Chloe Davenport
Is anyone there that can survive the hot summer days without an AC unit? Definitely not. But, as we struggle to stay cool with style, we have to admit that there is nothing pretty about an indoor air conditioner unit. The big, heavy appliance is always an ugliness, especially when it sits smack dab in your flower beds. But, of course, it’s an absolutely necessary ugliness for the high temperature seasons. Which is the best place to fix it? Behind a curtain or a parapet, in a boxy shelf or under a false ceiling? It is hard to imagine that this device can be completely hidden, but designers play with many creative solutions nowadays. The air conditioner is an essential element of your contemporary home, but it’s not something you want front and center. Fortunately, there are plenty of clever ways to cover an AC unit and add instant curb appeal. Explore our favorite collection for AC unit enclosures, walls, and screens below. Some of these ideas are great for DIYers. If that’s not you, you can always find a creative handyman to help you create the look you want to hide your AC unit.

How To Hide an Air Conditioner

Before diving into creative solutions, make sure the assigned space is generous and versatile. Hiding the unit does not mean you will not make eye contact with it at all. Rather it means to play some kind of hide-and-see and to trick the viewers with decorations and false grills. This generous living room features a built-in bookshelf with boxy spaces and open areas. On top of it, the AC unit hides behind a decorative wood vent cover grill that also allows a natural air ventilation. As the pattern repeats several time son the surface of the furniture, the air conditioner is almost unnoticeable. So, if you live in a place where the summers are hot, there’s a good chance you have an air conditioner in your house. Although an air conditioner can be a godsend when it comes to keeping you cool and comfortable, but it can be a real eyesore in your living room.

Two rules for hiding your air conditioner unit:

RULE #1. Don’t block the air flow.

Indeed, this is the most important one. Do not close it in a beautiful box because you cannot make use of it. Decorative air vent covers and wooden grills are amongst the most common elements. They do not block the air flow, while also hiding the unit. Moreover, you can paint it in various colors – blue, white, beige, brown, green, lime. Do you want to create healthy spaces for your children? Explore some easy tips here!

RULE #2. Make sure the equipment is accessible for service.

Don’t let your AC unit spoil the look of your otherwise perfectly styled house. Using clever ways to hide an ugly AC units, you can effectively hide that unsightly air conditioning unit without compromising its ability to keep things cool inside. To work efficiently they need to be unobstructed and placed high in the room so that the cool air will have the greatest effect as it drops to the floor.

Your turn: How do you design around your mini-split?