Grilles and Registers
Save on energy bills with heat registers and air circulation grilles that let you control the airflow in every room and even lock it in. If you find the registers that you have are unsightly and glare at you from the floor or ceiling crying “cheap”, there’s help! More than that, there are beautiful, fine art quality grilles, registers, and vent covers which can absolutely transform a room, by blending into the natural warmth and beauty you’re creating there.
Even on a limited budget you can improve the standard look of grilles and registers which, although extremely functional, can be a blemish rather than a beauty spot. For example, natural oak registers, lacquer finished, in a simple slotted design, definitely step up the harmony in a wood trend home. Aluminum is light, inexpensive, and can be painted to blend in discreetly or match your trim colors. Most important though is to choose hardware that doesn’t clash with your interior design.
There are heavy solid brass registers in traditional scroll design, products of quality workmanship. Wrought iron is coming back! Check out the local antique/junk store and find some real treasures.
For a designer look, go with hand-crafted registers, poured in bronze then finished in hand oil rubbed patina. Very impressive are white bronze-nickel satin finishes. Depending on the feel of your home, there are many styles to choose from such as Art Deco, Victorian, or Renaissance, to name a few.
You would be wise to go with a perforated air diffuser screen to balance the airflow evenly across the grille. An adjustable damper is energy wise and convenient; some lock in as an added feature.
When putting the finishing touches on your home, don’t overlook the significance of your all-important, air circulating registers and grilles!
