How to hide an electrical panel in an elegant way

How to hide an electrical panel seems an easy enough task, but the usual solutions are not always the most creative and aesthetic ones. See how I hid the one that was located directly next to the television.

It was in 2010 and at that time, we were living in a 1977 bungalow. The basement was a collection of small rooms that we practically did not use. These spaces were useless in particular because they were too small and badly needed an update.

Now, you’re going to tell me, “Why are you talking about this renovation when it was so long ago?” Well for two reasons. The first, because it’s one of the achievements I’m very proud of. Second, because I wanted to talk to you about my outdoor patio, but it’s snowing and ice-cold right now! Again!

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Before

I searched in my photos and found (thank you Lightroom!!) a photo dating from 2009. I must admit that it is almost embarrassing! The room you see there was a room with built-in furniture. Can you guess where the electrical panel is?

And yes, you are right. Might as well put a big flashing arrow! Hey, look at the electrical panel !!!

The plan

Since we didn’t use this room, we decided to open it with the next mini-living room and with the room you see below to create a home theatre.

My problem now was that the electrical panel was on the only remaining wall that was big enough to install the TV. (Admit that this room was pretty awful at that time!!)

So I tried to find a way to hide the electrical panel while avoiding to draw attention to it (goodbye louvres!).

Since I also needed to run home theatre wiring (speakers and TV), I decided that the best solution would be to double the wall in 2″ x 3″.

Materials

• 2″ x 3″ studs
• Drywall
• 5/16 “x 1-1 / 16” x 8 ‘Molding
• Masonite panel
• plastic rails

How to hide an electrical panel

First, the wall was doubled in 2 “x 3”. This allowed us to run the wires for the home theatre, to offer good support to install the television and to hide the electrical panel.

Second, we obviously passed all the wires before closing the wall. 😉

Finally, the majority of the wall was made of traditional drywall, except for the square of the electrical panel that is a masonite panel. The two white lines you see below are the rails that allow the masonite panel to slide.

The mouldings were installed to create a board and battens effect and hide the rails. I painted the wall before installing the mouldings (which were also painted before being installed). The moulding serves as a handle to pull the panel to the right.

And this is the final result. Gone the arrow that flashes and indicates where the electrical panel is hiding!!! 😉

This installation hides the electrical panel and still gives easy and quick access to it.

I have already been asked if I was worried about hiding an electrical panel in case of fire. I personally believe firefighters usually know where they are. Anyway, by taking a look outside, we can immediately know where it is located. It’s up to you to know if you want to take the risk.

2 for 1

The fact that the electrical panel was at this location and required me to double the wall also allowed me to solve the problem of the home theatre wiring. Sometimes, the stars align themselves. I always tell myself that there is no problem, just solutions! You just have to look for them a bit, but you always end up finding them!

What a difference with the before pictures don’t you think?

Today

I was sad to move and leave this room that I worked so hard for. But last January, I updated my family room in the new house and it made me really happy. You should go take a look at what I did behind the TV.

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