How do you cover up an electrical panel creatively?

Covering up an electrical panel can be a creative challenge. The panel is a necessary but often unsightly feature in many homes. Finding a way to conceal it that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing takes some ingenuity. There are several approaches to disguising an electrical panel creatively. The goal is to make it blend in seamlessly with the surrounding décor. With clever design and the right materials, you can transform that jumble of switches and circuit breakers into a focal point.

Why Cover the Electrical Panel?

There are a few key reasons why you may want to cover up an electrical panel:

• Aesthetics – Exposed electrical panels can look messy and detract from a room’s décor.
• Safety – Covering the panel prevents accidental contact with live wires and breakers.
• Noise reduction – A cover dampens the hum of the electrical components.
• Security – Concealing the panel makes it harder to tamper with.

Whatever your motivation, a creative cover can transform an eyesore into an asset.

Where to Locate the Panel

One of the first considerations is where the panel is situated within the room. Ideal locations from a design perspective include:

• Near the doorway – You can extend trim molding over it.
• Behind furniture – A bookcase, media console or cupboard can conceal it.
• Inside closets or pantries – It will be hidden away.

Avoid positioning the panel where the cover will block windows or become the focal point. The goal is for it to seamlessly blend into the background.

DIY Cover Ideas

For those handy with tools, there are several DIY ways to craft a custom cover for your electrical panel:

Molding trims

Use decorative molding trims to build a paneled frame around the panel. Raise it slightly off the wall for ventilation. Then paint or finish it to match the wall color. Add more moldings atop the panel horizontally to fully disguise it.

Wallpaper illusion

Wallpaper, murals or other wall coverings applied over the panel can cleverly disguise it. Use removable wallpaper to avoid directly covering the components. Opt for a print that blends in rather than stands out.

Picture frame

Hang a large framed picture or mirror over the panel. Be sure it is properly secured and not solely held by wall hooks. The frame can then conceal the panel attractively. This works especially well if the panel is near a door.

Shutters

Construct a set of shutter doors to conceal the panel. These can be painted to coordinate with the room’s color scheme. The shutters can be hinged or detachable. Remember to leave them open when accessing the panel.

Furniture Cover Ideas

Strategically placed furniture is a convenient way to conceal an electrical panel without renovations:

Built-in cabinetry

Custom built-in cabinets or shelving ensure the panel stays covered. Just be sure to allow ventilation room above and below. Also include easy cabinet access for maintenance.

Bookcase

A floor-to-ceiling bookcase placed in front of the panel creates a built-in look. Make sure it is secured to studs and not to the wall alone. Open shelving units work better than solid cabinets.

Room dividers

An artfully positioned room divider or privacy screen can obscure the panel without fully enclosing it. Choose one tall enough to conceal the panel but allow airflow.

Media cabinet

TVs and entertainment centers are commonly placed along the same walls as electrical panels. Use this to your advantage by selecting a media console deep and wide enough to cover the panel.

Tips for Installation

Once you’ve selected the approach for concealing your electrical panel, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Check local building codes for any restrictions on covering electrical panels.
• Allow for adequate ventilation around the panel.
• Do not completely enclose the panel – it needs airflow.
• Keep combustible materials away from the panel space.
• Make sure the panel door remains accessible.
• Check that the cover does not limit breaker access.

Proper installation ensures your creative solution is safe and functional. Partnering with an electrician is recommended to ensure proper ventilation and access.

Container Garden Cover

A fun way to add a pop of color while concealing the panel is a container garden “living screen.” Use these steps:

1. Position a narrow plant stand in front of the panel, allowing adequate space for the door to open.
2. Ensure it is sturdy enough to hold planters securely.
3. Choose tall, leafy plants or vines that will grow to cover the panel.
4. Good options include philodendrons, ferns, palms and bamboo.
5. Arrange climbing plants at the top to trail down over the panel as they grow.
6. Place planters securely on the stand, starting at the bottom. Continue adding pots working upwards.
7. Make sure to leave ventilation room between the panel and plant stand.
8. Consider attaching decorative trellis pieces on the sides of the stand for vines to climb.
9. Use self-watering planters to minimize maintenance.
10. Trim and train the plants until they cover the panel completely.

The end result will be a beautiful and functional living plant screen. Just be sure to periodically prune and rearrange plants to keep the panel accessible.

Creative Paint Ideas

Applying a fresh coat of paint is an easy way to help the panel blend in. Consider these creative color concepts:

Trompe l’oeil mural

Paint a trompe l’oeil mural over the panel, like a faux window, shelf or cabinet front. This artistic illusion disguises the panel. Be sure the paint is high quality so it won’t fade, crack or peel easily.

Faux finish

Using rag rolling, sponging, stippling or another faux finish technique over the panel can help it visually recede. The varied textures blend better than plain painted walls.

Patterned paint

Choose a bold, graphic wallpaper-style pattern in complementary colors. Paint in bands over the panel to make it blend in as part of the overall dynamic wall design.

Metallic sheen

Opt for a rich metallic paint like copper, bronze or pewter. The luster helps the eye skim right over the panel. Just don’t overdo the shine.

High contrast

Sometimes making the panel disappear is about contrast. Paint the walls and panel frame one color and the panel door bright white. The door then blends with the wall.

Unique Materials

For a truly distinctive look, try covering your electrical panel with one of these creative options:

Textured tiles

Small glass, metal or ceramic tiles in an organic shape or pattern add an artistic element while concealing the panel. The tiles also enhance the surround.

Wallpapered panel

Adhesive vinyl wallpaper applied right over the panel hides it beautifully. Choose a printable wallpaper for a custom mural or photographic design.

Faux brick or stone

Red brick, stacked stone or rustic wood panels attached over the existing panel make it look like part of the wall surface. Be creative with the surrounding trim color.

Woven bamboo

Conceal the panel behind a room divider or shutter made from woven bamboo sheets. The organic texture and warm brown tones add cozy style.

Simulated shiplap

Use beadboard panels trimmed with trim molding to create the look of shiplap over the electrical panel. Paint it to coordinate with the room colors.

Decorative Details

Final finishing touches allow your electrical panel cover to look like an intentional design choice:

• Add trim molding at the seams and perimeter for a built-in look.
• Incorporate coordinating knobs or handles if using doors or panels.
• Install sconce lights or artwork on the sides to create a focal vignette.
• Paint or finish the trim to match the cover for cohesion.
• Consider extending the same materials over an adjacent wall or space.
• Add removable panels or cuts outs to allow air to circulate.
• Incorporate greenery for an organic look and improved air quality.

With the right combination of creativity and skill, you can transform an unsightly electrical panel into a beautiful design feature. Concealing it effectively is all about blending form with function.

Safety Tips

While a concealed electrical panel looks much nicer, safety should always be the top priority:

• Never completely enclose the panel. Allow ventilation space for airflow.
• Check that all cover materials are non-flammable.
• Confirm the panel door can fully open.
• Never conceal panel labeling or warnings.
• Cover materials should be removable or reusable.
• Avoid touching any wiring or live components.
• Call an electrician for any safety concerns.
• Know shut-off and overload locations in case of emergency.
• Test GFCIs and smoke detectors regularly to ensure proper function.

Prioritizing safety reduces any risk with a concealed electrical panel. Alert everyone in your household to its location in case quick access is needed.

Hiring a Professional

For those who want the electrical panel concealed flawlessly, hiring a professional may be the best option:

• Electricians can install a code-compliant cover while ensuring safety.
• Carpenters can build a custom cabinetry disguise for the panel.
• Painters can cleverly blend the panel into the wall with faux finishes.
• Interior designers can determine optimal panel placement and decor.
• Contractors can tackle structural changes like moving panel locations.

Shop around to get quotes and find professionals experienced in working with electrical systems. They can also handle any permitting or inspection requirements.

The professional route may cost more upfront but save money and hassle over DIY trial and error. Hiring experts ensures your attractive finished product is safe and functional for years to come. They can also properly incorporate the cover into your home’s decor.

Panel Cover Ideas by Room

Where the electrical panel is located will influence the best way to creatively integrate it. Here are design ideas for common room scenarios:

Living Room

Living room panels can blend in well behind TV consoles, media centers, bookcases or shelving units. Painting the panel to match walls makes it visually recede.

Kitchen

Kitchen designs often use upper cabinets, hutches and large signs to conceal the utility panel discreetly. Floating shelves installed over the panel also work.

Bedroom

In bedrooms, consider extending the wall trim molding over the panel. Headboards, photo collages and artwork can also hide it attractively.

Bathroom

Bathroom panels can live behind mirrors, medicine cabinets or attractive stacked basket storage. Waterproof shower paneling also conceals nicely when cut to fit around.

Basement

Basement panels have more flexibility since the spaces are rarely decorative. Painting to blend into the wall or framing with lumber work well.

Garage

Garage panels are often higher up and out of sight. Storage shelves, pegboard walls and similar functional conceals are recommended here.

Laundry Room

Like garages, laundry rooms warrant functional covers like shelves. Canvas art and decorative tiles applied directly over the panel also works.

FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about disguising electrical panels:

Can you completely cover an electrical panel?

No, the panel should never be fully enclosed without proper ventilation. Completely covering it risks overheating the electrical components.

Does an electrical panel need space around it?

Yes, a minimum of 30 inches of clear space is required in front of the panel. At least 6 inches of clearance should surround the other three sides.

Can you move an electrical panel?

Yes, a licensed electrician can relocate a panel, but it often involves extensive electrical work. Moving a panel higher up on the wall is usually simpler than moving it to a different wall.

Should you paint an electrical panel?

Yes, you can paint the metal cover door and outer housing as long as you use paint rated for metal and high heat. Avoid painting any warnings, labels or instructions on the panel.

What should you not hang or place over electrical panel?

Avoid anything with metal or moisture. Do not hang mirrors, metal art or wallpaper directly over your panel. Also avoid windows and plumbing pipes or fixtures above panels.

Conclusion

With a mix of clever design and crafty materials, concealing an unsightly electrical panel is simple. Always make safety your top concern and enlist a professional if needed. By combining function and aesthetics, that jumble of wires and switches will transform into a design feature you want to show off. Let your creative ideas power the perfect cover-up solution. Just be sure to always turn off the power at the breaker before beginning any electrical project. Please reach out for any additional questions!