12 Clever Ways to Cover & Hide Outlets

Learn how to disguise your electrical sockets so they don’t disrupt your home decor

Co-authored by Jesse Kuhlman and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: February 5, 2024 Fact Checked

Although essential, electrical outlets can be a bit of an eyesore. They can also be a hazard in homes with pets or young children. Covering or disguising your electrical outlets is a great way to keep the decorative style of your space, all while preventing injuries. Take a look at the list of ways you can hide your electrical outlets and sockets below.

1

Paint over the electrical outlet.

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Spray painting an outlet can help it blend into a wall. Choose a paint color that matches the surrounding wall. Remove the electrical outlet's cover and spray a thin coat over the cover, waiting for it to dry before placing it back over the outlet.^{[1]
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- Apply 2-3 coats for a strong, blended color.

2

Use a “tiled-in” outlet plate for outlets covering tiles.

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Cover outlets on tiles with a plate that looks like a piece of tile. Tiled-in outlet plates are designed to blend in with surrounding tiles in bathrooms and kitchens. Choose a plate that matches your tile design and secure it over the outlet panel.^{[2]
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- If your kitchen or bathroom has a slate tile wall, for example, you could buy a dark tiled-in outlet plate to hide your outlet.

3

Use a box cover to fully cover an outlet.

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Box covers hide the entire outlet panel. This product is designed to prevent children or pets from accidental electrocution, but it can also work as a clever way to hide outlets from view. Simply measure your outlet's length and width and choose a cover that matches the outlet's dimensions.
- Pick a color and/or design that best matches your space. If you can’t find an outlet cover that’s an exact match, consider painting it.
- If you're hiding an outdoor outlet, you can also buy hollow boxes that look like rocks.

4

Position furniture in front of the outlet.

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Furniture can help cover an outlet to hide it from view. Simply push a cabinet, end table, or desk in front of the socket. If you need to temporarily use the outlet, you can always rearrange the furniture or thread the cord underneath the furniture.
- Choose lightweight furniture so you can easily move it toward and away from the wall.
- Keep the furniture at least several inches away from the wall for easier access to the outlet.

5

Hang a picture over the outlet.

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Hide outlets positioned higher on the wall by covering them with art. Screw a hook or nail into the wall above the outlet. Then, hang a picture or piece of art over the outlet. This keeps the outlet easily accessible while effectively hiding it.^{[3]
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- Avoid taping posters over the outlet, as these can be harder to remove if you need to use it.

6

Place an electrical device over the outlet.

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For example, position stereo speakers directly in front of the outlet they’re plugged into. Roll up the cord as much as possible and set it behind the device to keep it from drawing attention to the outlet.^{[4]
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7

Place a hinged cover over the outlet.

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A hinged cover hides an outlet without sacrificing function. Simply purchase a hinged cover and snap or attach it over the outlet panel.
- For a more decorative approach, purchase a hinged cover that looks like a small painting or has an artistic design.^{[5]
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8

Hire an electrician to install a pop-out outlet.

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Pop-out outlets hide in the wall until you press the cover to reveal the outlet. While these are an effective way to hide usable outlets in kitchens and other spaces, they should be installed by an expert. Contact an electrician to determine which type of pop-outlet is best for your space.^{[6]
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9

Use a mirrored outlet cover.

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If your outlet is over a mirror or glossy tiles, buy a mirrored outlet cover. Snap the cover over the outlet panel to camouflage the socket on high-gloss surfaces. For instance, this is a great option to hide outlets near a stove or on a mirror.^{[7]
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- Alternatively, you can also use a mirrored spray paint for a similar effect.

10

Place a decal around the outlet for an artistic flair.

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Position a stylish decal around the outlet to make it a part of your decor. The decal can help take attention away from the outlet or blend in with its surroundings.^{[8]
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- Pick a decal or design that matches the decor in your chosen space for the best results.

11

Place an outlet cap over electrical outlets.

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For a budget-friendly option, plug sockets with plastic coverings. Not only do these help disguise sockets, but they’re also child and pet-safe. Plus you can easily take the plugs out if you ever need to use the outlet.^{[9]
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12

Choose a sliding plate cover for easy access.

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To safety-proof outlets you occasionally use, secure a sliding plate over them. Sliding caps are a great option if you have little ones, as they are the least likely to be a choking hazard. Plus, whenever you need to use the outlet, you simply move the plate temporarily and slide it back when you're done.^{[10]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I safety-proof a bathroom outlet?

Jesse Kuhlman
Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric
Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes.

Jesse Kuhlman

Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric

Expert Answer

All outlets in your bathroom, above the kitchen counter, or within 6 ft of a sink must be GFCI protected. This protection can be installed at the outlet itself or with a GFCI circuit breaker.

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Handle electrical outlets carefully to prevent injuries or electrocution.

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Warnings

Use a GFCI outlet or GFCI circuit breaker to protect outlets in the bathroom, above the kitchen counter, or within 6 ft (1.8 m) of a sink.^{[11]
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Jesse Kuhlman
Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric

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