Heating experts have revealed that installing a radiator shelf can have a positive impact on your energy bills and heat your home more efficiently, despite the common misconception that these shelves have the opposite effect.
There’s no getting away from the fact that bills are increasing, and we all want to save energy at home. There are plenty of ways to ensure your heating is working as efficiently as it can be, from scheduling a boiler service to knowing how to bleed a radiator. But one thing you may not know is that a radiator shelf can be helpful, too.
According to the pros, a radiator shelf can help redirect heat into a room, which is especially helpful if a radiator is positioned below a window. This is everything you need to know.
What are the benefits of installing a radiator shelf?
You’ll probably be aware of the radiator shelf as an aesthetic addition or storage solution for your home. They’re often found within small hallways or living rooms as a clever way to make the most out of your space. But aesthetics aside, these shelves can have a positive effect on heating your home.
(Image credit: Future PLC / Caroline Mardon)
‘Building a shelf above and in line with your radiator is one way to increase warm air circulation throughout a space as it redirects the air forward into the room, rather than rising up to the ceiling and dispersing,’ explains Stephen Hankinson, Heating Expert at Electric Radiators Direct.
‘This can lead to quicker, more even heating, reducing the demand on your boiler or heating system. As a result, the room reaches a comfortable temperature faster, meaning your heating doesn’t have to work as hard or for as long, helping to lower your overall energy consumption and cut down on heating bills.’
Not only this, but a radiator shelf can also prevent heat damage to your walls and furniture, and expensive items such as your TV.
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‘If you’ve got a flat-screen TV mounted above your radiator, a shelf isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’, it’s essential. Rising heat can be damaging to the electrics and screen over time, potentially shortening the lifespan of your TV. A well-placed radiator shelf helps deflect that warmth away, offering crucial protection,’ says Nick Duggan, managing director of The Radiator Centre.
‘From a design perspective, a radiator shelf transforms a purely practical fixture into a considered part of the room. It creates a smart visual line, breaks up blank wall space and offers a handy surface for styling with home accessories.’
(Image credit: Future PLC / Caroline Mardon)
While radiator shelves serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, there is the belief that they can make a radiator work less efficiently. A shelf positioned too close to the radiator can indeed restrict the heat flow, and therefore efficiency, of a radiator. However, a well-positioned shelf will improve it.
‘There are no hard rules for this modification, however, as a general rule, leave at least 10 to 15cm between your radiator and the bottom-most shelf to allow for convection heat to distribute around the room. As well as this, ensure heat-resistant materials such as solid wood are used for your shelf to avoid heat damage or warping,’ says Stephen.
If you are still uh-hmming and ahhing about investing in a radiator shelf, here are three stylish options to help you get the ball rolling.
A wooden shelf is a timless choice, providing both classic and rustic appeal.
Scallop Wooden Border
This scalloped butter yellow shelf is both practical and perfectly on-trend, too.
Argos Home Loft Living Radiator Table – Oak
Subtle and sleek, this stylish radiator shelf will blend seamlessly into your interiors.
When positioned correctly, a radiator shelf can be both functional and stylish, improving the appearance of your room decor while also contributing to an efficient heating system.
Mattresses are expensive. That’s a fact. If you’ve considered buying one recently, you’ll know that a decent sleep surface can easily set you back a few thousand pounds.
But have you ever wondered what the most expensive mattress on the market is?
As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve spent the last four years testing some of the best mattresses in the business, and I’ve just tracked down the most expensive mattress in the UK. Its price tag might well make your jaw drop.
However, we cap our mattress testing at what we consider to be a ‘reasonable’ amount of money to spend on a new mattress. But what if your budget were unlimited?
I’ve crunched the numbers, and in the UK, the most expensive mattress money can buy is the Vispring Diamond Majesty mattress. As of writing, it costs a cool £85,585.
At least if you opt for the largest 7ft large emperor size, that is. If you can restrain yourself to a standard double – and really, why would you if you had that kind of budget! – a Vispring Diamond Majesty will set you back a mere £45,310.
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(Image credit: Vispring)
So are expensive mattresses worth it? Yes, up to a point. A more expensive mattress usually tends to mean better materials, more durable construction, and a deeper mattress, which equals more support.
But what makes the Vispring Diamond Majesty more expensive than any other mattress you can buy in the UK, you may wonder.
For a start, it contains a *lot* of very expensive materials. The most notable is ultra-rare Vicuña fleece. Not encountered a Vicuña wandering around the English countryside? Me neither.
But according to the World of Wool Trade, a Vicuña fleece is a ‘luxurious, rare, and expensive type of wool that comes from the wild vicuña, a species of alpaca found in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina’. According to the experts, this is ‘one of the finest and softest wools in the world’.
(Image credit: Cristogatin)
Added to that, the mattress also features Austrian horsetail, Shetland wool blended with cashmere, silk, and bamboo, and British lambswool. There are also three layers of pocket springs to form the support system.
What’s perhaps even more jaw-dropping is the fact that this Vispring mattress isn’t necessarily the *most* expensive mattress you can buy.
It’s the most expensive mattress that has its price publicly available, but the likes of Swedish brand Hästens – widely recognised as one of the most expensive mattress brands in the world – has a roster of mattresses with prices only available on application.
Rumour has it that the brand’s most expensive mattress – the Hästens Grand Vividus – costs nearly £300,000. Most notably, it’s the mattress that rapper Drake has in the master bedroom of his 50,000 square foot mansion in Toronto, as featured in Architectural Digest.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
However, if you want to get in on the luxury mattress market without shelling out the equivalent of a mortgage deposit, luckily, there are more affordable ways to get your hands on a designer mattress.
I’ve rounded up three of Vispring’s more affordable alternatives to the Diamond Majesty mattress below.
Shop alternatives
Furniture Village
Vispring Elite Mattress
Furniture Village offers the Vispring Elite mattress, which is available in soft, medium, and firm tensions, and features pocket spring support with coir, British wool, and cotton comfort layers. It’s currenly on sale, making it the most affordable Vispring mattress I’ve found.
John Lewis
Vispring Chiswick Pocket Spring Mattress
Available at John Lewis, this handcrafted Vispring pocket spring mattress is also filled with wool and cotton. These materials make for brilliant breathability and good temperature regulation throughout the seasons.
Barker and Stonehouse
Vispring Baronet Superb Mattress
Barker and Stonehouse’s Vispring Baronet Superb mattress is also on sale. Again, this pocket spring mattress is packed with naturally fire-retardant, chemical-free British wool.
One of the biggest perks of my job is hearing about all the best new homeware pieces from my colleagues who have spotted them when out at press events, shop visits or by constantly keeping tabs on the ‘new in’ section. It was through one of my colleagues who has impeccable taste that I learnt about Habitat’s new £5 green stripe paper star decoration, which (until now) has sailed under the radar.
Our Room Decor Editor, Sara Hesikova, spotted the striped star decoration at Habitat‘s Christmas show, where it impressed not just her but Ideal Home’s Print Editor, Ginevra Benedetti,too.
In a sea of festive glitz and glamour, both editors were struck by its XL size and stylish striped pattern, which looks so much more expensive than its £5 price tag. Now we’re not ones to gatekeep at Ideal Home, so I couldn’t resist sharing this find with you, too.
Habitat
Green Stripe Paper Star Christmas Hanging Decoration
Scandi paper stars are set to be a big Christmas trend this year, but most alternatives can easily cost almost £20. While on the surface, that is still affordable, if you’re looking to buy a couple to adorn your walls, the cost quickly adds up.
What makes this star initially stand out is its bold green stripe pattern, which looks so chic when paired with the green-tipped points. But what doesn’t translate easily through the screen is just how big this decoration is.
(Image credit: Future / Sara Hesikova)
The star is a serious XL size measuring 75cm x 75cm x 21cm, which is bigger than a standard-sized computer monitor or a work backpack. That’s a lot of star for £5.
I only have space for one star in my flat, which I’m planning to hang from the mirror above my fireplace as the centrepiece for my festive mantle display. But if you have stairs in your home or an empty wall, three of these mounted at staggered heights would look amazing.
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‘This Christmas, our collections are all about layering what you love,’ says Abi Wilson, head of buying (seasonal and gift) at Habitat, about how the star decoration fits in the wider festive Habitat collection.
‘We’ve expanded our range of single decorations crafted from a range of materials to help customers create characterful, curated schemes that reflect their personality. From sentiment-led keepsakes such as our ‘Merry Christmas 2025’ ornament and playful cocktail-inspired designs to oversized statement baubles and paper decorations, this year’s range embraces tradition, trend and retro charm.’
If you’re not a fan of the green, here are a few other statement decorations that deserve a starring role in your Christmas decor.
Alternative Scandi Star decorations
Dunelm x Sophie Robinson
Folding Prism Star Paper Fans, Pack of 5
Opt for a multi-coloured christmas with this rainbow assortment
Cox & Cox
Forest Green & Gold Luxury Hanging Paper Star – Large
Keep it classic and glamorous with this gold-dusted star from Cox & Cox
Lights4Fun
Paper Star Decoration Trio
These three stars comes with a set of micro lights that can be popped inside each star for an extra festive glow
Amazon
Pointed Lantern Stars
This pack of 5 stars comes in a range of colours on Amazon, but I’m a fan of this sage green colourway
H&M
Plain Series Large Paper Star
Keep things simple with this plain white large paper star
Nordic Nest
Bare Advent Star White-Red Stripes, 80 Cm
This star is a more elevated version of the Habitat star, covered in striped fabric; it can also be paired with a light bulb
Now I’ve outed this underrated budget decoration, I have a feeling they’re going to sell fast. Grab one while you still can.
In just a few swift years, TikTok has become one of the biggest players when it comes to influencing interior trends. And the latest big thing involves a dartboard to store your jewellery and trinkets – and I have to agree it’s a fabulous idea for small spaces.
One of my favourite parts of my job is spotting ingenious DIY projects across social media, and the current viral dartboard jewellery holder hack has me actively looking for a dartboard every time I step into my local charity shops.
If, like me, you’re short on space, this TikTok hack consists of using a dartboard and pins to create vertical hanging space for your trinkets. The result is a delicious combination of quirky and stylish. Here’s how to do it at home.
Anyone who lives in a small home or flat will be perfectly aware of the absolute Godsend that vertical storage space is. Making the most of the often empty upward space along your walls gives you back more floor and surface space in return.
If you’re a person who owns a lot of jewellery and trinkets, then more often than not you’ll accumulate lots of little dishes and pots holding your worldly belongings. If you’ve run out of ideas for how to organise jewellery, this hack is for you.
Of course, the alternative is to unleash one of the best decluttering methods and get rid of items you no longer need. But if you’re like me, you won’t want to do that. Plus, the beauty of this hack is that it looks more beautiful when filled with pretty pieces of jewellery.
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‘People are turning their jewellery into part of their interiors. It’s no longer about hiding your accessories in a box, it’s about curating a space to reflect your personal style. Jewellery is art now, and the display is part of the story,’ comments Arwa Hassan, in-house style director at PRYA.
‘What’s brilliant about this trend is its creativity and accessibility. You can pick up a vintage dart board or tennis racket from a charity shop and instantly give it new life. Use the strings of a racket to hang delicate chains, layer chunky gold pieces around the frame, and mix old with new.’
I’ve also seen this trend work beautifully with a chessboard, whereby chess pieces are glued to the board and then hung vertically on the wall. The pieces then act as pegs to hang small items such as your house keys, sunglasses and small bags – a great idea if you always find yourself losing them.
‘I think it’s a really creative way to display jewellery and make that display into a feature of the room, a real statement, rather than something purely utilitarian as a lot of jewellery storage solutions can be. But at the same time, it’s also a great and fun way to upcycle an unused dartboard, avoiding unnecessary waste, which I’m definitely here for,’ says Sara Hesikova, Room Decor Editor at Ideal Home.
The TikTok dartboard hack is a clever way to breathe new life into an old board and make the most of vertical spaces. This space-saving hack is effortlessly cool, however, if you’re looking to create something a little more chic, I’d recommend trying the method out with a chessboard for a quirky yet classic finished piece.
WINMAU
Winmau Diamond Bristle Dartboard One Colour 3011
If you don’t manage to find a dartboard in your local thrift shop or have one to dig out of the loft, you can find them for a decent price on amazon.
Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics Hardware Nail Assortment Kit
The multi-pack has nails of different sizes – handy if the items you want to hang vary in bulk.
Swarovski
Swarovski Attract Adjustable Necklace
Now you just need an excuse to add more jewellery to your collection…
I know this hack will be keeping me occupied on a rainy October weekend. Will you give it a try too?
As Apartment Therapy’s Executive Home Director, I head up our decorating, trends, and designer coverage. I studied Media Studies at UVa and Journalism at Columbia and have worked in media for more than a decade. I love homes, heels, the history of art, and hockey — but not necessarily in that order.
When most people hear “affordable housing,” they tend to think about numbers – income brackets, rental caps, and government programs. But what if we started thinking about it from a design perspective instead? Affordable housing isn’t just a policy discussion; it’s also a design challenge and an opportunity to create spaces that are functional, beautiful, and accessible to everyone. In a time when housing insecurity continues to rise, design has the power to make affordable living both dignified and desirable.
Rethinking What “Affordable” Means in Design
Credit: Envato
Affordability isn’t only about how much rent costs. It’s also about how efficiently a space functions. Smart design can help residents save on utilities, make the most of limited square footage, and enjoy a higher quality of life, all without requiring a luxury budget.
This is where interior design meets social impact. The best affordable housing developments recognize that good design should not be a privilege. When every square inch counts, thoughtful choices in layout, lighting, and materials can make small apartments feel spacious and welcoming. For example, multi-purpose furniture, open shelving, and natural light can completely transform the feel of a compact unit.
Designers working in the affordable housing sector often talk about “livability”—a word that combines comfort, beauty, and practicality. It’s not about following trends but about creating homes that adapt to their residents’ needs over time.
The Role of Design in Community Building
Good design doesn’t end at the front door. Affordable housing that promotes community connection is proven to have longer-lasting positive effects on residents. Shared green spaces, communal gardens, or simple, well-lit walkways can all help foster a sense of belonging.
Urban design can play a transformative role here. By blending affordable units into mixed-income neighborhoods and ensuring they meet the same design standards as market-rate housing, developers can combat stigma and promote inclusion. The visual continuity between “affordable” and “market-rate” housing sends a subtle yet powerful message: everyone deserves to live in a well-designed space.
Sustainable Design on a Budget
Credit: P.Cartwright / Shutterstock
Sustainability and affordability often go hand in hand, even though they might seem at odds at first. Energy-efficient lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and recycled materials can all reduce long-term costs for residents. Many affordable housing projects now include solar panels, green roofs, or passive heating and cooling systems.
Designers are reimagining what it means to live sustainably without inflating costs. Using locally sourced materials, modular furniture, and reclaimed wood not only reduces environmental impact but also brings character and warmth into a home. A well-placed skylight, for instance, can reduce the need for artificial lighting while improving the ambiance dramatically.
Affordable housing shouldn’t mean cutting corners. It’s about cutting waste – of space, resources, and opportunity.
The Emotional Impact of Interior Design
The psychology of space is often overlooked in the affordable housing conversation. The colors on the walls, the height of the ceilings, and even the placement of windows can influence mood and behavior. People thrive in environments that feel open, bright, and harmonious.
Designing for emotional well-being doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as choosing lighter paint colors to make rooms feel larger or integrating natural textures to add warmth. Research shows that residents who feel comfortable and proud of their homes are more likely to maintain them and engage positively with their community.
Aesthetics are not an afterthought, they are essential to human dignity. When design respects the people it serves, it contributes to social stability and individual well-being.
How Section 8 Housing Fits into the Design Conversation
One of the most well-known affordable housing programs in the United States is Section 8, which provides rental assistance to low-income families. While it’s often viewed through an administrative or policy lens, there’s a growing conversation around how design can enhance the Section 8 experience for residents and landlords alike.
Many developers and property owners underestimate how design quality impacts tenant satisfaction and long-term property value. Well-designed homes featured on a Section 8 housing list can inspire confidence among renters and landlords alike, showing that affordable housing can be both functional and visually appealing.
Design-forward affordable housing can challenge outdated stereotypes. When Section 8 housing is designed with care – using modern layouts, energy-efficient appliances, and welcoming aesthetics – it not only improves residents’ lives but also revitalizes entire neighborhoods.
Small Spaces, Big Impact
With urban centers facing housing shortages, compact living has become a necessity rather than a choice. But small doesn’t have to mean cramped. Designers are rethinking micro-apartments, using creative solutions like foldable furniture, sliding partitions, and vertical storage to make small units feel open and flexible.
Color and light play major roles in these spaces. Reflective surfaces, mirrors, and neutral palettes can expand visual boundaries. Even a strategically placed rug or piece of wall art can create zones within an open-plan area, making it feel more organized and livable.
In affordable housing projects, every design decision counts twice: once for its immediate aesthetic value and again for its contribution to usability and cost efficiency.
Partnering Design and Policy
The future of affordable housing lies in collaboration. Policymakers, developers, and designers must work together to balance cost and creativity. Too often, design is treated as a luxury add-on rather than a central component of project planning. But as more architects and designers enter the affordable housing space, that mindset is changing.
Cities like Portland and Minneapolis are pioneering new models where design is integrated from the ground up. They’re proving that with the right policies and creative design, affordable housing can be beautiful, sustainable, and community-driven.
Anyone interested in the latest updates on affordable housing can follow Section 8 information for key changes and news that impact both renters and property owners.
The Designer’s Responsibility
Ultimately, the design side of affordable housing is about empathy. It asks designers to understand the real lives of residents – their routines, challenges, and aspirations – and to create spaces that support them. It’s about using design not as decoration, but as a tool for equity.
Designers have the power to normalize affordable housing as an essential part of the urban fabric rather than something set apart. When good design is accessible to everyone, we all benefit—from healthier communities to more resilient cities.
Conclusion: Beauty and Accessibility Can Coexist
Affordable housing doesn’t have to be plain, sterile, or uniform. It can be modern, functional, and inspiring. As more designers engage in this space, we’re starting to see what’s possible when creativity meets compassion.
Every home, regardless of its price tag, deserves thoughtful design. By bridging the gap between affordability and aesthetics, we can redefine what it means to live beautifully and sustainably. Affordable housing, after all, isn’t just a social mission. It’s a design opportunity that can reshape how we think about home itself.
