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Can You Put Furniture in Front of Baseboard Heating?
Don’t let your furniture throw shade on your baseboard heaters
Photo: drewhadley / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: drewhadley / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
Place furniture and draperies 6 to 12 inches away from baseboard heaters.
Baseboard heaters are generally safe, if they are maintained properly and used correctly.
Placing furniture too close to baseboard heating can be a fire hazard and damage the heating system.
Obstructions near a baseboard heater can also cause it to run less efficiently.
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Placing furniture in front of baseboard heating can impact both heat distribution and, more importantly, household safety. Maintaining proper clearance from a baseboard heater is essential for your family’s comfort and well-being. Let’s cover what you need to know to keep your space warm and your baseboard set-up safe.
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Why You Can’t Put Furniture in Front of Baseboard Heating
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There are several reasons why you shouldn’t place furniture too close to a baseboard heater.
Fire Hazard
Pieces of furniture and other objects increase the risk of fire when they’re placed too close to a baseboard heater. You should place all objects, including fabrics, cushions, or wooden items, 6 to 12 inches away from the heaters. These can easily catch fire when exposed to sustained heat.
Damage to the Furniture
Prolonged exposure to heat can cause furniture materials to warp, crack, or discolor. Wood, fabric, and other materials may suffer damage from the direct heat.
Reduced Efficiency
When a heater's airflow is blocked, it has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and higher heating costs each month.
Reduced Comfort
An obstructed baseboard heater that can't effectively warm a room can result in cold spots and a less comfortable living space.
How Far Should Furniture Remain from Baseboard Heating?
Furniture pieces should stay at least 6 inches away from a baseboard heater. This distance allows air to properly circulate around the heater and lowers risk of fire and damage to the item. If a furniture piece must be close to a baseboard heater (for example, if the room is too small to accommodate the distance) consider purchasing heat-resistant stands or pans to lift the piece from the floor and create the necessary distance.
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