Electrical Panel Cover Ideas To Beautify Your Wall

Electrical panels, though essential, can really disrupt the look of a room with their utilitarian metal boxes and exposed wires. But just because electrical panels are necessary evils doesn't mean you have to settle for an eyesore on display. With some creative thinking and decorative touches, you can easily disguise panels to match your home's style.

From a faux recessed panel to a full mural makeover, you can craft custom covers that complement your space. With the right approach, your electrical panel can even become a beautiful focal point rather than an obtrusive annoyance.

Unique Decorative Options for Covering Panels

When concealing an electrical panel, it's easy to simply slap a blandcabinet door over it and call it a day. But you can transform that eyesore into a true decorative feature with the right creative touches. Here are some of our favorite ways to disguise panels with beautiful bespoke designs.

Turn the Panel into Art with Paint or Wallpaper

One approach is to highlight and beautify the panel itself rather than hiding it away. With a custom paint treatment or removable wallpaper, you can turn that boring box into a work of art.

Consider painting the panel with chalkboard, faux wood grain, trompe l'oeil or even metallic finishes. This transforms the panel into an artistic accent for the room. For a more decadent look, cover surrounding walls in a textured or metallic wallpaper that coordinates with the painted panel.

Alternatively, use removable wallpaper or a large wall decal to create a beautiful mural directly around the panel. When it comes time for panel access, the paper or decal can be easily peeled off. Choose subtle patterns, artistic designs or even scenic landscapes to disguise the panel in plain sight.

Mount Removable Wall Art, Shelves or Cabinets

For a movable option, hang wall art, tapestries, or macrame pieces right over the electrical panel. When access is needed, the art can be temporarily taken down. This allows you to conceal the panel while frequently changing up your wall decor.

Floating shelves, arranged in geometric shapes or asymmetric patterns, also do double duty by hiding the panel and displaying cherished items. For a more enclosed look, mount cabinets or bookshelves around the panel to carve out some extra storage space behind the doors.

Build a False Wall or Recessed Panel

If you don't need regular access to the guts behind your electrical panel, consider constructing a false wall just in front of it. Build a wooden frame, cover it in drywall, then paint and decorate to match the rest of the room's walls. You've created a built-in disguise for the unsightly panel.

For a less drastic approach, build out a recessed cubby so the panel sits a few inches back from the wall surface. This creates dimension and shadow lines that help the panel recede from sight. Finish with trim work, wallpaper or trompe l'oeil painting for the ultimate faux recessed effect.

Disguise It Behind Other Functional Features

Sometimes the best hiding place is in plain sight. Rather than masking the panel, blend it seamlessly into surrounding functional features.

Turn your office or craft room panel into a sleek whiteboard for jotting notes and sketches. At home, conceal it behind a chalkboard for family messaging. Corkboards are another great camouflage option.

Or make the panel disappear into the wall with a mounted flat screen TV, a large mirror or even a custom art piece like a mosaic, collage or gallery print.

For a touch of rustic charm, conceal the panel behind a sliding barn door. Pocket doors and translucent shoji screens can also elegantly hide away the metal box when closed.

Design Considerations for Covered Panels

While decorating your electrical panel cover, keep in mind functional factors like access, ventilation and safety. A cover not only conceals but also protects your home's essential wiring and controls.

Allow Proper Clearance and Accessibility

Even the most beautifully disguised panel needs to open easily when necessary. Ensure covers are easily removable or have proper clearance to fully swing open the panel door.

Lightweight art pieces, wallpaper, murals and floating shelves are removable options. Permanent additions like custom cabinetry should have ample space around the panel. Measure carefully so the cover doesn't block or obstruct access.

Covers should also allow air circulation to prevent overheating. Leave a gap between the panel and cover materials. If ventilation openings are blocked, dangerous overheating could occur.

Follow Local Building and Electrical Codes

Building codes protect homeowners by ensuring safety and proper practices. Research your local requirements before undertaking any major electrical project.

Permanent changes to electrical systems may require hiring licensed electricians and pulling work permits. Even if you're just adding a simple panel cover, check in with your local building inspector to ensure compliance.

Choose Fireproof, Low-Combustion Materials

Electrical malfunctions can generate intense heat and sparks within a panel. Flammable fabrics or finishes around it pose a fire risk.

Select fire-rated paints, boards, finishes and wallpapers designed to be low-combustion and fire-resistant. Avoid fabrics or untreated wood directly contacting the panel.

Also take care not to fully enclose the panel on all sides. Allow openings for heat and gases to escape if an arc or overheating occurs.

Maintain Visibility of Emergency Controls

While concealing the guts, keep visible any emergency power shut-offs or disconnect switches. These safety controls must be quickly accessed in a crisis, so keep them unobstructed.

If your panel includes a main breaker shut-off switch, generator transfer switch or other emergency controls, design your cover to leave these visible. Never cover or block access to safety mechanisms.

With a bit of creativity, you can take your electrical panel from an eyesore to a showpiece. Apply removable wallpaper or artwork for a striking pop of style. Build a false wall or recessed nook for a seamlessly integrated look. Or blend the panel into existing decor like a mirror or chalkboard.

Just be sure to keep accessibility, safety and codes in mind when installing covers. Conceal the clutter while maintaining easy emergency access. And when in doubt, consult a professional electrician to ensure optimal function and beauty.

You can transform an electrical panel into a focal feature with the right approach. Now your walls can showcase beautiful style as well as essential infrastructure.