A mini-split allows for zoned cooling, helpful for cooling spaces like garages. Learn the cost to install a mini-split unit in a garage with this guide.
11 Clever Tips on How to Camouflage Your Mini-Split Unit Without Blocking Airflow
Don't split up with your mini-split just yet
Get quotes from heating and air conditioning pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from heating and air conditioning pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
Hiding a mini split unit means working with your room's existing features, like ceiling mounts or floor placements, to blend the unit into your space naturally.
Your mini split needs at least 4 feet of clear space in front for proper airflow, so furniture placement and covers require careful planning to avoid blocking cooling.
Painting your wall to match your unit's color helps it fade into the background, while adding shelves or cabinets around it makes the unit feel intentional.
Hiring a local HVAC company takes the guesswork out of installation placement, helping you choose ceiling, floor, or wall mounts that keep your home comfortable and stylish.
Get quotes from up to 5 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
A mini-split air conditioner comes with a long list of perks: it's energy-efficient, budget-friendly, and cuts out less-than-attractive vent work winding around your home. On the other hand, you’ll end up with a mini-split unit perched on top of the wall, in the ceiling, or right where you'd prefer to put the couch. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to maintain a sleek and stylish home while keeping yourself cool and comfy at the same time. Here are some tips on how to camouflage a mini-split unit and maintain your home’s aesthetic.
1. Consider a Ceiling Mount
If you've yet to start the mini-split installation process, keep in mind that you have options. In some homes, your local HVAC company can install the unit right in the ceiling. The unit will sit nearly flush with the ceiling itself and look more like a traditional ductwork vent. While this could increase the cost of your ductless mini-split AC, you won't have to worry about a rectangular unit perched at the top or bottom of the wall.
2. Tuck It in a Corner
Functional fixtures like a mini-split unit look best when they're making an attempt to stay out of sight. If there’s nowhere to "hide" your unit, keep it close to the corner of your room to avoid pulling focus from your decor or interrupting the flow of the wall. You’ll just need to make sure the AC unit has a clear path in front of it so that it can cool your home efficiently.
3. Balance Your Room Color
y_seki / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Even if you're not a minimalist home design fanatic, take a page out of the book to help your mini-split blend into the background. Paint the wall of the room that your unit will be on with the same or close to the same color as the mini-split unit. You can also opt for gentle and natural colors that don't make the bright white unit stand out too strongly.
4. Consider a Floor Mount
Similar to your ceiling option, tuck your mini-split system on the wall down low and very close to the floor. If you do so, this tip comes with a big caveat. You won’t be able to place furniture or curtains closer than 4 feet in front of the unit when in use. That being said, if the unit is in a large and static space like the dining room, you may never have an issue with this.
5. Hide It for the Season
You'll find a wide range of covers designed specifically for hiding indoor mini-split units and for protecting the outdoor condenser. Covers range from wood-slatted cabinets to vinyl that matches the color of your space. You can even find covers with enough open space to allow airflow during the warm season.
6. Look for Room Recesses
Toyakisfoto.photos / Adobe Stock
If you live in a home with unique architectural features like recesses, ceiling beams, and reading nooks, use them as an opportunity to camouflage your mini-split unit. As before, the unit needs to have a clear runway for sending out its cool air, but in some cases, the unit will look like it belonged there all along.
7. Surround It With Shelves
There are plenty of utility and storage areas in even the most stylish spaces. Consider adding the mini-split over an entertainment center, a large bookshelf, or even by a set of floating shelves. Not only does this tactic work for new mini-split units, but it's also a great way to camouflage mini-split systems that you inherited from the last owner.
8. Incorporate a Cabinet
Go one step further than shelves and install a fully functional cabinet around the unit. It goes without saying that you’ll need to either be able to open the cabinet doors or include enough space in the slats to encourage airflow. However, similar to shelving, you can incorporate the unit into the top of an existing cabinet to make it look like a natural extension of the room.
9. Distract With Plants
Take a simpler approach to hide your mini-split by adding more lush, natural elements to the area. You'll need to choose resilient plants that are right for the specific room of your home, as well as ones that can stand the stream of cold air. It's also best to avoid placing plants too close to your unit in order to avoid airflow issues. However, setting plants several feet below or to the side of your unit can draw the eye toward the plants instead of the small AC unit jutting out of your wall.
10. Balance the Room
You don't necessarily need to make structural changes to camouflage your AC mini-split unit. On a simple note, it all comes down to distraction. Use vibrant artwork, rugs, and accent walls to pull the viewer's eye away from the mini-split and back to what really matters in the room. At the same time, remember that the mini-split is still there and will not go totally unseen, so take it into account when hanging artwork to retain symmetry.
11. Hover Above Windows
One of the more overlooked tips on how to camouflage a mini-split unit is to utilize the windows. If there’s no obvious place to tuck your unit away, go with the flow of your space based on the window placement. Adding a mini-split unit right above a window frame can create balance and cohesion. Most importantly, the unit will look deliberate instead of random while still taking up less space when compared to a window AC unit.
Heating and air conditioning services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.5★ avg. • 115 total reviews
- Carol M.
I have used Columbus Worthington Air for years and recommend them whenever I have a chance. The staff is quick, courteous, and well-trained.
ARS Columbus Worthington Air - Marwan T.
If you’re good people wanting to do business with good people, hire Matt. He is a consummate professional and utterly competent. He installed a water heater in my home at a price that beat competitors by hundreds of dollars with a promise to support the unit for its life (even after its 6 yr...
Greene's Plumbing Services - Eric T.
Corey Carr was great. I had damage from a recent storm and needed to have my mast and other components replaced. The project entailed coordinating with AEP, and Corey helped make a stressful situation a lot less stressful. I really appreciated his dedication to service and the job very well done.
Mr. Electric of Columbus - Dawn G.
This service was great. My air conditioner went out during the heat spell that we had. My husband has health issues and they came out that night and at 9:30pm the air conditioner was fixed and running. We are sooo very thankful, this is the company I will be using from now on and would...
Mr. Mechanical Ohio - Jeff B.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon Mitigation - John A.
Raven and crew does absolutely fantastic job. They are very professional if any concerns were to occur with any of her work she always took responsibility and finished out with a great job. I have worked with her business for a year and have always been satisfied. Very trusted business and...
Creations of Transformation LLC - Austin Y.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLC - Justin W.
Ace Fireplace Services' chimney sweep service is truly exceptional. They used advanced technology to ensure a thorough cleaning process, and my chimney has never looked better. I highly recommend their services.
Ace Fireplace Services - David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Heather M.
On time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio
The homeowners guide to heating and air conditioning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When your window AC isn’t cutting it, but central AC is too expensive, installing a new ductless mini-split AC may be the cooling solution you’re looking for. Find out what a mini-split costs and how to hire the right pros to get the job done.
Review the disadvantages of mini-split systems as well as the benefits before buying. Review our breakdown of the mini-split pros and cons.
A ductless mini-split heat pump can cool and heat your home without all of the costly and complicated ductwork. Learn more about how a mini-split works.
Looking for a new mini-split air conditioning system? Use this guide to mini-split sizes to see how many BTUs you’ll need to heat or cool your home.
If you don't have central air or live in a smaller home, what are your cooling options? Learn about the pros and cons of mini-split vs. window unit ACs.