Every House Has These 6 Eyesores —How to Hide Them Like a Designer

Every home, no matter how carefully designed or meticulously maintained, harbours a collection of functional necessities that disrupt visual harmony. From the unsightly tangle of cables behind entertainment centres to the stark presence of radiators and fuse boxes, these practical elements often clash with our aesthetic aspirations. Whilst they serve essential purposes, their prominence can undermine even the most thoughtfully curated interiors. The good news is that professional designers have developed ingenious strategies to camouflage these inevitable eyesores without compromising their functionality. By employing clever concealment techniques and creative styling approaches, you can transform these utilitarian fixtures into seamless components of your décor or render them virtually invisible.

Tangled cables: tips for concealing them

Organise and bundle your cables effectively

The chaotic sprawl of cables behind desks, televisions and charging stations represents one of the most common visual disruptions in modern homes. Cable management systems offer the foundation for tackling this problem, beginning with proper organisation. Start by identifying which cables belong to which devices, then bundle similar cables together using velcro cable ties or reusable zip ties. This simple step immediately reduces visual clutter by transforming multiple individual strands into streamlined groups.

Utilise furniture and architectural features

Strategic furniture placement can work wonders for cable concealment. Position entertainment units, desks and sofas to block direct sightlines to cable clusters. Cable routing channels that attach to the back of furniture legs guide wires downward and out of view. For more permanent solutions, consider these options:

• Install cable raceways along skirting boards that blend with your wall colour
• Thread cables through hollow furniture legs designed specifically for this purpose
• Use cable boxes with decorative exteriors that disguise power strips and excess cable length
• Employ desk grommets that allow cables to pass through work surfaces neatly

Invest in wireless alternatives where possible

Reducing the number of cables altogether represents the most elegant solution. Wireless charging pads, Bluetooth speakers and cordless lamps eliminate many of the cables that typically clutter living spaces. When cables are unavoidable, select the shortest practical length to minimise excess coiling and tangling.

Once you’ve addressed the cable chaos, attention naturally turns to another prominent functional fixture that often disrupts wall aesthetics.

The fuse box: how to hide it with style

Create artistic camouflage

Fuse boxes present a unique challenge due to safety regulations requiring unobstructed access. Hinged artwork or decorative panels mounted on concealed hinges provide both aesthetic appeal and practical accessibility. Commission or create a canvas painting that matches your interior palette, then attach it to a frame fitted with piano hinges. This approach transforms an industrial necessity into a gallery-worthy feature whilst maintaining compliance with building codes.

Build custom cabinetry or shelving

For fuse boxes located in hallways or living areas, shallow cabinets with magnetic catches offer sophisticated concealment. Open shelving units positioned strategically in front of the box can also work effectively, provided the shelves remain easily movable. Consider these design approaches:

Incorporate it into a gallery wall

Rather than hiding the fuse box entirely, integrate it into a curated gallery wall where it becomes just another rectangular element amongst framed photographs, prints and mirrors. Paint the box cover in a colour that complements your wall, or apply wallpaper that matches your surrounding décor. This technique works particularly well in eclectic or maximalist interiors where varied wall elements already feature prominently.

With the fuse box addressed, the focus shifts to the numerous smaller cables that connect our essential electronic devices.

Conceal electronic device wires

Employ in-wall cable management

For mounted televisions and permanently positioned equipment, in-wall cable concealment kits provide the cleanest aesthetic solution. These systems involve cutting two small openings in the wall, one behind the device and another near the floor, then running cables through the wall cavity. Professional installation ensures compliance with electrical codes and fire safety regulations, particularly important when routing power cables rather than just signal wires.

Use decorative cord covers

When in-wall solutions aren’t feasible, decorative cord covers offer an attractive alternative. Modern designs include:

• Fabric-wrapped cable sleeves in various colours and patterns
• Wood-effect channels that complement natural interiors
• Metallic conduits suited to industrial or contemporary spaces
• Paintable plastic raceways that disappear against matching walls

Integrate charging stations into furniture

Purpose-built furniture with integrated charging capabilities eliminates the need for visible cables and power strips. Bedside tables with built-in USB ports, desks with pop-up charging stations and console tables featuring concealed power strips keep devices charged whilst maintaining clean lines. For existing furniture, retrofitting solutions such as clamp-on power strips that attach beneath desk surfaces keep cables organised and hidden from view.

Beyond cables and electrical fixtures, larger permanent installations like radiators present their own aesthetic challenges.

How to integrate radiators into your décor

Paint them to match or contrast

The simplest transformation involves strategic paint choices. Painting radiators the same colour as your walls allows them to recede visually, whilst bold contrasting colours can turn them into intentional design features. Metallic finishes in copper, brass or gunmetal grey suit industrial and contemporary schemes, whilst soft pastels complement period properties and vintage aesthetics.

Install decorative radiator covers

Custom or ready-made radiator covers serve multiple purposes: they conceal unsightly pipework, provide additional surface space and transform functional heating elements into furniture pieces. Options range from minimalist slatted designs that allow heat circulation to ornate fretwork panels suited to traditional interiors. Ensure any cover design permits adequate airflow to maintain heating efficiency.

Position furniture strategically

Well-placed furniture can minimise radiator prominence without blocking heat distribution. A console table positioned slightly forward of a radiator draws the eye whilst allowing warm air to circulate. Window seats built over low radiators create cosy reading nooks whilst disguising the heating element beneath. Tall plants placed beside radiators provide natural screening without impeding function.

Similar to radiators, exposed plumbing presents functional necessities that require thoughtful design intervention.

Find an elegant solution for exposed pipes

Box them in with custom carpentry

Building false walls or boxing sections around exposed pipes creates clean lines and provides opportunities for integrated storage or display. In bathrooms, boxing can extend to create shallow shelving for toiletries. In kitchens, pipe boxing might incorporate wine racks or cookbook storage. Use moisture-resistant materials in wet areas and ensure access panels for maintenance.

Embrace industrial aesthetics

Rather than concealing pipes, celebrate their presence by incorporating them into an intentional industrial design scheme. Clean, paint and seal exposed copper or steel pipes, then surround them with complementary elements:

• Edison bulb lighting fixtures
• Metal shelving units with visible brackets
• Concrete or brick accent walls
• Reclaimed wood furniture pieces

Use plants and vertical gardens

Vertical planting systems positioned in front of pipe runs provide living camouflage that adds texture and improves air quality. Climbing plants trained along pipes transform utilitarian elements into organic architectural features. Ensure plant selections suit your light conditions and that watering systems don’t compromise pipe integrity or surrounding structures.

Finally, the everyday appliances that facilitate modern living often disrupt carefully planned design schemes.

Transform appliances into design elements

Select appliances as design features

Modern appliance manufacturers offer statement pieces designed to enhance rather than detract from interiors. Retro-styled refrigerators in bold colours become focal points in vintage-inspired kitchens. Sleek black or copper-finish appliances complement contemporary schemes. When purchasing new appliances, prioritise design alongside functionality to ensure they contribute positively to your aesthetic.

Conceal appliances behind cabinetry

Integrated appliances hidden behind cabinet fronts create seamless kitchen designs. Dishwashers, refrigerators and even microwaves can disappear behind panels matching your cabinetry. For smaller appliances like toasters and kettles, appliance garages with roller shutters or hinged doors keep countertops clear whilst maintaining easy access.

Create dedicated appliance zones

Designate specific areas for appliance clusters rather than scattering them throughout spaces. A coffee station with machine, grinder and accessories grouped together creates an intentional vignette. A breakfast bar with toaster, kettle and juice maker establishes a functional zone that feels purposeful rather than haphazard. Use trays, canisters and coordinated accessories to unify these groupings visually.

By implementing these professional concealment strategies, even the most challenging functional elements can be transformed into seamless components of your interior design. Whether through clever camouflage, strategic integration or bold celebration of utilitarian features, every home can achieve the polished aesthetic typically associated with professional design. The key lies in recognising that these necessary elements needn’t compromise your vision, but rather present opportunities for creative problem-solving that enhances both functionality and beauty throughout your living spaces.