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A striking radiator in an entrance hall is truly a warm welcome. Londoners are choosing designer radiators - looking at colour, shape and texture to match their interiors.

New designs can boost heat output with clever ways of arranging tubes or sections. Some use as little as 10 per cent of hot water, compared to a conventional model. But buyers beware: this is not a purchase that can be led by style with no substance. Good heating specialists have “heat calculators.”

“The priority is to have enough heat - your room type, size and insulation will all affect the style, size and finish of a radiator,” says Nick Duggan, director of The Radiator Centre.

A bespoke service at Bisque, London's first designer radiator shop, includes made-to-measure curves and angles, with radiators matched to your paint colour or wallpapers. Bisque have a bargain basement, and its Surrey HQ has over 300 lines ready for immediate delivery.

The hottest new design trend is the vertical coloured ladder radiator.

Specialist finishes abound - Castrads (of Wimbledon and now in Fulham) have eye-catching finishes such as hammered gold, grey sparkle and a choice of five “whites”.

Expert Marcus Orchard, MD of The Radiator Company, says: “You need to look at materials used, heat controls, and consider renewable energy sources. Some radiators have less water in them, so need less energy to heat up, and are cheaper to run. The best material for you depends on what style you want, traditional or modern; and on your heat source, whether traditional fuels or renewable energy.”

RADICAL RADIATORS

Multi-colour





Get the Roma radiator in chrome or any RAL colour — this one’s RAL5002 Blue. Heights 30 to 2,300mm, widths to 1.2m at The Radiator Centre

All square





The Alide radiator is £425 at Frontline Bathrooms

It’s a one-off





Bang on trend is the Arteplano radiator, with its alluring copper finish on mild steel. Each radiator is individually etched, so no two are the same. Choose from vertical or horizontal versions. Price £1,780.80 from Bisque.

Rainbow





Bisque’s Classic radiator, in mild steel comes in 50 colours, from £400. Or Bisque can match a colour of your choice.

Towel storage





The Duonique from Aestus has a towel storage shelf, 10 rails and a double-panel radiator. About £534. Electric and “dual fuel” versions available.

Solid design





Castrads handmade cast-iron radiators, in a huge choice of lacquers, paints, polishes and moulds.

All-round warmth





The Solor radiator, a sculptural circle, is the latest from London designer Paul Priestman. “Fins” around the edge increase heat output. In white, priced £644.40 from Iconic Radiators.

Hot new trend





Coloured vertical radiators are the way to go, says Stelrad, specialist in steel radiators. The Caliente radiator/towel rail has tightly packed tubes in single, double or curved versions.





The Concord is built from slim, flat, tubes. Stelrad offers a choice of 35 gorgeous colours, priced from £126 to about £600 from a wide range of stockists.