Cover a Thermostat

January 8th, 2009 in member junk

ShaeLeigh, member

6 users recommend

This picture hides a thermostat that was visually unappealing...

Here is the view behind the picture frame.

This is the 2nd place I did this...the painting of the house, beneath the sconce, covers another thermostat. The wooden shutter door to the left of it is a temporary fix for an ugly metal air return grate (I intend to move it to another spot, when I have time).

From the side, the latch keeps the door in place. Since this is at eye level, you cannot easily tell that the top and bottom are open for air circulation; it gives the visual effect of being a box.

You can see how the air can flow easily, because there is a lot of clearance and the top and bottom are both open.

This picture hides a thermostat that was visually unappealing...

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Ever have a thermostat smack in the middle of a wall, somewhere it just bugs you to look at and interferes with your style? My solution was to take a framed picture and hinge it onto supports, so that it opens and closes like a cabinet door, but leaves an opening at the bottom and top, behind the frame, for air circulation. I used scrap wood and found hinges, with a picture I had on hand.

Pattern or design used: My own design - Thermostat Cover

posted in: member junk, thermostat cover hide frame

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Comments (11)

Shelley_ writes: Thanks for sharing this idea ... my thermostat is now hidden behind a picture! Posted: 11:32 am on October 30th

BEACHLIFE writes: I covered by thermostate 30 years ago with a basket and put artifical ivy in it. I just lifted it off when I needed to change the temp. I had forgotten about it. Now I live in an apt and the thermostate and air return are next to each other and will try and do something like this again. I decorate with all beach stuff so will have to put my thinking cap on to come up with something. Posted: 11:48 am on September 18th

KristaWatterworth writes: I am totally going to steal this one. Love it! Posted: 9:37 am on July 17th

WhitePineLane writes: I love this! I have a couple places where I could use this idea. Do you have a problem with it swinging open at all? I bet a little magnetic catch would be good for that. Posted: 12:48 pm on May 15th

ela1203 writes: Oh what a great idea. Upstairs in my hallway I have an old fuse box that has a metal door. I hung pictures there but they look always oddly arranged...., now you gave me a great idea. Very clever. Such innovative ideas! I love this website. Posted: 5:59 pm on March 13th

ShaeLeigh writes: No, that's correct...the air flow should not be disrupted. That's why the 'case' only has two sides, with the top and bottom open. I installed this cover, and another one in the dining room, and have had both in place for over two years without any problems. The thermostats both read accurately, and both systems (they are separately zoned) work efficiently. The trick to this is giving enough clearance, and making sure that both the top and the bottom are open. Another easy trick to cover a thermostat with good ventilation is to hang a loose-weave basket (of any material) over it. Posted: 1:57 pm on January 9th

junkermidge writes: This a great solution for hiding the thermostat. Very clever and pretty, too. I'm no HVAC expert, but I would imagine that italianpeasant is probably correct. But that doesn't mean that NOTHING can cover it, you just need air flow. Because you're is open on top and bottom I'll bet you'll be fine. Good job!
Midge Posted: 12:26 pm on January 9th

italianpeasant writes: did you know that you're not suppose to cover a thermostat because that disrupts the flow of air to the thermostat to regulate the temperature, at least that's what i learned in my many readings of fix it books :), but i am occasionally wrong LOL Posted: 11:00 am on January 9th

shabbychick writes: Great idea - thanks for sharing.

I've been trying to decide how to cover mine...thanks for the inspiration!

Kathy

P.S. Welcome to the JunkMarket! Posted: 10:23 pm on January 8th