Who even wants to have kitchen vent pipes that are exposed? The truth is that they take away the beauty of your kitchen. Maybe you are asking yourself, “What should I do if the pipe is too short to hide it with something”? Relax! This amazing article helps you understand how to hide kitchen vent pipe. Stay Tuned!
9 Helpful Tips on How to Hide Kitchen Vent Pipe
Honestly, an exposed kitchen vent pipe does not come out well. Thus, if you choose to renovate your kitchen, look for the best ways to hide it. That way, you will improve the look of your kitchen. Following are some methods you can use to hide the vent pipe. Read to the end to help you choose the suitable one for you.
False wall
One way to hide the exposed kitchen vent pipe is to create a false wall. This is done in front of the pipe. Mostly, a false wall is used by interior designers to create the illusion of more space. Otherwise, they can divide a big room into smaller rooms. Nowadays, you can use them to hide the vent pipes in your kitchen.
The truth is that it is a bit difficult to conceal kitchen vents as they protrude out from the wall at an angle. That is why building a false wall around it makes a lot of sense. Doing so allows you to create a seamless look that integrates the vent around the kitchen cabinets.
False cabinet
Instead of a false wall, you can install a false cabinet. But this is dependent on the length and orientation of your wall. Luckily, nowadays, you will come across prefabricated, backless cabinets that resemble or match your kitchen’s already existing cabinets. You can choose to have them from building centers or kitchen design outlets. Besides, you can choose to build yours. The vent pipe can pass through the top and bottom of the pipe.
Soffit
This is the best choice to conceal a kitchen vent pipe. It simply entails fixing a box around the vent pipe. Soffit installation is perfect when you have a large kitchen. Installing a soffit to hide the kitchen vent pipe has many more benefits.
One of the major reasons why you should install soffits with confidence is that they are made from long-lasting material capable of withstanding the moisture and heat produced when cooking. On the other hand, a soffit comes in different styles and colors. Thus, you can match it to the kitchen décor.
What’s more, you will not struggle to install a soffit. You can easily cut it around to help fit the shape and size of your vent pipe.
Decoration cover
This is another option you can consider to hide the vent pipe in your kitchen. The cover is placed over the vent pipe itself. In general, they are made from metals like nickel or copper. Hence, you can be sure they will match your kitchen décor. Furthermore, they will perfectly blend in, provided you don’t have matching hardware on your cupboard drawers and doors.
Curtains or Tapestry
Maybe you are not looking forward to renovating your kitchen. Worry not because you can cover your vent pipe with a tapestry or curtain in front. Using tapestry or curtains makes the area look like part of your windows.
Shelving units
This is another amazing way to hide your vent pipe in the kitchen. Not only does this hide the vent pipe, but it also makes your kitchen look nice. Luckily, you can use these shelves to store your things. You can choose to make it a permanent or temporary solution. While using this method to hide your kitchen vent pipe, you need to consider some things.
- Measure your available space and select the right size unit. Luckily, there are several sizes you can choose from. Hence, even if you don’t know the right one, just take your time, and you will settle for the best.
- Decide on the kind you want. They are available in a traditional and modern look.
- During their installations, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Other things and accessories
There are many things you can use to cover your kitchen vent pipe. One of them is a cabinet organizer. You can use this to organize your kitchen so you will not struggle to reach it.
A decorative furniture piece is something else you can choose to have. For instance, you can place a drawer or a cabinet near the stovetop to blend in with the present décor.
Are you creative and innovative when it comes to kitchen matters? Try hiding the kitchen vent pipe with a colorful placemat or curtains. They hide the vent pipe and make your kitchen look appealing. While using this method, remember to pay attention to your preferences and personal style. Remember, everybody has a unique way of arranging things. Hence, you should not be afraid to experiment a little bit.
Route the vent pipe through the ceiling
Is there a modern home without a kitchen vent? But, it must be routed properly to ensure that air and heat circulate effectively. In case the kitchen vent pipe of your home is situated in the ceiling, you can hide it behind a panel or anywhere else that is hidden.
Also, you can try to route the pipe behind furniture or a hidden wall. No matter the method you choose to use, ensure the pipe is installed in a proper way. Besides, it should be sealed properly to ensure dirt and moisture do not accumulate over time.
Paint to hide the vent pipe
You can choose many types of house paint to cover the kitchen vent pipe. A lot of people choose traditional paint. This is because it looks professional and it is easier to apply. If you are not looking for a permanent solution, consider using spray paint. No matter what you choose to use, make sure you choose the right paint. During your selection, follow the guides below.
- Determine the type of your kitchen vent pipe. Most homes feature an angled or round vent pipe.
- Consider the size area that needs to be painted. A lot of pans or pots do not fit through a tiny hole. Hence, choose to select a bigger size for your pot if you are looking forward to using traditional paint.
- Choose a suitable color to be painted on your kitchen vent pipe.
Types of Kitchen Vent Pipes
Before knowing the different kitchen vent pipes, it is wise to have a proper understanding of what they are. A kitchen vent pipe is an appliance meant to enhance your kitchen’s airflow. It is best considered when you have a large cooking area or a stove that produces a lot of heat. This appliance helps to reduce the number of fumes and smoke coming from your stovetop.
There are several types of kitchen vent pipes. What you choose is dependent on your kitchen layout. The common ones include:
- Standard PVC pipe
- Aluminum ductwork
- Galvanized steel pipe
If you have a tight budget, choose to install a standard PVC pipe. Nonetheless, keep in mind that it is the weakest. The strong ones though expensive, are the galvanized steel pipe. Get the aluminum ductwork if you wish to settle for the strongest. However, you must be aware that it is the most expensive.
Precautions to Take When Hiding Kitchen Vent Pipe
1. When working with pipes, you must be careful. This is because they are fragile. Hence they can easily break when mishandled or dropped.
2. Pay attention to the size and shape of the vent pipe as you look for the best place to hide it. The best spot should be out of sight and easily accessible when maintenance is needed.
3. The best spots should be areas with installed equipment or hardware. For instance, a place with appliances and cabinets works well. Else, you can choose to cover your vent with decorative molding.
4. Consider other concealment methods, like creating your decorative vent cover or installing a boxed vent cover.
5. Consult an expert before modifying your kitchen ventilation system. That way, you are sure you will stick to the required safety regulations and offer the right possible home airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I hide my kitchen exhaust pipe?
There are many ways you can hide a kitchen exhaust pipe. The simplest is to hide it inside a column or a soffit. You can create a soffit by placing boards around three sides of the pipe and attaching the connected boards to the wall. You can accomplish this by using drywall or wood. But, this should be dependent on your kitchen décor.
What is the purpose of a kitchen vent?
A kitchen vent pipe removes combustion products, heat, fumes, airborne grease, and steam from the air by air evacuation and filtration. You realize in a commercial kitchen, you use vent pipes in combination with fire suppression devices to make sure the fumes from a grease fire are vented and the fire is quickly put out.
What can block a vent pipe?
Several things can block your kitchen vent pipe. They include:
-Baseballs or tennis balls.
-Small branches, trash, leaves, and other debris.
-Rodent or bird carcasses.
– Bird nest.
Where does kitchen vent air go?
The grease and steam particles are sucked up into the lower part of the hood. Inside the hood, there are honeycomb filters meant to trap big grease particles. The other air flows into the exhaust duct.
Why is there an air vent in the kitchen?
A kitchen must have proper ventilation. That is why it has gas appliances for evacuating carbon monoxide and cooking fumes from the kitchen. Thus, you can confidently tell that the ventilation hood helps remove fumes and carbon monoxide.
Does the kitchen vent get rid of the smell?
A kitchen hood or exhaust fan is a perfect way to maintain your home’s indoor air quality. The best removes heavy grease, strong cooking odors, and smoke from your kitchen without challenges.
Rita C. Donnell (Jennifer) has spent the last 26 years studying and practicing nutrition science. She has used a larger part of this time in improving people’s livelihoods. She has done so by coming up with unquestionable ideas on how to tackle food problems in her community. Readmore
