Rearranged the furniture? Check. Refinished the credenza? Check. And what about that eyesore in the corner of the studio...you know, that big, huge ugly radiator? Part III of redecorating Kelley's studio is about tackling those not-so-fun projects that can really make a difference. Such as, painting the radiator from its dingy brown to an off-white that blends a bit better with the wall. Check out the process and end result after the jump...
When we first started talking about the radiator, Kelley and I thought about building a really nice radiator cover: the kind made of wood with the caning screens. But after much deliberation, we came to the conclusion that it was a solution that would cost too much and take too much time, especially since Kelley rents her apartment. Since we were back to square one, it was time to bring in the big guns: the other AT editors.
When I first sent around photos of Kelley's apartment to the other editors to get ideas, Abby advised, "I believe in the philosophy of if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Instead of covering it up, integrate it in the space." Beth took it a step further and suggested, "Why don't you paint it? And add a shelf?" So, when we drove over to the Home Depot in Emeryville, we ended up buying two cans of Rustoleum high heat white spray paint and masks.
Positioning the floating Ikea Lack shelf was a bit of a challenge. We were a bit wary of putting it too close to the radiator as Kelley warned us, "It gets really, REALLY hot...like, abnormally hot..." So we moved it up a bit, and Fiona fit it into the corner nook next to the bay window, creating a built-in look. Side note: Uh, make sure you use anchors. Otherwise, you might end up with your belongings on the floor, and the shelf hanging down.
Here's what the corner of her studio looked like during the middle of painting:
Kelley tackled this job solo in the morning: After securely covering everything with a drop cloth and throwing open all the windows that hadn't been painted shut, she went to work coating the radiator. By the time I showed up, she was already finished and complaining about having carpal tunnel from holding down the spray nozzle. We escaped the toxic fumes in the apartment to grab some coffee, do a little window shopping, and pick up a few more odds and ends at Cliff's Variety store. When we returned a half-hour later, the apartment was aired out, and we set to work wiping down any errant paint sprays.
After picking up the drop cloths and cleaning up even more, we discovered just how messy spray paint really can be: there was a fine, thin mist of white on the hardwood floors even after mopping. Kelley's dad suggested using a piece of super fine steel wool would take off the haze of paint without damaging the finish on the floor. And while spending an evening hand-polishing the wood floor may not be the most wild of Sunday nights, the result is amazing...her floors look even better than when we started this whole project!
Here's the final view of Kelley's corner (but before the floors got treated and polished):
Join us for Part IV of the Kelley Studio Makeover Series where we discuss cozying up her studio that is appealing to both her and potential swap candidates...
Missed out on what's happened so far? Check out the first two posts here:
• Redecorating on a Budget Part I: Rearranging the Space
• Redecorating on a Budget Part II: The Credenza DIY Project
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Ercol Bar Stool
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
I don't know about the radiator but I am loving those chairs! Anyone know who makes them?
I think maybe it sticks out more *now*. What about a more matte silver? I have two white radiators and two silver and the silver ones have a cool vintage feel while the white ones collect dust and just look dirty. (However, the more paint layers you put on a radiator, the worse it actually works, unfortunately.)
@missbynski: I think in a previous post, those chairs were said to be Milo Baughman?
Steamers lift paint from hardwood floors without damage.
I love the Rustoleum paint. We used the black color to paint an old baseboard radiator and the end result was glossy and beautiful (as baseboard radiators go).
We used regular paint, not spray paint, though.
I have different radiators, the kind where the front comes off and I've gone so far as to paint the front in the same color as my walls. In one room, it's a very bright blue-- it makes the radiator look SO much nicer, cleaner and it blends with my wall now. I think it makes a huge impact, immediately.
I did the same thing..painted/sprayed semi gloss white, huge radiator in my bedroom. The walls are white..it doesn't really blennnndddd..but so much cleaner/modern than the previous rotten old 'silver'...I use a swiffer duster thing to get in between really good to keep out the horrid clumps of dust that were there. Thank you so MUCH for the fine steel wool tip!!!! Much needed..
I think it looked better before, honestly. Especially since it appears to be such a brighter white than the trim and shelf. Maybe ooh_food's suggestion of a silver matte would be nicer.
I always thought that it was a bad idea to paint the radiators as the more paint you put on them, the less effective they work? Also, if I had to paint them I would have taken ooh_food's advice and painted them silver instead, to look more vintage. Not crazy about how they look now.
Thanks for the post. I was actually about to google how to paint a radiator as the one in my new apartment is gr-oss.
I think it looks much better now. And it's not like silver radiators get less dusty/dirty than white ones--they both need to be cleaned.
nice to see what seems to me so daunting tackled. but i wonder what is the saggy top of that radiator and can it come off?
Not sure I like the white but definitely didn't like the before either. What about a radiator cover instead?
Perfect timing. I am painting my son's room a very milky/faint blue and wonder if I should paint the radiator the same color? Also...how the hell do you paint the wall behind the radiator? Any suggestions? TIA!
Those chairs are lovely!
big improvement!
i love white radiators.
i think it looks great. definitely more modern and not so much of a sore thumb.
It definitely looks better. But, yeah, I would have gone with silver, black, matching the wall color, or a cover. It really stands out now.
I don't particularly think old radiators are a huge eyesore if they're clean. In fact I think they're kind of neat. Much better than those baseboard contraptions that run the length of your entire wall.
silver would be nice, but if all the furniture is light, as evidenced in this photo.. the warmth of the color used is a great choice.
and ditto on *covets chairs*
I love the white radiator and lack shelf (is there anywhere you can't put them???), in fact I'm loving this whole make over. You guy's have done an inspiring job.
tia..to do it 'right'..you are supposed to unhook them/bring them outside/scrub them up/dry very well/prime/then paint...BUT>>otherwise you just try to cram, neatly as possible, a paint brush down and about and sideways..you really can't see through the 'bars'..I don't think..color you chose sounds pretty..maybe that color in a semigloss for the radiator? or cream?
Hello! I work for Rust-Oleum and just wanted to say thank you for using our product!
I think your radiator turned out great and makes the space feel light and roomy!
Great job and thanks again!
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