Hide Electrical Panel Eyesores With A Clever Accent Wall Idea

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Making a house a home takes considerable personalization, and it's often difficult to give your property some character. For example, AC units and electrical panels can be off-putting in an otherwise streamlined aesthetic. Unfortunately, there are rules that these electrical elements must abide by that make them especially visible. For a circuit breaker, it must be installed at a height between 4 feet and 6 feet, 7 inches — keeping it at an unfortunate eye level. On the bright side, there are ways to hide this kind of installation from sight while still maintaining accessibility. All you need is some wood planks and a little DIY intuition.

As demonstrated by Instagram user @aldergrovefinefinishing, the key here is to design a wall, rather than a cover, that blends the panel in with an accent look. Slat boards are a fun, textural way to achieve this, and, while it costs time and money to install, the finished look is a game changer. There's also a wide range of customization options to choose from, making it the perfect disguise for any style. 

You'll need to pick up some supplies before you start this project. Go with a ready-to-install solution like the Eucatex Decorative Slat Panel Wall available at Home Depot, or cut 1x1 boards yourself and adhere them to your natural wall with a gap to get the same look. You'll also need hardware for installation, small hinges such as Ravinte Soft Close Hidden Hinges, and a saw to cut the door for the panel. With your supplies ready, it's time to get building.

Measure the box to create an access flap. Electrical codes require the door to open 90 degrees without any obstruction, which means your slatted wall needs to do the same. For a ready-made product, fit the slats over the box and use a chalk pencil and ruler to draw your cut lines. If you're cutting boards, make sure to be diligent in your measurements. Apply the hinges when the door section has been cut, then install the wooden fixture to the wall with nails or screws. Customize the piece with paint, stain, or LED lights between each plank for a modern touch. However you choose to personalize this genius hack, you'll have a functional accent wall — and no visible electric panel. And if this isn't the DIY for you, why not hide the eyesore of an electrical panel in your home with this simple solution?