10 Amazing Ways To Conceal An Electrical Panel
Electrical panels stick out like a sore thumb, and while they are practical, they are also visually unappealing. These eyesores are a necessary evil, but you don’t have to necessarily see them for them to be useful. There are several amazing ways to conceal an electrical panel and still access it.
Hang a painting or photograph over the electrical panel to cover it without restricting access. You can also use a standing or mounted mirror to cover an electrical panel as long as it’s easy to move. Pegboards, whiteboards, tapestries, and macrame let you access the panel when you need to and cover it when you don’t.
Only conceal your electrical panel if it is legal to do so where you live. It isn’t legal in every county, so refer to local building codes to avoid fees. Follow along as we explore the top 10 amazing ways to conceal an electrical panel.
Is it Legal to Cover an Electrical Panel?
It is legal to cover an electrical panel in most states and municipalities, but there are stipulations. You cannot cover an electrical panel with something that will restrict access. For example, you can’t simply conceal an electrical panel with slats or bars that prevent you from opening the box.
Make sure to check if your local building codes allow you to cover an electrical panel. Some areas don’t allow you to cover an electrical panel to seemingly make emergencies easier. The last thing that you want is to incur a fine for covering an electrical panel in a way that violates local building codes.
How to Cover an Electrical Panel
You can cover an electrical panel with everything from art to an artificial tree. It all depends on where your electric panel is located and how much space you have. There are enough options that you don’t have to clash with the rest of your room’s décor when you cover the panel.
Electrical panels can be an eyesore, so it’s important to choose an option that won’t draw more attention. For example, make sure that the frame is large enough to completely cover the panel if you decide to hang art. Otherwise, the portion of the electrical panel that sticks out will look out of place and will throw everything off.
Practicality is the final and most important factor to consider when you conceal an electrical panel. You will certainly need to use the electrical panel from to time. Choose a coverup that is equally visually appealing and practical.
1. Art
You can conceal an electrical panel with art such as a painting or a unique photograph. It won’t be challenging to find a canvas or frame that can fit over your electrical panel. This option isn’t overly obvious and can add character to the room depending on the art you choose.
The main benefit of using art to conceal an electrical panel is that you can always swap it out. This works as a simple and temporary coverup that lets you exercise your style. Most importantly, you can quickly move the frame whenever you need to use or service the panel.
2. Mirror
Depending on its location, concealing an electrical panel is usually a great option. You aren’t limited in terms of the style or size of the mirror as long as it can cover the electrical panel. Standing mirrors or mounted mirrors both work well, it’s just a matter of taste and where the panel is located.
3. Cabinet
Installing a cabinet, albeit one that isn’t fully functional, is a great way to conceal an electrical panel. You won’t likely be able to install a functioning, sturdy cabinet, but a decorative one shouldn’t be a problem. This is a great way to cover up the bland appearance of an electrical panel and add some unique décor to the space.
The key is to make sure that the faux cabinet isn’t fixed to the panel. Otherwise, you may restrict access and make it difficult to open.
4. Shelf
A lightweight shelf lets you cover an electrical panel and easily access it when necessary. Shelves with an open back are the best option in this case so you can open the electrical panel when you need to. Sparsely decorate the shelf with books, trinkets, and old photographs that won’t easily knock over. You can even leave space open in the middle where the box is and decorate the panel so it blends in.
5. Family Photos
Create a collage of fun family photos or sentimental snapshots that you can attach to the electrical panel. Choose a surface like cork, wood, or plastic that you can easily attach the photos to that won’t damage the panel. Cover as much of the backing as possible to add as many photos as you want.
Avoid using magnets so you don’t interfere with the electrical supply and current. This is a great method to conceal an electrical panel in a meaningful way.
6. Whiteboard
Every homeowner can use a whiteboard, whether it’s for chore assignments or inspirational messages. You can even use a whiteboard to display what’s for dinner tonight just for the fun of it. Consider a whiteboard if you want to conceal your electrical panel in a practical, useful way.
You can even get the whole family involved and decorate the whiteboard with colorful markers and treat it as a piece of art.
7. Tapestry
There are endless options if you choose to conceal your electrical panel with a tapestry. Tapestries come in every style and you can easily find one to suit your aesthetic. It’s ideal to cover your panel with something that you can easily move, and tapestries are exactly that.
8. Macrame
Macrame has become more and more popular over the years, and there’s no such thing as too much. Use your electrical panel as a chance to add more macrame to your house in a practical way. Kill two birds with one stone and conceal the unattractive appearance of your panel with a trendy and timeless decoration.
9. Pegboard
A pegboard is among the most diverse ways to conceal an electrical panel. You can use the pegboard to display trinkets or art or as a simple rack for your hats. Get creative and use your pegboard for as many purposes as possible to get the most value out of it. The average pegboard is lightweight so you can still easily access your electrical panel.
10. Faux Tree
Consider a faux tree if you want to cover your electrical panel in a lively way. You can find faux trees that run the spectrum from realistic to stylized and cartoonish. Faux trees require no maintenance, and they can cover an electrical panel if you find the right one.
Measure your electrical panel to make sure you get a faux tree large enough to cover it. A nice, dense faux tree with thick artificial foliage, in particular, is the most reliable option.
Summing it Up
The best ways to conceal an electrical panel are with a whiteboard, family photo collage, macrame, or tapestry. Macrame contributes to the popular bohemian aesthetic that is trending and completely covers the panel. A fake cabinet is a great way to conceal an electrical panel and lends itself to a rustic vibe.
Hang a painting or photo large enough to cover the electrical panel for a quick fix. Both options add character to the room, cover the panel, and allow you to access it easily. This is the most simple option and is the easiest to deal with when you need to access the panel.
Not all counties allow you to cover an electrical panel, and you’ll need to look into your local building codes. Some municipalities have strict rules or simply prohibit you from concealing an electrical panel altogether.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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