Baby it's Cold Outside

Radiators. Objects of art or things to hide? I grew up in an old Tudor outside of New York City that had radiators. I remember the oil man dragging his hose up to the house and pumping the tank full. And I can remember curling up on the bathroom rug in front of the radiator, trying to get as close as possible without burning skin on those frigid New York mornings.

Aside from their ability to gently and evenly heat a room, radiators can dry wet gloves,warm bath towels, and, topped with a pan of water, they can even humidify the air. Late Victorian–era ones with embossed scroll work and floral motifs are also a reminder of a time when even the most utilitarian fixtures featured high-style design and fine craftsmanship. I'm lucky enough to have a couple in Haven. The one pictured above in the entry is too pretty to hide and we need the full exposure to knock the cold back that comes through the front door. The poodle knows where to hang out.

Detail of Living Room radiator

The radiator pictured below, from the guest bath, for some reason, never was renovated. I'm hoping that there is someone in town that specializes in this as I do not want to paint this thing.

The one in the Dining Room had to be covered up as it was messing with my need for symmetry on that wall. I had a cover made and painted it the same shade as the walls.


I love the banging and hissing noises they make - signaling heat is on the way. That combined with the train whistles and sirens harmonize into a city symphony that we listen to when we're all tucked up in bed.


One of the first things we did when we started to renovate was install a heat pump system that also supplies central air conditioning. Heating specialists tried to convince us to lose the radiators. After much thought we've opted to stick with a dual system. The heat pump keeps us warm (and dried up) when the temperature isn't so bad out and the radiators kick in when the heat pumps can't keep up. Gas prices in Richmond, for some reason, are high compared to other places we've lived. We heard nightmare stories about $400 a month gas bills - the heat just goes right up to the high ceilings and out through the uninsulated windows.

I hope no matter where you are right now that you're as warm and toasty as I am.