Ductwork in your basement is unsightly and takes up valuable space, so it’s only natural to find a way to hide it.
If you want to finish the basement soon and you want some creative ways to hide ductwork, we’ve got you covered.
Some of the most popular options are paint, drop ceilings, soffits or tray ceilings, fake beams, or even fake cabinets!
Find out more creative ways to hide ductwork in basements below!
Solution No.1: Use Paint
Painting the ductwork the same color as the ceiling is a great idea to help the ductwork blend in with the rest of the room. It’s inexpensive, quick, and fairly efficient to visually remove the ductwork.
Keep in mind, however, that if the ductwork are already covered with insulation, this option won’t work. You’ll have to remove the insulation first, which just adds extra work.
Plus, painting is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project, so you can save on labor costs by doing it yourself. Just be sure to use high-quality paint designed for use on metal surfaces to ensure long-lasting results.
Did you know that ducts can cause energy losses? If the ducts are poorly insulated or sealed, it’s very likely that they’ll increase your energy bills.
Solution No.2: Go For A Drop Ceiling
A suspended ceiling, also known as a drop ceiling, is a type of ceiling that is hung from the rafters or joists. They are often used in commercial buildings to conceal ductwork, piping, power lines, and other unsightly items.
Of course, drop ceilings can also be used in basements to create hide ductwork, but at the risk of removing some height from the space.
Suspended ceilings are made up of a series of panels that are attached to a metal frame. The frame is then hung from the rafters using wires or chains.
Suspended ceilings are available in a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. They can also be painted to match the existing décor in your basement.
Solution No.3: Change Your Ducts
Ducts are an important part of any ventilation system, but they can be bulky and difficult to maneuver. Luckily, there are alternatives that can provide the same benefits without the extra weight.
Of course, this would be some extra work, as you’ll need to remove and install new ducts, something most homeowners avoid.
But, if you choose to do so, ducting comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your needs. You can cut them to any length, making it a great option for smaller homes or apartments.
Solution No. 4: Use Soffits or Tray Ceilings
Soffits and tray ceilings are two great ways to conceal vertical exposed ductwork.
- A soffit is a frame that surrounds the ductwork to conceal it.
- A tray ceiling is designed to hide ductwork by using a false ceiling that conceals the ductwork from view.
Both soffits and tray ceilings are great ways to hive duct work in a basement and provide a clean, finished look to this space.
Solution No. 5: Try Fake Beams
False beams come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials, meaning you’ll definitely find one that complements your existing home style and also hides the ductwork in your basement without being too obvious.
These beams can be installed over the ducts, like a cover, and it’ll look like a regular beam that’s part of the house. It’s attractive, affordable, and also functional, as you can hang things from it.
You can even paint them in a solid color to add some interest to the interior design of the room.
Solution No. 6: Fake Cabinets
Beams, soffits, or tray ceilings might feel a bit too much or obvious when you want to hide ductwork. But fake cabinets will make it seem like there’s actually some extra storage space in your basement.
Of course, these fake cabinets will be the perfect façade of the ugly ductwork, but no one will suspect what’s inside them.
These won’t cost as much as real cabinets, but they are pricier than soffits or tray ceilings.
Conclusion
Here at Mortise & Miter, we believe drop ceilings or soffits are the best way to hide ductwork in basements. There are cases when our clients just want the ductwork gone so they can use the extra space, and that’s totally fine.
But if you want to finish your basement and take full advantage of all that space, you must do something about the ductwork.
If you want to start looking for some inspiration for your basement remodeling project you can check NKBA’s website or get in touch with us. Our team of experts is standing by to help you with every step of your project, from design to installation. Get in touch today to get started!