12 Creative Ways to Hide Ductwork
Your unfinished basement will give you room for expansion for your growing family. However, working on a finished basement ceiling can be challenging, especially if you want your ductwork installers to fix the pipes there.
Exposed ductwork reduces the home’s aesthetics and limits the renovations you can do on the ceiling. Luckily, there are creative ways to hide ductwork in your home. Paint them the same color as the ceiling or the walls surrounding them. You can also install faux cabinets to reduce exposure.
Besides painting pipes, some homeowners create a tray ceiling or use other materials to cover the unattractive ductwork. However, after construction, your ductwork is likely to get dusty. Ensure you change the filters and check for any ductwork openings, as explained in this post. We will explain the other ways to hide your ductwork.
Simple and Creative Ways to Hide Ductwork
Leaving the ductwork uncovered reduces the home’s curb appeal and exposes it to dust and moisture. When the ceiling leaks, the water droplets will land on your system. The moist environment leads to mold growth which causes allergies and odors. Luckily, you can cover the duct.
Some of the creative ways to hide ductwork are;
1. Make a Tray Ceiling
Ask your constructor to frame a border around the ceiling, creating a tray at the center that will be a focal point for the room. However, you should consider the furniture placement in the room when creating the tray ceiling.
Improve the area’s curb appeal by painting the place a different color from that of the ceiling. Alternatively, you can paint the tray ceiling the same color for uniformity.
2. Mask the Ductwork
Masking the ductwork is the cheapest and easiest option, but it does not work in all situations. However, homeowners should try the method and see how it turns. Some masking increase your home’s curb appeal.
3. Use the Wall Chases
This is one of the most creative ways to hide vertical ductwork in your home. If your duct installer fixed the system on the wall, it could be more challenging to hide than those on the ceiling. However, wall chases minimize the duct’s impact on your kitchen. Frame the vents with wood boards, then cover them with drywall and paint in your kitchen’s color.
4. Paint the Ducts
If your pipes and beams are still visible, consider painting them with bright colors. Making the ducts less visible increases the aesthetics and makes your system last longer. Alternatively, install metal or wooden planks over the vent.
5. Apply False Beams
If you live in a rustic or country home, false beams are a suitable way to hide your ducts. The false beams are easily found and cheap to buy. You can also choose from various false beams, depending on your taste.
6. Hide Behind Panels and Crown Molding
Sometimes installing false cabinets is hard, and you also could lack a high enough ceiling to add a drop one. However, you can stylishly hide the ductwork. The process costs less and saves on time.
Some homeowners paint the ductwork the same color as their cabinet, ending with crown molding. The panels give an illusion of added dimension to the room, increasing its visual appeal, hence a higher value of your house.
7. Use Truss Joist I- Beams
Truss joist I- beams add value to your ductwork and design your ductwork element. It can also transform it into a design component instead of hiding it. This installation works best for homeowners who love industrial or steampunk interiors.
8. Use Soffits and Columns
Soffits and columns are the least creative and effective way of concealing the ductwork but are worth recognizing. If you want to spend less to hide the ductwork in your home, the soffits and columns are worth considering.
9. Install a Drop Ceiling
A drop ceiling is mainly a secondary ceiling installed below the central roof. If you live in a house with a high ceiling, a drop ceiling helps improve the air circulation in the room. Therefore, there is less stuffing, and your home is more comfortable.
10. Create Faux Rafters
Surprisingly, you can create faux rafters without ductwork. Make the rafters by creating long, evenly spaced sections to resemble them. This technique is less challenging when trimmed without molding than lowering the entire ceiling.
11. Use Spray Paint
You won’t always get hidden ducts to suit your style. Furthermore, the vent in your basement doesn’t have to be hidden. However, you can use a paint sprayer to cover all ceiling contents with a solid color that creates a unique modern feel and reduces the labor involved in framing the ceiling.
12. Install False Cabinets
False cabinets are among the best and most stylish ways to hide the ductwork in your kitchen. Fortunately, this method works on almost all kinds of ductwork. Some people install the false cabinet on top of the upper cabinets to conceal ceiling ductwork.
If the ductwork runs along a wall, consider installing a tower unit. A false cabinet can give your kitchen a sophisticated look since your cabinet’s finish could match your existing cabinetry. It will increase the visual value of your home.
Should You Insulate Or Leave Your Exposed Ductwork?
Most times, the ductwork is constructed with thin material which can tear and wear when hit by direct sun rays. Insulating the exposed ductwork with creative ways to hide ductwork will minimize the air escaping and maintain the system at the correct temperatures. Insulation also helps in the prevention of heat loss.
When air passes through your cooling system, it condenses into the duct system. Over time, moisture accumulates, forming mold and mildew growth. To avoid condensation, you can use high-quality insulation, which lowers energy costs.
Final Words
Homeowners are accountable for their property’s curb attractiveness, which exposed ducts detract from. Fortunately, you may achieve a classy appearance by concealing your ducting. You can either paint the duct to match the ceiling or build cupboards to conceal it. If you have exposed ductwork, creative ways to hide ductwork can help.
