Wall-mounted mini split units like the MRCOOL DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU system are a sleek and efficient HVAC solution—but they can also present a design challenge. If you’re like Samantha, you value clean lines, thoughtful decor, and comfort that doesn’t compromise your aesthetic. So how do you integrate your ductless system into your living space without making it the focal point?
This guide is for homeowners who want their climate control to blend in, not stand out. And with over 2,500 words of inspiration, strategy, and expert tips—plus links to top external resources—you’ll walk away with everything you need to style around your unit with confidence.
🖼️ 1. Frame the Unit with Wall Art
One of the easiest ways to reduce visual impact is to incorporate your wall-mounted mini split into a curated gallery wall. This distracts the eye and makes the unit part of a larger design story.
Samantha’s tip: Use 3–5 frames of various sizes with coordinating art to add balance. Stick to lightweight, non-glare frames to prevent reflection from the unit’s airflow.
Keep at least 6–8 inches of clearance around the unit to maintain airflow.
Recommended resource: Gallery Wall Layout Ideas by The Spruce
🎨 2. Paint the Wall a Harmonizing Color
Paint can dramatically change how much your mini split stands out. A white unit on a stark colored wall can pop, while on a soft, coordinating color, it will blend.
Samantha’s palette picks:
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Pale sage
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Muted greige
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Warm ivory
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Dusty blue
Avoid stark black or navy unless you're intentionally creating contrast.
Design reference: Color Theory for Interior Designers – Architectural Digest
🪴 3. Use Plants and Vertical Decor for Soft Distraction
Flanking your mini split with indoor plants or tall décor items—like hanging baskets or vertical art—can create balance and soften the mechanical feel.
Examples:
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Fiddle-leaf figs
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Snake plants
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Hanging macrame
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Floating bookshelves
Just ensure no object blocks or obstructs airflow from the front or bottom.
External link: 10 Indoor Plants That Are Great for Decor and Air Quality – Better Homes & Gardens
🪟 4. Coordinate with Window Treatments
If your air handler is near a window, integrate it with your window treatments. The idea is to create a design zone where both the unit and your drapery contribute to a cohesive look.
Ideas:
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Roman shades in soft neutrals
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Light linen curtains
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Bamboo blinds for a natural finish
Samantha’s pro move: Match curtain rod and hardware to any visible fixtures, like nearby lighting or shelf brackets.
Styling inspiration: How to Choose Curtains – Real Simple
🧱 5. Recess into Faux Architectural Elements
Advanced DIYers can build a shallow soffit or decorative box-out to semi-recess the wall-mounted unit. While this won’t conceal it entirely, it offers a more intentional, built-in look.
Alternatives include:
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Framing the unit with painted molding or trim
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Adding a subtle wallpaper panel behind it to create a framed backdrop
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Creating a paint box in the same tone as nearby cabinetry or shelving
Always maintain manufacturer-specified clearance for safety and function.
🔲 6. Style the Surrounding Space Intentionally
Anchor the space below your air handler with low-profile furniture. Options like a bench, slim console table, or storage unit make the wall feel designed—while keeping airflow free.
Decor suggestions:
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Pair of ceramic lamps or vases
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A decorative mirror off to the side
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Framed photos, small sculptures, or candles
Samantha’s tip: Avoid anything taller than 30 inches under the unit.
External guide: How to Style a Console Table – West Elm Blog
🚫 What to Avoid
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❌ Don’t hang curtains, tapestries, or shelving directly in front of the unit
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❌ Don’t paint the unit—this voids your warranty
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❌ Don’t add furniture taller than the unit within 12 inches below
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❌ Avoid adding fragile décor directly under the unit (risk of condensation)
🧑🎨 Samantha’s Living Room Case Study
Samantha installed her 9k BTU MRCOOL head in the living room, which features:
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Soft sage green walls
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Natural wood floating shelves flanking the unit
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Framed botanical prints arranged below and to the sides
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A tall snake plant on one side and a beige linen sofa beneath (set back 18")
Result: The mini split blends into her calm, minimal style without becoming a focal point.
🪟 Bonus: Seasonal Styling Tips
Spring/Summer:
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Swap in brighter frames, florals, or greenery
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Use sheer or breezy curtains for light diffusion
Fall/Winter:
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Add warm tones (rust, gold, deep green)
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Use textured elements like velvet or knit throws nearby to create coziness
Samantha rotates her wall prints seasonally using removable Command picture hangers, keeping her space fresh without leaving holes.
✅ Final Thoughts: Function Meets Style
Your MRCOOL system is here to serve your comfort—but that doesn’t mean it can’t complement your home’s aesthetic. By using thoughtful framing, matching color schemes, and intentional styling, Samantha proves that wall-mounted HVAC doesn’t have to look utilitarian.
In fact, with the right touches, it can feel like part of the design.
In the next topic we will read about: How Quiet Is the 36k BTU MRCOOL Mini Split? Noise Ratings Explained
