Old Style Cast Iron Radiators

What are old style radiators called?

Old style radiators are called cast iron radiators or sometimes column radiators, sectional radiators or period radiators. The term covers a range of Victorian, Edwardian and Arts and Crafts-era designs characterised by decorative cast iron column sections joined together to form the radiator body. In the trade they're often described by column count (2-column, 4-column) and height. Paladin names each design individually, as with the Victoriana, Kensington and Bartholomew, and some names carry the column count too, as with the Victoriana 4 Column and Neo Georgian 6.

Old style radiator colours

Black old style radiators: The most dramatic finish. Black cast iron looks deliberately chosen and suits industrial loft conversions, Victorian terraces and modern statement rooms. Near-black Farrow & Ball shades like Railings and Off-Black give more depth than flat black.

White old style radiators: The most versatile finish. White keeps period rooms light and suits bathrooms, kitchens and rooms where the rad should blend into the scheme. All White, Strong White and Wimborne White from Farrow & Ball are popular choices.

Aged and antique finishes: Antiqued highlighting, hand-applied at our Lincolnshire factory, picks out the carved detail of ornate models and gives the appearance of a well-preserved original. Raw metal and rusted finishes suit industrial settings.

Top picks for old style radiators

Victoriana 3 Column: The archetypal old Victorian style radiator. Intricate Victorian-era detailing recreated faithfully at our dedicated foundry. Available in 450mm, 645mm or 745mm heights with 3 to 40 sections (even longer sizes available on request). The 450mm sits neatly under original sash windows. Available in any colour including Farrow & Ball and Little Greene finishes.

Kensington: Decoratively distinctive with ornate scrolled detailing across every section. A classic old school style radiator in the Edwardian tradition. Available in 580mm, 750mm or 780mm heights with 3 to 40 sections (even longer sizes available on request). The 780mm is a tall old style radiator suited to period hallways, drawing rooms and spaces with generous ceiling heights.

Montpellier: The daisy radiator. French origins from the late 1890s with a flowing floral pattern. Available in 590mm or 790mm heights with 3 to 40 sections (even longer sizes available on request), from £56.00 per section. One of the most recognisable old fashioned style radiators in the range.

Bartholomew: A clean, substantial old style column radiator suited to both traditional and modern settings. Available in 570mm or 740mm heights with 3 to 40 sections (even longer sizes available on request). Shown in Farrow & Ball Mole's Breath in our official price list photography.

Electric Old Style Cast Iron Radiator: All the period character of a traditional cast iron old style radiator, powered by electricity rather than a wet central heating system. Available across multiple models. Output from around 420 to 2,800 watts, thermostatically controlled.

Are old style radiators efficient?

Yes, old style cast iron radiators are efficient in the ways that matter most. The thermal mass of the iron stores heat and keeps radiating warmth after the boiler stops, meaning the boiler runs less frequently to maintain temperature. They're not as quick to warm up as a thin steel panel, but in a period property with thick walls and high heat demand, their slow, sustained output suits the room better than a fast-cycling panel rad.

Size them correctly using our radiator configurator and control each room with thermostatic radiator valves and old style cast iron radiators are a practical, long-term heating choice as well as a design one.

How to bleed old style radiators

Bleeding your cast iron radiator annually keeps it performing at its best. Our full step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know: How Bleeding Your Radiator Can Save Householders Up to £1,000 a Year on Bills

How to clean old style radiators

Cast iron columns collect dust between sections that flat panel rads don't. Our complete cleaning guide covers the right tools and techniques for keeping old style cast iron radiators looking their best: How to Clean a Cast Iron Radiator: The Ultimate Guide