If your old thermostat is an eyesore, there are a number of simple ways to help camouflage it without making it totally inaccessible.
Here are some ways to camouflage an ugly thermostat that won’t wreck your decor or compromise the energy efficiency of your home.
Install a Floating Shelf
Hide an unsightly thermostat in plain sight by installing a floating shelf right beneath it. Style the shelf with books, small decor objects, leaning art, a portable LED lamp, or a plant that won’t block airflow and will minimize the visual impact of the thermostat while keeping it accessible.
Hide It in a Gallery Wall
Neutralize the look of your thermostat by incorporating it into an artfully arranged gallery wall. Allow it to float on the wall or hang an empty picture frame around it to help it blend in with framed art, photographs, mirrors, and sculptural wall-mounted objects.
Obscure It With a Tall Plant
Float a tall houseplant or potted tree on the floor in front of your thermostat to keep it out of sight without blocking it completely. Choose a leafy plant with plenty of volume such as a fern that will help mask its presence.
Try a Perforated Cover
DIY enthusiasts might be tempted to enclose an ugly thermostat in an upcycled medicine cabinet or a shadow box, but this can constrict airflow. If you want to cover up the front of the thermostat without suffocating it, consider using a perforated metal or wood hinged door cover with holes that will allow air to circulate and make it easy to open when you need to adjust the dial.
Create a Seasonal Cover
If you live in an older home with separate thermostats for heating and cooling, create a seasonal cover to hide the off-duty thermostat when not in use. Hang a lightweight canvas photograph or DIY artwork over your heating thermostat when warm weather rolls around to keep it out of sight and mind, then swap it out as soon as temperatures fall.
Use a Smart Thermostat Trim Kit
If you are installing a smart thermostat to replace an older model, consider finishing it off with a trim kit for a more integrated look. These consist of plates that cover up wires and wall damage from removing the old one, and can be matched to the color of your new thermostat for a polished and intentional feel.