How to Hide Plug Sockets

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Plug sockets are a necessity in your home - in fact, if you use a lot of electrical devices you probably can’t get enough of them! However, they don’t always fit in well with your chosen decorating scheme, and you may be concerned about safety if you have small children around. [1] If you have input while your home is being built or renovated, you may be able to choose well-hidden locations for your plug sockets; but even if this isn’t possible, you can still hide or disguise them with clever placement of furniture and a little creativity.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Covering Plug Sockets

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  1. Place a large houseplant in front of a plug socket located near the floor, or a large, opaque vase in front of a socket on a table or kitchen worktop.
  2. If you have an attractive piece of kitchenware, you could store it in front of the socket: for example, simply lean a chopping board against the wall. Or if there’s a particular socket you tend to use for a given appliance, like a coffee-maker or stand mixer, simply keep the appliance in front of the socket (with the cable neatly coiled up).
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  3. Fit hinges to a framed picture, then screw the hinges to the wall, so the socket is hidden from sight but you can still access it if you need to use it. [2]
  4. Furniture stores are increasingly meeting the demand to keep plug sockets out of sight. [3] You can buy open-backed cabinets to mount over a plug socket (particularly useful to hold your TV), and boxes designed to conceal both power strips and cables.
  5. If you don’t have a suitable drawer to contain your power strip and charging electronics, you can make one yourself by cutting a cardboard box to fit.
    • Find a box that is slightly longer than your power strip (a box file from an office supplies store would be great).
    • Use a box-cutter or sturdy scissors to cut a slot in each end of the box large enough to run cables through.
    • Then simply place the power strip inside. [4]
  6. If you want to conceal an inconveniently-placed plug socket but still have a lot of devices to charge, you could plug a power strip into the socket, run it into the back of a unit of drawers, then place the unit in front of the socket. Then you can plug all your devices into the power strip and close the drawer to keep things tidy.
    • This is a great way to keep your office, living-room or bedside area tidy.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Camouflaging Plug Sockets

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  1. You can order socket plates that either match the wall behind them or otherwise complement your color scheme, such as mirrored plate covers for the bathroom or brown covers against a wooden surface. Stainless steel socket plates can look stylish in the kitchen, particularly if they match your appliances. [5]
  2. You could cover sockets in wallpaper so that they are camouflaged in the pattern. [6] Or in a tiled bathroom, sockets roughly the same size and orientation as your tiles (for example a horizontal, rectangular socket against horizontal, rectangular tiles) will not stand out. [7]
  3. Turn off the power, remove the cover plates, with a screwdriver, and ensure that the uncovered outlets are not left unattended (especially if you have children or pets in the house). Clean and dry the outlet covers. Use a small brush to apply a paint that is labeled as being appropriate for use on plastic: do not use spray paint. Make sure the plate is completely dry before you replace the plate on the wall.
    • You can even find tutorials on YouTube for using trompe l’oeil effects to mimic the surface of your tiles.
  4. Put together a collection of pictures, photographs or postcards of different sizes, in mismatching frames. [8] Surround the socket with a gallery wall of mix and match framed art: the socket will be hidden in plain sight. [9]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it OK to cover a junction box?
    Marvin Woo
    Licensed Electrician
    Marvin Woo is a licensed electrician and the Owner of Woo's Electrical & Appliance based in East O’ahu. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in troubleshooting issues and maintaining residential electrical systems. Marvin is both licensed and insured to complete electrical work in the state of Hawaii.
    Marvin Woo
    Licensed Electrician
    Expert Answer
    As long as the junction box is accessible for future repairs! It can be covered by decorations or furniture if they are both readily movable.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://parent.guide/how-to-baby-proof-everything-electrical/#tab-con-9
      2. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/tips/g1192/hide-ugly-home-items/?slide=13
      3. ↑ Marvin Woo. Licensed Electrician. Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.
      4. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/ingenious-ways-hide-things-plain-sight/
      5. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2016/11/18/how-to-hide-switches-outlets-and-toilet-paper-holders/#1147333a635b
      6. ↑ Marvin Woo. Licensed Electrician. Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.
      7. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/495253/list/how-to-hide-those-plugs-and-switches
      8. ↑ Marvin Woo. Licensed Electrician. Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.
      9. ↑ https://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/the-wall-of-ls-moved-across-the-street/

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