11+ Creative Ideas for Hiding an Electrical Panel

Post Summary: Here you’ll find creative ideas to cover electrical panel and circuit breakers.

If you’re like me, you probably have an electrical panel box somewhere in your home that you wish could be hidden out of sight. While this panel is essential for managing your home’s electrical system, it’s not exactly the most attractive feature to look at.

In fact, it can be more of an eyesore than anything. Fortunately, there are plenty of ideas to cover your electrical panel that will not only make it look better but also make sure that it’s easily accessible when needed.

​Which is exactly where I was struggling, we have an electrical panel directly in our dining room (small space problems). It’s also uneven and my only wish would be that the original owners who built the house would have thought to put it in the basement instead. But they didn’t, so here we are. 

If you’re also struggling to find creative ideas for hiding an electrical panel, keep reading!

11+ Creative Ideas for Hiding an Electrical Panel

Just like everything else in your, it’s important to check your local electrical codes and regulations before you start covering your electrical panel. Local building authorities may have specific requirements for electrical panel covers, so it’s important to know how to meet those standards. Once you’ve confirmed that your cover is up to code, you can start exploring different ideas to cover your electrical panel. From simple DIY covers to more elaborate designs, there are plenty of options to suit any style and budget.

The first step in covering your electrical panel is to choose a cover that fits your specific panel box. Whether you have a circuit breaker panel or a fuse box, there are covers available that will fit your specific model. Once you have the right cover, you can start planning how the cover will fit into your design and aesthetic. Whether you choose to paint it, add decorative elements, or build a custom cover from scratch, there are plenty of ways to make your electrical panel blend in seamlessly with the rest of your home’s decor.

Keep reading to find out the best and most creative ideas to cover electrical panels.

Understanding Electrical Panels

The electrical panel is the central hub that distributes electricity throughout your property. It contains circuit breakers that protect your electrical system from overload and short circuits.

The electrical panel box is usually located in a utility room, basement, or garage. Or if you have a small home like ours, it sits in our dining room. But pretty much all of them look the same, a metal box that contains the circuit breaker panel and other electrical components. The panel cover is a steel door that opens easily for immediate access, which is something we need to make sure can still happen.

When you need to access the circuit breaker box, you must open the steel door of the panel. Which is what protects you from accidental contact with live electrical wires and components.

I know this is basic stuff but I want you to know how important it is to find a cover that still allows you to access the electric panel easily.

It’s also important to know the location of your electrical panel and how to safely open and close it. If you need to turn off power to a specific area of your property, like when your changing out your lights, you can easily access the circuit breaker. They are labeled with the area or room of your home and property that they control, making it easy to identify which breaker to switch off.

So in summary, understanding electrical panels is crucial for maintaining a safe and functional electrical system in your home or business. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the location and components of your electrical panel box, and always follow proper safety procedures when accessing it.

Creative Ideas for Covering Electrical Panels

This is where the fun begins! 

Electrical panels can be an eyesore in your home, but there are many creative ways to cover them up. Here are some ideas to help you hide your electrical panels in a stylish and aesthetic way (which we will link for you next):

Decorative Covers

You can purchase decorative covers specifically designed for electrical panels that come in various designs and colors. These covers can blend in with your room’s decor and add a stylish touch to your space.

Cabinet Doors

If your electrical panel is located on a wall with cabinets, you can install cabinet doors to cover it up. This will not only hide the panel but also provide additional storage space.

Picture Frame

You can use a picture frame to cover your electrical panel. Simply attach hinges to the back of the frame and mount it on the wall over the panel. This will give your room a decorative touch while also hiding the panel.

Spray Paint OR WALLPAPER

You can use spray paint to match the color of your wall and paint the electrical panel cover. This will help it blend in with the wall and become less noticeable. Similarly, you can also wallpaper over yours. However, the BIGGEST concern with this idea is to take the electrical panel door off before you paint or use glue and ensure the circuit is not touched.

Bulletin Board

You can attach a bulletin board to the wall over your electrical panel. This will give you a place to pin notes and reminders while also hiding the panel.

Small Hinges

You can attach small hinges to the bottom of a shallow cabinet and mount them on the wall over your electrical panel. This will allow you to easily access the panel while also hiding it.

Gallery Wall

You can create a gallery wall with foam poster boards or canvas pictures and hang it over your electrical panel. This will add a decorative touch to your room while also hiding the panel.

Magnetic Chalkboard

You can attach a magnetic chalkboard to the wall over your electrical panel. This will give you a place to write notes and reminders while also hiding the panel.

Mini Barn Door

You can create a mini barn door to cover your electrical panel. This will add a rustic touch to your room while also hiding the panel.

Kraft Paper

You can cover your electrical panel with kraft paper and decorate it with stickers or artwork. This will give your room a creative touch while also hiding the panel.

Large Mirror

A large mirror like a floor mirror that can be leaned against the wall is a great way to conceal electrical boxes while still maintaining access.

These are just a few ideas to help you cover your electrical panels in a creative way. With a little bit of creativity and DIY skills, you can come up with a smart idea that fits your design style and needs.

Safety Considerations and Regulations

When it comes to covering your electrical panel, safety should always be your top priority. There are several regulations and considerations that you should keep in mind before taking any steps to cover your electrical panel.

• First and foremost, it is important to check your local electrical codes and regulations. These codes may vary from one area to another, and it is important to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable regulations. You can consult with your local building authorities to get more information about the specific regulations in your area.
• In case of an emergency, it is important to ensure that your electrical panel is easily accessible. This means that any cover that you use should be easy to remove in case of an emergency. It is also important to ensure that any cover that you use does not obstruct access to the panel.
• It is recommended that you hire a licensed electrician for anything other than decorative additions on your electrical panel. A licensed electrician will be able to ensure that the cover is installed safely and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Finally, it is important to consider the needs of first responders in case of an emergency. This means that any cover that you use should be clearly marked and easily identifiable. You can use bold or italicized text to make the cover more visible and easier to identify.

By keeping these safety considerations and regulations in mind, you can ensure that your electrical panel is covered safely and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

Choosing the Best Cover for Your Electrical Panel

When it comes to covering your electrical panel, there are many good ideas out there. However, choosing the best cover for your panel depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some great ideas to consider:

Best choice for the front of the panel

A cover that matches the rest of the room’s decor is always a good idea. You can also opt for a creative way to cover the panel, such as a painting or a framed picture.

Best choice for the rest of the room

If you want to hide the panel completely, consider a cover that blends in with the wall, such as a middle-of-the-wall panel cover.

Best choice for full access

If you need full access to the panel, a cover with a large frame and double-sided tape is a great option.

Best cover for small homes

A cover that takes up minimal space, such as a small cabinet or a curtain, is a perfect solution for small homes.

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Common methods for covering electrical panels include placing a decorative piece of art or a mirror in front of the boxes. However, these may not be the best ways to cover your electrical panel, as they may not provide full access or may not be the best cover for your specific needs.

As the queen of the household, it’s up to you to choose the best cover for your electrical panel. With these great ideas, you can find the perfect solution to cover your panel while keeping it accessible and safe.