How to Cover Air Vents in the Wall

Co-authored by Garrison Hullinger and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 1, 2023 References

Although they look pretty unsightly when compared to the rest of the wall, air vents help to keep your air conditioning and heating systems in working condition.^{[1]
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Research source} Instead of trying to block them off completely, which might be counterproductive, try making a few cosmetic changes to your air vents, which will help conserve energy in your home. If you’d prefer a quicker fix, make some smart purchases that help conceal your air vents!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Repainting the Vent Cover

1
Choose a paint color that matches the color of your walls. Take a picture of your living space, or reference the paint color that you used initially when painting over the walls. Buy a can of spray paint that closely matches the color of your walls so the air vents blend in. When shopping, make sure that the paint is safe to use on metal surfaces.^{[2]
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- Select a paint that has primer included in the can.^{[3]
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2
Unscrew the air vent from the wall. You might need a Philips-head, flat head, or other utility screwdriver to remove any screws connecting the vent cover to the wall. Collect the screws as you take them out of the wall, then use both hands to pull and remove the air vent from the duct.^{[4]
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- Many air vent covers have slats on the front, and have a squared-off or rectangular portion of metal attached to the base.
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3
Lay your air vent on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. Find a large, open space where you aren’t at risk of inhaling paint fumes. Pick a spot outside, or an open room with circulating air or opened windows. Place your vent in a flat, upright position so you can spray over it easily.^{[5]
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- You can find breathing masks at your local hardware store.
- As an extra precaution, invest in a breathing mask to protect your nose and mouth.
4
Spray over the vents with a layer of spray paint. Follow the instructions provided on your spray can and shake your paint can thoroughly. Keep the can at least 6 in (15 cm) or so away from the surface of the vent so the spray paint doesn’t drip and create lumps on the surface. To coat the vent evenly, work in a slow, horizontal motion across the surface of the vent.^{[6]
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- Be sure to paint over the screws as well.
Tip: If the color isn’t vibrant enough, consider adding a second coat of paint! Let the first coat dry for whatever recommended time is listed on the can. Then, turn the vent 90 degrees and apply a second coat of paint to the surface! This rotation helps ensure even coverage over the surface of your vent.^{[7]
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Let the vents dry in an open area overnight. To ensure that the paint dries completely, leave your vents in a dry, open area.^{[8]
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Research source} If you’re in a rush, check the instructions on your paint can to see if your spray paint needs less time to dry.^{[9]
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- Depending on the spray paint, your vent might be dried in 1-2 hours.
6
Screw the vent back into the wall. Tap the surface of the vent to ensure that it’s dry to the touch. Use both hands to hoist and center the vent over the opening on the wall. Once you’ve done this, use your screwdriver to replace the painted screws and secure the vent into place.^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Hiding the Vent

1
Place a piece of open furniture in front of the wall vent. Find a tall piece of furniture with an open, free-flowing design that allows air to drift through and around the space. Look for a table, chair, cabinet, or hutch that can maintain airflow without creating a blockage.^{[11]
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- Don’t cover your vents with thick, clunky furniture that will block the airflow in your home.^{[12]
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2
Display small pictures, awards, and other decorations in front of the air vent. Find a collection of pictures, prints of your favorite art, award ribbons, or other small trinkets that can fit over the surface of the vent. Attach or tie the items to the slats or bars of your air vent to keep them secure. As you arrange these decorations, make sure that you’re not covering the vent completely.^{[13]
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Install shelving in front of the vent as a more permanent solution. Find 1 or multiple air vents that take up a lot of space on the wall. Invest in a floating shelf, which you can place along the top or bottom edge of this vent. Use this shelving to make your vents look like a piece of decorum.^{[14]
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4
Buy a drywall vent cover that matches the design of your home. Measure the length and width of your vent to get an idea of how large your vent is. Use these measurements to search online or in a home goods store to find a new, stylish cover. Look for products that are made with unique materials, like mesh.^{[15]
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- You don’t have to purchase a product that’s marketed as an air vent cover. Instead, look for a framed print or pattern that covers the vent while allowing air to go through.