Drapes will hide an AC unit, especially if it is mounted below a window. Wall air conditioning units are installed in box frames. These indoor/outdoor receptacles protect the unit so that it never has to be taken out in the winter and put in during the spring. As such, they are a permanent addition to the house and can be treated as such, especially on the outside. If you want to hide or disguise the unit, just remember that when the AC unit is running, the airflow must not be impeded so the unit can maintain its efficiency and cooling attributes. Arrange potted plants around the unit to cover and disguise it. Tall or short plants can be put into place, and you can arrange a few smaller plants along the top of the cover, which then acts like a shelf. Add enough foliage to make it blend in or hide it completely. Hang curtains over it. In many cases, use wall molly bolts to attach the curtain rod hangers to a wall. If the unit is placed below a window, get longer curtains to hide it. Draw them closed when the unit is not in use and pull them open to allow the air to circulate when the unit is running.

You can do the same thing with wooden louvers. Have a separate mount that can be opened or closed when the unit is running, or extend louvers lower than the entire window to hide the AC unit. Find a cardboard box that fits over the cabinet, or custom-make a box yourself out of foam panels and glue. Cut foam panels to size with a utility knife and glue them into place so that once fastened together, they will slide over the exposed AC unit. When finished, paint the box the same color as the rest of the room, and the AC unit will disappear. If you are artistic, create a colorful design on the box that catches the eye and hides the AC unit because the design is obvious. When the unit is in use, slide the box off. Place dressing panels in front of your AC unit. Dressing panels will give your room a classy retro look that may fit the motif. They are easily put into place and easily moved when the unit is running. They can be folded up and placed off to the side without taking up much space.

Plant bushes, shrubs or plants to cover the location of the AC unit. Make sure they are far enough away so that they do not interfere with airflow. They may need to be trimmed on occasion for that reason. Once planted and established, the plants will become a permanent solution for hiding your AC unit. Put up a small fence around the unit. This can be anything from a picket fence to a lattice panel or wrought iron. Portable lattice panels can be placed around the unit and moved for mowing or snow removal. Climbing vines can be planted to hide the unit even more if the fence is a permanent type. Make or purchase an exterior unit cover. Exterior covers are weatherproof and can be left on during the winter. In this way they act to keep out drafts to make your heating equipment more efficient. They can be made out of weatherproof material that is color-coordinated with your home, patio furniture or pool setting. Hardware stores and home improvement stores have a variety of exterior covers to choose from.

Things You Will Need Drapes Box Foam panels Glue Utility knife Paints or colored pencils Dressing panel Plants Fence Color-coordinated exterior cover Warning References Yellow Pages: How to Hide a Wall AC UnitApartment Therapy: 10 Ways to Hide an AC or Heater Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a Correctiongood portable ac unitA hard-to-hide household eyesore can sink your home’s appeal.how many watts is ac unitThese ideas will disguise what’s ugly without breaking the bank.1. central air conditioning units apartmentsHow to Hide an AC UnitKim, the hardworking mom who pens “The Kim Six Fix,” was tired of her AC unit being a blot on her patio. So she concealed it with a louvered DIY screen. Why makes her idea so special?

Other potential solutions would block her unit’s airflow. The slats on this cover-up direct air toward the unit while keeping it out of sight.To find out how to build your own, see her tutorial.Project cost: Kim didn’t specify, but we estimate materials to cost around $125.Tip: If you want to make your patio even more comfortable, these ideas will enhance your outdoor space. 2. How to Conceal a Crater in Your CeilingCatherine and Bryan, the DIY duo behind the blog “Beginning in the Middle,” added more functionality to their 1920s home when they updated its wiring. Unfortunately, the electricians left a gaping hole in their ceiling.The couple wasn’t sure how to repair the hole. Plus, duplicating the ceiling’s one-of-a-kind painted texture would be nearly impossible.So they scoured the Internet for possible solutions, and they came up with a really good-looking and affordable fix — foam ceiling tiles.  The tiles were not only a cinch to install, but they also added architectural interest to their home.  

For the full DIY skinny, check out their tutorial.Project cost: $400Tip: You can fix small holes in drywall with a cosmetic sponge — seriously. How to Camouflage a Cement FenceWest Sacramento, Calif., DIYer Jalena Rusaw-Slape wasn’t a fan of the cinder block fence that separates her backyard from the main road. So she disguised it using sheet metal and wood fencing. Her beautifying project took two days and plenty of elbow grease. For additional DIY details, check out her tutorial.Project cost: $150Tip: A unique fence can boost your home’s value. Find a style that’s up your alley here. 4. How to Hide Unsightly Walls and PipesBecky, the neat-and-tidy maven from the blog “Organizing Made Fun,” wanted to make her basement laundry room — and laundry day — more pleasant. She concealed the ugly mess of pipes that ran along the dingy concrete wall by her washer and utility sink with a brightly stenciled pegboard that also provides storage. She says her practical idea took the drudgery out of laundry chores.