How to Disguise Your Boiler in the Kitchen

While an essential piece of equipment, a boiler is not something you would use as a focal feature in any room, never mind the kitchen.

Unfortunately, we can’t live without our boilers as that would mean a chilly home and no hot water. How on earth did humanity survive before the invention of the boiler?

However, pre-boiler lives aside, thankfully, we can disguise our boilers to fit in with the aesthetics of our lovely kitchens.

However, hiding your boiler boils down (excuse the pun) to the following factors: space, kitchen layout, budget, and DIY skills. These factors will obviously determine the solution that works best for you.

#1 Purchase a good-looking boiler

While this may seem the obvious choice to make, a chic-looking boiler is often the most expensive option. However, if the price tag is not a stumbling block, then this is the option for you. Bear in mind, though; it may mean a long-term commitment to specific colors and styles.

Also, when purchasing a boiler, you need to ensure it provides your home with the necessary heating requirements. There’s no point in having a beautiful boiler that is inadequate for your home’s heating needs.

#2 Banish the pipes

For most homeowners, the boilers’ copper pipes are the unattractive bit they wish to disguise. Using board attached to a light timber frame, you can create a box to cover these pipes.

When creating the box, ensure you use timber that is heat resistant as the temperature of the hot water pipe can get pretty hot. It’s not called a hot water pipe for nothing!

As BoilerGrants.org.uk notes “the valves on the boiler need to be accessible for servicing; therefore, the box should not restrict access to them.”

Alternatively, you could choose to paint the pipes to help them blend into the kitchen’s décor. However, remember to use heat-resistant paint to prevent the paint from peeling off the pipes.

Wooden and plastic pipe coverings are another great solution to unsightly pipes. Simply cut the piping to size and attach it to the pipework using a specialized adhesive solution.

Why not polish the pipes and create a feature out of them? Just a thought!

#3 House the boiler in a cupboard

You can repurpose a kitchen cupboard or unit to house your boiler. However, this idea depends on the space and layout of your kitchen.

Another factor to consider is the amount of access your boiler requires for servicing. Most boilers require access to both the front and bottom of the boiler. Therefore, the boiler cupboard should not restrict access to any of these areas.

Also, when placing a cupboard around the boiler, it is important to remember that ventilation is essential. The cupboard should allow for an air gap of at least 50mm around the circumference of the boiler.

Lastly, the cabinet should be made from heat-resistant material to prevent damage caused by the boiler’s heat.

#4 Chalkboard boiler

In addition to housing your boiler in a cupboard, you could take your DIY abilities one step further and design your own chalkboard.

This creates a super functional surface on which to keep your shopping lists and to-do lists. Simply paint the front of the boiler cupboard using blackboard paint. This type of paint is easily purchased from most DIY stores.

Before applying the paint to the cupboard surface, sand it until smooth. Then apply two coats of paint to the surface, allowing the first coat to dry thoroughly before applying the second coat.

Once the blackboard paint is dry, your chalkboard is ready for use. Use colored chalks to make your lists and notes!

#5 Draw the curtains

This is a cheaper alternative to a boiler cupboard or unit and is also a major space-saving option. In addition, a curtain can be easily matched to the room’s current décor.

For example, the boiler curtain could be matched to existing paint, blind, and curtain colors. However, before you head out to go curtain shopping, ensure the curtain you select is made from heat-resistant material.

#6 Give your boiler a facelift

A good paint job can change the face of a room and, in this case, the look of your boiler. However, using heat and moisture-resistant paint is vital when painting the surface of your boiler.

Enamel paints or high-heat spray paints are super effective at withstanding both heat and moisture. These are easily bought at most DIY stores. Note the boiler should be turned off and cold to the touch when applying the paint.

Painting your boiler is an excellent choice for those on a budget. However, if you prefer a long-lasting professional finish, you might want to consider having the boiler cover powder coated.

Unfortunately, this option presents some drawbacks. Firstly, the boiler may need to be dismantled, and second, it will be out of action while at the factory receiving its new look. If you can handle a few cold showers then this is the option for you!

As per the law, you will need a gas safe registered engineer to dismantle the boiler if required.

#7 Sliding doors

This is an excellent idea to use if space in the kitchen is limited and doesn’t allow for wide cabinet doors.

Using lightweight timber, build a box unit to house appliances such as the tumble dryer, washing machine, and boiler.

Then attach a sliding partition to the front, which can be slid across when access to the appliances or boiler is required.

This type of unit provides additional countertop space and minimizes the swing area necessary for units with hinged doors.

Often the boiler location is dictated by the confines of your home. As such, you may find that space is limited in your kitchen and that specific DIY ideas just won’t work.

However, with the above ideas to choose from and the ability to select an option that suits your budget and style, you are no longer chained to an ugly boiler.

Published in: Kitchen | Author: Jude