How to hide an intake vent, see these photos

What's the best way to hide our intake vent? That's a question I get often! Let's face it, builders apparently do not put a lot of thought into where the intake vent will look best.

When I'm consulted early in the home building stage, I can recommend an easy alternative of where to move it, even a few feet lower or to the right or left can make a big difference. Otherwise, if it's too late, here are some tips:

1) paint it the same color as the walls - be sure to prime it first so the paint will adhere!

2) accessorize the surrounding area (to detract the eye as shown in the photo below)

3) Put furniture in front of it. However - It MUST have a good air flow, or you can ruin your entire heating and air conditioning system!  Notice this furniture (below) does not block the vent, which is important.

What window treatment can be mounted on the ceiling? (see these photos if you cannot drill in the wall)

 

When it's not possible to drill into the window or door frame (due to condo rules, no space, or other issues), you can always install window treatment hardware into the ceilings, as shown in the photos below. 

AFTER with window treatments for privacy
 (can be opened or closed from ceiling mount)

 

BEFORE  in need of privacy
 

Sheers hung from the ceiling, this diffuses
the light to reduce glare, yet many linen sheers are "see through"  

Ceiling mount hardware for window treatments.
If you upgrade to custom window treatments with pleats,
you can have hidden pins instead of the clamps shown.

There are numerous hardware and window treatments styles that can be mounted from the ceiling, including roman shades, valances, drapes, sheets, blinds, etc. This can be helpful when you are limited due to wall space or lack of ability to drill into the window frame or door frame.