Buzz
Pipes are indispensable in every household, but their exposed presence on a wall can detract from the overall aesthetic appeal. Finding solutions to cover or disguise these pipes without extensive renovations can be daunting. Fortunately, there are several DIY projects you can undertake to conceal or blend them in, enhancing the appearance of your walls.
Execution Steps
Camouflaging Your Pipes
Paint Your Pipes to Match the Wall Color: Select a paint color identical to your wall's hue and acquire a matching can of paint. Apply the paint to your pipes using a paintbrush to seamlessly blend them into the wall.
- If you wish to accentuate the industrial aesthetic of exposed pipes, opt for a contrasting color to make them stand out.
Pro Tip: If you're unable to find an exact match for your wall color, scrape off a small paint chip and take it to a hardware store for color matching.
Enhance Small Pipes with Decorative Covers: Utilize wooden or plastic pipe covers available at hardware stores to blend with your decor. Apply adhesive spray to your pipe and fully wrap it with the cover. Trim any excess using a box cutter or utility knife to achieve a decorative appearance.
Install a Spacious Shelf for Additional Storage: Opt for a simple wooden shelf spanning the width of your pipes. Cut an appropriate opening in the shelf to accommodate the pipes, then secure it to the wall with screws. Utilize the shelf to store various items like laundry supplies, tools, or games.
- This method effectively increases storage capacity, ideal for garage or basement spaces.
Conceal Low Pipes with Furniture:
Place furniture with sturdy legs in front of radiator pipes near baseboards. Ensure the furniture isn't in direct contact with the pipes to prevent heat damage. Alternatively, craft custom furniture with tailored cutouts to accommodate the pipes if you possess woodworking skills.
Utilize Large Houseplants as Disguises: Opt for tall houseplants like money trees or umbrella plants, or opt for climbing plants such as ivy. Position the plant in a pot in front of the pipes to divert attention away from them.
- For pipes extending vertically, consider hanging plants from the ceiling.
Using Wood to Conceal Pipes
Determine Pipe Dimensions: Utilize a tape measure to ascertain the height and width of your pipes accurately.
Measure Pipe Protrusion from Wall: Gauge the distance from the wall to the front of the pipes and record the measurement for accurate covering.
Cut Boards to Pipe Height: Cut three boards to match the height of your pipes using a table or hand saw.
Join Boards to Form Covering: Apply wood glue to bond the boards into a rectangular shape, leaving one side open to cover the pipes. Secure the boards with clamps while the glue sets.
Secure Boards Using Caulk: Position wooden boards flush with the ground and ceiling over the pipes. Press them against the wall to ensure complete coverage and use caulk to affix them securely.
Paint Wood and Caulk to Match Wall Color: Apply paint matching your wall color to the wooden boards and caulking. Alternatively, stain the wood to match if your walls feature wooden panels.
Pro Tip: For rooms with baseboards or molding, adjust the wooden boards to fit either on top or underneath them.
Additional Advice
- Consider embracing exposed pipes to introduce an industrial vibe to your space. Alternatively, paint them in vibrant colors like yellow or white to make them a standout feature.
- If concealing outdoor wall pipes, match them to the building's color, use pipe covers, or incorporate plants for camouflage.
Essential Supplies
Utilizing Wood for Pipe Coverage
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- 3 boards
- Wood glue
- Metal clamps
- Caulk
- Paint
- Paint brush
