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Jan 07, 2024

Why you should switch out your old vent covers with decorative ones

Sometimes the best home decor items aren’t obvious - they are often something

Sometimes the best home decor items aren't obvious - they are often something you never even considered. Enter decorative air vent covers, designed to replace standard metal grates found all over the home. Available in major retailers and across the web, some of these covers are better than others. It's essential to check reviews, compare materials and ensure sizing before you make a purchase. We recommend looking for magnetic vent covers as well, for reasons we will explore later.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the key benefits of changing your vent covers, frequent questions about magnetic vent covers, and how to choose the right manufacturer.

We’ve all seen the attack of the dust bunnies that all too often accompany air grates until cleaning day comes around. The three-dimensional slot design of these covers makes dust buildup inevitable. While dust inside your air duct is part of owning a home, you don't have to be face-to-face with dust every day. Decorative vent covers are almost always two-dimensional in design so that dust won't collect on the outside. (It's important to note that you should still regularly wipe your vents with a cloth and clean inside the air ducts if possible.)

Standard air vent covers are not designed for style. Particularly with air intake grilles or areas with major foot traffic in your home, it can distract from the interior design that you’ve spent lots of time and effort cultivating. Often found in entryways, prominent hallways, and living rooms, these eyesores are often something we have to look at every single day. In contrast, decorative air vent covers are offered in a range of designs that can match virtually any home decor style, from eclectic to farmhouse, and can have the opposite effect: they can elevate instead of downgrade the appearance of the room they’re in.

Magnetic vent covers are easy to use. To install, simply unscrew your standard metal grate and set it aside. Then, align your magnetic vent cover with the duct opening and pop it on. To remove it, simply pop it off. Stellar Air has a helpful installation video to illustrate this process.

Yes, magnetic vent covers are safe, even on the ceiling. The magnets lock into the box frame of the vent opening securely.

Yes, magnetic vent covers work. Strong magnet technology is used to ensure the cover stays securely connected to the box frame unless direct pulling occurs.

If you head down to your local Lowes or Home Depot, you can find premade decorative vent covers or you can order online. There are quite a few cons to buying your cover from one of these major companies, though. Both stores’ decorative options are only available in metal, a standard layout, a limited range of sizes, and a limited range of colors. They also do not have magnetic options.

It's best to opt for a specialized company that only makes vent covers. Not only can they answer any questions you have, but you’re also more likely to get custom options and a better-quality product. If you want to ensure you get the best cover possible for your home, having someone guide you through the process is huge.

Let's take a look at our favorite manufacturer of vent covers: Stellar Air Decorative Vent Covers and how they stack up against the major stores.

Material options: only metal

Size options: only register

Design options: 4-5

Magnetic option?: no

Price: $20+

Lab tested for airflow: unknown

Average review: 4 stars

Material options: only metal

Size options: only register

Design options: varied

Magnetic option?: no

Price: $11+

Lab tested for airflow: unknown

Average review: 4.5 stars

Material options: metal, wood and acrylic

Size options: register, grille and custom

Design options: 14+ designs

Magnetic option?: Yes

Price: $26+

Lab tested for airflow?: Yes

Average review: 5 stars

If you want to elevate your space, get rid of the eyesore that is the standard vent in your home, and want the best possible product, switch to Stellar Air. Shop their range of designs, from art deco-inspired, coastal-inspired, traditional patterns, and more. Easily request metal or acrylic, or opt for their wood covers, including seamless, flush-to-floor registers that easily blend into your flooring (plus, unlike metal, they don't hurt to step on). Each cover is paintable, stainable, and made-to-order.

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