Gallery
Here to the right is our standard design with a few extras: curves on the left and right columns and a "flower" with a bit of red glass in the centre. The oak has also been lime washed to make it stand out less in this very pale coloured bedroom. Note how well the skirting on the radiator cover matches the existing skirting.Below and to the left (and poorly photographed) is our second standard, known as the Barber, after the first people to order it. Its main feature is the central oval set with colour glass.
The cross piece under the shelf is curved over the whole length and the vertical spindles or slats in front of the radiator itself are plain. A small bead runs up to the oval creating an abstract flower.This next radiator cover had cut-outs to match existing designs in the house. It was extremely labour intensive and is unlikely to be repeated.
Below are two new designs. The squares have a more obvious Mackintosh feel, because he is so closely associated with squares. The circles with a small vertical upright (not easily seen in the drawing) is more authentically Arts & Crafts and especially Glasgow school. Taken as a symbolic "tree of life", the righthand drawing could be said to be more spiritually Mackintosh.
American, mission or prairie style
Here is a brand new design, inspired by the American Arts and Crafts tradition. Just north of Stirling, it may be the only "mission" style radiator cover in Britain. In the USA there are quite a few manufacturers making radiator cabinets in a 1905 style. Far and away the most impressive is Wolf (below and right is one of theirs). They make covers that put ours to shame, building in solid oak, cherry and birch. They are only able to do this by lining the entire inside with heavy-duty reflective insulation. But, then again, the average price for one of their cabinets is £500, not including fitting. 
Alas, they are one of those firms who claim that covering a radiator with their furniture makes the radiator more efficient and makes the room warmer. In fact, theirs are some of the least efficient around. In this model there is a good 60mm of space under the shelf where the hot air rises and gathers before exiting through the small slits. They are, however, quite beautiful.Below are some more fantastical radiator covers, some with built-in lighting, some are more bookcase than radiator cover.
The Art Deco and the unbuilt
Much as I love Art Deco, it just isn't that popular today as a furniture style. The sketch below was a design I made when first asked for an Art Deco radiator cover. It wasn't built. And since then I've been asked no more than half a dozen times if we make such things. The cover above remains the only one Art Deco radiator cabinet we've ever made.
