Guide to Curved Radiators

In some areas of the home, standard radiators are just not suitable due to the presence of a curved wall. In these situations, a curved radiator can provide the answer.

What is a curved radiator?

Curved radiators, as the name suggests, are simply radiators that have been manufactured with a specific curve to conform to the shape of a wall or room. It allows radiators to be fitted exactly where they are needed or wanted rather than being restricted by placement on flat walls.

Curved radiators are typically utilised in bay window areas, where the wall is usually curved. Also, because these radiators can be fitted to convex as well as concave walls, they are ideal for homes with less conventional floor plans or architecture. However, it is worth noting that there are limits to what can be achieved and some curves will not be possible.

Our Ancona® Curved radiator is constructed from steel and is available in two, three or four column versions, in heights from 300 mm to 750 mm and in lengths between 10 and 40 sections. Ancona® Curved is also available in 188 RAL colours & 30 special finishes to complement any design scheme.

How to measure:

As curved radiators are made to precisely match the curve of the wall, it is important that the measurements provided when ordering are correct. These made-to-order products cannot be returned if the measurements given were incorrect.

Our online Curved Radiator Builder makes it easy to select and order the right curved radiator and replaces the time-consuming and sometimes inaccurate process of sending paper templates to manufacturers.

Simply enter the number of columns, height, length and curve measurements of the required radiator, as well as the desired colour and mounting option to order. If the specified dimensions of the curve cannot be accommodated, the online tool highlights this immediately.

 To find the required measurements, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Measure the width.

This is also referred to as the ‘chord’ of the bay or curved section of wall. Measure the straight-line distance across the curved part of the wall. It may help to place a straight edge across the area to make measuring easier.

Step 2: Measure the depth.

This is also known as the ‘camber’. This can be found by measuring from the centre of the ‘line’ across the wall section to the back of the wall, including the skirting if present.

Step 3: Consider the output

The length of the radiator (the number of sections) will dictate the heat output. For multi-column radiators it is also important to consider the number needed to meet the required output. Multi-column radiators provide an additional level of choice as the same output can be achieved with a longer two column product or a shorter three or four column version.

To help you calculate the heat output required for a comfortable room temperature we have created a BTU calculator. Simply enter details, such as the room and window type, location and dimensions of the space for an estimate of the required heat output.

Choosing the right size

When selecting the size of the radiator make sure that enough space is left around the radiator. If the radiator is placed under a window, ensure that at least 50 mm of clearance is left between the top of the radiator and the windowsill. This calculation must also account for the mounting position on the wall or height of the radiator feet. For example, the welded feet that can be supplied with the Ancona® Curved are 97 mm high.

The length of the radiator must also factor in the dimensions of the radiator valves. The size of the valves will depend on the design, but it is recommended that at least 100 mm is left on each side of the radiator. Therefore, if the calculated arc of the wall is 1200 mm, the radiator must be no longer than 1000 mm. Our online curved rad builder makes this allowance automatically, calculating the minimum chord based on the flat radiator size.

Curved radiators are an ideal solution for any curved wall where a radiator is needed. There are a wide range of colours and finishes available. Click here to find out more about our Ancona® Curved range.