Hello, fellow DIY enthusiasts and home decor lovers! I’m Ashley, the creative mind behind 3 Little Greenwoods, where I love sharing a blend of easy crafts, inspiring DIY home decor projects, stress-free entertaining tips, and heartwarming Southern recipes. Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to be a guest here at Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body, bringing you a brilliant and budget-friendly solution to a common household challenge: how to effectively hide an unsightly phone jack.

Modern homes are all about sleek lines and minimalist aesthetics, yet many of us are still plagued by outdated wall fixtures. In my own kitchen, a space I absolutely adore for its ample cabinets and generous countertops, there was one persistent eyesore that constantly grated on my nerves: an old-school, bulky wall phone jack. It stuck out like a sore thumb on the prominent wall connecting the kitchen to the dining room, disrupting the harmony of my carefully curated decor.

I tried various temporary fixes, from draping my favorite apron over it to strategically placing artwork, but nothing truly concealed it, and it always felt like a compromise. The persistent visual clutter of that phone jack drove me to seek a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution.

You might be thinking, “Why not just remove the phone jack entirely?” Believe me, that was my initial thought and a persistent desire. I made several attempts to carefully remove it from the wall, hoping for a clean slate. However, each time, it became clear that this particular phone jack was not going to surrender without a significant battle. It seemed deeply embedded and removing it threatened to cause extensive drywall damage, which I was keen to avoid. Plus, for those living in rented properties, removal often isn’t an option at all.

Frustrated but not defeated, I channeled my creative energy into designing a decorative wall box that would completely disguise the phone jack. The best part? This entire DIY home decor project cost me less than $10! My solution involved upcycling a discarded cigar box, which I meticulously decorated to perfectly complement our kitchen’s existing style. This project is not only easy to execute but also offers a clever bonus: a discreet, hidden storage compartment inside. It’s a true testament to how simple materials can be transformed into functional beauty.

How to Hide an Ugly Phone Jack: A Simple DIY Guide

Tackling an ugly phone jack doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few basic supplies and a touch of creativity, you can create a charming and functional decorative cover. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to get started on your own custom phone jack cover:

• A thin wooden cigar box (key for its lightweight and ideal depth)
• Marker (for outlining your cutout)
• Retractable utility knife (ensure it’s sharp for precise scoring)
• Hammer (for safely removing the cutout)
• Craft paint in desired colors (white for a base, browns for a weathered effect)
• Scrapbook paper (choose a pattern that matches your decor)
• Mod Podge (a versatile adhesive and sealer)
• Wooden monogram letter (optional, for a personalized touch)
• Components for a homemade knob (e.g., small metal plaque, cork, or other decorative embellishment)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Command Strips (for damage-free hanging)

You might be wondering, “Why a cigar box specifically?” The answer lies in its unique attributes. Cigar boxes are typically made from thin, lightweight wood, making them easy to manipulate and ideal for hanging on a wall without needing heavy-duty anchors. Their inherent depth is perfect for completely concealing the protruding phone jack. Furthermore, they are often readily available and inexpensive, if not free, making this an excellent upcycling project. We happened to have several cigar boxes patiently waiting in our craft stash, just begging to be transformed into something awesome.

Step 1: Creating the Custom Cutout for a Flush Fit

The crucial first step in this DIY project is to create an opening in the back of the cigar box. This cutout will allow the phone jack to fit neatly inside, ensuring the decorative box hangs flush against the kitchen wall, presenting a seamless and clean appearance.

To begin, accurately measure the dimensions of your phone jack. Pay attention to both its width and height. Once you have your measurements, carefully draw an outline of this shape onto the back of your wooden cigar box using your marker. Precision here is key for a snug fit. With your outline drawn, take your sharp retractable utility knife and begin to score along the lines. It’s important to make several shallow passes rather than trying to cut through the wood in one go. This scoring technique creates a deep groove, weakening the wood effectively without requiring immense force.

While the utility knife won’t completely cut through the thin wood, it will create lines deep enough to allow for the next clever trick. Once your lines are sufficiently scored, position the box carefully and use a hammer to gently yet firmly tap out the marked section. A couple of well-placed whacks with the hammer, and the cutout for the phone jack will pop right out, leaving a clean opening. This method is incredibly effective and far less labor-intensive than trying to saw through the thin wood.

After creating the cutout, it’s always a good idea to perform a quick test fit. Hold the cigar box against the wall, positioning the cutout directly over the phone jack. Thankfully, my cutout was a perfect fit, allowing the cigar box to sit snugly against the wall and completely envelop the phone jack. This ensures a clean, professional finish, entirely disguising the once-obtrusive fixture.

Step 2: Adding a Weathered Finish with Paint

Once the cigar box is perfectly prepped with its custom cutout, it’s time to transform its appearance with a touch of paint. This step allows you to personalize the box to match your home’s aesthetic, moving it from a simple repurposed item to a charming piece of decor.

Start by applying a light, thin coat of white craft paint to the exterior of the cigar box. The objective here isn’t to achieve full opaque coverage, but rather to “knock down” some of the existing strong colors or patterns on the box. This creates a more neutral base for the subsequent weathered effect. Just one or two thin coats should suffice, allowing some of the original wood grain or markings to subtly show through. Allow this white coat to dry completely, which usually doesn’t take long for craft paints.

Next, apply a coat of watered-down brown craft paint over the white base. The key is to work quickly: brush the brown paint on, then immediately wipe it off with a soft cloth or paper towel. This technique allows the brown paint to settle into the wood grain and any imperfections, creating a beautiful, aged, and weathered look that adds character and depth to your decorative box. Experiment with the amount of water and the speed of wiping to achieve your desired level of distressing. Let the box dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next decorative phase.

Step 3: Personalizing with Scrapbook Paper and a Monogram

While your painted box is drying, you can move on to selecting and preparing your decorative elements. This is where your creativity truly shines, allowing you to tailor the box to your unique style. I chose a beautiful weathered wood chevron pattern scrapbook paper because it perfectly complemented my kitchen’s rustic-chic theme. It’s remarkable how realistic some scrapbook papers look, giving the illusion of actual wood panels!

In addition to the scrapbook paper, I picked up a pre-painted wooden monogram letter from my favorite craft store. This simple addition would provide a personalized and elegant touch to the front of the box. Think about your own initial or perhaps an initial representing your family name to make the box truly unique.

Once the paint on your box is fully dry, it’s time to apply the scrapbook paper using Mod Podge. Apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to the areas you wish to cover, both on the outside and inside of the cigar box. Carefully position your cut pieces of scrapbook paper over the Mod Podge, smoothing out any air bubbles with your fingers or a craft brayer. For the inside of the box, specifically over the phone jack cutout, apply a piece of scrapbook paper with Mod Podge, then use your retractable knife to cut an “x” shape in the center of the opening. Carefully fold back the edges of this “x” and glue them to the back of the box, creating a neat, finished look around the opening. This ensures the phone jack remains hidden even when the box is open. Allow all the Mod Podge to completely dry and cure, which can take several hours, before moving to the final assembly steps.

Step 4: Crafting a Unique Homemade Knob

The decorative box was nearly complete, but it needed one more essential element: a functional yet decorative knob. However, due to the lightweight nature of the cigar box, a traditional heavy-duty knob might not be ideal or even practical. It needed something light that wouldn’t pull on the delicate wood.

During a scavenging trip through my favorite craft store, I found myself perusing the jewelry supply aisle. It was there that inspiration struck! I discovered a small, elegant metal plaque that caught my eye. Combined with a small piece of cork – yes, a simple cork – it formed the perfect lightweight and charming knob for my little decorative box. This is a great example of thinking outside the box (pun intended!) and repurposing items in unexpected ways.

With the components for the homemade knob selected, assembly was quick and easy. A small dab of hot glue was all it took to securely attach the metal plaque to the cork. Then, a little more hot glue was used to affix this newly created knob to the front of the cigar box. The final decorative touch was to hot glue the painted monogram letter to the front, strategically placing it to complement the knob and complete the personalized look. Hot glue provides an instant strong bond, making this a very satisfying and quick step.

Hidden Storage and Final Installation

With the decorative box complete, we immediately started debating its potential for hidden storage. Our boys were convinced it was the perfect secret spot for the Monopoly money their sister uses during her elaborate “store” games. Their sister, on the other hand, envisioned it as a cozy hideaway for her favorite miniature dolls. This unexpected bonus of a hidden compartment adds another layer of functionality and fun to the project, proving that practical solutions can also be playful.

I absolutely love the fact that the old, unsightly phone jack is now completely covered by such a charming and decorative box. The transformation is incredible, and the best part is that the entire project was created for less than $10! To securely hang the decorative box without damaging the wall, I used two Command Strips. These adhesive strips are fantastic for temporary or damage-free hanging, making them ideal for this lightweight project. Simply apply them to the back of the box and press firmly against the wall over the phone jack. Love those things for quick and easy decor changes!

We all have that one thing in our homes that constantly catches our eye in a negative way, something that drives us a little crazy. For me, it was that persistent phone jack. I am so incredibly happy and satisfied that my “one thing” is now perfectly disguised behind a beautiful and functional piece of DIY home decor. It’s truly awesome to find such an elegant and affordable solution to hide a phone jack that didn’t require messy and expensive sheetrock repair or complicated electrical work. This project empowers homeowners and renters alike to tackle those small, annoying imperfections with creativity and confidence, enhancing the overall beauty and comfort of their living spaces.

If you enjoyed this resourceful DIY solution, you might also be interested in some of my other popular posts. For instance, you absolutely have to check out my tutorial on the Cheapest DIY Curtain Rods EVER! It’s another fantastic way to save money while elevating your home decor.

Or, if you’re looking to boost your home’s curb appeal this summer with vibrant and easy-care plants, make sure to read my comprehensive guide about the best plants for hanging baskets. It’s packed with ideas to make your outdoor spaces truly shine.

A huge thank you to Tasha for inviting me to share my simple and effective solution for how to hide an ugly phone jack with all of you today! I sincerely hope this tutorial has inspired you to “think outside the cigar box” and find creative, unique ways to disguise unsightly features and personalize your home. Remember, sometimes the most impactful changes come from the simplest DIY projects.

In the meantime, I would absolutely love for you to come hang out with me over at my blog, 3 Little Greenwoods! You can also connect with me on social media to stay updated on all my latest crafts, decor ideas, and recipes.

But before I go, I’ve got one final question for you: What’s that one thing in your home that drives you crazy and you would absolutely love to hide or transform? Is it in your kitchen, like mine was, or somewhere else? Share your thoughts in the comments!