If your water heater is in a common space in your home, maybe a finished basement or an open laundry area, you may think of it as an eyesore. While your home has to have hot water, you don’t have to choose between functionality and appearance. It’s possible to hide your water heater and keep it accessible when needed.
A Decorative Screen Provides Flexibility
Decorative screens are available in a variety of patterns and colors and are a great way to conceal a water heater. Screens work well in large basements and laundry rooms.
They will also create a barrier in your space that makes unfinished utility areas feel more complete without breaking down a wall. Because most screens are lightweight, you can easily move them when your water heater needs service or maintenance.
Custom Enclosures Hide the Unit Entirely
Choose to build a cabinet or closet around your water heater, keeping in mind how it matches with your furniture if you’re going for style. When considering this option, don’t forget to make sure the design allows adequate clearance for ventilation. In general, keep about a foot of space on all sides of the heater. Consider building it with access panels or removable doors for easy access.
Shelving Around the Water Heater Makes It Part of the Space
Instead of focusing on hiding your water heater, consider incorporating it into a larger storage solution in the space. Shelving units are easy to surround the water heater. You can use this storage space for cleaning supplies, laundry products, or tools. This will help make the water heater feel like it’s part of an organized storage area rather than just an appliance. Also, if the water heater is in the laundry room, adding storage can make the space more functional by building shelves for your cleaning supplies.
Decor in the Rest of the Room Pulls Focus
Maybe it isn’t practical to cover up the water heater. In this case, try to spruce up the area around the unit so that it fades into the background. Paint the wall in a fun color and add some framed photos or potted plants near the unit to draw the eye away. When the rest of the space is getting all the attention, no one will notice the water heater. This is an ideal option for finished basements and repurposed garages where you spend a good bit of time.
Keep Functionality in Mind
No matter how you hide or style your water heater, make sure there is access to it so maintenance sessions are easier to manage. You need to have space around your water heater. By balancing design and functionality, an awkward area can be transformed. If you live in Granada Hills, CA or a surrounding area and need water heater services, make your first call to Turbo Plumbing & Rooter.