What was once one of the greatest technological innovations — the landline telephone — is quickly disappearing from homes, leaving unsightly evidence of its past prominence. If you’re one of the more than 50 percent of homeowners who have opted out of landline service, chances are you still have at least one ugly wall-mounted phone jack. I usually remove and patch any phone jacks in my homes, but there are other options that aren’t so permanent, especially if you’re renting.
Read on for some ways to repurpose, disguise or remove your old wall-mounted phone jacks with tips from an experienced home repair source, Jim Marotta from YouTube’s Get It Done Home Repair.
Remove and Patch
To patch over an old wall-mounted phone jack, you’ll first need to remove the faceplate and electrical box in the wall. Once this is done, attend to the wires. Marotta recommends disconnecting the wires at the main phone box first if possible. Then, snip the wires and tape the ends with electrical tape before tucking them into the wall. Then you can patch the wall with this tried and true method.
Cover with a Message Center
Old wall-mounted phone jacks are often found in kitchens, and these make a great spot for a central place to keep track of important dates and reminders. Hide the phone jack with a message board made of cork, a dry-erase board or a chalkboard. Try to find one with a recessed work surface set into a frame. This will provide clearance for the wall jack behind the board and allow the message center to lie flat on the wall.
Disguise it with Artwork
Canvas art is a great option for hiding an old wall-mounted phone jack. The frame’s structure leaves plenty of clearance for the jack and wall plate. Pick up an inexpensive blank canvas and get creative, or purchase a piece of finished artwork that complements your room’s existing decor.
If canvas art isn’t your thing, look for a picture frame with a recessed back that will clear the raised wall plate. Set a favorite photo in the frame, hang it on the wall and say goodbye to that ugly phone jack.
Add a Mini-Storage Cubbie
Purchase an empty wood cigar box (or a plain wooden box that looks like a cigar box) online or at a cigar store. Cut a hole about the size of the phone jack in the bottom of the box and hang it on the wall. If the box lacks a clasp, attach a couple of small magnets at the top and bottom of the “door.” Add a handle, and you have yourself a little storage cubby.
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