Hide Your Thermostat With A Cute And Cozy DIY

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As with any new home appliance, there are many things to consider before installing a smart thermostat. And while it may be low on the list, visual appearance is one of them. Although thermostats are an essential aspect of keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, they're often quite the eyesore as well. Luckily, there's an easy way to conceal them while adding to a quaint aesthetic. With just a couple of dowels cut from wood strips, a pair of hinges, and a cute piece of crafters wood for the front face, you can make a cozy, cottage-themed cover for your thermostat.

Instagram channel @athomewithashley shows off a simple way to upgrade your thermostat in just a few steps, making the unit completely disappear behind a charming vintage wood block house while staying accessible. Whether you have a smart, manual, or programmable thermostat, this DIY cover will work. Essentially, you'll be creating a small door to open when you have to adjust the thermostat. While you can always opt for a framed photo or artwork in another design trick that'll hide your unsightly thermostat from view, this DIY supplies a uniquely whimsical, attention-grabbing piece of handmade art to admire instead.

Start by screwing two small wooden dowels to the wall on either side of your thermostat. You will want the dowels to be thicker than your thermostat and slightly longer as well so that the door of your cover closes without issue. Next, it's time to attach the door portion of your cover. If you can find one on Etsy or another online marketplace, a vintage Shelia's House shelf sitter makes an adorable door. If you can't find one of these, get creative and DIY your own version using low-relief ornaments, like this Greenbriar Natural Wood Gingerbread Cottage, on a wood backing (cut to size) to make the cover. You can then paint and style it as you see fit. Whatever you choose, use short screws to attach two hinges to one side of your door. Then, attach the hinges to one of your wooden dowels, and your cover is complete. 

Keep in mind, fully covering your thermostat may affect its ability to accurately read the temperature in your home, leading to potentially higher energy bills. The gaps in your DIY cover may help combat this, but if you're experiencing issues, swap the door design for an open frame. Even though this method will leave your thermostat fully exposed, it's an easy DIY to take your thermostat from basic to stylish with a clever touch. Adding more frames around the thermostat gallery wall-style will also help create more visual interest.