Thermostats, while useful tools to help control the efficiency of your home heating and cooling system, can also become unsightly when they break up the flow or decoration of your home.
I spoke with our service manager, about what we need to know about covering a thermostat and he explained “Thermostats won’t work correctly without proper air flow around them. A frame around it would be okay, however box with no holes for the air to get through may cause problems with readings, especially if your thermostat is also monitoring humidity.”
In addition to that, if you have a thermostat controlled by your phone via WiFi or Bluetooth, some things may block the signal.
With that in mind, I’ve been tracking down some creative ways to help blend your thermostat into your décor.
HIDE THERMOSTAT IN PLAIN SITE!
Collect photos and various wall art to place around the thermostat, switches and other tech you would like to hide, or at least obfuscate.
I love the example below, all of the art keeps it interesting and eclectic but still cohesive and you really have to search to find the thermostat.
In addition to the thermostat, there are 7 light switches, an outlet, a security camera and even an iPad on the wall. Just think how industrial those walls would look without the intermixed objet d’art.
Collect plants, clocks, box shelves, photos and various other wall art to place around the thermostat, electronic devices, cameras, wires, switches, plugs, etc and you will soon find people’s eyes drawn to your decorations, rather than the bleak utilitarianism of your electronics.
Here is another example of hiding a thermostat in plain sight, even though it’s right out there in the middle the items cleverly spaced around it draw your attention from it and rather onto your wall and shelf art.
FRAME IT!
There’s just something nicer about something when it’s framed. Including a framed thermostat!
Simple and elegant, choose a color that matches your thermostat or add contrast to make it pop.
Try framing other things as well, light switches, vents, outlets, maybe even try a frame around your tablet on the wall, if you have one.
Are you a fan of Friends? You know where I’m going with this already, recreate the famous frame on the door of Apartment 20 for your thermostat.
ADD DEPTH WITH A HINGED FRAME OVER YOUR THERMOSTAT.
A block of wood, hinges, and a framed picture, add depth and create easy accessibility to your thermostat, just don’t forget where it is
HIDE A THERMOSTAT BEHIND PHOTOS ON A SHELF.
Who wouldn’t rather look at the grandchildren, or parents or favorite vacation photos than something as utilitarian as a thermostat? If you are using this method just make sure the photographs are far enough away from the thermostat that it leaves enough room for proper circulation of air.
BEHIND PLANTS
Here’s a great place to hide your thermostat, behind potted plants. Just make sure you don’t end up watering your electronics!
What happens if I get my thermostat wet? What should I do if my thermostat gets water in it?
REVERSE SHADOW BOX OR ARTIST’S “WOOD CANVAS”
This one is a little bit bigger project but I love the idea. Free hand painting of letters can be really difficult, so I recommend using letter stickers, like those used for scrapbooking with Mod Podge to seal them on. Also, with all of the holes around the outside, there should be enough airflow without the holes in the front, if that doesn’t work with your quote of choice. This clever idea (and instructions on how to make it) came from frankfully
CONCEAL A THERMOSTAT BEHIND A MIRROR
Not only will a beautiful mirror make completely hide your thermostat, but it will be an attractive and functional bit of decor that will also make your room look more spacious. It’s a win win! Here are some gorgeous floor mirrors with next day delivery:
SHELVE IT!
Installing a series of floating shelves with knickknacks, clocks, vases and leaning pictures is a wonderful way to add texture and depth to a wall while camouflaging your thermostat or at least not making it the center of attention.
BONUS!
I came across this one and loved it so much I just had to include it.
It’s a bit more labor intensive, but I love that they are repurposing wood from around their property to create it. You can see each step of the project and many more photos at VinYet
While I was doing my research I came across many great looking ideas, old distressed boxes with doors for access and canvas pictures with hinges among others. While these kinds of things are great for hiding your thermostat, don’t forget to take airflow and connectivity into consideration.
You may find you will need to drill holes in the bottoms of boxes or use a block of wood to bring the canvas far enough out from the wall for air to still get through.
I hope some of these examples will help you to come up with simple and creative ways to camouflage your thermostat.
Have fun and GET CREATIVE!