How To Conceal An Unsightly Indoor AC Unit And Elevate The Look Of Your Space

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If you live in an older apartment or home, there is a good chance you don't have central air conditioning. Window units are great for cooling a room but may detract from the overall atmosphere. That's why you may have considered covering your window unit. This is a simple task that can add a stylistic flare to an otherwise drab environment. But if you haven't decided how you'll cover your window unit, there are several elegant ways to do it, but not all methods will be right for your apartment.

One of the things you should consider is the placement of the window. Some units are nailed in, so instead of removing them, residents cover them up with curtains in the winter. This approach works better for some windows than others. If the window is on the east side of your room, where the sun rises, then a curtain will block the AC unit but also prevent the light from waking you. If the window is across the room from the TV, a curtain will block the glare.

But maybe the window unit is in your kitchen, and you enjoy the early sunlight while you cook breakfast. In that case, you probably don't want to block that window entirely. You can use a cafe curtain, or try to get a little more creative. There are plenty of other ways to cover window units without sacrificing natural light or cool air.

One of the simplest ways to cover an AC unit is to add a plant to your room. A large resin planter like this one from Heyzier Store can help boost your plant to cover the AC. Then all you need to do is buy some potting soil and, of course, the plant itself. Pothos plants are popular for apartments and homes because they only require small amounts of light and water. Fiddleleaf figs are also ideal because their large, glossy leaves will grow upward, concealing the window unit.TikTok user avamichelleherrera provides an excellent tutorial for this project.

Another common method is to use a lattice. This promotes strong airflow, so you won't have to worry about moving it when the temperature heats up again. You can also place climbing plants along your lattice to give the room a more natural appearance. MyGift Store sells a $60 lattice that should do the job. But by far the cheapest option is to put up a bamboo screen. This will lend a bohemian appeal to your space while allowing air to circulate freely.

Window units may be ugly, but that's not the only rub that comes with owning one. You should research the best ways to clean your window unit once the summer starts. If you don't yet have a window unit but are on the market for one, there are a few spots where you should never install it.