Clean and Scentsible

Photo Gallery Wall {How to Cover a Thermostat}

Do you have an ugly thermostat on your wall that you can’t figure out what to do with? Learn how to cover a thermostat with a pretty DIY photo gallery wall.

 

Photo gallery wall using photo ledges to cover up an ugly thermostat.

How to Cover a Thermostat or Alarm Panel

If your home has an ugly thermostat or alarm panel on the wall that you’ve been wanting to cover up, a photo gallery wall is the perfect way to hide them! Using photo ledges, you can even combine your photos with some simple decor elements if you choose. In our house, our thermostat and alarm panel were placed awkwardly on the wall leading to our kitchen and family room space. Unfortunately, they couldn’t be moved and we needed to be able to easily access them on a regular basis.
Photo gallery wall using photo ledges and a canvas photo frame to hide a thermostat.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a good before photo for you, but here’s a peek at where the thermostat is hiding.
Photo ledges with a canvas photo to cover up an ugly thermostat and 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 using photo ledges to cover up an ugly thermostat.

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.}

Kids' Bedroom Organization Ideas. Free printables and tips and tutorials to get your kids' bedrooms cleaned and organized for good.

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 gallery wall ideas.

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.

Photo gallery wall using photo ledges and a canvas photo frame to hide a thermostat.

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!

Pretty photo gallery wall using photo ledges to cover up an ugly thermostat.

These little faces are so much cuter than the thermostat, don’t you think? 🙂

DIY Photo Gallery Wall using photo ledges and DIY photo canvases.

Before and after of a photo gallery used to cover an ugly thermostat.

 

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Comments

  6. 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!

    Reply

  17. 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!

    Reply

  18. 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.

    Reply

  23. 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 🙂

    Reply

  27. 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!

    Reply

  30. 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

    Reply

  33. 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?

    Reply

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