Resourceful Ideas to Cover Up Fuse Boxes
Improving your home's aesthetics can be challenging when an unsightly electrical panel catches your eye. Covering up fuse boxes is a creative way to camouflage these necessary but unappealing features. With some clever solutions, you can keep your electrical connections accessible while disguising fuse boxes in style.
Read on for inspiring ideas to elevate your space by concealing those electrical panels in innovative ways.
Blend Fuse Boxes into the Wall
One straightforward approach for covering fuse boxes is to blend them right into your wall. With the right materials and technique, you can make your electrical panel seem to disappear.
Painting your fuse box the same color as your walls is an easy DIY solution. Use the same paint in a flat finish to help the box seamlessly blend into your wall color. For a more seamless look, extend your wall color onto the wall around the fuse box as well.
Building a false wall around your fuse box is a great option to completely embed it. Frame out a small wall with 2x4s around the panel, insulate if needed, and finish with drywall to match the rest of your wall. Blend this false wall in by painting and decorating it the same as the surrounding area.
You can also disguise fuse boxes by covering them with panels, siding, or other materials matched to your walls. For example, install beadboard panels, shiplap planks, stone veneer, or tile around the box to blend it in. Always check with local municipalities first since permanent wall coverings are often prohibited.
Framing artwork, wallpaper, or decorative screens are easy covers that draw the eye while concealing the box. Place framed prints, mirrors, wall sculptures or hang fabric panels around your fuse box to distract from rather than highlight it.
Key Tips for Blending Fuse Boxes into Walls
- Use flat paint in the same color as your walls to help fuse boxes blend in seamlessly.
- Extend your wall color onto the surrounding wall for a cohesive look.
- Build false walls around fuse boxes for a built-in appearance.
- Match panels, siding or tiles to your existing wall materials.
- Distract the eye with framed art, mirrors or fabric panels around your box.
Conceal with Furniture or Storage
Arranging furniture or storage items in front of your fuse box is a handy way to keep it out of sight but still accessible. Place key pieces to obscure the box from view while complementing your room's style.
An armoire, cabinet, bookshelves, or other large casegoods placed in front of the fuse box is an ideal solution. Choose a piece with closed storage to completely hide the box when not in use. Opt for furniture in a matching style and color to blend into your decor seamlessly.
The strategic arrangement of existing furniture is another easy option. Angle a sofa, entertainment center, or shelving unit to obscure the fuse box view. Ensure there is still accessible clearance for opening the box when needed.
Installing specialty storage pieces like sliding panels, barn doors, or pocket doors are creative ways to cover fuse box access. Attach doors that slide, swing open, or recess into the wall to hide or reveal the box with ease.
For temporary camouflage, decorative baskets, fabric bins, or storage totes placed in front can work. Stack multiples to add visual interest while fully concealing your electrical panel.
Tips for Concealing Fuse Boxes with Furniture
- Use closed cabinetry or casegoods placed directly in front of the box.
- Angle furniture like sofas or shelves to discreetly obscure.
- Install sliding panels, barn doors or pocket doors to cover access.
- Hide temporarily with baskets, bins or decorative storage placed in front.
Create a Faux Covering
For especially unsightly fuse boxes, consider crafting a faux covering to disguise it. Get creative with mock architectural elements, 3D artwork, or embellishments to distract from the box itself.
Disguise fuse boxes with decorative items like fake floral or a potted plant placed in front. Vases, urns or sculptures can also conceal an electrical panel in style. Opt for favorites with enough size, depth and visual interest to obscure the box.
Crafting mock architectural details like false beams, columns or moldings around your fuse box is an inventive coverup. Cut boards to size, paint or stain, and attach these faux elements around your box using adhesive and trim.
For artistic appeal, wrap your electrical panel with large 3D wall art pieces. Eye-catching plaques, metal medallions, or sconces draw the eye while camouflaging the box.
Fake shutters, corbels, and crown molding instantly boost architectural character. Attach these embellishments around your fuse box edges using construction adhesive for quick disguises.
Get Creative with Faux Fuse Box Covers
- Conceal with decorative items like fake plants, vases or sculptures.
- Craft mock beams, columns or trim boards around the box edges.
- Distract with 3D wall art pieces like metal medallions or plaques.
- Fake shutters, corbels or crown molding add instant architecture.
Build a Custom Enclosure
For a tailored camouflage solution, build a custom enclosure to conceal your fuse box. Match this box to your home's finishes for a seamless, built-in look.
Constructing a niche or recess box tailored precisely to your fuse box dimension hides it discreetly. Build out a frame to size using wood, finish to match the room, and install permanently around your panel.
Hinged picture frames are a quick custom cover to build. Attach one side to the wall around your fuse box then use piano hinges to connect the swinging side. Prop artwork inside the frame for an instant art decoy.
As an artistic take, cover with a magnetic frame to hold "art panels" in place over the box. Paint reusable metal panels in designs or patterns that can be swapped out to match your evolving style.
For a sophisticated look, build trim frame panels around your fuse box. Use molding, shiplap, beadboard or other lightweight boards. Set panels into the frame to remove and access the box easily.
Fabric box covers allow ventilation while hiding fuse boxes. Stretch fabric over a basic plywood box, adding hinges or magnets to keep the fabric panel in place but removable.
Tips for Building Custom Fuse Box Covers
- Construct a recessed niche or box precisely sized to your panel.
- Install hinged picture frames to prop decoy art inside.
- Cover with magnetic frames and reusable painted metal "art" panels.
- Frame with trim boards and shiplap to create paneling.
- Use fabric box covers to allow ventilation while concealing.
With some creative problem-solving, you can transform the look of a room by covering up unsightly fuse boxes. Conceal panels seamlessly with paint, blend into wall textures with panels or siding, or use strategic furniture placement for discreet disguises.
For bold camouflages, craft mock architectural details or faux covers to add artistic flair. Or build a custom enclosure for a tailored permanent solution. Use these inspiring ideas to test different concealment options until you uncover the perfect aesthetic fit.
Just remember safety comes first when covering electrical panels. Always keep fuse boxes easily accessible and properly ventilated, and check with local codes before installing permanent disguises. With the right approach, you can keep critical electrical connections handy yet out of sight.