Hide Washer Hoses: 7 Easy Way to Make This Area Pretty
We all have them. Ugly washer hookups. This eyesore has been around since the creation of your home, and it’s time that these companies upped their game on the aesthetic. But, until then, it’s up to us DIYers to use a little creativity to do our best to hide washer hoses, or at least make them pretty. In today’s world, you can order anything online if you know what to look for. These boxes that washer hoses are installed in are known as Oatey boxes, (after the brand that became known for them), but you can find any brand by searching “washing machine outlet box covers” on Amazon. They are actually available in white, and not that creamy mustard from the early 90s that so many of us stare at on the regular.
Can You Hide Washer Hoses?
You can! There are a number of cute and clever ways to cover up ugly washer hoses, from boxes and shelves, to plants and decor.
But, Should You Hide Your Washer Hoses?
This is really the question–no matter how ugly they are, remember that there is a reason we all have such easy access to the water supply. Washing machines are a common culprit of water damage, and stopping the damage as soon as you realize it’s happening will save you a ton of headaches. That means, choose wisely when deciding how to “cover” these spots–whatever you choose, make sure you can access it quickly and easily. And, your solution should maintain the integrity of the washer hoses, making sure not to crimp or damage them over time.
Saved by Plants
At our last house, I painted the washer box, but it still looked unsightly. So, I bought a box shelf from Hobby Lobby–this one I used is decorative, but any box shelf would do.. We cut out a nook in the back of the frame so the hoses could still be in the proper position. Then, I filled the box with faux rosemary. It’s a unique way to decorate, and it hides those old, gross connectors.
A Modern Frame
For my latest laundry room makeover, the washer box would be surrounded by pole wrap. The only thing you would see is the interior of the washer box. But…that color. Bleh. The spigots actually looked cool, though, in the original brass with blue components. Those I decided to tape off before spray painting the interior. Once the interior was spray painted, I removed the protective paper I had added and the tape on the spigots. Then, I used corner moulding to do a frame that trimmed out the exterior and the interior edge of the washer box. This is similar to creating an exterior frame, but the opposite direction. The angles were cut at 45º. I had to make a few slight cuts, one after the other, as I trimmed back pieces to get a perfect fit. See details about this washer box makeover.
Create a Box
The Worthing Court Blog shows you how to hide the ugly washer hoses with a simple box the covers the hose area. The front panel is hinged to the top of the box in case you need to access the hoses. Genius.
Short, Wide Curtain
Seeking Lavender Lane uses fabric to create a short, but wide curtain for the area behind the washer and dryer. This is a simple way to hide ugly hoses, using a tension rod and fabric in a rod pocket design. Super cute fabric for a farmhouse vibe.
Shallow, Removable Shelf
Many homeowners love having a shelf just above the washer and dryer, for decor, a stylish accent and functional elements. It’s also a great way to prevent wayward socks from flying up out of your hands and jumping behind the dryer. I love the way Anne, from On Sutton Place, added this removable shelf in her her laundry room makeover.
Shiplap, Shelf + Plant
Hana is a girl after my own heart. If all else fails, add some shiplap, wood tones and PLANTS! I love how she positioned everything so there is still simple access, but it looks pretty.
A Wooden Slat Panel
This is such a contemporary look, and as you’ll see in this special blog Catie wrote about recreating this slat panelto hide washer hoses, it’s easily removable.
Do You Have Laundry Hookups You’d Like to Hide?
Or, have you created your own way to hide washer hoses in your home? Reach out with your ideas, or questions about what to do in your own laundry room! Cheers to getting rid of these little eyesores!
