How do you hide an electric box on the wall?

Hiding an unsightly electric box on a wall can be a challenge, but with some creative thinking and DIY skills, there are several effective options to conceal it. The goal is to obscure the box while still allowing easy access for any repairs or maintenance that may be needed in the future. When approaching this project, you’ll want to consider the size and location of the box, your décor style, and your budget.

Why Hide the Electric Box?

There are a few key reasons you may want to hide or obscure an in-wall electric box:

• Aesthetics – Exposed boxes can be an eyesore and disrupt the look of a room.
• Safety – Boxes may pose a safety hazard for kids or pets if left exposed.
• Resale Value – Visible electrical boxes can detract from home value when selling.

Depending on where it’s located, an unattractive electrical box can stick out like a sore thumb and detract from an otherwise beautifully decorated room. Hiding the box helps preserve the style and ambiance you worked hard to achieve with your design.

Planning Your Electric Box Concealment Project

Carefully planning your electric box concealment project is crucial for success. Here are some key steps:

1. Assess the box – Note the size, location, whether it protrudes from the wall, and if ventilation space is needed.
2. Consider access needs – Determine if full access to the box will be necessary in the future.
3. Decide on concealment method – Wall art, buildout, molding, furniture, etc. Pick what works best for your situation.
4. Account for functionality – Be sure your chosen concealment method won’t block ventilation or access.
5. Check codes – Consult local building codes to ensure your project plans are compliant.
6. Budget – Factor in costs for materials, tools, professional help if needed.

Doing thorough planning upfront will help everything go smoothly and produce an end result you can be satisfied with.

Concealing Small Electric Boxes

For small, unobtrusive electric boxes, you may not need a major buildout or enclosure. Some simple solutions include:

Picture Frames

Hang a picture, mirror or wall decor item over the electric box to hide it from sight. This is quick, inexpensive, and removable. Just be sure artwork extends several inches beyond the box perimeter.

Wallpaper

Specialty wallpaper with a textured geometric or distressed pattern can help camouflage a small electric box. Use removable adhesive for easy access.

Shadow Boxes

Nail or glue a shadow box over the electric box area. Paint or stain it to match your wall color. You can decorate inside the shadow box with art, fabric, photos or collections.

Concealing Medium & Large Electric Boxes

For bigger, protruding electric boxes, you’ll need more sizable concealments. Helpful options include:

Molding Buildout

Construct a wooden frame around the box using molding trim pieces. Attach securely to wall studs. Finish by plastering and painting to match the wall. The box is enclosed but still accessible.

Recessed Cabinet

Build a recessed cabinet over the electric box area. The cabinet can have doors or be open shelving. Great for using wasted space efficiently in a kitchen, laundry room or bathroom.

False Wall

Erect a framed false wall in front of the electric box. It can be as large or small as needed. Finish with drywall, then paint/wallpaper to blend with existing wall.

Strategic Furniture Placement

Use furniture placement to obscure an electric box creatively. Some examples:

• Hang wall art or a tapestry directly over the box.
• Slide a credenza or sideboard in front of the box area.
• Place a floor lamp or tall plant beside the box to hide it.
• Hang curtains/drapes over the box or extend wall trim molding across it.

Get creative with furniture you already own. Even small adjustments can effectively conceal electrical boxes.

When to Hire a Professional

Some electric box concealment projects may best be left to the experts. Reasons to hire a pro include:

• Large boxes requiring major drywall work or carpentry
• Concerns over hitting wires, pipes or ventilation when digging into the wall
• Electrical work needed to extend wires to a new box location
• Matching old plaster walls or complex finishes
• Meeting strict building codes and inspection requirements

Professional electricians, carpenters and contractors have specialized tools and expertise to handle the trickiest box concealment jobs.

DIY Concealment Tips

For simpler electric box cover-ups, consider a DIY approach. Useful tips include:

• Use a box extender if needed to bring a recessed box flush with the wall.
• Ensure good ventilation if enclosing the box in cabinets, false walls or tightly sealed spaces.
• Only use lightweight decorative items over boxes, not large heavy mirrors or art.
• Use adhesives that are easy to remove without damaging walls.
• Learn basic wall repair skills for small holes, plaster cracks, painting, etc.
• Research building codes for proper clearance space around electric boxes.

With caution and care, concealed electric boxes can be a simple, rewarding DIY weekend project.

Creative Electric Box Concealment Ideas

If you’re looking for some novel ways to conceal an unsightly electric box, get inspired by these creative ideas:

Woven Baskets

Attach rectangular woven baskets vertically over the box using sturdy picture wire. Paint them in neutral tones for a textured wall feature.

Barnwood Planks

Cut planks from old barnwood in varied widths. Affix them in a horizontal, vertical or geometric pattern over the box for a rustic chic look.

Removable Wallpaper Panels

Cover the box with removable wallpaper panels. Try a faux exposed brick, weathered metal or trompe l’oeil mural effect. Easy to switch out patterns.

Chalkboard

Adhere chalkboard panels around the box perimeter. Kids can draw and erase easily. Use chalk to blend with wall color.

Wall Niche

Build out a decorative wall niche around the electric box. Line with cedar planks or beads for shadowbox-style storage and display.

When to Call an Electrician

For some fixes and updates to electrical boxes, it’s safest to contact a licensed electrician. Recommended times to call a pro include:

• Working inside a live electrical box – Have an electrician handle this hazardous scenario.
• Electrical problems, power outages or flickering lights – Don’t attempt repairs yourself.
• Old knob and tube wiring – This outdated system should be replaced by an expert.
• Burning smell from outlets – Sign of dangerous electrical issue needing immediate repair.
• Updating home electrical system – Safer and more code compliant with electrician’s oversight.
• Major appliance or wiring additions – Electrical capacity may need upgrading.

Don’t take risks with DIY electrical work. Electricians have the proper tools and training to address defects safely.

Choosing Concealment Materials

The materials you conceal an electric box with can enhance or detract from your room décor. Keep these tips in mind:

• Use durable materials like wood, metal and thick plastic that hold up to occasional removal.
• Match concealment material textures/colors to your wall finishes and design scheme.
• Avoid excess weight that could loosen from vibrations and fall, causing injury or damage.
• Select moisture-resistant materials for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms prone to humidity.
• Pick materials that are easy to cut, drill and work with for a simpler installation.
• Use fire resistant materials as an extra precaution around electrical components.

The right materials will conceal while complementing your room’s aesthetics.

Safety Tips for Electric Box Concealment

When taking on an electrical box concealment project, safety should always be the top priority. Helpful precautions include:

• Turn off power at the main breaker before starting work.
• Test wires inside the box with a non-contact voltage tester to be sure power is off.
• Wear personal protective equipment like gloves, long sleeves, eye protection.
• Never enclose a box without proper ventilation per codes.
• Keep insulation, fabric and flammable materials away from light fixtures.
• Avoid covering up important labels like voltage ratings.
• Have an electrician move any wiring if needed – don’t extend wires yourself.
• Hire an electrician instead of DIYing if you lack experience with electrical systems.

Staying safe while concealment projects is a must. Take your time, be cautious and get professional help when needed.

Conclusion

Concealing an unattractive or obtrusive electrical box doesn’t have to be an impossible task. With some clever planning and creative concealment techniques, you can seamlessly hide boxes in your home’s décor. Just be sure to always follow important safety practices and building codes. The end result will be a far more pleasing, cohesive look in any room you choose to hide an electric box in, without sacrificing function or access. Do your research and leverage the skills of electricians when appropriate – the impact can be transformational.