from the floor.
Angled Valves: These connect at a 90-degree angle, making them ideal for most standard UK installations where pipes come from the wall or floor at an angle.
Corner Valves: A more discreet option, corner valves are perfect for achieving a streamlined look when pipes connect from the wall.

Most radiator valves and pipes in the UK use a 15mm diameter, although it’s always a good idea to double-check your pipes, especially in older homes where sizes might vary. Beyond function, radiator valves come in a wide range of designs and finishes, from traditional to modern, allowing you to choose one that aligns with your personal interior style or complements your radiator choice. This variety means you can coordinate your radiator valves with other elements of your decor, making them a seamless part of your room’s overall look.

You can read more about valves in our article How Do Radiator Valves Work?

In addition to the actual radiator valves, an often-overlooked yet impactful feature are pipe sleeves. These can transform the look of your radiator installation from functional to really stylish. Pipe sleeves cover the exposed pipes leading to your radiator, helping to create a more unified and cohesive appearance that complements your chosen radiator valves. Trade Radiators offers one of the UK’s largest selections of pipe sleeves, available in various finishes to match or enhance your radiator’s look, from brushed copper to sleek satin nickel.

Choosing the right sleeve is simple: most sleeves come in a standard 130mm length, which can be trimmed to fit your radiator height perfectly. Opt for a finish that matches your radiator or complements other room accents, like light switches or plug sockets, to maintain a seamless aesthetic. With free delivery and a range of high-quality brass and nickel sleeves to choose from, achieving a complete and stylish radiator installation is easier than ever.

The best radiator valve ideas

Below we look at some of the top thermostatic radiator valve ideas, showcasing how specific valve designs can enhance different types of radiators and interiors. Whether you have a vintage cast iron radiator or a sleek, modern column radiator, there’s a valve style to match.

In the section below, we’ll display some of our best-selling radiator valves and offer suggestions for pairing them with different radiator types. From elegant chrome finishes for contemporary spaces to ornate brass designs for a classic look, these valve options will help you find the perfect finishing touch for your radiators.

The best valves for cast iron radiators

Radvalves UK Chelsea Thermostatic Radiator Valves

Radvalves UK Chelsea, Thermostatic Valves, Satin Nickel Angled - Standard 15mm

Trade Radiators customer radiator review. "Valves were great and good value. All arrived quickly and safely. Thanks." Rated 5 stars.

The Chelsea Thermostatic Radiator Valves, by Radvalves UK, are an ideal match for cast iron radiators, designed to enhance the classic aesthetic that traditional radiators embody. Cast iron radiators call for a valve that complements their vintage charm, and the Chelsea TRV delivers just that with elegance and authenticity. Crafted with smooth, seamless lines, these valves fit effortlessly with the traditional appeal of cast iron radiators and even vintage-style towel warmers.

While they look timeless, the Chelsea valves are equipped with modern thermostatic controls, allowing you to maintain an efficient heating environment without compromising on style. The range includes angled, straight, and corner valves to suit various installation needs, ensuring a perfect fit for any setup. The design features soft curves and a wood-styled tap at the top, giving it an unmistakably vintage vibe.

Available in a selection of traditional finishes like chrome, brass, copper, and nickel, the Chelsea valves offer a refined, classic look that can blend beautifully with different radiator colours and styles. Whether you’re aiming for an opulent brass finish or a sleek chrome accent, these valves bring both functionality and period-style elegance to your space.

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The best valves for classic column radiators

West Jaguar Thermostatic Radiator Valves

West Jaguar, Thermostatic Valves, Chrome Angled - Standard 15mm

Trade Radiators customer radiator review. "Nice quality valves at a good price, well packaged and fast delivery, excellent all round." Rated 5 stars.

Classic column radiators are incredibly versatile, fitting effortlessly into both modern and period properties with equal appeal. They offer a timeless look that works in various settings, whether enhancing a vintage-inspired room or adding a touch of charm to a contemporary space. If you lean towards a more traditional aesthetic, pairing a classic column radiator with the West Jaguar Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) is a fantastic choice.

The West Jaguar TRVs are designed with elegance and functionality in mind, offering a seamless match for the iconic look of column radiators. With a beautiful dark wood-effect handle, these valves provide a touch of sophistication while ensuring easy control of the radiator’s temperature. They come in a variety of finishes, including polished chrome, brass, copper, nickel, and black nickel, allowing you to achieve a stunning traditional effect regardless of your radiator’s finish.

Much like the Radvalves UK Chelsea, the Jaguar valves boast a classic, vintage-inspired look that adds character to any room. Their thermostatic control ensures a comfortable, efficient heating experience, making them a refined and practical choice. For anyone seeking to elevate the style of a classic column radiator, the West Jaguar TRVs offer the perfect blend of heritage charm and modern efficiency.

If you wanted to take things a step further, a popular option is to cover up the exposed pipework with some matching pipe sleeves to really complete the look.

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The best valves for black radiators

West Delta Black Thermostatic Radiator Valves

West Delta, Thermostatic Valves, Textured Black Angled - Standard 15mm

Trade Radiators customer radiator review. "First class service and excellent rads & valves." Rated 5 stars.

Black radiators have become a popular choice for those wanting to make a bold, modern statement in their homes. A black radiator adds a striking, sophisticated touch to any space, and to complete this look, matching black valves are essential. The West Delta Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) in black is the ideal partner for a black radiator, blending functionality with sleek aesthetics.

The Delta TRV is designed with a minimalist style that enhances the impact of a black radiator. Its textured, matte finish and modern lines bring a cohesive, contemporary look to the room, providing a seamless transition from radiator to valve. Beyond its visual appeal, the Delta TRV offers advanced thermostatic control, allowing you to easily manage the temperature and comfort level of your space.

Choosing a black Delta TRV not only keeps the aesthetic unified but also ensures durable, long-lasting quality. West’s Delta valves are known for their resilience and reliability, making them a smart investment for a high-performing heating system. Whether in a living room, bathroom, or kitchen, pairing a black radiator with black Delta TRVs will create a polished, sophisticated look that’s sure to impress.

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The best valves for raw metal radiators

Black Nickel Thermostatic Radiator Valves

West Faringdon, Thermostatic Valves, Black Nickel Corner - Standard 15mm

Trade Radiators customer radiator review. "These thermostatic valves went well with my raw metal Nordic Oslo radiators." Rated 5 stars.

Raw metal radiators bring an industrial edge to any space, often becoming a striking centrepiece in the room. These radiators are highly versatile, capable of looking either classic or modern depending on your interior decor choices. For a perfect finishing touch, Black Nickel radiator valves add a sophisticated metallic sheen that complements the raw, polished look of lacquered metal radiators.

Our Black Nickel valves are designed to enhance the style of raw metal radiators, providing a polished finish that’s neither purely black nor grey. This unique finish is created by covering the valve in a layer of nickel, giving it an elegant shine not typically seen with other valve finishes. Black Nickel has quickly become a sought-after choice for those who want a bold, stylish look that pairs beautifully with the industrial charm of raw metal and darker-coloured radiators or towel rails.

We stock a wide range of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) in Black Nickel, available in both modern and traditional designs to suit different tastes. These valves offer not only high functionality but also a striking aesthetic that brings out the best in raw metal radiators, making them an ideal choice for those seeking to elevate their space.

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The best valves to make a statement

Brass Thermostatic Radiator Valves

Radvalves UK Westminster, Thermostatic Valves, Polished Brass Angled - Standard 15mm

Trade Radiators customer radiator review. "Great quality and suit any column rad." Rated 5 stars.

Brass radiator valves bring a unique charm to any radiator, transforming it into a statement piece that draws the eye. Known for their timeless appeal, brass valves add a touch of class and can be matched with other fixtures and fittings in your home for a cohesive look. Whether you’re aiming to create a traditional twist in a modern room or enhance the period feel in a Victorian or Georgian space, brass valves can work seamlessly with various interior styles.

For anyone sprucing up their radiator set-up, our range of brass radiator valves at Trade Radiators offers the perfect blend of style and function. Brass valves work especially well with classically designed radiators, such as cast iron options, helping elevate their aesthetic to a refined level. Brass finishes can vary; polished brass delivers a shiny, modern appearance, while antique brass has a softer, aged patina, perfect for a traditional or heritage-inspired interior.

A brass valve also complements radiators with exposed or metallic finishes, seamlessly blending in with their warm tones and adding a sophisticated contrast. From polished to antique, brass radiator valves make a stunning addition, bringing both character and functionality to any room. Find the ideal brass thermostatic valve to complete your radiator’s look today from brands such as West, Radvalves UK and Nordic.

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The best designer radiators for under a window

Nordic Round Designer Radiators

Trade Radiators customer radiator review. "Beautiful designer radiator at a great price." Rated 5 stars.

Installing a Nordic Round radiator under a window is a smart choice for enhancing both style and functionality in your home. Radiators placed under windows are popular because they counteract the cold air that often leaks through old or poorly insulated windows, helping to maintain a consistent and comfortable room temperature.

The Nordic Round range offers a stylish solution with its contemporary take on traditional column radiators. Featuring rounded bars and a sleek, gloss white finish, these radiators blend elegance with high performance. Their robust mild steel construction ensures durability and efficient heat distribution, making them ideal for combating the chill that can come from old windows.

With a variety of heights and widths available, the Nordic Round radiators are designed to make the most of the space under your window, providing effective heating without overwhelming the room’s design. Their impressive heat outputs mean they can handle the demands of colder areas, making them particularly useful in older properties with drafty windows.

Overall, the Nordic Round radiators combine modern aesthetics with advanced heating technology, making them a stylish and practical choice for keeping your home warm and inviting, especially in areas prone to drafts.

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Customer submitted radiator valve photos

Explore these impressive photos shared by our customers, featuring their unique installations of radiator valves from Trade Radiators. These images showcase how the right radiator valve can add a finishing touch to any room, blending seamlessly with both traditional and modern radiators. Let these examples inspire you to find the perfect radiator valve that complements your style and elevates your radiators.

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Best Gold Radiators

Read our guide to the finest gold radiators from Trade Radiators, tailored to enhance any room while meeting all heating requirements. The addition of a gold radiator can transform your space, combining warmth with a touch of opulance that suits both modern and classic interiors. This guide shares helpful tips on selecting a gold radiator that seamlessly marries striking design with efficient heating performance, making it an exceptional centrepiece for any room in your home.

The Best Vertical Radiators

Discover our guide to the best vertical radiators available from Trade Radiators, crafted to suit a variety of needs. Find out why selecting the right vertical radiator is vital for maintaining a warm and inviting home. Our guide offers essential insights to help you choose the ideal radiator, combining style, practicality, and efficiency for any space that requires heat.

The Best Column Radiators

Explore our guide to the top-quality classic column radiators from Trade Radiators, designed to meet a wide range of needs. Learn why the right column radiator is essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable. Our guide provides key information to help you choose the perfect radiator, blending style, functionality, and efficiency for any room in your home.

Best Radiators For Bay Windows

Explore our comprehensive guide to our best radiators for bay windows. Learn why placing a radiator under a bay window is key to maintaining a warm and comfortable room, and equip yourself with the information you need to make the best choice for enjoying warmth and comfort in your home’s bay window areas.

Best Radiators For Bedrooms

View our guide to finding the perfect radiators for your bedroom. Our special selection features stylish and efficient models designed to provide quality heating and complement your bedroom's decor. With a focus on both aesthetics and performance, you can make a well-informed decision to ensure your bedroom remains a relaxing place of rest.

Best Radiators For Dining Rooms

Check out the best radiators for dining rooms in our comprehensive guide. Learn why effective heating is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience, and discover our top picks from Trade Radiators that combine style, functionality, and excellent heat output. Make an informed choice to create a warm and inviting dining room in your home.

Best Radiators For Kitchens

Take a look at the top radiators for kitchens in our detailed guide. Understand why proper heating in kitchens is essential for comfort and efficiency, and check out our top recommendations from Trade Radiators that blend style, practicality, and superior heat output. Make an informed decision to create a welcoming and inviting kitchen space in your home.

Best Radiators For Cloakrooms

Explore our comprehensive guide to the best radiators for cloakrooms. Understand why heating your cloakroom is essential for home comfort and efficiency, and discover top picks from Trade Radiators that blend style, functionality, and excellent heat output. Make an informed decision to keep your cloakroom warm and inviting.

Best Radiators For Hallways

Discover the best radiators for hallways and landings in our comprehensive guide. Learn why heating hallways is crucial for home comfort and efficiency, and explore top picks from Trade Radiators that combine style, functionality, and optimal heat output. Make an informed choice for a warm and welcoming home.

How to repair a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV)

A common issue with thermostatic radiator valves is that the internal pin can get stuck. If this happens then it's likely that your radiator won't get hot. In this article, you can learn how to easily fix this common issue and understand how you can stop it happening again.

How do Thermostatic Radiator Valves work?

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) are a great way of managing your home temperature on a room-by-room basis. We explain how TRVs work and how to avoid the one mistake most people make when using them.

Top 6 Best Bathroom Radiator Ideas

Dive into our in-depth guide on the best bathroom radiators. Learn the importance of efficient heating in bathrooms for maintaining comfort and functionality. Explore our curated selections from Trade Radiators that offer a perfect blend of elegance, practicality, and high heat performance. Make a well-informed decision to transform your bathroom into a warm and stylish sanctuary.

What do the numbers on a thermostatic radiator valve mean?

Did you know that the numbers on a radiator valve relate to the temperature in the room, NOT the temperature of the radiator? Read more to learn more about how you can lower your energy bills with thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).

Do heated towel rails need thermostatic valves?

Thermostatic valves are a great way of making your heating perform more efficiently. However, we loo at why you might want to leave a TRV off of your heated towel rail.

Are radiator valves universal?

The standard size of radiator valves in the UK is 15mm and this is what is needed in a vast majority of homes. However there are some exceptions, so it's always worth double checking. We give you a list of possible valve sizes and what you can do to rectify an odd valve sizing.

What is a lockshield radiator valve?

In this article we'll take a look at the different types of radiator valve that exist, with an emphasis on the function of lockshield valves.

Best Radiators For Living Rooms

Whether it be vertical or horizontal, plain white or anthracite grey, these are the perfect designer radiators for a modern and contemporary living room. Our curated collection showcases elegant and high-performing models that deliver exceptional heating while enhancing your living room's interior design. Emphasising both style and efficiency, this guide will help you make an informed choice, ensuring your living room stays warm, cosy, and inviting.

Should radiator valves be fully open?

How to replace a broken radiator valve

Radiator valves are an integral part of your heating system, so if a valves breaks then it's a serious matter as it could stop your radiator getting hot. In this article we look at the main reasons for replacing a radiator, how you can do it safely if you've got one or multiple valves to replace. Replacement of thermostatic radiator valves are also included.

4 November 2024

Best Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

What are radiator valves?

How to choose radiator valves

The best radiator valve ideas

The best valves for cast iron radiators

Radvalves UK Chelsea Thermostatic Radiator Valves