DIY Scandinavian style radiator conversion by Marjolijn (@interiorbymarjolein)

Transform your interior with a DIY radiator cover in Scandinavian style. These handy DIY tips show you how to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution to hide your radiator. Discover the beauty of the Scandinavian style and give your interior a fresh and modern look.

Description by Marjolijn (@interiorbymarjolein)

An unfinished radiator is really an eyesore for me. On the ground floor, we have underfloor heating, but upstairs we have radiators. In the bedroom, the radiator is really not attractive. I got to work and made a radiator cover out of oak wood myself. In this article, I'll show you how to make a Scandinavian-style radiator cover yourself!

How I made this project

What do you need?

Cut to size

• Oak Timber Panel A/B
  Type: 19mm
  Size: 56.0 x 14.0 cm
  Quantity: 1
• Oak Timber Panel A/B
  Type: 19mm
  Size: 65.0 x 14.0 cm
  Quantity: 1
• Oak Timber Panel A/B
  Type: 19mm
  Size: 128.0 x 14.0 cm
  Quantity: 1
• Oak Timber Panel A/B
  Type: 19mm
  Size: 127.0 x 5.0 cm
  Quantity: 7
• Oak Timber Panel A/B
  Type: 19mm
  Size: 65.0 x 5.0 cm
  Quantity: 1

Requirements

• Reinforcement Bracket 40x40
• Screws 4.0 x 16 mm
• Screws 4.5 x 35 mm
• Drill
• Tape measure

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Measuring the Radiator

First, measure the height, length, and depth of the radiator. Use the dimensions to determine the sizes of the parts. Our radiator had the following dimensions: H 50 cm x W 120 cm x D 10 cm. There is a large knob on the right side of our radiator. This was taken into account in the design. The board on the right side is shorter than the board on the left side, so the knob fits through.

Step 2: Cutting to Size

Normally, the steps to cut the panels to size are listed here. But thanks to the excellent service from OPMAATZAGEN.nl, this is not necessary! They deliver the panels in the desired size to your home.

Step 3: Marking and pre-drilling the frame

Using a guide plate, mark the distance of the horizontal slats on the middle frame. Then, pre-drill the marked spots in the slat. I used a 2.5 mm bit for pre-drilling.

Step 4: Drilling the frame

To drill the frame, reinforcement brackets were chosen for the stability they provide. Start by attaching the top and side panels using a reinforcement bracket. Then place the slats at the correct distance in the frame. Use a guide plate to determine the distance (always 5 cm between the slats). Then attach the slats to the top and bottom of the side panels with reinforcement brackets.

Step 5: Screwing the middle frame

The pre-drilled middle frame is attached to the top board with a reinforcement bracket. Then the slats are screwed onto it.

Step 6: Securing with reinforcement brackets for stability

In principle, the slats are secured between the side panels. However, we had one slat that did not clamp tightly between the side panels. We secured this slat to the side panel with an extra reinforcement bracket.

And that's how you make a beautiful radiator cover with oak wood in Scandinavian style!

What do you think of the end result? Do you also have any 'ugly' radiators at home to work on? Hopefully, I have inspired you! Want more inspiration for DIY ideas? Take a look at our projects.

Dimensions of my DIY project

~169.0 x ~65.0 x ~14.0 cm