Stylish Exhaust Fan Covers to Complete Your Kitchen
Whether you're designing a brand new kitchen or renovating your existing one, your exhaust fan likely gets overlooked. But this humble appliance plays an important role in reducing humidity, grease, odors and other airborne particles from the air. Now you can upgrade both the function and form of your kitchen exhaust fan with a stylish, decorative cover.
Decorative covers allow you to customize the look of your vent fan to match your precise kitchen decor. With options ranging from stainless steel to copper, tile, stone, wood and more - you can find the perfect material and style. Transform a boring vent into an attractive focal point that completes your kitchen design.
Benefits of Decorative Kitchen Exhaust Fan Covers
There are many benefits to installing a decorative cover on your kitchen vent fan. Here are some of the top reasons to upgrade:
- Matches your decor - Covers come in tons of finishes like brushed nickel, antique copper, oiled bronze, and more to coordinate.
- Improves functionality - Some covers have built-in lights or features to increase airflow.
- Reduces noise - Insulated covers dampen the hum of the fan motor.
- Distributes light evenly - Covers with built-in LEDs provide soft, even lighting under your cabinets.
- Easy to install - Many covers use a simple snap-on design requiring no professional installation.
- Filters air - Some covers have mesh screens or baffles to capture particles.
- DIY customization - From stenciled designs to wood accents, you can create your own look.
Whether you want to reduce noise, increase brightness, or simply upgrade the style, there are many perks to installing a decorative vent cover in your kitchen. Let's look at some of the most popular options.
Types of Decorative Kitchen Exhaust Fan Covers
You can find replacement covers made from metal, wood, plastic, glass, and more. Here are some top materials to consider:
- Stainless Steel - A modern look, resistant to moisture and grease. Comes in brushed, polished, etc.
- Copper - Gorgeous warm patina, antimicrobial. Available in natural and artificial finishes.
- Cast Iron - Traditional black color, can be painted any hue. Rustic, vintage appeal.
- Wood - Warm, natural look. Craft covers from planks or wood slices.
- Glass/Acrylic - Sleek and modern. Can incorporate lighting effects.
- Tile/Stone - Match other kitchen finishes like backsplash. Geometric pattern options.
You'll also find covers in materials like bronze, tin, nickel, chrome, and more. Combining metals, wood, tile, and glass together can create even more unique styles.
Key Measurements for Selecting Covers
To pick the right replacement cover, you need to measure your existing kitchen exhaust fan accurately:
- Diameter - Measure across the existing cover to get the diameter.
- Depth - Measure the depth from the base to the underside of the fan.
- Shape - Note the shape of the base - round, rectangular, oval, etc.
- Mounting - Check if the current cover is mounted from above or below.
- Vent direction - Determine if the vent exhausts upward or to the rear.
Carefully measure the length, width, and depth needed. Record the duct size as well. This ensures your new decorative cover will fit properly.
How to Install a Decorative Vent Cover
Installation takes just a few simple steps:
- Turn off power to the vent fan.
- Remove the existing cover screws or housing.
- Clean exhaust fan and surrounding surface thoroughly.
- Place the new cover over the fan opening.
- Drill new screw holes if needed and attach tightly.
- Caulk around any gaps for a seamless look.
- Turn power back on and test that fan is working properly.
Many decorative covers use keyhole slots, magnets or snap-on designs for fuss-free installation. Check your manufacturer's specific directions. Properly installed, your new stylish exhaust fan cover will provide visual appeal and improved function.
DIY Ideas for Custom Exhaust Fan Covers
You can also customize a plain metal or plastic vent cover to match your kitchen decor. Get creative with these DIY ideas:
- Stenciling - Cut out shapes from painter's tape and spray paint a pattern onto the cover.
- Acrylic tiles - Glue colorful tiles in geometric designs with silicone adhesive.
- Add trim - Use molding, beads, or medallions glued to the surface for texture.
- Wood accents - Attach slices of wood planks with adhesive for a rustic accent.
- Wallpaper - Adhere wallpaper inside or out for a finished decorator look.
Check that any paints or adhesives are heat-resistant before applying to your vent fan cover. Properly finished, a DIY decorative cover can look store-bought.
Where to Shop for Decorative Kitchen Vent Covers
You can find replacement covers made specifically for kitchen vent fans at several locations:
- Hardware stores - Home Depot, Lowe's often carry basic vent fan covers.
- Appliance parts stores - Shop in-person or online stores like AppliancePartsPros, VentCovers.
- Kitchen fixtures showrooms - Specialty kitchen design stores offer upscale options.
- Online - Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock for convenience.
- Etsy - Find handmade, custom exhaust vent covers from artisans.
Check that the replacement cover exactly fits your kitchen vent size and shape. Prices range from $15 basic plastic covers up to $500 or more for ornate designs.
Design Inspiration for Decorative Exhaust Covers
If you need inspiration for picking the perfect decorative cover, here are some great ideas to match popular kitchen design styles:
- Modern - Sleek stainless steel or chrome hoods and covers.
- Rustic - Warm wood planks, tin panels, farmhouse motifs.
- Industrial - Vintage-look copper or black metal covers.
- Traditional - White hoods with carved trim details and moulding.
- Mediterranean - Terra cotta tiles or hammered copper finishes.
- Retro - Pastel or bright colors, geometric cut-out designs.
Your new decorative exhaust fan cover can complement other finishes like cabinetry, backsplashes and hardware. Choose an ornate glass cover for glamorous kitchens or sleek stainless for modern ones. Mixing metals like antique bronze and chrome can create an elegant eclectic look. The options are endless.