Vertical radiators
Vertical Radiators UK: for Limited Wall Space
Most UK homes are stuck fighting a losing battle with floor space. For decades, we’ve been forced to arrange our furniture around bulky horizontal radiators, leaving us with dead corners and nowhere to put the sofa. It is a tired way to heat a modern home. Vertical radiators solve this by using the height of the room, letting you reclaim your walls for things that actually matter. They are a practical fix for narrow hallways and cramped kitchens where every inch of floor counts. This isn't about choosing looks over heat; when sized correctly, they'll heat just as well as any standard radiator—they just don't dominate the room.
You shouldn't have to pay a "design tax" to get your home looking right. While most suppliers charge extra for anything but basic white, we offer over 200 RAL colours as standard. You can finally match your heating to your walls or cabinetry without a surcharge. We’ve kept things simple with free UK delivery and a BTU calculator to help you find the right fit for your space. It is time to stop working around your radiators. Whether it’s a slim flat panel or a classic column, a vertical radiator gives you back the freedom to use your space exactly how you want, not how the radiator demands.
Please note: while some images may display horizontal models, vertical configurations can be selected using the size options when placing your order.
Do vertical radiators actually heat a room properly?
Yes – when they’re sized properly, they heat a room perfectly well. A vertical radiator gives out the same kind of warmth as a horizontal one. Because it’s narrower, it’s usually taller or designed to deliver a higher heat output to make up the difference.
Are vertical radiators less efficient than horizontal ones?
No, the shape doesn’t make them less efficient. What really matters is the heat output and how well it matches the room. A correctly sized vertical radiator on a modern central heating system performs just as efficiently as a traditional horizontal model.
Why are vertical radiators so popular in UK homes?
Space is the main reason. Many UK homes don’t have long, empty wall sections because of doors, windows and furniture. Vertical radiators work well in narrow gaps where a standard radiator simply wouldn’t fit, without sacrificing warmth.
How do I know what size vertical radiator I need?
It comes down to working out how much heat the room needs. This is based on the size of the room, ceiling height, insulation, and how many windows there are. Once you know the required BTU figure, you just choose a vertical radiator that meets or slightly exceeds that number.
Do vertical radiators take longer to heat up?
In most cases, no. How quickly a radiator warms up depends more on what it’s made from than whether it’s vertical or horizontal. Aluminium models heat up very fast, while steel radiators take a bit longer but stay warm for longer once they’re hot.
Can I replace a horizontal radiator with a vertical one?
Yes, but some pipework changes are usually needed. Vertical radiators have different connection points, so the pipes often need moving. A qualified plumber can handle this easily, and it’s a very common upgrade in UK homes.
Are vertical radiators suitable for small rooms?
Definitely. They’re a great option for small rooms, bathrooms and hallways where wall space is tight. Choosing a slim, tall design allows you to get enough heat without taking up valuable space.
Do vertical radiators work with standard UK central heating systems?
Yes, they do. Vertical radiators are designed to work with standard UK wet central heating systems, including combi and system boilers. Once fitted correctly, they operate just like any other radiator in the house.