Most of us have AC units, and we don’t always hide them inside because they look quite laconic and sleek but it’s good to hide the ugly unit outside not to spoil the view of the facade. How to do that right? Here are some ideas suitable for gardens, backyards and even balconies, take a look and choose.

Screens

The easiest way to hide an ugly AC unit is to place some screens, two or three to slightly cover the piece but have enough access to it. You can make or take ready screens of wood or metal to do the thing, and surround it with greenery or other plants to make it look more cohesive.

Black wooden screens are great to cover an AC unit, it’s a very easy and fast solution.

The AC unit is styled with latted screens in stained frames, and this is a pretty choice for a modern farmhouse space.

The unit is hidden with simple black screens, and this is a fast and easy craft. (via homewithstefani).

The pale green lattice screen matches the exterior wall and window frame and supports the style.

Composing an AC cover of lattice screens is an easy classic solution you can DIY, and they match rustic and farmhouse spaces.

The AC unit is covered with lattice screens in stained frames and it’s so large that it requires a door.

These simple white screens match the window frames, so they are a nice fit for the outdoors.

Stained screens are surrounded with greenery to make the AC unit hidden in a cohesive way.

Boxes

Building a box around the AC unit will make it more protected and less seen, and it won’t be accessible unless you open it. A box can be covered with a roof or just a solid lid to keep the AC unit safe from rain or excessive sunlight. Make sure the box you are building or buying matches the facade of the house or your balcony, so that it look cohesive and cool.

This simple and modern AC unit cover features a tray with greenery on top, and it matches the outdoor space.

The black box of wide and thin slats is a cool and trendy solution, and greenery on top adds style. (via workshop).

This black metal cover on legs is decorated with a planter to make it look eye-catching and bold.

The AC unit cover is made of elegant black metal screens that are laser cut.

This black metal cover is a nice solution for outdoors: it’s durable and sleek, perfect for a modern space.

This light blue slatted box can be easily built for outdoors and as it won’t protect from rain, you can place it under a roof.

These dark slatted screens perfectly match the exterior of the house.

Placing an AC unit into a glass box will keep it safe and will match the contemporayr style of the space.

Glass boxes are a cool idea for AC units: they keep them all-safe and look nice. If it doesn’t seem so, choose colored glass.

A green lattice screen box is a cool idea for outdoors, and it can fit a space with a vintage feel.

This balcony cabinet hides an AC unit and can work as a table or a seat.

This piece built of lattice screens is topped with planters and bright blooms cheer it up.

The duo of AC units is covered with a long slatted console that can be used as a plant stand.

The AC unit attached to the wall is hidden within a black metal box to make a perfect match for the facade.

This box raised on legs is made of wooden slats and there’s a roof on top to hide the piece from rain.

The tall slatted box in the corner is a plant stand and a table, and the AC unit is well-covered.

Making slatted boxes will allow the air flow but keep the top solid to protect the piece from rain and too much sun.

Building slatted stained boxes is very easy, and you can DIY fast without much expense.

Slatted items are very trendy now, and you can make one for covering an AC unit, too.

This small black metal box matches the facade and keeps the AC unit all-safe.

This stained wooden box with a roof keeps the AC unit untouchable until the owners want it.

The AC units are hidden with elegant white lattice boxes to match the facade of the house.

The small balcony features a whole stack of AC units that are covered with slatted screens. (via atelierdozero).

Double-Duty Covers

My favorite idea is a double-duty cover, which isn’t just a cover but a piece of furniture also. It can be a bench, a console table, a plant stand or even a bar. The idea is quite easy to realize: you build a box that is long and large enough to use it for displaying, storing and other stuff. This is the best solution for a small space, for example, a balcony, and a good idea for big backyards, too, because who doesn’t like functional furniture? Build the piece according the space you have: if it’s a balcony with slatted furniture, make it slatted, too, if it’s a refined space, you can go for laser cut screens while making the cover. Get inspired!

The small balcony is fitted with slatted furniture pieces including a table that covers an AC unit.

Such a bold stained console table is a double-duty unit: it covers an air conditioner.

The metal screens don’t only cover the AC unit but also make an outdoor console table. (via bhg).

This slatted cabinet with black doors and a black trey with plants will be a lovely AC cover. (via withinthegrove).

This outdoor slatted console perfectly matches the facade and displays some plants.

The small slatted console table in the corner is an AC unit cover and a home bar in one.

The stained cabinet conceals an AC unit and there’s a shelving unit over it as a match.

The large stylish cabinet with slatted doors hides the unit and allows more storage space, while the upper surface can be used for displaying something.

This metal mesh cover is also a console table for outdoors, it’s a functional idea.

The AC unit is hidden inside a simple white slatted box, which is a plant stand at the same time.

This tall outdoor console table doubles as an AC cover that perfectly matches the style of the space.