As a rule, all modern kitchens are equipped with a vent pipe to rid of cooking odors, steam, and smoke particles spreading throughout all the rooms.
The useful functions of a vent pipe are indisputable. But new times dictate new requirements for aesthetic appearance because many models of vent pipes are awkwardly shaped and don’t fit the interior of the kitchen at all. Especially, when it is concerned with the exposed kitchen vent pipes.
This is not a big challenge if you know how to hide kitchen vent pipe with due regard to safety considerations, preserving functionality, and access for maintenance.
Safety considerations
Safety is the most critical factor to consider before starting the process of hiding the kitchen vent pipe. It is required to perform the following.
Check the device condition
Make sure that the kitchen vent pipe is not faulty or damaged. Otherwise, you run a high risk of poisoning.
Hiding the damaged equipment can lead to a fire outbreak.
Check the materials
The materials used for hiding the kitchen vent pipe shall be non-flammable and resistant to high temperatures. Don’t use cardboard, paper, or similar materials for concealment of kitchen vents.
Ensure adequate access to the device
Before hiding the kitchen vent pipe make sure that access to it is easy. Otherwise, you may face a problem with cleaning a clogged vent pipe or repairing the damage.
Consider the proper ventilation
Insufficient ventilation may result in the accumulation of moisture. This, in turn, inevitably leads to deterioration of air quality.
It is out of the question, the success of any work depends on correct and accurate planning. So, good luck!
Correct and accurate planning of the process
Hiding the kitchen vent pipe and any other process associated with certain changes requires the development of an accurate algorithm and strict compliance with it.
However, before planning the entire process, it is necessary to assess the vent pipe location and measure the vent pipe dimensions with due regard to all bends and curves.
Assessment of the vent pipe location
The kitchen vent pipe may come with a chimney pipe or hood fan exhaust duct. Accordingly, they differ in shape and location.
To choose the method of vent pipe hiding and determine the scope of work you shall identify the vent pipe position in the kitchen, whether it is located on an exterior wall, on the ceiling, or in an out-of-the-way place.
Assessment of the vent pipe location is also critical for safety considerations when choosing the hiding method. It is important to ensure that concealment will not impede adequate ventilation and airflow.
Measuring the vent pipe sizes
When measuring, you may face some difficulties if the vent pipe is irregularly shaped.
First of all, you need to measure the pipe diameter using tape or a ruler. If the duct is oval-shaped, measure the maximum width and height.
The next step is to mark all bends and curves. This is essential for estimating the volume of needed material.
Planning of the hiding process starts with the choosing of the proper material.
Selecting a suitable material
The modern market offers a variety of materials, suitable for concealment tasks, such as drywall, plasterboards, wood panels, and beadboard. Recently, it has become very popular to use various metal sheets to add a more advanced appearance to the facade.
However, your choice will depend on your budget, style, and the level of hiding you are going to perform.
The vent pipe painting
Painting is the most widely spread option for hiding vent pipes. It is a relatively cheap and easy method compared, for example, to false wall installation. With that, the painting is functional enough to make the unsightly vent pipe less noticeable.
The huge size of the paint market makes it possible to select the “right” paint that matches the existing kitchen decor. There are many paints to implement many ideas, be it a yellow garden scene or a glaze effect. The choice is yours!
However, there are some obligatory requirements to meet when choosing a paint. To avoid rusting, peeling, or cracking you are to take into consideration such safety features of the paint chosen as resistance to moisture and high temperatures. Otherwise, the surface may be damaged by rusting, or peeling and cracking.
Before painting the surface shall be thoroughly cleaned from dirt and debris. Usually, oil-based primer or flat latex paint with further top-applying enamel is used to increase the hiding effect.
The paint color shall harmoniously fit into the entire kitchen decor. So, it is recommended to try the paint by applying it to a small site and letting it dry for 24 hours.
Choosing the painting for hiding the vents is possible if the space between the pipes is sufficient for adequate ventilation. If it is not it would be better to choose another method.
Decorative cover of the vent pipe
Painting is not a sufficient option in case of an awkward unsightly vent pipe. Here the installation of the decorative covers can be appropriate. Interior designers offer many options for vent pipe decoration.
Such covers can be made of various materials, such as wood, metal, and plastic. They can be easily installed using screws or adhesive tape depending on their weight. Attention should be paid to their shape and size to fit them tightly and avoid any gaps and holes.
Their advantage consists of the possibility to customize them to the kitchen interior.
Decorative molding or trim
The method of decorative molding or trim for hiding kitchen vent pipes is very attractive giving a great opportunity to improve the look of your kitchen, especially in the case of exposed vent pipes. The molding may be performed as a panel hiding vent pipe completely, or in the form of a crown.
One more advantage is that they reduce the noise from the kitchen vent pipes.
If you decide to hide kitchen vent pipe using decorative molding you should consider your kitchen style. For the modern style, the minimalistic elements would fit well.
If your kitchen interior is sustained in the traditional style you may choose wood panels with ornates.
The essential factor is that the molding or decorative trim blends with interior walls while not impeding the proper ventilation.
False wall
Installing the false wall is good for visually expanding or reducing the kitchen room space. If your kitchen is very large they help to create a cosier and more intimate atmosphere. On the opposite, in the case of a small kitchen, the appropriate selection of color and method of installation of the false wall may visually expand your kitchen size.
Along with the hiding kitchen vent pipe, the false wall covers other functional kitchen appliances, such as air conditioning units or other ventilation systems.
In addition, it serves as wall insulation.
Drop ceiling
This method is usually used in rooms with high ceilings providing the best way of hiding kitchen vent pipes.
If you have chosen the drop ceiling to hide unsightly vent pipes, you may be sure, nobody can notice a hidden vent pipe.
In addition, it substantially reduces the costs of heating and cooling and enhances air circulation.
False cabinets
The kitchen vent pipe may be of the shape not allowing any method to conceal it. In this case, the false cabinets may serve as the best way to hide kitchen vent pipe.
Many homeowners prefer to install false cabinets to hide kitchen vent pipe due to their elegant style.
Despite the relative complexity of this method, it gives a series of essential advantages.
Firstly, they not only help to improve the look of your kitchen but also can be installed to cover both a wall and a ceiling range hood. To cover air vents running vertically you may install a tower-like cabinet.
Another function of false cabinets, apart from hiding the kitchen vent pipe, is that they provide additional space for storage.
Soffits and columns
Using soffits and columns is a simple and less creative method for hiding kitchen vent pipe. But it is a good option for those who are on a budget or prefer traditional style. After all, they are adequate to perform the main function, that is, to hide unsightly pipes.
Installation of soffits and columns is well within reach even for nonprofessionals. In simple words, it consists of fixing the soffit or column around the kitchen vent pipe.
It is also crucial to take into consideration the material of the kitchen vent pipe. For instance, if you deal with ABS plastic pipes, it is strongly recommended to apply PVC cement or solvent glue.
Rerouting the kitchen vent pipe
This method is far more complex and costly than those described above. It consists of changing the pipe route by rerunning it through the ceiling or other areas.
However, if you decide to choose this method you should consider the house layout and location of the kitchen and other air vents. Besides, you should have in mind the function of the walls. The matter is that most interior walls have a bearing function and according to building rules, it is prohibited to destroy them.
Shelving units
The most suitable method for limited kitchen space is the installation of shelving units. They can be mounted above or inside the ductwork. The main requirement is that the width of shelves covers the pipe completely.
In addition to hiding the vents, the shelves add extra storage spaces.
Wallpaper solutions
To hide the vent pipe you can use such an affordable, relatively inexpensive, and easy-to-install option as the wallpaper.
Depending on your taste and the kitchen style and decor you may choose geometric or floral ornate, suitable color and texture. Fortunately, the market offers plenty of wallpaper goods.
Before applying the wallpaper it is critical to clean the pipe thoroughly. The dirt and debris particles may affect the cover quality.
Magnetic covers
Magnetic covers are good as a temporary solution because they can be installed and removed easily. To install these covers, due to their magnetic features, you need only clean the pipe surface and place the magnetic cover over the pipe
Using the magnetic covers makes it possible to choose one that suits your kitchen style best. But this method has such an essential disadvantage as sensitivity to heat impact.
Faux ceiling beams
Faux beams are made of lightweight materials, for example, foam. If you want to create an aesthetic look and the weight is not a concern you can use the wood.
Both ends of beams are secured on the ceiling above the vent pipe by screws.
However, this method is not very effective in terms of concealment.
Final word
The kitchen is not only a cooking space but a central place in a home. Using the right materials and methods you can make it a cozy, stylish, and functional area. The way of hiding the unsightly vent pipes can add interest and personality to the entire interior of your kitchen.
In this article, we have considered some of the options of how to hide kitchen vent pipe with an accent to such factors as their effectiveness and easiness-to-install.
Selection of the most suitable method and material is a matter of your choice. Fortunately, the current market provides the opportunity to choose from plenty of any color, size, functionality, and so on.
However, safety always is the main factor. That is why we’ve tried to highlight the details of safety considerations as much as possible.
Finally, the kitchen vent hiding is a large field for your creativity. Apart from the options described above, there is a variety of interesting and not ordinary options. For example, you can decorate the kitchen and at the same time hide the unsightly pipes by such means of decoration as tall plants, art pieces, or using non-ordinary lighting features.
We hope that this article was useful for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I hide my kitchen vents?
To hide your kitchen vents you can use various methods. Most popular among them are such as painting, installation of decorative covers, molding or trim, and installation of false walls of cabinets, drop ceilings, soffits, and columns. If the said methods are not adequate you may reroute the kitchen vents.
How do you hide ductwork above kitchen cabinets?
If the ductwork is located above the kitchen cabinets you can install the false walls, false cabinets, or decorative molding. Sometimes the painting or suitable wallpaper will do to hide the kitchen ductwork.
How do you cover a hood pipe?
A quick and easy way to cover a hood pipe is the installation of plasterboard panels around the pipe. Another way can be using decorative covers.
How do you vent a kitchen hood through the roof?
To vent a kitchen hood through the roof you need to connect the exhaust fan to a vent pipe that runs through the roof. You should keep in mind the size of the vent pipe and the strength of the roof.
