12 Best Ways To Hide Your Washing Machine Hookups

A washer and dryer set is a necessity in any home. However, they can constitute a bit of an eyesore if you don't place them in your home strategically. Washing machine hookups that lie in the wall behind the appliance, in particular, can be quite the nuisance. Whether your machine is located in a dedicated, closed-off laundry room or a very visible hallway, these hookups undoubtedly interrupt the visual harmony of any well-planned design scheme. However, they are actually quite important. In that recessed square in your wall lies a standpipe (which your drain hose attaches to) and your water faucet (which your inlet hoses attach to). But this doesn't mean you have to accept this disruption to your aesthetics. Instead, consider hiding these plumbing connections to maintain the appeal of your space.

You might have already attempted to do this using a simple technique, such as sliding your biggest bottle of laundry detergent in front of the hookups. However, there are quite a few other easy methods that produce better results. From installing a shelf to cleverly covering the wall gap with patterned wallpaper, the possibilities are vast. Delve into the 12 best ways to hide your washing machine hookups below.

The first method to consider is simple but effective. Simply install a long shelf right above the washing machine. When you are done, those connections should be hidden behind the top of the shelf. The great thing about this option is that it also provides you with more laundry room storage space. You can use the shelf to store all of your laundry essentials and minimize clutter. This is ideal for those with small spaces or compact laundry rooms that lack storage.

Another clever trick worth considering is creating a cover using wooden slats. You can then install that cover right below a wooden shelf that can be used for storage. This might turn out to be a simple DIY woodworking project, so keep that in mind when deciding. First, build and attach your shelf to the wall. To build your cover, you will need to attach long wooden slats to one another as shown above. When you're done, you can hang the cover from the shelf with hooks.

For a more decorative option, install wallpaper in a color of your choice right behind your washer and dryer. You can then leave an opening around your hookups and use a special technique to cover it. Simply cut a piece of foam board into the shape and size of the hookup opening, leaving cutouts at the bottom so the board can simply slide right over the wall attachments. Next, cover the foam board in the same wallpaper you applied to the wall, then slide it in place.

A simple, low-effort solution to help hide unsightly washing machine hookups is to install a towel rack above them. You can then simply hang a towel on the rack, and the hookups are hidden out of sight. Even better, you could use this clever solution to hang any clothing items you'd like to air dry. If you like to place your clothes on hangers in your laundry room before storing them in your closet, you could even hook those items onto the rack as well. This all-in-one solution is incredibly convenient.

Another decorative way to hide your washing machine hookups is to use half curtains. You could also reuse your favorite napkins for this DIY. Depending on the design of the space behind your washer, you could install a curtain rod above the machine and slide your curtains onto it. If this isn't practical, you may need to get a bit creative. As an alternative to the curtain rod, you could install a floating shelf above the machine and use hooks to hang the curtain from the bottom of it.

This method is perfect for DIYers who have woodworking experience. To create this washing machine hookup cover and storage space, you'll need to build a butcher's block countertop-style enclosure around your washer and dryer. You can then build a raised wooden cover that sits in front of the hookups toward the back of your washer. When done, you can use this extra storage space for decor, such as plants or fun laundry room signage, or to store laundry items.

If you want to hide your hookups in the most cost-effective way, keep a large storage basket on your washing machine in front of them so that they are hidden out of sight. You can then place your favorite laundry items inside the basket. This method is also perfect for renters who cannot make permanent changes. If you plan to purchase a new basket to use for this hack, consider measuring the length and width of your washing machine's hookup window to make it easier to select the proper size.

If you have a stackable washer and dryer with your hookups off to the side, you might find that you have an even harder time trying to hide the unsightly spot. Many of the aforementioned methods might not work for you. Thankfully, there are other solutions you can try out. This hanging cover is a great option. You can build it using larger wooden panels and hang it over your hookups with French cleats. Consider painting the box to match the surrounding wall so that it blends in seamlessly.

If you have a wall on either end of your washer and dryer, you can hide your hookups by placing a tension rod in between those walls and hanging a curtain there. Feel free to either hang a half curtain from the rod or cut an existing curtain to the proper length. You can easily lift the curtain to access the hookups as needed. It should be pretty simple to simply remove the rod and curtains completely as well. Ensure to select a curtain color and pattern that pairs well with the room.

Hiding your washer hookups in style by building a removable shelf is another option worth considering. To pull this off, attach a flat piece of wood or particleboard to the bottom of a long wooden panel. The material at the bottom of the shelf acts as the hookup cover, while the shield itself serves as extra storage space. You can then hang the shelf with its attached cover to your wall using large L-shaped hooks like those shown above.

Installing a work counter around the space where you plan to place your washer and dryer is one of the most common ways to hide washing machine hookups, and for good reason. It is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. You can use the countertop space to fold laundry and store items neatly. Additionally, the counter can also serve as a space to display decor. It's a great way to make use of a small laundry room that doesn't have enough square footage for a standalone counter.

A shelving unit that can be lifted upward to reveal your washing machine hookups underneath is also a unique choice. It allows you to have easy access to those appliance connections when needed. If you opt for a shelving unit like the one shown above, you can also store quite a few laundry items, like towels, inside. While you can DIY this sort of project, consider having a professional build it instead, especially if you don't have tons of woodworking experience.