1. THE COLOR WRAP
Most window A/Cs have slats or sections of bare plastic that can be covered with wrapping, scrapbook, or printed paper. Use spray mount or double-sided tape. Stick on, and voilà! Kate’s Paperie has lots of paper choices for under $5 (212-941-9816).
2. THE CUSTOM CABINET
Environmental therapist Matthew Tudor-Jackson designed a lacquered ash cabinet that hides his A/C and all the cords and cables attached to other living-room electronics. Two slatted doors let cool air out. Unless you’re an ace carpenter, hire Red Hook’s GN Woodwork (718-643-6968) for similar results.
3. THE VEIL
Prop stylist Lauren Shields made a short café curtain that sits a third of the way up the window just high enough to cover the A/C. She pulls it aside when the unit is on. For no-sew curtains, try Ikea (718-246-4532).
4. THE OBJET D’ART
Designer Jayne Michaels and furniture dealer Larry Weinberg used vintage holed tiles and an iron frame to create a sculpture that stands on a table before the window. All you need: a meshlike material that’s nice to look at and lets air through.
5. THE WALL RELIEF
Artist Leslie Fry designed a bas-relief sculpture to fit over her wall-unit A/C. She built a wooden frame, then affixed a cover made from plastic forms found in cookie boxes. Prince Lumber Co. can cut wood to spec (212-777-1150). Photo-Form can make bas-relief tiles from any digital photo (from $300; 888-744-3676).