Sadly our AC and heating units are not at all like the sleek and sexy ones we write about for Unplggd. Don't get us wrong, we love our air conditioner and our radiator, they come in handy during the hot and humid New York summers and cold cold winters...we just wish they were less of an eyesore. With an eye on aesthetics and budget, we decided to take a look at ways to hide these units. Check out these 10 DIY solutions.
- Turn it Into a Landing Strip: Using some plywood and a box of laminate flooring from Ikea, AT Reader Alex has transformed his ugly AC unit into a stylish landing strip.
- Frame it!: We love the built in frame on this stylish AC unit from LG and think this is a great idea for an AC unit that is built into a wall. Building a frame like this, but with an open top for the vents, would be a great start to a DIY solution for this look.
- Upcycle Some Shutters: Shabby Chic created this AC hiding solution out of old shutters, total cost for the project $16.
- Try a Screen: Depending on the placement of your AC or heater, a screen might just do the trick. We think this is an especially good solution for those with AC units that are freestanding.
- Cafe Curtains are a Window ACs Best Friend: Use a cafe curtain to hide a window AC unit. Cafe curtains are a great way to hide the AC without obstructing the airflow.
- Use Plants: In addition to adding some greenery in the room, plants used in the interior to obscure an AC can also freshen up the scent in a room.
- Make a Cozy: Sara Lov covered her AC with outdoor fabric that matched her patio furniture.
- Create Art: Have fun with the boxy shape and make art out of it. This retro looking TV is a lot more interesting to look at than the back of an AC.
- Use Paint: Use heat-safe paint and to paint the radiator the same color as the wall.
- Build a Radiator Cover: Follow these instructions from This Old House to build your own classic radiator cover.
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My company BattyBuilt Custom Radiator Covers specializes in designing and building custom radiator covers to suit any style, any room. We serve Westchester NY, Manhattan and parts of Connecticut and New Jersey.
Check out the website here: http://battybuilt.com