15 ways to disguise household eyesores — hide wires, conceal storage, and make everyday items both attractive and functional.
Here are easy, practical solutions I use around our home to keep “ugly” things out of sight and make daily life feel more organized and intentional.
How to Hide Eyesores in Your Home
Whenever I post about our living room in Instagram Stories, people ask where the TV cords are, how we handle storage without a mudroom, or how we keep the house tidy with kids. We don’t have everything figured out (messy house tours are real) but small, thoughtful changes make a big difference.
Below are my favorite ways to make unattractive but necessary items look intentional and tidy. These ideas focus on hiding cords, organizing supplies, and creating attractive homes for functional items.
1. Hide TV Cords With Cord Covers
If your TV is wall mounted and cords trail down the wall, cord covers are an inexpensive, simple solution. Run the covers along the wall or mantel to a nearby outlet, then paint them the same color as the wall to make them vanish. Cord covers are effective for hiding TV wires quickly and cleanly.
2. Hide Wires on Walls
Cord covers also work well for plug-in wall lights and picture lights. They let you add lighting without rewiring and keep wires neat along the surface of the wall. Paint the covers to match the wall for a seamless finish. When possible, hardwiring is ideal, but cord covers are a budget-friendly alternative.
3. Put Electronics in Grate or Glass-Front Cabinets
If gaming systems, cable boxes, or streaming devices clutter your media area, house them in cabinets with slatted, grated, or glass fronts so remote signals still pass through. This keeps electronics out of sight while remaining accessible, and a cabinet can double as storage or seating.
4. Organize Soaps on a Cake Stand or Vanity Tray
Keep scrub brushes, soap, and small sink items grouped on a small tray or cake stand to prevent clutter and create a simple, attractive sink area. Matching dispensers and neat labels can streamline the look and make everyday tasks feel more intentional.
5. Place Magnetic Frames on Breaker Boxes
If a breaker box sits in a visible spot, paint it the same color as the wall and use magnetic frames or removable artwork to disguise it while keeping it accessible. Avoid covering the panel completely—leave the door visible enough for emergencies.
6. Hide a Thermostat With a Glassless Picture Frame
To soften the look of a thermostat mounted on a hallway wall, hang a picture frame without the glass over it. The frame hides the device but still allows it to function; lift the frame easily whenever adjustments are needed. Alternatively, arrange surrounding art to blend the thermostat into a gallery wall.
7. Hide a Smart Home Device on a Tray
Keep smart speakers and Bluetooth devices accessible but tidy by grouping them on a small tray with other countertop essentials. This keeps cords and devices contained while making it easy to use them daily. You can also hide small devices behind plants to keep them discreet.
8. Utilize Pegboard for Cleaning Supplies
When cabinet space is limited, vertical pegboard storage in a laundry or utility room keeps supplies visible and organized. Use hooks and small baskets to hang brushes, bottles, and tools so everything has a place and the floor stays clear.
9. Use Dispensers for Soaps and Lotions
Replace mismatched bottles with coordinated dispensers in the shower and around sinks to reduce visual clutter. Square or stackable dispensers save space on narrow shelves and create a clean, minimalist look. The same approach works in nurseries and on changing tables—group essentials in decorative dispensers and baskets for easy access.
10. Use Plants for Hiding Cameras, Routers, and Smart Devices
Small plants can disguise cameras, routers, and other small electronics while letting them function. Place devices beside or slightly behind planters so they stay hidden but still have adequate airflow and a clear signal if required.
11. Use a Bench With Drawers for Shoe Storage
Without a mudroom, a storage bench with drawers near the back door provides a compact place for shoes and outerwear. Benches make great multipurpose furniture—seating plus hidden storage—and are often easy to find secondhand and update with simple DIY touches.
12. Hide Toys in Baskets
Keep living-room toys contained in large baskets with a blanket or pillow on top to disguise contents while keeping items within reach. Lidded baskets are even better for a tidy look. If you don’t have a fireplace, tuck a basket under a coffee table or use an ottoman with storage.
13. Store Pantry Items in Jars and Baskets
For frequently used dry ingredients, transfer contents into clear jars with labels to eliminate packaging clutter and speed up meal prep. Wire baskets inside pantry cabinets keep cans and snack items organized and easy to see. Clear containers also help you avoid overbuying by showing what you already have.
14. Use Aesthetic Toilet Brushes and Plungers
Toilet brushes and plungers don’t have to be eyesores. Choose attractive holders that keep these essentials accessible and discreet. A neat, design-forward brush or plunger makes bathrooms feel cleaner and more considered while staying practical for guests.
15. Tidy the Coffee Area With a Tray and Dispensers
Create a compact, attractive coffee station using a tray, glass canisters for coffee and sugar, labeled syrup dispensers, and a divided basket for pods, sweeteners, and stirrers. A tidy station makes morning routines smoother and looks intentional in both homes and home offices.
Aesthetic Household Items
Below are curated household items that help keep things tidy and attractive. Click any image in the gallery to view details in the original source.
More Ways to Hide Household Items
- Vintage light switch covers can add character and disguise plain switches.
- Smart linen closet organization makes bathroom storage work for your family.
- Thrifted makeovers give secondhand pieces new life and hide less attractive items.
- Hidden toy storage furniture keeps playthings out of sight in a stylish way.
- Garage storage solutions transform cluttered spaces into organized areas.
What solutions do you use to hide everyday eyesores? Small tweaks like these can have a big impact on how your home looks and functions.
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