10 Ugly Air Vent Cover Upgrades
Updated: Apr. 28, 2023
Don't let ugly air vent covers ruin your decor. Check out these great-looking upgrades you can purchase or DIY.
Make it Flush With Marble
Metro Marble Restoration is here to save the day if your old air vent covers are taking away from your beautiful new marble floors. The company makes custom floor registers in marble, ceramic, slate, porcelain and limestone. You simply send them your material, and they’ll fabricate the perfect vent cover.
You should also check out these eight easy DIY faux marble projects.
Patterned Sheet Metal
For a more creative approach to upgrading an ugly air vent cover, purchase some patterned sheet metal. Measure the vent openings and then carefully cut it to fit over the vent. Be sure to wear leather gloves, use tin snips for cutting and file down any sharp edges. Paint the covers, if you want, fasten the metal to thin strips of wood and secure the cover with small screws.
Check out these unexpected ways to use metal in your home decor.
Buy it now on The Home Depot.
Use an Acrylic Fiberglass Air Vent Cover
Solely for use on walls and ceilings, this option for air vent covers offers a luxurious and modern upgrade to conventional covers. Installation is as easy as attaching the product to the wall or ceilings using self-adhesive silicone.
You may find the perfect affordable home improvement project in this collection of ideas.
Try a Butterfly
This is not a budget-friendly solution, but you could commission an artist to create air vent covers for you. Etsy user Jerzy Sanecki of SaneckiArt creates unique air vent covers, like this butterfly design.
“I have commissioned 5 total vent covers from Jerzy and have been so very pleased with the results. They are absolutely stunning and beautiful and have already received compliments on them in our new home,” says a reviewer.
Go for a Minimalist Look
Go for a minimalist vibe by taking advantage of the Aria Vent. This manufacturer has DIYers and industry pros in mind, as they go about making “seriously beautiful air vents.” The original Aria Vent offers a sleek, modern look with drop-in install technology.
Use an Old Shutter
If you have an air vent in plain sight on a wall, consider turning it into a piece of artwork. Find a used interior window shutter and cut it to the appropriate size for the air vent. Add trim to the shutter, then prime and paint it. Screw on some D-rings and then hang the shutter on the wall.
Check out 12 DIY room dividers—one is made from repurposed shutters.
Tile It
Keep an air vent from becoming an eyesore on your floor by matching it with the rest of the design. Tile Lines offers custom tileable in-floor vents consisting of a welded aluminum frame with removable insert. You can cut your tile to fit!
Try a Mirrored Finish
For a sleek look that goes with the surrounding materials, try installing mirrored finish air vent covers. A perfect fit for walls and ceilings, this option was created to replace old louvered grilles.
Art Deco, Brushed Nickel Air Vent Cover
Add some Art Deco flair to your home by installing these stylish air vent covers. Available in a variety of sizes and finishes, these covers are easy to install—just drop it into the opening, no tools required!
Check out these 15 vintage home trends that are making a comeback.
Decorate With a Period Style Air Vent Cover
If your home decor is more Victorian, you’ll love this period style scroll design air vent cover. It’s made of cast aluminum, with a baked-on powder coating that makes for a luxurious black finish. It’s also rustproof and totally maintenance-free!
Want to add some Victorian flair to your home? Here’s how to build a Victorian screen house.
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