The One Wall That’s Giving Me A Big Challenge In Our Bedroom
Today is an exciting day because it’s delivery day for the recliner that I ordered for our bedroom! I ordered the recliner back in August and it was supposed to arrive by November 11th, so I’ve been anxiously awaiting its arrival.
The recliner is going in this corner by the green dresser. The bench has already been reupholstered and put in the foyer of the bedroom suite. So I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what I want to do with the wall behind the recliner.
You can see that the one big issue with this wall, and that area in particular, is the breaker box. I decided to keep it there and live with it rather than paying a lot of money to have it moved to another spot in the house. It’s actually a very convenient place for quick and easy access, so while I initially hated the idea, I’ve come around to it.
After all, it’s over in the corner, so it’s out of the way and not in the direct line of sight when a person enters the room. And I’ve had it in my mind that I can just cover it with a large piece of artwork and possibly even put that piece of artwork on hinges so that it “opens” like a cabinet door to access the breaker box.
But the more I’ve tried to plan, I’ve realized that I didn’t really think this through very well. I missed one big issue on that wall — it will have a big, rectangle TV above the dresser. And I can’t really get excited about having a big rectangle TV above the dresser, and then having another big rectangle piece of artwork covering the breaker box.
So over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had an idea, but I can’t seem to figure out exactly how to make it work. Since this corner will have a recliner, which I envision as a comfy reading corner for me, I thought it would be nice to have some shelves so that I can keep my books (the books I actually read) in here. But I don’t necessarily want a full-height bookcase that will sit on the floor because (1) the depth of the bookcase will push the recliner out into the room even more, and (2) the shelves behind the recliner won’t be easily accessible.
And that led me to the idea of having a wall-mounted bookshelf that only covers the wall above the chair rail. I don’t think I can install any kind of individual shelves since the whole thing will need to be easily moved if I need to get to the breaker box. It needs to be one whole unit that I can still possibly install on hinges. So I’m wondering if something like this would work…
Of course, I can’t find anything that’s big enough for that space, so if I go with this idea, I’ll have to build it myself. If I build it myself, I’m not sure if I can actually pull off that curved top. I’ll have to do some research and see exactly how that’s done.
So that’s the direction I’d love to go with this corner, but I just can’t seem to work out the details. I feel like if I build it myself, I’m right back to having a big rectangle in that spot. The good thing is that at least the shelves would add dimension and I could add some decorative items to the shelves so that it doesn’t read as just another rectangle on the wall next to the TV. But there’s also the issue of how it can be hung on the wall in a way that I can have easy access to the breaker box without having to unload shelves and physically remove the entire thing from the wall in order to access the breaker box.
Tell me your thoughts and ideas on this. Do you think it’s doable?
UPDATE: I’ve often said that answers to my own questions sometimes work themselves out in my mind as I write my blog posts. A lot of my posts really are just my stream of thoughts as I’m trying to work through issues, and I bring y’all along on as I’m working through those things. And the whole process of writing out my thoughts can be very helpful in working through those issues. It’s almost like writing my thoughts taps into a different part of my brain that helps me work through things in a different way than just thinking about them.
And as I wrote the above, and then got to the end of the post, it became obvious to me that the issue isn’t the breaker box area. The issue is that I’m trying to use a Samsung Frame TV as my starting point. I thought it would be nice to have a Frame TV so that it can look more like artwork and less like a TV, but I actually think that’s the wrong decision because then the Frame TV eliminates the most obvious and easiest solution for covering the breaker box, which is to cover it with a large piece of artwork.
I think the best solution would be to allow the TV to look like a TV and just frame it like I’ve framed our previous wall-mounted TVs. But this time, I’d probably build a much smaller profile frame than I’ve built in the past.
But the framed TV, which actually looks like a TV and doesn’t pretend to be artwork, has worked out very well in our breakfast room/sitting room…
It worked just fine in our previous bedroom…
And it worked out in my studio…
None of those are pretending to be artwork, but the frame gives it a clean look and hides the ugly side view of the wall-mounted TV.
So if I do that same thing in the bedroom, and abandon the idea of trying to make the TV look like artwork then I can go back to the easiest and most obvious idea of hiding the breaker box with a large piece of artwork. I just copied and pasted the TV from our breakfast room onto this wall, and I wouldn’t want such a thick frame in this room, but this would be the general idea. And instead of painting this one white, I could even do a light stained wood finish so that it doesn’t demand quite so much attention.
And then I could even hang smaller artwork around the one big (hinged) piece that covers the breaker box to create a kind of gallery wall on that side of the wall. I think this might be the way to go. I don’t really need a TV that looks like artwork, and using our current TV and building a frame for it would save me about $1000 since those Frame TVs are pretty expensive. Of course, I’d lose out on shelves to hold my books, but I have other places where I can store my books, so that’s not a big deal.
Okay, those are all of my thoughts and ideas for this wall. Let me know your thoughts.
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Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I would just cover the door of the breaker box in the grass cloth wallpaper to make it disappear as much as possible. And then put a substantial floor/reading lamp there to draw your eye to the lamp & chair instead of the box.
I’m a “less is more” kind of person though, so I probably have fewer things on my walls than most. 🙂
That was my first thought as well. Yet I like the idea of a framed TV, it looks so “finished.” Great idea, Shonda.
Make a flat panel door and cover it with grass cloth wallpaper it will looks look a acoustic fabric panel and died right in the wall
I like the look of the arched shelf next to the rectangular tv. Are you thinking of a narrow shelf for decorative items and not books? I wouldn’t think moving a few items would be a big issue when you need to get into the breaker box. Could you possibly find a mirror that shape or make artwork of your own to fit a frame that shape?
I’ve used a variety of bathroom cabinets around my house in different places. I like them because they’re usually less than 9” deep (ideal for books) and easy to modify. Many of them are light enough that nice heavy hinges and strong magnet could turn them into your concept – a swing open bookshelf. This one on Wayfair is simple but offers your arch. Simply use the top and reuse the leg portion in your workshop for battery storage or something (add shelves).
https://www.wayfair.com/storage-organization/pdp/dovecove-freestanding-over-the-toilet-storage-cabinet-with-adjustable-shelf-and-acrylic-doors-arched-space-saving-bathroom-organizer-w114593787.html?piid=613422570
I had three of the generic oak bathroom cabinets that I stacked on top of each other in my craft room, and painted to match. They are perfect for holding all my different paints. Just an option.
First: Would love to see a floor plan including furniture just so I could get a feel of available space…. Might it be possible to switch the dresser with the bench…and could the bench find room at the foot of your Bed. With the dresser switched out it would leave you room for a sliding door book cabinet where the dresser was… a snuggy room for your new chair, a floor lamp to read by with attached shelf for ”coffee cups” to rest on. Love the idea of a hinged frame perhaps covered in your left over Grass cloth… over the Electical panel? Again don’t know if you have the space for it…
I was thinking along the same lines – switch the recliner with the dresser. If the tv is no longer aligned with the bed, use one of those moveable arms thingy’s for when you’re watching tv, and to gain access to the electric box when needed.
I was thinking of one of those moveable arm thingy’s for the cover.
Could you make something that looks like a “gallery wall” with varying shapes of frames. Make it on one piece of wood material covered with wallpaper? I can see it in my mind, but cannot articulate it properly? It would look like a gallery of frames but is only one big frame to lift off wall when need to access breaker box? Just a thought.
What if you built a shelf the shape you wanted then put something like this over the top of it.https://www.decorsteals.com/cdn/shop/products/28137-wall-shelf-600×600-1.jpg?v=1762201329
I like the idea of a wall mounted bookshelf,but I’m not so sure about how it would look from the side. I think more than 4-5” depth would look odd.
I think I’d be more inclined to do a minimal approach, such as what has been suggested.
Cover the breaker box with the grasscloth and put the shelves on the other wall. Put a floor lamp in front of the breaker box to put something with some height there.
Hi, first time responder here (long time reader and admirer!). I think the weight of books would be a problem for any hinges on a wall-mounted shelf. What about a narrow-depth decorative shelf on wheels? It would fill that space nicely and “frame” your recliner without eating into your floorspace very much.
The weight of a piano hinge might be sturdy enough to accommodate a few books. I also like the idea of a basket with books/magazines/throw on the side.
I just searched “rattan wall shelf” and several popped up with arched tops. Perhaps you could attach one to a backing piece that is secured over your breaker box with piano hinges and a magnetic push latch.
What about covering the box with grasscloth wallpaper and then doing a couple of hanging plants, a small tree, or a pair of flat, long baskets with some greenery tucked in and sprouting from the top hanging on that wall. Put a floor lamp on the other side of the chair for balance. I think it’s too many geometric shapes and needs organic shapes to break it up.
Excellent conclusion!
I really enjoy your blog and read every post but rarely reply as someone usually suggests what I am thinking. I think you may be putting too much emphasis on the breaker box. Try painting it the dark blue and see how it blends into the wall. I know you may be short on grasscloth but consider papering it. I think by the time you get your chair, a lamp and an end table you will be fine. A floor lamp may block the breaker box. I do think any book case or wall shelf would be hard to access so maybe a little bookcase end table would work.
Yes! This!
Initially, I thought cover it with grasscloth, but then I’ve never seen that as a good solution b/c it looks exactly like a covered panel box 😉. And you would be looking at that wall a lot w/ the TV there. I think your TV w/artwork is a tried and true design that works for you and much easier than figuring out a bookcase that puts more holes in the grasscloth and finding studs to be able to support the weight and ability to move it. Often getting to the panel box is during a crisis, so easy, quick accessibility would be a factor for me. Sure you will figure it out. Excited to see it come together!
I like your idea of a piece of artwork over the breaker box.
Amazon has a rattan arched shelf by Synovanna that looks similar to what you pictured. They also have metal similar wall shelves but you would probably have to put a backing in order to put hinges on it. Same page also shows a standing mirror with arch top. Having the mirror there might help reflect light for reading.
Room seems to be coming together very nicely. I usually tend to go neutrals, but I really like the colors of this room!
On another note, yesterday you mentioned lamps and I was sitting at dealership having vehicle maintenance done and decided to walk next door to Goodwill store and there were several lamps very similar to the one you originally showed for less than $20 each – one was the exact shape as the expensive one you showed but in brown. You might check local thrift stores and goodwill stores.
I love the curved shelf unit. It adds some softness to the room. It reminds me of a door that they turned into a shelving unit in a kitchen that was on a piano hinge that opened to a secret room. You could have a frame behind the unit with a piano hinge on the right side to hide the hinge.
Framed TV and artwork exactly like last pic is my vote!
I agree 100%. Looks nice and clean.
Silly question – is it possible to reverse the positions of the TV and chair? Could you mount the TV and cover the box at the same time?
If not, I’d certainly ignore the box for now (but cover in grasscloth), position the chair and lamp and then reassess.
I call myself a verbal processor. I guess you write it out and process, but I love to read the way you process through things cause it can give me an idea of an out of the box solution for something I’m dealing with. Thank you for sharing.
You can find artwork on YouTube for your tv.
Right now they have frame artwork that looks like frame tv.
You can display museum art, landscape photos, or your own photos on any TV using a ROKU. (Frame TV’s do look nice, though.)
If you want a bookshelf, I’d do a tall one on wheels. Keep in mind that a wall mount shelf will stick out about 12″ and the chair will tend to slide against the wall and interfere with the shelf above.
Note that Building Code may require your box to be visible – for situations like a firefighter needing to cut power.
I like your last photo and your idea to let the TV be a TV, and to use pretty artwork to cover the breaker box. By the time you get the chair in place, a lamp, a side table/bookshelf, this little nook will be plenty full enough. What’s the latest on the corner where the grasscloth discolored?
I love the idea of putting three large pieces of art, one over the breaker box and two extending to the front wall. Or you could put your shelves permanently on the front wall. Just a thought. Im so happy things are coming around for you.
Love the update because as I read the original part of the post I kept thinking, why doesn’t she just make it part of a gallery wall like she’s done in the past. Glad that dawned on you after a minute. I did like the arched bookcase and for future reference you can do it by making kerf cuts to the back of the wood and then covering it with veneer.
It sounds like you have it worked out. I have a large basket by my reading chair that holds my books and a throw. Excited to see your reading chair!
I like the idea of a picture covering the panel. As an avid reader I would like a small pedestal table next to the recliner to put my coffee or other drink and a basket to hold the books I am currantly reading.
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This Old House might have some videos on bending wood. My Fella made beautiful curves in our dining chairs using a jig he made. But I believe this is something you can 100% do. And Young House Love has a beautiful TV in their home though I can’t remember if it’s in a frame or not.
But why can’t you put your frame tv AND a hinged bookcase over the panel? I think that’s a brilliant idea!!!!!
Looking at all the comments, I think moving the tv over the breaker box is not ideal; you don’t want to move a tv to access it. A hinged piece of art or even a shelf thing would be more practical. And keeping the tv directly across from the bed is best. Can’t wait to see your solution.
Kristi, if you are planning thread in your recliner you will need a lamp. Why dont you paint or cover the breaker box with grass cloth or matching paint. You can purchase a floor lamp with shade and that will pretty much cover eyesight going directly to breaker box. I like your ideas for the tv.
I agree with what you figured out – let the tv be the tv and do a nice piece of art over the panel.
Thinking outside the box – instead of using the grasscloth wallpaper on the panel door, what about using a floral wallpaper or printed art? If it needs to look more like a finished piece of art, then add an empty frame around that (on the wall) to allow panel door to open/close.
Terri I am so glad I took the time to read all the posts before I weighed in. This is what I wanted to say! I second what you said.
Couldn’t you always just use a piece of grasscloth to cover it too? That way you could place shelves/artwork wherever you wanted and not in that exact location?
I like the conclusion you came to. You just needed to “talk/write it out.”
Love your update! I think you’ve got it handled now! Onward!
You you create a jib door for the electrical panel and cover with wallpaper?
Canvas art with depth. Your mom could paint something for your room ! I have a lovely piece hanging in front of my breaker box in the hallway. Its so light weight it nothing to take it down if needed. The sides of the canvas are finished and are about 2” deep. You could do something round.
Go with The Frame as I love ours absolutely. The rotating art that you get to choose for only $50 per year is wonderful. You’ll not regret the decision. My choice would be to carefully wrap the panel door with matching wallpaper and it will virtually disappear. You can always hang something small later if it works out better….maybe a wireless sconce. The Frame is well worth the expense. I have three and love the placement of each.
You can chose artwork, your own photos, or stock images to display on any Roku TV; or really any TV that has a Roku device or stick (for free). The newest Roku Smart TVs are ultra-thin like a Samsung Frame TV. For a lot less.
I’m planning on going with the Roku Smart TV option for my Beach House. I may be putting a light weight frame on it to complete the illusion it is art.
The Samsung Frame TV is no longer the only option for getting artwork on your TV screen. Just a friendly FYI.
I like painting the breaker box cover with the dark blue. Then cover with the wallpaper utilizing, possible, one of the strips that got wet and either cutting off the damage or folding it under the edge. Then go for a lamp that will hide/distract from the box cover.
I like the TV over the dresser. Paint the frame the same green maybe? Maybe some bright cushions in the chair or on the bench. Or a throw on the chair to detract from the wall.
Check building codes regarding hiding the electrical panel. Most places require it to be visible, or if disguised, labeled clearly, to ensure emergency responders can find it when needed. Considering Matt’s health challenges, and that this is in your bedroom, delaying the removal of a possible hazard in an emergency (i.e. fire, house damage, etc.) due to only you knowing where the breaker box is would be something I’d have concerns about.
I love your idea to let the TV be a TV. Just wanted mention that you can paint the electrical box cover. That may end up helping in placement of the artwork.
For decades I used a museum paste to keep items, e.g., picture frames and knickknacks in place. Now I use Quake Hold, which is more like putty, where a bit is plenty. I immediately thought of this as you mentioned shelving.
Just a thought. Maybe a rattan basket, the kind with a flat back could cover the breaker box and you could fill it with greenery spilling out. If that appeals to you, the frame tv could still be your artwork. A mounted basket with greenery would be lightweight and easily movable.
I would consider putting something soft over the breaker box. A material piece of art work. Put a dowel rod in it to hold it up and a pretty hook to hang it on. Then simply remove it if you need in the breaker box.
It is ok for a TV to look like a TV.
Perfect! I used your idea for our living room TV years back. My husband built me a frame. I go on “you tube” & use their screensaver pictures for Times like Christmas
I love it!
Wish I could send you a picture 😊
I covered mine at my office with the grass cloth wall covering. It looked perfect. I had a picture. I sold the building or would take another picture.
Two thoughts on how to access the breaker box: what about a slide hinge – something that allows the artwork to slide to the left or right? Kinda like a barn door but not visible. Of course, that will depend on the size of the artwork and how much room you have. And then there is the old faithful – the French cleat. Depending on what you use, it’s easy to take something off and on and can handle a fair bit of weight.