Take a boring B&Q radiator cover and paint it black and replace the inserts with cane webbing and you have a custom made and much more expensive looking piece of furniture.
These radiator covers are sold at all the DIY stores, they are cheap, come in many different sizes and hide ugly radiators well. I’d had this one for years and was never happy with its generic look. Having seen @thehousethatblackbuilt using cane webbing to enhance her headboard got me thinking…..
Radiator cover off the wall, inserts removed and lightly sanded to give a key. At this stage I would highly recommend putting a coat of Zinsser B.I.N primer on as it really helps the paint adhere, sanding is essential!
I used some leftover paint from the Bar room, Dulux Satin wood in black. I like this paint as it has a slight sheen and is hard wearing. This is the first coat and it always looks awful, you have to keep the faith…..
So once the second coat was on ( looking much better) I turned my attention to the cane webbing inserts. I’d ordered a roll from Seat Weaving Supplies, its sold in different widths and lengths and I’d managed to get a piece that fitted exactly over the three cutouts in one. Some preparation is needed with the webbing, it has to be soaked in warm water for an hour or so before fitting, I did this in the bath.
After its bath, the webbing is stretched across the back of the cover, pulled as tight as possible and stapled ( using a staple gun) to the cover.
When the webbing drys it shrinks and becomes taught. I chose to give it a third coat of paint after the webbing was attached making for a perfect finish.
Go over to my instagram @katyatthemanor for a video on the highlights of the process.
Although cane webbing is in fashion right now, it is a classic style that I feel fits my home perfectly. I’ve seen some lovely affordable cane webbing furniture in H&M home at the moment.
This looks really elegant and unique. Good job!
Thank you !
beautiful !!!!
Hi I love it! Did you use the 3/8 inch rattan or the 1/2 inch spacing? Xx
Katy, what a brilliant DIY project! It looks beautiful.
Thank you Thomas!
This looks beautiful. May I ask how you removed the original inserts? Mine aren’t just screwed in so can’t get them out easily.
Also – any ideas where to get the actual cover you bought from? I like the lightly rounded corners on the shelf and it’s hard to find! Thank you.
Hi Sarah
My inserts were only stapled to the frame so were easy to remove. The radiator cover originally cam from B&Q a few years ago.
Katy x
Thanks Katy. X
This is exactly the thing that I was looking for. I was just looking to buy one but yours is the best so I might try for myself. Thank you so much for saving me from falling down the Pinterest rabbit hole x
I’m so pleased! Let me know how to turns out
Katy
Beautiful! Did you find that the cane impacted the heat circulation at all? Looking to do something similar but with a finer weave rattan!
Hi Cindy, most of the heat comes from the top vents so i really didn’t notice a difference.
Katy x
Did you not find the staple gun too hard wearing or too deep that it came through the front?
Hi Lucy, I’ve only just seen this. No the staple gun doesn’t come trough the front. I think you might be thinking of a nail gun?
Katy x
So pretty! My friend and I have been debating over whether or not you could use caning in a radiator cover. How is it withstanding the heat? Any warping or other issues? Would love your input, thanks!
Hi there, as long as you soak the cane webbing and pull it tight before attaching it will be fine. When the heating is on its as tight as a drum, when its off it relaxes and there is a slight bow to the front but it still looks good.