How to Cover Washer Hookups and Hide the Eyesores

Doing laundry is never anyone’s favorite chore. And staring at messy washing machine hookups while you work doesn’t help. That’s why I’m sharing how to cover washer hookups and hide the stuff that no one wants to see! 

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Let’s be honest. Washer hookups are ugly.

It doesn’t matter how clean your laundry room is. 

It doesn’t matter how nice your washer and dryer are. 

That washer hookup box, the outlets, and the hoses will still sit there on the back wall like they own the place. 

They are loud. 

Not in sound, but in looks.

I have a real eyesore for a box. Such a simple box…and so UGLY!

The washing machine hookups. The electrical cord. The drain hose. 

And yet, there it is. Right at eye level. 

Ruining my “whistle while you work” vibe!

Even my drying rack has more charm than this!

If we already have to do laundry chores, why should we also have to stare at ugly washer hookups and outlets while doing it?

How to Hide Washer Hookups and Cover the Ugly Stuff

I want my laundry area to feel calm. 

I want pretty stuff to shine.

I want a pretty space, not a utility jungle of hookups and cords. 

I’ve looked at that ugly hookup box for over twenty years. Enough is enough!

So I came up with a simple DIY that hides the mess without blocking easy access. And it takes about five minutes!

When This Hack Works Best

This hack works best if your washer and dryer are tucked between two walls. Those side edges are important. They give the tension rod something to hold onto.

It also helps if you have upper cabinets above the machines. The placemats sit right under them and feel built in. The back wall fades away, and the laundry area feels calmer.

However, this idea can be adapted to lots of laundry room scenarios.

What You Need

• 3-4 Rectangular placemats (thicker, stiffer placemats work best.)
• Round curtain rings with clips
• One tension rod or expandable curtain rod

That is the full supply list. Short and sweet!

Start with Some Placemats

Placemats? This seems an unlikely start for a laundry room hack.

​Stay with me here…These panels will hide the laundry hookups without blocking access!

Find some placemats that you love. A pretty color…a pretty pattern…whatever you love and coordinates with your laundry room.

I had beautiful blue and white chinoiserie rectangular vinyl placemats just sitting in a drawer. You can see something similar HERE.

Thicker or more rigid placemats work best because they hang straight.

You’ll need at least three, but maybe more depending on the size of your space.

Clip and Slide the Placemat Panels

Lay the placemats flat and clip two curtain rings onto the long side.  Place them a couple of inches in from each end. This keeps the placemat from sagging.

​Next, slide all the curtain rings onto a tension rod.

Place the rod behind your machines and between the two side walls. My tension rod fit perfectly under the upper cabinets and between the walls.

Tighten the rod so it feels secure. 

If you think the rod might move or slip, you can add double sided adhesive pads to each end to make sure the rod stays secure. 

Then tweak the spacing of the placemats so they hang evenly. The washer hookup box, dryer vent hose, electrical cord, and drain hose all disappear!

You still have easy access to everything. That is key.

If you need to reach the washing machine hookups, move a placemat aside. 

Need to check the dryer vent hose or unplug something? Just slide the panels over. Nothing is trapped or blocked.

This keeps the whole experience simple and practical.

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Why This Works So Well

The placemats soften the back wall and hide the harsh lines of the hookups. 

The ugly box disappears, and the cords and hoses fade into the background.

Instead of staring at washing machine hookups, you see a calm backdrop, and the laundry area finally feels finished.

And, if the placemats get dusty or dirty, toss them in the washing machine! That alone makes this hack a win!

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Did you know tension rods are an amazingly versatile tool for organizing your closet? Discover how to keep your shoes and boots standing at attention using tension rods. CLICK HERE to see how!

Say Goodbye to Ugly Hookups

Washer hookups will never be pretty on their own. But that does not mean they need to steal the spotlight.

This simple DIY proves that small changes can make a big difference. 

Five minutes. 

Very little money. 

And a much prettier space!

Now even folding socks feels a little bit fancy!

Cheers!

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