25 April 2023

How to hide your boiler

Boilers are an essential part of many homes across the UK, providing heat and hot water throughout the year. However, they're often considered an eyesore, taking up valuable space in your home and detracting from your decor. If you're looking for ways to hide your boiler and make your home more aesthetically pleasing, read on for some food for thought.

Identify the location

The first step in hiding your boiler is to identify the areas that need attention. The most common areas to hide a boiler are the kitchen, bedroom, and living room. In the kitchen, you may want to conceal the boiler by building a cabinet around it or installing a panel that matches your cabinets. In the bedroom, you could use a room divider or a tall plant to conceal the boiler. In the living room, you could use a piece of furniture, such as a bookshelf or an entertainment center, to obscure the boiler from view.

Build a cabinet

Building a cabinet around your boiler is a popular way to hide it from view. This method can be a great solution for homeowners who want to conceal their boiler without sacrificing valuable storage space. Here are some things to consider when building a cabinet around your boiler:

Materials

When building a cabinet around your boiler, you will need to choose the right materials. It is important to use materials that are heat-resistant and durable, such as metal or wood. The cabinet should also be well-ventilated to allow for proper airflow and prevent overheating.

Design

The design of your cabinet will depend on your personal style and the layout of your space. You can choose to build a cabinet that matches your existing decor or create a custom design that complements your home's overall aesthetic. The cabinet can be designed with shelves or drawers for added storage.

Accessibility

It is important to ensure that the cabinet is easily accessible for maintenance and repairs. Consider adding removable panels or doors to allow for easy access to the boiler and pipes.

Professional installation

Building a cabinet around your boiler can be a complex project that requires advanced carpentry skills. If you are not comfortable with DIY projects, it is best to hire a professional to install the cabinet for you.

Building a cabinet around your boiler can be a great way to hide it from view and create additional storage space in your home. However, it is important to carefully consider the materials, design, accessibility, and installation process to ensure that the cabinet is safe and functional.

Build a hinged panel

Another popular way to hide a boiler is to build a hinged panel that covers it. This method is relatively easy and can be done without the help of a professional. Here are some things to consider when building a hinged panel to hide your boiler:

Measurements

Before building the panel, you will need to take accurate measurements of your boiler to ensure that the panel fits properly. You should also measure the space around the boiler to determine the size of the panel needed.

Materials

The materials used to build the panel will depend on your personal preference and the style of your home. You can choose from a variety of materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. It is important to choose a material that is sturdy and heat-resistant.

Hinges

The hinges used to attach the panel to the wall or cabinet should be strong and durable. It is recommended to use at least two hinges to ensure that the panel is securely attached.

Accessibility

Just as with buidling a cabinet, it is important to ensure that the boiler is easily accessible for maintenance and repairs. Think about putting handles or knobs onto the panel for easy opening and closing.

Design

The design of the panel can be customized to match your home's decor. You can choose to paint or stain the panel to match the surrounding walls or cabinets. Additionally, you can add decorative elements such as trim or molding to give the panel a more polished look.

By following these tips, you can create a hinged panel that not only hides your boiler but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.

Low budget options

Using a room divider or a potted plant are great ways to hide your boiler, especially if you're looking for a cheap and easy solution that doesn't require any major renovations.

If your boiler is located in a larger room, such as a living room or bedroom, you can use a room divider to hide it from view. There are many different types of room dividers available, including screens, curtains, and folding walls. Choose a style that matches your decor and place it strategically in front of the boiler to create a more visually appealing space.

A simple potted plant could also be enough to hide your boiler. Choose a large plant with a wide base that can cover the boiler, or group several smaller plants together to create a natural barrier. This not only hides the boiler, but also adds a decorative touch to the room. Be sure to choose a plant that thrives in the conditions of the room and that won't be affected by the heat generated by the boiler.

While using a room divider or potted plant is a simple and cost-effective way to hide your boiler, it's important to keep in mind that these options may not be suitable for all situations. For example, if your boiler is located in a small room, such as a bathroom, a room divider may take up too much space and make the room feel cramped. Similarly, if the boiler is located in a high-traffic area, a potted plant may not be practical as it could easily get knocked over. You also need to ensure tat whatever you do to hide the boiler, it is still easily accessible should any maintenance be required.

Hide your pipes

In addition to hiding the boiler itself, you may also want to consider hiding the pipes that connect to it. Boiler pipes can often be unsightly and disrupt the flow of a room, but there are several methods you can use to hide them.

Here are some things to consider when hiding your boiler pipes:

Box in the pipes. One of the easiest ways to hide boiler pipes is to box them in with a simple wooden frame. This can be attached to the wall or floor and painted to match the surrounding area. You can also add removable panels for easy access to the pipes when needed.
Use a false wall. If you have more space to work with, you may consider building a false wall to hide the pipes. This involves building a new wall in front of the existing one, with the pipes running behind it. The false wall can be designed to blend in with the rest of the room, creating a seamless look.
Install a radiator cover. If your pipes run to a radiator, you can hide them by installing a radiator cover. These covers come in a variety of styles and can be painted or stained to match your decor.
Painting the pipes. If you want a more subtle way to hide your pipes, consider painting them the same color as the surrounding walls or using a decorative wrap to cover them. This is a simple and inexpensive option that can make a big difference.
Using pipe sleeves. Another option is to use pipe sleeves, which are designed to slot over the pipes and hide them from view. These sleeves come in a range of finishes and can be easily installed without the need for tools.

Radiator pipe sleeves

An often-overlooked feature that can make the difference between your radiator installation looking complete or feeling a little off when you take a step back, the humble nature of the radiator pipe sleeve can have a massive impact with minimal effect.

Trade Radiators stocks one of the most extensive ranges of radiator pipe sleeves you’ll find from an online UK retailer. With sleeves suitable for every radiator style and in numerous finishes, you’ll be able to find the right pair in no time at all; especially with free delivery on all products.