How do you hide an electrical panel that looks good?

Hiding an electrical panel in a way that looks aesthetically pleasing can be a challenge, but with some strategic planning and creative solutions, it is very doable. The key considerations when concealing an electrical panel include: location, surrounding decor, door/cover options, ventilation, lighting, and meeting electrical code requirements. With the right approach, you can hide that unsightly electrical panel in a way that complements your home’s style.

Where should you locate the electrical panel?

The first step in discreetly housing an electrical panel is choosing the right location. Ideal spots include:

• Garage – Garages offer space and separation from living areas. Place the panel on an interior wall or at the back for a subtle look.
• Closet – Panel boxes work well concealed in closets, especially if positioned behind shelving or clothes. Just be sure to maintain clearance.
• Basement – Basement panels can be covered by walls, custom cabinetry or partitions for a hidden effect.
• Out of sight – Consider placing it in an attic, on a high wall, or an unused corner where the panel won’t be noticeable.

Avoid putting panels in prominent rooms in the house where the electrical panel will be an eyesore. The goal is tucking it neatly out of sight.

How should the area around the electrical panel look?

Blend the electrical panel into its surroundings by decorating the space around it attractively. Some ideas include:

• Paint the wall a complementary color to make the panel less conspicuous.
• Flank the panel with decor like artwork, mirrors or wall hangings to distract from it.
• Install shelving on side walls to balance out the panel’s presence.
• Use textured wall treatments like wainscoting or wood paneling to add dimension and disguise the panel.
• Place furniture, storage bins or cabinets directly in front of the panel to hide it.

Making the area around the electrical panel blend in and match the rest of your home decor makes it far less noticeable.

What door/cover options work well for hiding a panel?

Disguise an unattractive electrical panel with a door or cover that matches your home’s style:

• Mimic cabinetry: Custom cabinet doors made to align with your existing cabinets ensure the panel blends seamlessly into kitchen or storage spaces.
• Blend with the wall: Doors painted the same color as the wall, with minimal trim and no ornate decorations help the panel fade into the background.
• Wallpaper cover: Wallpaper, tiles or stone designed to match surrounding walls camouflages the panel when closed.
• Faux cover: Covers that look like mirrors, art, or decor objects conceal the panel without looking out of place.

The right door or cover conceals the panel itself, while complementing your room’s aesthetic.

How do you provide adequate ventilation?

Proper ventilation is crucial for electrical panel functionality and preventing overheating. Consider these tips for maintaining airflow:

• Allow clearance around the sides and top of the panel, even when covered.
• Use louvred doors or ones with ventilation slats.
• Install ventilation grilles or slots in surrounding walls.
• Place in an open area instead of tight spaces.
• Use exhaust fans to actively circulate air in enclosed rooms.

Consult your electrician to ensure adequate airflow to your concealed panel based on its size, circuit capacity and location.

How do you illuminate a hidden electrical panel?

The panel requires lighting to be visible. Strategically place lights so the panel is easy to access when needed:

• Install recessed ceiling fixtures directly above the panel.
• Wall-mount swing arm sconces are ideal for focused task lighting.
• Use touch lamps or strips that activate when doors open.
• Dock LED battery powered lights to the panel’s interior.

Low voltage, battery powered options help safely illuminate a covered panel. Just be sure lights meet your local electrical code.

Does hiding the panel violate residential codes?

While creatively concealing an electrical panel is allowed, follow these guidelines so your approach meets code:

• Only cover the panel with materials that are non-combustible and won’t emit toxic fumes if burned.
• Doors and covers must be easily removable for quick access in emergencies.
• All wiring and components must remain clearly visible and unobstructed.
• Don’t exceed height restrictions between panel and ceiling.
• Maintain required clearances between the panel and walls or other objects.

Check with local permitting offices to ensure your plan complies with applicable residential building codes.

Can you completely enclose an electrical panel?

Local codes determine if a panel can be completely enclosed without an access door:

• Panels that only contain feed-through lugs for branching to sub-panels may be totally enclosed and buried.
• Main household panels should have doors to allow easy emergency shutoff.
• Enclosures require approved conduit for wiring to run in and out.

Always consult an electrician to evaluate your specific panel type and determine if it is safe to enclose completely on all sides.

What are some ideas to hide the panel creatively?

With innovative thinking and custom work, you can make an electrical panel practically disappear. Cool ideas include:

• Built-in ironing board with panel concealed inside
• Hinged mirror on hinges revealing the panel
• Liftable counter section on kitchen island or wet bar
• Removable base on freestanding cabinet
• Secret pivot bookcase rotating open
• Behind painting on hinges

Work with skilled tradespeople to carefully construct custom concealments that meet your needs and satisfy code requirements.

Conclusion

Hiding an unattractive, obtrusive electrical panel is about balance – making it disappear from sight, while still keeping it accessible for maintenance and emergencies. By utilizing the optimal location within your home’s footprint, enclosing it with coordinating finishes and materials, ensuring adequate ventilation and lighting, and following regulatory guidelines, you can make your electrical panel virtually vanish. With smart, well-thought-out design choices, you can easily conceal your electrical panel in plain sight.