Framed Or Flush Wall Vents? Here's How To Choose The Best Fit For Your Space

Every detail counts when you're vying for the most well-designed space possible. Even those purely functional pieces like wall vents add to the room's look and feel, which is why we see so many styles for them. Ornately designed vent covers add stylistic flair, while different colors like black, white, and brown help you incorporate them into your room's scheme. On top of that, creative homeowners are finding all kinds of hacks to make their air vents look like a work of art. Now, we even have sleek flush vents, making the fixture disappear into the surrounding wall for the cleanest look imaginable. It's a whole new angle on the traditional outlet cover that may be an easy update for you to pull off.

If you have the required DIY skills and wall setup, a flush wall vent can be a straightforward install. In essence, you'll apply joint compound over the frame to smooth the gap between the register and the wall. With a few coats of the compound and some light sanding, you'll create a seamless transition much like you would when repairing drywall. The final result will be only a narrow rectangular recess revealing the vent's location. If you're comfortable doing this, you have your pick between modern flush vents or the traditional and easy-to-use framed style. But depending on the wall material, you may have more to consider than just your drywall skills.

Flush wall vents like the Aria Vent create an attractive minimalist look that enhances a modern space and blends the vent into the wall. They're simple to work into drywall, and you can even find natural wooden flush vents to blend into wood panels. You can always paint a typical framed wall vent to match the wall and try to hide it as best you can, but the texture will still make it stand out in an often undesirable way. In some instances, though, these may be the only choice available. For example, you may have a brick wall. With hard, textured surfaces like these, a flush vent will be tricky (if not impossible) to install cleanly without substantial work.

Still, even if you're working with brick or just aren't comfortable working with joint compound, a framed vent can make an effective addition to the decor. Adding a decorative grill will take it from eyesore to eye-catching in seconds. You could also go a step further and paint your vent to suit the room. If you're following the timeless 60-30-10 color rule, you can fit the cover in with a matching accent tone for an appealing aesthetic. There are benefits to framed and flush wall vents, and both enjoy popularity in contemporary homes. With the proper preparation and perspective, you'll have no problem making the best choice for your space.