Every home has those not-so-pretty spots that make us cringe. You know, the exposed wires, unsightly thermostats, or that ancient AC unit ruining your otherwise perfect living room.
Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, these eyesores can really dampen your decorating dreams.
But here’s the good news – with a few clever designer tricks, you can transform these problem areas into seamless parts of your decor!
1. Exposed Electrical Cords
Tangled messes of cords can ruin even the most stylish room setup. Consider cord covers that match your wall color for instant camouflage.
Another brilliant solution? Cable management boxes that hide power strips and excess cordage. They come in wood, plastic, and even decorative designs that complement your decor rather than fighting against it.
2. Ugly Thermostats
Who invited that plastic beige rectangle to your carefully curated wall? Disguise that temperature control with a hinged picture frame that swings open when needed.
For a more permanent solution, consider upgrading to a sleek smart thermostat with customizable faceplates. Many newer models offer designer-friendly options that blend with your decor instead of disrupting it.
3. Radiators Taking Up Space
Rather than seeing that chunky metal heater as an eyesore, reimagine it as an opportunity! Custom radiator covers transform heating units into functional surfaces.
Look for designs with ventilation slats that allow heat to circulate while providing a display shelf above. With the right wood finish or paint color, your radiator becomes an intentional part of your room’s design language.
4. Unsightly Air Conditioners
Window units and wall-mounted ACs rarely complement your carefully chosen decor. Crafty homeowners have discovered that custom AC covers with removable fronts offer the perfect disguise.
If you’re handy, build a simple frame with fabric panels that allow airflow. For window units, flanking them with dramatic curtains draws the eye away while creating balance in the room’s composition.
5. TV Wires On Display
Nothing ruins a floating TV setup faster than dangling cables. Smart homeowners use cord channels—paintable plastic tracks that adhere to walls—creating the illusion of wires magically disappearing.
For a more sophisticated approach, consider a fabric cord cover that blends with your wall color. Some creative folks even transform the cord path into intentional wall art using decorative cord covers arranged in geometric patterns.
6. Dated Light Fixtures
Stuck with rental lighting that screams 1982? Swapping fixtures isn’t your only option. Slip-on drum shades can transform dated ceiling lights without electrical work.
For pendant lights, try decorative bulb cages or modern Edison bulbs that make even basic fixtures look intentionally vintage-chic. Remember that good lighting transforms spaces—even when working with less-than-ideal starting points.
7. Unattractive Outlets
Randomly placed electrical outlets can disrupt your perfect gallery wall. Savvy decorators know that outlet covers can be painted to match wall colors, making them virtually disappear.
Consider decorative outlet covers that turn functional necessities into tiny art pieces. In strategic locations, a small furniture piece positioned to partially obscure the outlet maintains function while minimizing visual impact.
8. Bulky Routers And Modems
Your high-speed internet shouldn’t come with high-visibility tech clutter. Wooden boxes with ventilation holes provide stylish hideaways for these digital necessities.
If shelf space is limited, try mounting your router behind a piece of art or inside a hollowed-out book. Just ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating—function and fashion can coexist with a little creative thinking!
9. Worn Carpet Patches
High-traffic areas often show wear first, creating eyesores in otherwise decent carpeting. Strategic furniture placement can hide the worst spots while creating better flow in your space.
Area rugs layered over damaged sections create intentional design moments rather than obvious cover-ups.
10. Exposed Pipes
Industrial-chic isn’t everyone’s style, especially when those pipes weren’t meant to be decorative. Foam pipe covers wrapped in fabric that complements your decor can transform eyesores into design elements.
A simple skirt attached with hook-and-loop fasteners creates instant hidden storage while concealing unsightly pipes. Loft dwellers often paint exposed ceiling pipes in bold colors, embracing what can’t be hidden.
11. Cable Box Clutter
Entertainment centers often become technology graveyards with cable boxes, gaming consoles, and streaming devices creating visual chaos. Floating shelves with hidden cord management keep everything accessible but organized.
Many designers recommend decorative baskets with cut-outs for ventilation and cable access. The natural texture adds warmth while keeping technology contained and dust-free—a win for both aesthetics and functionality.
12. Outdated Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen renovations are expensive, but dated cabinets don’t have to ruin your space. Removable wallpaper on cabinet faces creates dramatic transformation without construction.
Contact paper in marble or wood patterns can refresh countertops and cabinet exteriors alike. For truly offensive cabinets, fabric curtains mounted on tension rods create a French country look while hiding what lies behind—perfect for renters seeking temporary solutions.
13. Unsightly Trash Cans
Nothing ruins kitchen ambiance faster than a visible garbage bin. Pull-out cabinet installations offer the cleanest solution, tucking waste completely out of sight.
Woven hampers with lids disguise utilitarian bins as decorative elements. Some clever homeowners use decorative screens or room dividers to create mini-alcoves for waste stations, keeping them accessible but visually separated from living areas.
14. Prominent Fuse Boxes
Those metal utility panels rarely enhance your decor scheme. Canvas artwork on hinges provides easy access while displaying something beautiful instead.
Install a shallow cabinet with a decorative door that encloses the panel. Just ensure the door opens fully for maintenance access. Some homeowners even commission custom artwork sized exactly to their panel dimensions for a truly personalized cover-up.
15. Laundry Appliances In Living Areas
When washers and dryers occupy shared spaces, clever concealment becomes essential. Folding screens create instant visual separation without permanent construction.
Pick custom cabinet surrounds that match your existing decor. When closed, they appear as stylish furniture; when open, they provide full access to your appliances. Adding a countertop above front-loaders creates functional folding space from necessary equipment.
16. Pet Supply Eyesores
We love our furry friends but not necessarily their visual clutter. Decorative food bowl stands with built-in storage keep pet essentials organized and stylish.
Litter boxes deserve special attention—furniture pieces specifically designed to hide them maintain your cat’s privacy while preserving your design aesthetic. Even simple food and water bowls can be upgraded to ceramic versions that complement your decor rather than fighting against it.