When I do long planks, I have a technical coach and a cognitive conditioning coach with me. (physicalliving.com)
Then, to help disguise the vent (and visually break up the wall even more) what if they laid one long plank horizontally from one side of the room to the other? (theletteredcottage.net)
They allows for wider and longer planks which is sought after in expansive spaces. (lauzonflooring.com)