Say Goodbye To The Eyesore Of Outdoor Electrical Boxes With A Creative DIY

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Many people work extremely hard to keep their homes beautiful inside and out. When it comes to those unsightly electrical boxes, though, it can seem like there's just no getting around them! It's especially frustrating if they're in an outdoor spot that's completely visible from the road and to the neighbors. Since electrical boxes are necessary for keeping your house in running order, removing them isn't an option. But that doesn't mean you can't get creative by covering them up. By utilizing a wooden privacy screen, you can add visual charm to your home's exterior while also making sure those boxes stay out of sight.

It's possible to hide your electrical boxes without fear of getting in trouble. The important thing is that you and any professionals you hire are still able to access them. Just make sure you never alter anything inside of the boxes. When they're located inside the home, you can use curtains, artwork, cabinets, or light pieces of furniture as covers. If they're outside, a privacy screen will help do the trick. You can purchase them online, such as this lovely Enclo Cedar Wood Privacy Screen, but they're typically over $100 each. For those who are comfortable around tools, building a DIY wooden screen would definitely be a less expensive alternative. 

There isn't a cookie-cutter setup for electrical boxes, so you'll have to determine what would work best for your situation. One idea is to attach multiple long boards horizontally to two vertical boards, essentially creating a hanging privacy screen. Paint the piece, then hang it using a pair of chains, so that it hides the eyesore boxes. Another option is to build a freestanding screen out of lattice and wood. It'll likely consist of a long, vertical piece of lattice surrounded by a wooden frame. Use lattice with smaller holes for extra coverage. The great part is that it can be set a couple of feet in front of the boxes to cover them while still providing plenty of access for whenever you need it. You can use the same affordable yard feature to cover unsightly pipes as well.

While a privacy screen can already help transform your yard, why not add some stylish touches? You can incorporate greenery with plants, crawling vines, or surround it with flower pots. Adorable gardening signs can be hung from the boards or lattice, which you can switch up to match the time of year. It's also the perfect spot to string battery-operated fairy lights to add to the ambiance of your yard. However, if you don't want the privacy screen to stand out, you can always paint it the same color as your home. All that matters is that it covers those drab boxes so that they're no longer an eyesore.