[lyonkster]

Another dilemma I am struggling with - I need to add a 12" diameter return air duct to the master bedroom suite, but hate the idea of having a big grille in the ceiling (all duct work is in the attic above), with a big black opening of the duct. Is there a way to have a more inconspicuous return air intake, something that does not look like a big black hole in the ceiling?

 

[Cedrus]

We need to add another air return (have one) to our single level 2200 s.f. house. Better Half does not want an ugly air return in the bedroom, where it should go. Guess there are spiffy, designer grills to cover it up. Any other ideas? Thanks.

 

[lyonkster]

So now we have two identical questions with no apparent answers .

 

[Blondesense]

Some are paintable.


Not endorsing HD, just giving this as an example.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[lyonkster]

Some are paintable.


Not endorsing HD, just giving this as an example.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Thanks, but unfortunately this is what my wife is referring to as the big black hole in the ceiling - I am hoping for something more obscure. I saw a grille that has two rows of slats in it, which does avoid the direct line of sight of the duct, but even that may be too ugly for her.

 

[hvac benny]

Commercial air return grilles look a lot better than those cheap HD things. They come with wider slats and are paintable. Also, point the grille towards the wall so that you're not looking straight through it into the duct.

 

[Leah Frances]

Could you paint the inside of the duct? HVAC guys? If you painted it white or ceiling colored it would blend better.

 

[Blondesense]

Could you paint the inside of the duct?

I thought about that too, but unlit, it would still show as dark lines.

 

[beenthere]

Place the hole as close to an inside wall as possible, and install the grille so that she can't see inside the slats. And yes, you can paint the inside of the duct. And it won't be nearly as dark/black looking inside.

 

[lyonkster]

Commercial air return grilles look a lot better than those cheap HD things. They come with wider slats and are paintable. Also, point the grille towards the wall so that you're not looking straight through it into the duct.

Yes, I made the same observation as well, the commercial grilles seem much more elegant than the cheapo stamped ones.

Unfortunately given our room geometry, I can't find a way to orient the grille so that the openings won't be visible from any location, but hopefully I can find an orientation that meets her approval .

And painting the inside of the duct is a good idea, I hadn't considered it.