it needs to be drywalled in so won't work.

No, it doesn't. That cover is attached to the vent boot with 4 screws.

You posted two photos. The first one shows covers for supply. The second photo appears to be a cover for return (no damper.) Which type of cover do you need?

I don't know of any HVAC covers that are 'drywalled in'.

I don’t know anything about cover specifics (what you need or what you don’t) but I do know that a cursory search at Home Depot is foolish.

Google is your friend. Do an online search for hvac vent covers. There are literally dozens of companies that produce them.

@littlebug zone 5 Missouri @ci_lantro I'm clearly an idiot. Thank you. The picture at the top is what is currently in every room in the house. It's where the cold air comers out. I'm looking for a prettier version. I didn't realize that was called "supply." Does every house also have a return? There's a big hole with an also ugly linear cover that I suspect may be the return. Does it make sense that there'd only be one return in the house? The cover I like is a "supply" cover and does need to be drywalled in according to the site, but maybe there are others similar that don't. Now that I know I'm looking for AC supply covers I imagine the search will be easier. :) https://ariavent.com/collections/vents/products/drywall-pro-air-register

No, I'm the idjit. I need to get out more!

Those are cool looking, for sure.

What about this as an alternative?

https://texasbuildmart.com/collections/standard-linear-slot-diffusers/products/6x6-standard

Yes, you got it. The linear cover is almost for sure the return. Is not unusual for a house to have only one return. Depends on the size of the home, the floorplan, the location, how many levels... My mom's house was a small ranch house in the southwest US with only one return. I have a large split level in the Great Lakes region & have return air grilles in all rooms except the bathrooms. Uppermost level, each room has two returns, floor and ceiling level.

I am pretty much of the same mind as Patricia. Plain Jane ones are fine with me. Vents just are; I mostly see past them. OTOH, if I had or was building an uber modern space...like having non-cased door & window openings, then upscaling the vents & returns would been much more of a priority.

@ci_lantro that one is not bad! And I just found this too, could be an option. Thanks so much. https://www.grainger.com/product/52CF07?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2295:4P7A1P:20501231&gclid=Cj0KCQiA14WdBhD8ARIsANao07ika2hX41aGv2XkXZKQjneDgqe3Y6JhP0N-md_qJpv4BHX1mfNfQ0UaArPkEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Whatever you have, painting it the same color as whatever surface it's on (wall or ceiling) helps it blend in. Everyone has them, so I agree with ci_lantro, most people don't notice them. Also, for a bit more clarification, supply grilles have the adjustable vanes for open/closed, returns do not as they need to be open fully all the time in order to work properly. If you only have one it is especially important. Don't cover it with any furniture if it's low on the wall.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting I definitely won't do anything that requires drywall or ceiling changes. The current (like home depot) are old and discolored and since I'm painting I thought I'd replace with something new/clean. And if I'm replacing I was wondering id there was anything that disappeared more.

m B, that one that you found at Graingers is much more like the original drywalled one that you liked. I like that the air flows from all four sides, too.

"Drywalled in" can mean many things to many people. What does drywalled in mean to you? Decorator vent covers aren't widely sought after but like anything,they can be had for a price with some effort searching. The LAST thing I would want strangers choosing for my home is decorator grills.

There are many companies that sell "designer" vent covers.

Here is one I used in my previous house. They were from Distinguished Design Grills, but I just googled and they no longer seem to be in business

I googled "designer vent covers" and this one came up https://ventcoversunlimited.com/