How to Cover a Thermostat or Alarm Panel
To cover the thermostat, I created a simple DIY photo canvas. I also made a second one for the second shelf to balance it out. Since the canvas is just leaning against the wall and has an open back, there is still good air flow through it for the thermostat to function. It’s also super light, so it’s easy to move. And if one of the kids happens to drop it, there’s nothing to break! When you’re choosing your canvas, just make sure you find a wrapped one with the thicker edges to everything stays covered.
Photo Gallery Wall
For the photo gallery wall, I used two photo ledges, two DIY canvas photos, some basic white frames, and a couple of simple decorative touches.
Photo Ledges
I like the idea of using ledges for a photo gallery wall as it allows you some flexibility to change things up. You can add different frames over the years or switch up the decor items as the seasons change. These photo ledges are from Minted but I made some similar ones for Connor’s sports photos in his room. The ones from Minted have a few more decorative elements and are a lot lighter so I preferred them for the longer shelving. {NOTE: I did end up painting mine white as the white wash finish did not go well with our wall color.}
Photos
Although our photos are from a variety of years, they all have a similar color scheme and go together well. If you have photos that have a lot of contrasting colors, you may want to print them in black and white to make them more cohesive.
Photo Frames
Choose a variety of photo frames and matting sizes for a more intersting look. Having varied heights will keep the eye moving along the wall. You just want to make sure that you keep the overall “weight” of the frames balanced. Grouping frames together in uneven numbers also tends to be more visually pleasing.
Decorative Elements
To add a bit of extra visual interest and tie the two shelves together, I used some white ceramic vases, a little faux greenery, and a metal ‘L’ for our last name. I plan on changing these up a bit for the different seasons though and might change out a few of the photos too!
These little faces are so much cuter than the thermostat, don’t you think? 🙂
I love the shelves. I’ve been trying to find similar ones for my office. Where did you buy them?
What a great idea! It looks really great and covers up those necessary things. I would love if you would share this at my link party. http://www.realcoake.com/2013/03/real-family-fun-7.html
Take care,
KC
This is a great idea – and another place to decorate!! Yippeee! I have a thermostat and fan switch in the middle of my landing so may well pinch your idea!! Thanks, J9 x
. . . A clever & beautiful solution to a common problem. Great job!
Warmly, Michelle
Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust
Love your gallery wall and the simple fix to cover the thermostat!
Hi Jenn, I love your solution! Pretty and fun!
My thermostat is on a short perpendicular wall, so it seems even more “blaring” to me. I have a small Longerberger basket that slips right over it. Problem solved.
Have a blessed Easter!
What a great solution. I wish my hallway was wide enough to do that to it! Cute picture of your boys too!
Great idea Jenn – and it looks so perfect there – you’d never guess it’s hiding anything!
Hugs,
Suzan
looks beautiful and great idea!
super cute wall and a fabulous and clever idea Jenn!
This is a great idea! I would love for you to share it on ThriftyThursday this week. Hope to see you there! Bonnie
Great idea, Jenn!!
Love this idea! Thanks!
Looks absolutely amazing! Great idea to cover up thermostats! Pinned!
Very clever! Cute kids too 🙂
Featuring YOU as one of GingerSnapCrafts co-hosts at http://www.createitgo.com. Thanks!
I’m one of the co-host’s this week for Ginger Snap Craft’s “{Wow Me} Wednesday”, and I’m featuring this post on my blog today. It’s such a great idea!
Okay, I’m only the 3rd Ginger Snap Craft co-host to love your project. It’s fabulous. Now if I can only figure out how to cover all the uglies on my picture wall…..
I featured your project on my blog today.
Great idea! I love the two shelves and the fat little bunny, too!
I’m visiting you today from Liz Marie. I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog and leave a comment and Link Up, too!
~ Megin of VMG206
Medicine Cabinet Makeover
Super cute! I just love the entire set up!
LOVE this Jenn! I need to do this!
Thanks for linking up! I featured your post in my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2013/top-14-diy-projects-to-make/
Have a fabulous weekend!
Good idea, Jenn! 🙂
I love this idea! I’ve been at a loss with the walls in our apartment since we have a small thermostat in each room. I might just try something like this. We’ll be featuring your idea over at Someday Crafts tomorrow, so pop on over if you have a chance 🙂
What a great idea! I love your little gallery shelf area too, so cute! Thanks for sharing,
Krista @thehappyhousie
I love it when function and beauty come together…GREAT job! 🙂
~Sarah
sono fantastici i bambini!!! e l’idea degli scaffali è geniale…
BEST IDEA EVER! I was actually searching for a decorative thermostat cover (of which are non-existent apparently?)when I came upon your idea! I already have the narrow frame shelves taken down because we repainted, and now have the perfect (new) place for them! Thank you!
This is super brilliant. I need to do this!! 🙂 Pinning.
#madebyyoumonday
I love this idea! We have an old house, and our thermostat is very ’70’s looking. This will be perfect!
Hi Jenn!
I love this idea! What a great way to conceal those not-so-pretty little boxes. Thanks for sharing at Homestyle Gathering. I’m so happy to have you there! I hope you’re having a great week!
>>> Kim
I’ve never thought about trying to pretty up the hallway like this; thermostats are fairly unsightly, aren’t they?
Yes, and it was one of the first things you saw as you came into the house. 🙂
What a great idea! I had a wall that had almost the same as your photos, with two not so nice things to cover, a dimmer switch for lights, that we never used, and a thermostat! Thanks for the idea!
I did a similar thing to hide mine– just put up a little shelf and set a sign on the shelf. Maybe I got the idea from here long ago?