How can I hide my air return and make it attractive too?

Question

I have seen posts someplace on how to do this but I need to know what to use so that it still does the job of being an air return.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

It is difficult to hide return grills and make them blend into the walls. Many have constructed fancy wood grills and covers to mask them. But quite frankly do not accomplish much other then waste time, block air and end up standing out more. 
The best thing you can do is to paint the grill to match the color of the wall. You need to do this carefully however as the paint even though its thin will close up the total opening size that in most cases is undersized already. 
placing furniture in front can work, but you need to be careful that the cloth on the table or chair does not get pulled into it blocking the flow. Believe it or not, no one really looks at these grills other then the person that lives in the house. In any case a matching paint on the face is all that is really needed.

Barbara Burnham · Answer

I have seen shutters from shutter doors (big-fold) framed and painted to match the wall/ceiling. Was very attractive, for any kind of grill, that is.  May find used in salvage store like Habitat for next to nothing.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

The issue with using shutter doors such as you said is that often times they are to restrictive for the air to flow around and or through. Adding anything in front of a return register will only enhance its visibility making it more obvious that there is something there.

Miriam Illions · Answer

I like the idea of matching paint. I wonder if something like the doormat mentioned in this post could do the trick without blocking the air? http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/genius-simple-ways-to-hide-common-eyesores-3306559

Judy · Answer

How about Miriam's idea of using a doormat, this is directed to Woodbridge Environmental. Thank you everyone for your help.

How can I hide my air return and make it attractive too?

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How can I hide my air return and make it attractive too?

Genius (& Simple!) Ways to Hide Common Eyesores

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