Refine Your Decor Instantly - Clever Solutions for Covering Messy Sink Pipes
Exposed pipes under sinks are an eyesore that can make any kitchen or bathroom look messy and unfinished. From leaky joints to rusty fittings, messy plumbing detracts from the style of your home and leaves you cringing whenever guests use your sink. But not to worry - with a little creativity, you can easily refine your space and conceal those unsightly pipes in no time.
Whether you want a quick cosmetic fix or a more permanent built-in look, we've got stylish solutions to mask the mayhem and help you achieve a cohesive aesthetic.
Why You Should Cover Messy Pipes
Before we get into the fun DIY ideas, let's look at why it's worth your while to cover chaotic pipes:
- Hides eyesores - Exposed pipes are simply not attractive. Concealing them helps you present a tidier, more unified look.
- Allows a custom look - With covered pipes, you can customize the space under your sink to suit your unique style.
- Adds storage - Many pipe-covering techniques also enable extra storage space under the sink.
- Improves harmony - Coordinated piping helps achieve a pulled-together, harmonious decor scheme.
In short, taking steps to disguise disorderly pipes helps you refine your space for a cleaner, smoother aesthetic that looks cohesive and purposeful.
Creative Storage Solutions
One of the easiest ways to conceal a jumble of pipes is by using storage containers. Bins and baskets add organization while hiding unsightly plumbing. Here are some clever ideas:
Vintage Baskets
For a shabby-chic look, use a woven wicker or rattan basket to conceal pipes. A vintage galvanized metal basket also adds rustic farmhouse charm. Place the basket under the sink, allowing enough space to easily access the pipes if needed. Fill it with extra bath towels, cleaning supplies, or other items you use often for handy storage.
Plastic Storage Bins
Inexpensive plastic bins are a budget-friendly way to hide pipes of any size. Opt for a bin in a solid color that matches your decor. Measure the area under your sink to find a bin that maximizes concealment. Hide pipes in the back and keep frequently used items in the front for convenience.
Repurposed Wooden Crates
Give new life to old wooden shipping crates or fruit crates by transforming them into under sink storage. A few coats of paint in your color scheme unifies the look. Make sure to measure so pipes are covered but the sink is still accessible. Bonus - a crate's open slats allow for ventilation.
With an attractive bin or basket, no one will ever suspect there's a tangle of pipes down below. Storage containers offer fast, functional solutions for immediate improvements.
Build a Custom Sink Base Cabinet
For a seamless built-in look, installing cabinetry under the sink completely transforms the space while hiding all plumbing. While ready-made cabinets are available, building a custom sink base cabinet allows for a perfect fit. And it's easier than you think!
Here are the basic steps:
- Measure under the sink and design the cabinet to those dimensions.
- Construct the cabinet box frame using plywood cut to size.
- Attach the cabinet back panel, then install shelves and drawers as desired.
- Add cabinet doors, matching the style of your kitchen or bath.
- Paint or stain the finished cabinet to coordinate with your decor.
- Slide the cabinet under the sink overhang and secure in place.
With all pipes and plumbing concealed behind closed cabinet doors, you'll have a fully integrated, polished look and the added benefit of new storage space.
Incorporate Open Shelving
If you don't mind the pipes staying partially visible, open shelving is a great way to obscure them while contributing extra function. Built-in shelving disguises pipes while providing perfect storage nooks for folded towels, toiletries, and cleaning items.
Add shelves above the pipes to utilize vertical space. Or, install shelves below pipes to obscure lower fittings. Paint shelves the same color as the wall to unify the look. Then artfully arrange baskets, decorative boxes, and accessories on the shelves to fully utilize the storage.
Conceal with Decor Items
Sometimes the prettiest solutions are also the simplest. Certain decor elements - especially plants and fabric skirts - can help creatively disguise pipes and bring harmony to the space. Here are two ideas:
Potted Plants
A bit of living greenery does wonders to distract the eye from jumbled pipes. Choose plants like ferns or vines that have lush, trailing leaves to provide the best coverage. Position plants on inverted boxes or small plant stands directly in front of pipes. The natural elegance of plants softens the industrial look of plumbing.
Sink Skirts
A decorative fabric "skirt" hung around the perimeter of the sink creates a graceful frame while concealing pipes. Measure carefully, then sew a skirt from cotton, canvas, or linen fabric. Make sure the skirt hangs low enough to adequately disguise pipes. Add charm by accenting skirts with lace, ribbons, pom pom trim or contrasting bands of fabric.
Skirts and plants add whimsy while keeping pipes out of sight. And they can be changed out with the seasons for an instant decor update.
Affordable Pipe Wraps
For an easy DIY solution, consider covering pipes with prefabricated vinyl wraps. These flexible plastic covers slip over pipes to completely hide them. The wraps come in chrome, copper, or painted finishes to coordinate with your sink's faucets and hardware.
Cut sections of pipe wrap to the length needed and slip them over exposed pipes. Use connector pieces to join wraps. Take care when measuring so covers fit snugly. The project takes just a few minutes and requires no special skills. This is an affordable way to instantly camouflage pipes of any size or shape.
Splurge on Permanent Cabinetry
If you're renovating your kitchen or bath, take the opportunity to integrate custom cabinetry under the sink. Though an investment, permanent cabinetry provides the most seamless look while maximizing storage space.
Work with a cabinet maker to create a fully customized sink base cabinet tailored to your exact plumbing. Opt for features like self-closing doors, adjustable shelves, hidden trash/recycling bins, and amenities like integrated lighting. With meticulously designed and installed cabinetry, you'll have a polished integrated look.
No exposed pipes, no messy problems marring your decor. Just a gorgeously refined space you'll appreciate anew every time you use your sink.
With any of these clever solutions, you can banish pesky pipes and achieve a clean, harmonious look. Your kitchen or bath will feel instantly refined. Experiment to find the best solutions to match your decorating vision and budget.
No need to tolerate a disorderly tangle under your sink for another day. Get inspired by the transformative possibilities, and soon you'll have a space as stylish as it is functional.