Concealing Your Printer Inside a Cabinet
A cluttered office space overflowing with wires, papers, and various office supplies can be an eyesore and negatively impact productivity. One easy way to clean up the clutter is to conceal your printer inside a cabinet. This can free up precious desk and counter space while also hiding those unsightly printer cables and cords.
Benefits of Hiding Your Printer in a Cabinet
There are many advantages to stashing your printer away inside a cabinet:
- Creates a cleaner, minimalist workspace aesthetic
- Reduces visible wires, cables, and clutter
- Frees up desk and counter space
- Makes your office look more professional and organized
- Keeps printer noise contained and less distracting
- Protects printer from dust, damage, and prying eyes
- Maximizes space in small home offices
- Provides a tidy, polished look for commercial offices
For small home offices or spaces, hiding the printer away can give the room a tidier appearance and help maximize every inch of space. In a commercial office, concealing the printer creates a more polished environment for clients and employees. Visitors will focus on your business instead of messy cords and a noisy printer.
Choosing a Cabinet for Hiding Your Printer
When selecting a cabinet for housing your printer, there are several factors to consider:
Measure Printer Dimensions
First, carefully measure the height, width, and depth of your printer. Be sure to include any trays or extension parts that may protrude. This ensures you choose a cabinet with adequate interior dimensions to accommodate the full footprint of the printer. Allow an extra inch or two for ventilation and airflow. If your printer model has multiple configurations, measure each one.
Cabinet Style
The two main options are a drawer cabinet or a door cabinet. Drawers allow you to pull the printer out for access, refilling, and maintenance. This is preferable for frequently used printers. A door simply opens to access the printer inside which works well for occasional use printers. Consider your usage needs and any physical limitations.
Size and Footprint
Make sure the cabinet footprint fits the available space you have. A large standalone storage cabinet may overwhelm a small room. An enclosed desk with a flip-down front disguises the printer nicely without occupying additional floor space.
Ventilation Requirements
Most printers generate heat and need good airflow. Look for cabinets with ventilation holes, mesh panels, or grilles. Open shelves can work as long as there is room for air to circulate. Avoid fully enclosed cabinets. You may need to add custom holes or fans.
Sturdy Construction
The cabinet must safely support the weight of your printer without sagging or risk of collapse. High-quality wood, metal, or heavy-duty particleboard cabinets are best suited for housing printers. MDF and thermally fused laminate are other durable options. Stay away from flimsy materials.
Match Room Decor
Choose a style and finish that coordinates well with your existing room decor. Understated cabinets blend in discreetly while making smart use of space. Go modern, traditional, industrial, or whatever matches your style. Just avoid loud colors that draw attention.
Soundproofing
Consider soundproofing and acoustic treatments if the printer is noisy. Sound damping materials, insulation, and sealing any gaps can reduce noise emissions from the cabinet.
Installation Tips for Mounting a Printer in a Cabinet
Proper installation is key to safely integrating your printer into a cabinet while allowing for needed printer functionality:
Position Printer Towards Back
Place the printer near the back of the cabinet to allow the doors or drawers enough clearance to open fully without hitting the device. Measure carefully and test the clearance prior to permanently mounting the printer.
Use Shelves or Rails for Support
Install shelving, rails, brackets or a slide-out shelf to safely support the printer's weight without sagging. This prevents damage from vibration or shifting during use. Sitting directly on the cabinet floor is unstable.
Cut Hole for Cables and Wires
Cut or drill a hole in the back cabinet panel or side to allow printer cables, power cord, and Ethernet wire to neatly connect through to your computer or network. Use grommets to prevent fraying.
Install Interior Lighting
Add battery-operated lighting inside so you can easily see the printer controls display and buttons when fixing jams or replacing toner. Motion-sensing lights save energy.
Add Ventilation Options
Install vents, wire mesh grilles, cooling fans or an AC Infinity cooling system to manage airflow and prevent overheating. Proper ventilation protects printer components and print quality.
Use Cable Management Inside
Use clips, ties, sleeves and wraps to neatly organize and hide cables and wires from view. Prevent dusty buildup and loose cables that can get caught during operation.
Secure Printer Safely
Brace or fasten the printer to the cabinet so it doesn't shift when opening drawers or doors. Non-slip pads, corner braces, Velcro, or double-sided tape hold the printer safely in place.
Label Wires and Cables
Label any unrecognizable cables and wires with their function. This avoids confusion when servicing the printer or computer connections.
Ideal Printer Cabinet Ideas
Here are some great cabinet ideas for effectively hiding your printer:
- A front-closed office drawer chest discreetly tucks the printer away while keeping it easily accessible.
- All-in-one desktop printer stands neatly integrate the printer within a compact cabinet.
- Repurposed credenzas or sideboards conceal the printer completely out of sight.
- A rolling file cabinet with a slide-out printer shelf adds portability.
- The bottom rack of a bookshelf can double as printer storage.
With some creative thinking, many pieces of existing furniture could be adapted to conceal a printer away from view. The ideal solution depends on your specific space and needs.
By taking the time to properly conceal your printer away in a cabinet, you can declutter your workspace and maximize your usable space. Just be sure to select the right cabinet size and style for your specific printer model. With smart installation and setup, you can safely enjoy the benefits of a hidden printer without sacrificing performance and convenience. Just keep accessibility, ventilation and cables in mind. With a little work, you can banish printer clutter for good!