I’m a heating expert – why you should not put your sofa here

Placing your sofa in front of the radiator might be seen as a great way to make the room look more aesthetic by hiding the heater in plain sight.

But Joana Sadovskaja, a sofa expert at Lovesofas, has warned that placing your sofa too close to the radiator could be costing you money.

By placing your sofa in front of your heater, it can risk disrupting how your home heats up.

Not only can this obstruct the flow of the hot air in the room, it can also reduce the efficiency of your heating system.

As a result, this can lead to uneven room temperatures resulting in your heating system having to work harder, which could potentially increase the cost of your energy bills.

Joana also warned that placing the sofa too close to a radiator may contribute to mould growth as it can trap moisture and condensation behind the sofa due to little ventilation.

Putting furniture in front of a heater can also cause damage to your upholstery due to potential excessive heat exposure.

This may cause the upholstery to shrink over time, resulting in sagging cushions, colour fading, and a worn-out appearance.

Joanna said: “Excessive exposure to heat can also cause the upholstery to shrink and sag over time, resulting in a worn-out appearance.

“It’s also important to note that different materials react uniquely to heat exposure. 

“While leather may fade and crack, synthetic fabrics can melt or warp, so understanding how your upholstery responds to prolonged heat is key to protecting its longevity.

“Placing a sofa too close to a radiator can also obstruct airflow, reducing the efficiency of your heating system. 

“This not only leads to uneven room temperatures but also causes your heating system to work harder, potentially increasing your energy bills.

“In spaces with limited ventilation, positioning furniture too near a heat source can trap moisture and cause condensation behind the sofa, which could result in mould growth.”

While ideally placing a sofa in front of a radiator should always be avoided, Nicholas Auckland, heating expert at Trade Radiators, has a solution for Brits short on space.

If you’re struggling for floor space, she says you should try and place your sofa a minimum of 12 inches away from your radiator to try and combat damage, mould and heating issues.

Nicholas said: “If you have limited space then I advise that your sofa is positioned at minimum of 12 inches away from the surface of the radiator.

“This should allow heat to circulate without causing significant damage to your sofas fabric.

“For further protection you can also attach a reflective sheet to the back of your sofa, this will reflect the heat directly back to the radiator so that it isn’t absorbed by the sofa.

“In addition, you can even use a sofa cover to protect the upholstery of your sofa. 

“There are a wide range of sofa covers online so you may be able to find one that is a match for your sofa’s original fabric.’

“If you’re looking to invest in a permanent solution then a vertical radiator is ideal.

“Vertical radiators take up less horizontal wall space due to their small width which allows them to be placed in a variety of positions around a room, leaving free wall space to place your sofa.”