Air return dilemma!!
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I need ideas on ways to disguise it. My ceiling will be painted a different color soon.
Air return in the middle of the living room ceiling
17 answers
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There are good primers available now on the market find one that will work on plastic. Once the primer is on it paint it the same colour as the ceiling
Red Wind Studio
on May 29, 2015
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@Sharon Ramsey It really all depends on whether you actually want to disguise it, or just camouflage it. To camouflage it do as red wind suggested, prime it & paint it the same color as the ceiling. Disguising it would depend on your décor for the room, but I would suggest looking on pinterest for diy chandelier ideals & do something like that just without the light..... Possibly use a wire plant basket turned upside down over it, & embellish with crystals, or an upside down bird cage, etc..... Here's one example: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/127578601920326046/
Katrina Warren
on May 29, 2015
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Ombre to a light center with the color you chose for the ceiling. Or a complimentary color, ombre to light.
Christina Dorrego
on May 29, 2015
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As stated above, painting the same as ceiling is one way, and most people don't even notice vents....but it obviously is an eyesore to you. As you know, you can't disturb the air flow...what about suspending a decorative panel under it.....close to the vent to hide it , but with enough space for air flow....I'm picturing something translucent with some bit of pattern perhaps and you'd have to figure out how to attach wire/chain/cording for suspension and those could be hidden even...good luck!
Linda Goldstein
on May 30, 2015
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so paint the vent also......
Mary-Jane Ricker McPate Harris
on May 30, 2015
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Are you sure it's a return? Looks like a supply. Humid cold air needs primer and rust oleum. A new diffuser would be nice too. 10 -15 bucks
Wa
on May 30, 2015
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They tend to get grungy looking over time. I'd just replace it with a new one that you perhaps like better. Then prime and paint to match the ceiling before you install it. I can't tell if it is in the center if the room. If it isn't, any attempt at disguising it will just draw more attention to it. If it is in the center of the ceiling you could always go online and get a ceiling medallion to put around it and try and make it feature. By the way, a sprayer will allow you to use the exact paint color that you used on your ceiling, rather than trying to match with a spray paint color. Rent or borrow a sprayer.
Lisa B.
on May 30, 2015
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If you can't conceal it completely make it obvious! Perhaps paint it as the surface of an incredible planet. Maybe Put up glow in the dark stars.
BobbiJo McBroom
on May 30, 2015
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There is now availability to have a custom mixed paint placed in an aerosol can so you can spray paint that vent. Thinner layer, less dust catching as there won't be brush marks.
Enjb
on May 30, 2015
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Treat yourself to a new one and paint it the same color as the ceiling. After 3 days, you won't even notice it anymore and you will have a professional looking paint job.
Marlyn Ely
on May 30, 2015
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Use some short chain and hang a drum shape lamp shape/ faux light fixture
Marie Worley
on May 30, 2015
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I have these same heating/air conditioning vents in my home also. There usually is a small pull chain in the center; to adjust the damper/air flow. Mine are actively in use. If yours are not, then why keep them. Take them out, and patch the holes before you paint your ceiling.
Chris
on May 30, 2015
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Prime and paint same color as ceiling.
Stella Love
on May 30, 2015
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If you pay too much attention to it ---it will call attention to it---paint it the same color as ceiling or if you have a trim color on the door frames etc paint to match trim---
Jan
on May 30, 2015
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Paint it the same color as the ceiling.
Liane Klobe
on Jun 01, 2015
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I've has these for years and I'd stare at them thinking how id like to get rid of them. As some stated above they must be featured as a wonderful architectural detail. Think on the line of cove or recessed ceilings. Incorporate and add moulding in several areas symmetrically to give it the I payed thousands for this one of a kind ceiling. Good luck.
Sherry
on Jun 02, 2015
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How about covering it with a beautiful lamp shade or lighting options you can alter to just be hung for their looks. Look at lampshades on Pinterest or Etsy for ideas.
Maxine Waller
on Jun 28, 2015
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