I should also mention, I don't plan to use the nasty thing ever. But that is a good suggestion

google decorative air conditioner covers - wall units.

You can add a horizontal lattice of 1 x 2 across that end of the room. The lattice is held off the wall so that it goes in front of the unit. The particular pieces that are right in front of the supply are flat on front but tapper to a point in back so as to not block the air flow.

If you will never use it, cover it with a mirror large enough to center on the wall and still cover it entirely (or a picture). You should probably remove the thing but I know that will entail a lot of exterior and interior repairs. You may want to install a new one in the future so this coulod be a good temporary fix

Have you lived there through a summer? There might be a reason why it's there! So that's worth keeping in mind before you do something permanent.

I think it would be a great spot for a built in bookshelf with window seat!

It could also possibly work as an accent wall, although paneling it as I was originally going to recommend would make the window frame a challenge. (Because you'd have to use 2x4's or construction foam board to build out the wall to be even with the front of the unit before you could panel) You could still do that and just create a corner and transition back a few inches and panel flush to the wall around the window http://pinterest.com/pin/271834527479222729/

Hi, try a nice, unique lattice pattern with some drapery panels, Paint the wall in the back a colour from the panels. This may not be your decorating style, but you can see where you can go with the lattice, take it right over the window so you have a nice clean look across the back wall.

Hi Carolyn, Here it is with that beautiful screen

If you own the home, get an estimate from some actual contractors for removing it-even if you needed air conditioning later there are many different types including free standing which I have and love-to take the place of this ackward current one you have now. You will always spend a large amount of grief and effort in camoflauging a sore spot in your space. You will be spending needless cash buying things to cover it up aand have to arrange everything around your cover up items. I have purchased two homes in the last 2 years and this is a type of thing that would be the first place I would place my money. I would definitely put off other things and remove an item that does not work, you don't like and neccesittes buying more things you may not be satisfied with for long as a solution.

sorry didn't see the inexpensive part of your request for solutions. Speak with an electrician to have the cord properly and safely removed from this unit-so you are not having to fill the space below it with items you may not want due to bulkiness and taking up space. I know though from experience that the contractor we hired to do work and even to build an enclosed porch for us-cost far less than my assumption was so my suggestion to get estimates for full removal still stands esp vs the fact you would lways know it is there behibnd a cover up and cost of iyems to do so. You may be surprised to find the removal $$ is less than you think.

sorry didn't see the inexpensive part of your request for solutions. Speak with an electrician to have the cord properly and safely removed from this unit-so you are not having to fill the space below it with items you may not want due to bulkiness and taking up space. I know though from experience that the contractor we hired to do work and even to build an enclosed porch for us-cost far less than my assumption was so my suggestion to get estimates for full removal still stands esp vs the fact you would lways know it is there behibnd a cover up and cost of iyems to do so. You may be surprised to find the removal $$ is less than you think.

Hey, Carolyn Colagiovanni, many thanks for the cool mockup of my screen idea! That's very kind of you and I think it looks great, as does your drapery treatment.
The Other Carolyn