Collection: 12x12 Modern Vent Covers

12x12 Vent Covers: Shop All Types & Styles for Your Home

Green Vent offers the 12x12 vent cover in four distinct types — each crafted from premium rust-proof aluminum to suit a specific placement and airflow function. The 12x12 size is one of the most common residential duct opening dimensions, frequently found in living rooms, open-plan areas, and exterior gable walls. Whether you need a 12x12 air vent cover for supply air, return air, or outdoor ventilation, this page surfaces every available option and helps you choose the right fit.

What Is a 12x12 Vent Cover?

A 12x12 vent cover is a grille or diffuser sized to fit a duct opening that measures 12 inches by 12 inches — and that measurement always refers to the duct opening itself, not the outer face. The face or flange of a 12x12 cover sits approximately 1–1.5 inches larger per side, bringing the overall outer dimension to roughly 13.5–14 inches across, which allows it to overlap the surrounding wall or ceiling surface for a clean finish. This size suits larger rooms, including living rooms and open-plan areas, where higher airflow volume is needed. Placement options across Green Vent's 12x12 line include interior wall, ceiling, and exterior wall — but not floor.

Once the size is confirmed, the next decision is choosing the right type for your placement and function.

Green Vent 12x12 Vent Cover Collection

Green Vent offers four distinct 12x12 vent cover types — all built from premium rust-proof aluminum and suited to a specific placement or airflow function.

12x12 Aluminum Linear Slot Diffuser

The 12x12 Aluminum Linear Slot Diffuser is the most versatile option in this size range, available in two colors: White and Black. Both suit wall, ceiling, and floor placements and can handle supply air or return air functions. The clean, minimal profile makes this 12x12 ac vent cover a natural fit for modern open-plan interiors.

12x12 Aluminum Air Return Grille

The 12x12 Aluminum Air Return Grille is a return-air-only grille engineered for quiet HVAC operation, with an integrated removable washable mesh pre-filter as its defining feature. This 12x12 ceiling vent cover or wall vent installs in interior wall and ceiling positions only — it is not intended for floor use. The washable mesh pre-filter captures dust and large airborne particles, reducing HVAC dust load over time, making this grille a practical choice for bedrooms and hallways where air quality and quiet operation matter most.

12x12 Aluminum Cube Core Eggcrate Return Air Grille

The 12x12 Aluminum Cube Core Eggcrate Return Air Grille features an open-grid structural pattern that distinguishes it immediately from the linear slot and mesh filter designs. The eggcrate geometry maximizes free area for high-volume return airflow, making this ceiling vent cover 12x12 well suited to larger rooms where strong return air performance is a priority. A filter is included behind the eggcrate face, delivering both decorative impact and built-in filtration in a single white aluminum unit for wall or ceiling installation.

12x12 Aluminum Gable Vent for Exterior Walls

The 12x12 Aluminum Gable Vent is an exterior-grade solution designed for outside wall applications — not for interior HVAC supply or return use. Constructed from aluminum alloy and finished in a natural aluminum tone, it requires no painting and offers corrosion resistance suited to humid or coastal exposure. An included insect mesh prevents pest infiltration, and the vent functions as a cold air return or attic gable ventilation outlet. Interior HVAC users should refer to the three product types above for the correct 12x12 wall vent cover or ceiling option.

How to Choose the Right 12x12 Vent Cover

The correct 12x12 vent cover is determined by two variables: placement (where it installs) and function (supply air, return air, or exterior ventilation).

Once the type is selected, confirming the correct duct opening size is the final step before purchase.

How to Measure Your Duct Opening for a 12x12 Vent Cover

The single most important sizing rule is this: "12x12" refers to the duct opening — the inside dimensions of the hole in your wall or ceiling — not the outer face size. Measure the duct opening before ordering, because the face or flange of a 12x12 cover will extend approximately 1–1.5 inches larger per side, reaching roughly 13.5–14 inches across — this overlap is normal and expected for a secure surface fit.

Still have questions? The answers below cover the most common 12x12 vent cover queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does "12x12" refer to the duct opening or the outer face size?

"12x12" refers to the duct opening — the inside dimensions of the hole in your wall or ceiling. The outer face or flange is always larger, typically extending approximately 1–1.5 inches per side beyond the duct edge to overlap the surrounding surface. Always measure the duct opening before purchasing; measuring the old cover's face will result in an incorrect size.

What is the difference between a return air grille and a supply register?

A return air grille draws stale air back into the HVAC system; a supply register delivers conditioned air from the system into the room. Return grilles typically have no damper because airflow moves in one direction only, while supply registers may include dampers or an adjustable airflow controller for directional control. Green Vent's 12x12 Mesh Filter Grille and Eggcrate Grille are return-only; the 12x12 Linear Slot Diffuser serves both supply and return functions.

Are Green Vent 12x12 aluminum vent covers easy to install?

Green Vent's 12x12 aluminum vent covers are engineered for DIY installation using only a screwdriver and a tape measure. The lightweight aluminum construction reduces handling effort, and the standard screw-mount design fits most existing rough-in openings without modification. No specialist tools or HVAC knowledge are required.