How to Make an Air Return Vent Cover (For WAY Less than Buying Custom)

[@tarahef1]

Thankyou for the inspiration! I am going to use a premade picture frame. Just ordered both off amazon and cant wait to complete this project!

[@BloomintheBlack]

That’s a great idea Tara! I’m glad the video sparked an idea for you 💖

[@installerstore]

Looks great! Vents are one of the many overlooked DIY projects that can completely transform the look of your home. If you don't want to make your own, there are many decorative and affordable options to choose from! :)

[@BloomintheBlack]

Thanks!

[@GarlicSaltAndLime]

It looks so good! Great idea!

[@BloomintheBlack]

Thanks so much Stacey!

[@323232blue]

Thank you for the video your homemade event screen it looks very good

[@BloomintheBlack]

Thanks!

[@dorothywalsh9422]

Brilliant! Velcro is added genius!

[@BloomintheBlack]

Thanks Dorothy! The velcro is so convenient 💖

[@dorothywalsh9422]

@@BloomintheBlack Such a great idea. I just recently took off the vent cover from my wall which had probably been there for decades and saw that there was no filter which I have since learned should be there. With velcro, I can change filter without having to unscrew and screw vent cover back on.

[@jodykershaw7701]

The part to this that no one seems to understand. Every vent cover has a pressure drop rating! That rating is used to design your entire duct system! Y’all go build née ones sgd you throw off the static pressure possibly making your hvac system work harder causing parts to burn up etc!

[@BloomintheBlack]

Thanks for your feedback! Every situation is different which is why I included a disclaimer in the description to consult an HVAC professional if you are unsure. My vent is simply an air return and our HVAC person said it was fine the last time our system was serviced.

[@bonnilea8505]

Naa

[@zarohliburd3224]

Ooo wow. Did you check the air flow on that. Because to notify the tech if you have high head or safety rollout issues

[@BloomintheBlack]

I've had this installed for three years and haven't run into any issues! But as I said in the disclaimer in the description, it's important to evaluate your own HVAC situation. If you are unsure, contact a professional.

[@sharlalee2802]

Thank you so much for sharing! GREAT idea!

[@BloomintheBlack]

Thanks Sharla! 💖

[@alexandrabtorres6494]

Looks good, although I thought the idea with vents is to have them blend in? My bf and I are at odds right now. Neither one of us likes the white metal, however, I want to have them blend in as much as possible and he says if they don’t we might as well go black and have them be a statement.

[@BloomintheBlack]

I think it's a personal preference. Some people choose statement grates and there are some very elaborate decorative options out there. Some people prefer to have it blend in. I think it all boils down to the look you're going for! That said, you could always do something like this and choose a finish that blends more seamlessly with your wall.

[@presidiumfolk9030]

Nice job :)

[@BloomintheBlack]

Glad you liked it!

[@bonnilea8505]

It takes a woman !

[@BloomintheBlack]

Heck yes!

[@CmdrTigerKing]

way over complicated drilling.. Literally a little wood glue and a finishing nail all you need...Hot glue is also the most underused tool. You could use only hot glue to do this whole job.

[@BloomintheBlack]

This is true! At the time, I didn’t have a nail gun so I used screws but wood glue and finishing nails would work well too. Lots of ways to do this project - thanks for sharing some alternatives 👍

[@mitchd949]

Horrible design. That screemn will impede airflow and cause pressure imbalance in the ducts. Also it will probable make wind noise. If you dont like the white store bought one, just paint it.

[@BloomintheBlack]

I appreciate your comment Mitch! We've had this installed for 6 months and haven't run into any noise or airflow issues. That said, this is a simple air return duct and the only one that has this type of screen. That said, everyone should take the time to assess their own specific use case and consult an HVAC professional if they are unsure about their application.

[@mitchd949]

@@BloomintheBlack my mistake! I thought this was an outlet. As a return, it shouldn't cause any issues with pressure or noise since the velocity is very low. The only downside is an aesthetic one - you can see into the duct.

[@BloomintheBlack]

​@@mitchd949 Very true!

[@jonsteele1562]

@@BloomintheBlack I like this approach. I'd go slightly different due to my situation but why not paint the metal in the back? I've done that on some other vents and everything disappears.

[@BloomintheBlack]

@@jonsteele1562 you’re completely right! I didn’t occur to me until after the fact but I agree that’s the better approach.