Asked on Jan 26, 2015
How to camouflage a heat pump?
by
Tone
+16
There is not much to say, other than how in the world can I camouflage something like this? We live in a rental, plus it keeps us warm, so removing it is not optional.
Can I build some sort of case to cover it with, painting it in the same color as the walls to make it blend more it?
I am planning on putting some shelves under there the next few days, which can result in one of two things: either it will give more focus to this beast, OR it will shift the focus downwards to the shelves. Either way, it will still be there...
Can I build some sort of case to cover it with, painting it in the same color as the walls to make it blend more it?
I am planning on putting some shelves under there the next few days, which can result in one of two things: either it will give more focus to this beast, OR it will shift the focus downwards to the shelves. Either way, it will still be there...
15 answers
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If the heat comes out the bottom, I would run a bulkhead over it, the window, and to the same width as the "offender" on the other side of the window. You could add shelving on both sides for balance. Personally, I would just add a pleasing arrangement of art, etc. on both sides of the window under the bulkhead. If you move, all you'd have to do is patch a few screw holes when you remove the bulkhead. Or perhaps the landlord would like it.
Marion Nesbitt
on Jan 26, 2015
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thanks @Marion Nesbitt Yes the heat comes from under. Not quite sure what a bulkhead is, but I think I have an idea:)
Tone
on Jan 26, 2015
- See 2 previous
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I would just hang a beautiful picture underneath it. You notice the heat pump because that is what you look at when you look at the wall. Need something bright and wonderful on that wall. It may not be good to obstruct it. Play around with the furniture and see if you can change things around to not bring attention to that wall. I have a heat pump like that in my dining area. I have an antique desk on that wall and a picture over top of that. I live in Maine and love the thing!
Lynn
on Jan 26, 2015
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Maybe take a couple of second hand louver doors. frame out just past the heater & install the doors. Just put a couple screws or latches in back to make sure it doesn't tip forward. then you could also make a few shelves inside under the heater to store some items. I did it to hide my furnace & water heater. But used more doors of coarse. now if I need access to items behind the doors, I just unlatch & slide it out. Good luck
Dena
on Jan 26, 2015
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yes, I like storing items that I need close in that area. Plus, we put the little slider pads on each corner of the frame, so it is easy to slide out if you need to. Have fun ;)
Dena
on Jan 26, 2015
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build a wooden valance around it so its not so noticeable!
Linda
on Jan 26, 2015
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Make sure you don't block the airflow required around this heat pump or it won't work effectively. Or, you could damage it, start a fire even. Maybe find out the minimum clearance first before covering it up. If it is painted the same color as the walls, might not be as obvious.
Connie Mar
on Jan 26, 2015
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I would build a valance or cornice around it. Then put an old window below it.
Bonita Sanders
on Jan 26, 2015
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A tall book case and then a fake book display front to allow the heat to leave thru the bottom?
Karyn Workman
on Jan 26, 2015
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If the heat comes from the bottom, I'm picturing it looking like a flower/plant holder like you see outside window sills on houses in the 1960s. You could make a wooden box, just 3 sides (front and 2 sides) and attach it to the wall to cover the heater and put fake plants or flowers on top, short ones since it's close to the ceiling.
Orchidmg
on Jan 26, 2015
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This looks like a mini-split. We have them in our log home, and they are pretty expensive so you really want to make sure you don't damage it in your rental. If you search for 'disguise mini split', you'll find a lot of good ideas like these: http://www.houzz.com/mini_split I think the key is not to block or redirect the flow of air.
Cathy Rayburn-Trobaugh
on Jan 27, 2015
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in my opinion just put a small piece of wood between the walls on both sides, hiding the faith the top of your curtain and chauffagen in France is called a "Marie-Jeanne". You just cover the board the same paint or wallpaper the same as the wall.
Evelyne
on Jan 27, 2015
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No question that building a wall cabinet unit around it is the way to go if you want another piece of furniture. Not hard to do. Make sure the portion where the pump is has louvered or shuttered doors so the heat ( or cold ) is pumped through. Lower part could be book casing , ornament showing, or enclosed . Final product could easily ok like a hutch.
Craig Laidlaw
on May 31, 2015
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Like a dryer or AC unit or anything that requires a certain clearance around it, make absolutely sure you check the specifications before you block airflow.
Kathryn Peltier
on Aug 25, 2015
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since you have a window next to it, I would build a type of cornice box that runs the length of the window, covering the heat box and ending at the wall. I would paint it the same color as the wall, or if you wanted to get some architectural elements to make it look dimensional. I would mount a curtain rod inside the cornice and have more volume of curtains. just check how much room you need to circulate around the heater to see how far from the wall you need to extend the cornice.
Amy
on Oct 03, 2016
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