No one's denying that Radiators serve an important function. It's just that no one really wants to see them while they do it.

Residents of older apartments often have to deal with one not-so-charming feature, the old-fashioned radiator. While many newer apartments have central heating and air built-in, classic buildings often rely on boilers and radiators to get the job done. They do this by heating up water in (you guessed it) the boiler. The resulting steam snakes its way up through pipes to reach a unit's radiator, which warms the apartment up. As effective as this is, the end result is an often unsightly radiator unit attached to the wall. Then, there's the fact that some radiators can get very hot, a definite concern in homes with small children and pets!

Although many renters see the radiator as a necessary evil when it comes to décor, there are some effective ways to disguise the appliance safely. Here are a few of our best suggestions for covering radiators:

1. Purchase a radiator cover

Many stores, from Lowe's to Wayfair, sell attractive, safe radiator covers at reasonable prices. A full radiator cover can hide the piece on all visible sides. These covers are available in a variety of shades and you can use them to spice up a space with a pop of color or to help the radiator blend into its background using neutral shades. Many are even designed to look like attractive pieces of furniture!

You can make radiator covers using all types of materials, including wood, engineered wood or metal/steel. The latter is the best at helping heat circulate, but they can get hot if the radiator does. Covering radiators with the wrong material can reduce their heating capabilities.

If you choose a pre-made cover, measure carefully before purchase. Most manufacturers will offer guidelines regarding the size to choose. If not, tack on an additional two inches to the radiator's height and depth, as well as four inches to its width.

2. Use a top cover

Don't want to cover the entire unit? No problem — opt, instead, for a top cover. These are available in wood, metal, tempered glass, etc., and effectively turn the radiator into a shelf for books, décor and framed photos.

3. Create a bench

This quick fix depends on the shape of the radiator in question. If it's at all formatted like a bench (rectangular, flat on top and at a good height for sitting down), slap a bench cushion on there and call it a day! A couple of throw pillows make it an extra stylish addition to any living area.

4. Make it plant perfect

Nothing counteracts cold, austere metal quite like some home-grown greenery. Plus, radiators are often next to windows, making them the perfect place for your plants to live.

Simply add a radiator-safe cover to the unit, then, fill the space with a variety of houseplants. Make sure they're the type that can handle close proximity to a heat source, though! A few that should do well are the cast iron plant, snake plant, Ceropegia (String of Hearts), Zebra cactus and aloe vera. If you must put other types of more delicate plants atop a radiator, plug in a humidifier nearby to counteract the heat exposure. It's also a good idea to remove them from the surface during the really cold months when the radiator is on full blast.

5. Iron it out

If you're not in the market for a whole piece of radiator covering furniture, look, instead, to pieces of iron to dress it up. Placed in front of a radiator, fireplace screens and old chunks of refurbished iron fencing or scrap metal are attractive on their own, and the eye will travel to them, instead of the radiator.

6. Buy some beads

Covering radiators is a fun way to show a little personality! If bling is your thing, simply hang some beaded curtains from the radiator to disguise its true function. Beaded curtains are available in all colors and styles, so choose accordingly to go with the rest of your décor.

Wooden beads, in particular, add a bit of a bohemian touch! All you have to do is cut them to the appropriate length and affix them to the top. A nice radiator topper will disguise any necessary tape and whatnot. Best of all, the flowy nature of the beads won't hinder heating even a little bit.

7. Block it from view

Strategically place furniture in such a way to block most or all of the radiator from view. Of course, you don't want to push a couch fully against it, but as long as there's some space between the two, the heat will circulate nicely. Chances are, it'll be the most popular seat in the place during the winter months!

8. Make it a pet paradise

Cats love to snuggle up to get toasty warm. Although most are fine lying atop a regular old radiator, they'll love it even more if you cater to their demanding whims. Add a topper to the unit, then, place a pet bed, blanket or even a kitty hammock on it!

9. Paint it pretty

If your radiator has seen better days, consider a coat of paint. First, check with the landlord to make sure that sort of change is alright. While you're at it, find out what type of radiator it is, to determine the best sort of paint to use. Covering radiators with paint varies depending on the age and style of each unit.

If it's a functional unit, the type of primer and paint should resist rust and handle high temperatures. Home improvement expert Bob Vila suggests using a spray primer and paint to handle all of the curves and crevices nicely. The paint color is your call. Make the radiator a statement piece by doing it in a bold color, or help it blend in with a neutral hue.

10. Slide a table over it

Side tables are attractive and functional, plus, the right one will slide right on top of that ugly old radiator. If you already have a long, rectangular table on hand, there's no additional cost. Otherwise, pick up an affordable table to suit your space's needs. Bonus points if it's a desk because your feet will stay nice and toasty while you work.

Covering radiators made easy

Covering radiators isn't a cumbersome chore. The right radiator-related decor can really heat up a room, metaphorically speaking. Whether you DIY or buy something to fit, it's prettier than whatever is already there. That's a win/win, for sure!

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