How to hide vertical radiator pipes

Radiator pipes are vital for carrying hot water from your boiler into the radiators around your home, but their appearance isn’t always welcome. While some pipework is installed neatly beneath floorboards or behind walls, vertical radiator pipes often end up running visibly up and down walls, especially when added after the original system.

If you’ve had a vertical radiator added to a hallway, bathroom or living space, and the pipes weren’t concealed at the time of installation, you might now be left with exposed copper or plastic pipework that clashes with the rest of your decor.

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to hide or disguise these pipes. In this guide, we’ll run through the most popular methods, explaining what each involves, the pros and cons of each option, and when you might choose one over another. Whether you’re tackling this as a DIY project or just want to understand your options before hiring someone, this article will help you make the right decision for your space.

Table of Contents

1. Box in the pipes
2. Paint the pipes
3. Install pipe sleeves
4. Use curtains or drapes
5. Reposition the pipes (advanced)
6. Hide any horizontal sections
7. Use furniture or tall plants
8. Hidden radiator pipe inspiration

Box in the pipes

Boxing in is one of the most common and effective ways to hide radiator pipes, vertical or otherwise. This method involves creating a custom enclosure around the pipework using timber or MDF. The resulting box runs neatly up or down the wall, covering the pipes while allowing them to function as normal.

To do this, you’ll usually install two timber battens either side of the pipes, fix a flat panel (such as MDF or plywood) across them, and finish the edges with caulk or trim. The box can then be painted or wallpapered to match the rest of the room, helping it blend in visually.

Pros

• Completely hides the pipes for a clean, modern finish.
• Can be painted or finished however you like.
• Offers the potential to double as a small shelf or surface in some locations.

Cons

• Takes up a bit of space, which might be a concern in narrow hallways or bathrooms.
• Requires light carpentry skills or a tradesperson.
• Should include an access panel or removable section in case future maintenance is needed.

Boxing in is ideal if you want the most polished result and are happy to do a bit of measuring, cutting, and decorating.

• Further reading: Boxing In Pipes? A Complete Guide

Paint the pipes

If you don’t want to build anything or take on a larger DIY project, painting your vertical radiator pipes might be the simplest solution. While this method doesn’t technically hide the pipes, it helps them visually blend into the surrounding wall or décor.

To do it properly, you'll need to use a heat-resistant paint (such as radiator paint or enamel) and ensure the pipes are clean and dry before you start. Applying a primer first can help the paint stick and give a more consistent finish.

Pros

• Quick and inexpensive.
• Can be done with basic DIY tools.
• Makes pipes less visually distracting.

Cons

• Pipes will still be visible only less so.
• May require repainting over time if the finish chips or discolours.

This approach is perfect for those on a budget, or in rental properties where more invasive changes aren’t practical.

• Further reading: How To Paint A Radiator - A Complete Guide

Install pipe sleeves

Pipe sleeves are decorative covers that simply slide over your radiator pipes, instantly changing their appearance. While they don’t technically hide the pipes, they give a much neater, more intentional finish, especially if your vertical radiator has exposed copper or white plastic pipework coming up from the floor.

Sleeves are available in a wide range of finishes, including chrome, white, black, brass and brushed steel. Ideally, you’d match the sleeve colour with your radiator valves or radiator body to create a cohesive look.

At Trade Radiators, we offer 130mm and 300mm-long pipe sleeves that are easily cut to size, suitable for most vertical radiators. They’re affordable, easy to install, and deliver a surprisingly big visual improvement.

Pros

• Extremely quick and easy to fit.
• Creates a more professional and polished look.
• Available in many finishes to suit your décor.

Cons

• Only covers a short section of pipe near the floor.
• Doesn’t conceal pipes running up the wall.

Use pipe sleeves in conjunction with another method, like painting or boxing in, for the best overall result.

• Further reading: What Are Pipe Sleeves Used For?

Use curtains or drapes

This isn’t always an option, but if your vertical radiator is placed next to a window, you might be able to use a pair of long curtains to visually block the pipes. This can work particularly well when the radiator sits below or beside the sill and the pipes run up the wall just within the curtain’s line.

To improve the camouflage, you could also paint the pipes to match the wall or curtain colour so they’re less noticeable when glimpsed.

However, if your curtains hang close to the pipes, always be cautious when your heating is on because radiator pipes can get very hot. Ensure there’s enough clearance and avoid materials that might melt or warp from the heat.

This is a low-effort solution that can work well in bedrooms or lounges, especially where you’re already using long curtains for privacy or light control.

Reposition the pipes (advanced)

While not a cosmetic solution, it’s worth mentioning that some homeowners choose to have their pipework repositioned altogether. This might involve routing pipes inside a stud wall, beneath floorboards, or behind plasterboard. While this provides the cleanest possible look, it’s usually the most expensive and disruptive option.

This is most likely best for renovations where walls or floors are already being opened up or long-term projects where budget allows for a complete redesign. It also often involves hiring a plumber and possibly a carpenter or plasterer, depending on how much of the room needs to be opened up. This needs serious planning and discussion with a professional before being attempted.

Hide any horizontal sections

While the focus of this article is on vertical radiator pipes, you may also have a section of pipe that runs horizontally along the wall before turning vertically into the radiator. If so, you can consider using pipe-hiding skirting boards.

These specially designed skirting boards have a recessed back to accommodate pipes, allowing you to completely conceal the horizontal run. Some versions can even be fitted over existing skirting boards to minimise hassle. However, this method won’t help with the vertical section, so consider combining skirting board solutions with boxing in or painting.

• Further reading: How To Hide Your Radiator Pipes With Skirting Boards

Use furniture or tall plants

If your vertical radiator pipes are in a less prominent corner, you might be able to obscure them using a piece of furniture. such as a tall bookshelf, slim cabinet, or even a tall plant.

This approach doesn’t technically hide the pipes, but if you're looking for a zero-DIY solution, it might be all you need to take the visual focus off them.

Just make sure there’s enough clearance for airflow around the radiator and pipes so your heating remains effective.

Hidden radiator pipe inspiration

Exposed vertical radiator pipes don’t have to spoil the look of your room. Whether you go for boxing in, painting, sleeves, or a combination of methods, there’s a solution that fits both your budget and your DIY confidence level. Boxing in offers the most complete concealment, but simpler options like pipe sleeves or painting can still make a big difference without major disruption.

As you decide which approach to take, it’s worth thinking about a few practicalities. Make sure any boxed-in or hidden pipework remains accessible in case of future leaks or servicing. If you’re enclosing pipes near external walls, consider adding small ventilation holes to prevent condensation or mould. And if you’re unsure what’s possible or safe in your home, don’t hesitate to speak to a qualified plumber or joiner for advice.

Whichever route you choose, take your time to plan the project and finish it neatly. With the right approach, you can make unsightly radiator pipes disappear into the background and enjoy a more polished, cohesive living space.

Below we've included some photos from our customers, showcasing their radiator installations and ideas on how to hide radiator pipes. Hopefully you'll get some inspiration too!