Design & Decor

6 Interior Decor Eyesores Every Home Struggles With (And How to Hide Them)

Lena Brooks

old light panel
Ideogram

Every home, no matter how beautifully decorated, has a few eyesores that disrupt the aesthetic flow. From exposed cords to bulky appliances, these problem areas can make a space feel cluttered or outdated. Luckily, with a little creativity, you can conceal these common decor dilemmas and restore harmony to your home. Here’s how to tackle six of the biggest interior decor eyesores.

1. Unsightly Cords and Wires

exposed wires
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Few things ruin a well-designed space faster than a tangle of wires. Whether it’s behind your TV, under your desk, or running along the wall, exposed cords can make a room look messy and disorganized. To hide them, invest in cord covers that match your wall color or use cable organizers to neatly bundle them together. For a stylish touch, consider a decorative cord cover or run them through baseboard conduits. If you have a mounted TV, conceal the cords with a sleek cable management kit or place a floating shelf below to disguise them.

2. Clunky Air Conditioners and Radiators

room with ac unit
Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels


Wall-mounted air conditioners and bulky radiators can be an eyesore, especially in older homes. Instead of letting them stand out, try incorporating stylish solutions to blend them into your decor. A custom-built radiator cover with a perforated design allows heat to circulate while keeping things visually appealing. For AC units, consider installing a decorative screen or hanging lightweight curtains to soften their presence. Another trick is to create a surrounding gallery wall to divert attention away from these functional but unattractive fixtures.

3. Exposed Plumbing Pipes

room with exposed pipe
chaitaastic/pexels


While industrial-style exposed pipes can add character to some spaces, in many cases, they just look out of place. If you have unsightly plumbing pipes running along your walls or ceiling, consider wrapping them in rope for a rustic touch or painting them to match your walls so they blend in. Another approach is to box them in with drywall or wood paneling, creating a seamless look. If you can’t completely hide them, turn them into a design feature by adding decorative brackets or incorporating them into shelving.

4. Bulky Kitchen Appliances

kitchen appliances
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Large kitchen appliances like microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators can sometimes interrupt the flow of your decor, especially in smaller kitchens. One way to hide them is by opting for panel-ready appliances that match your cabinetry, creating a built-in look. If that’s not an option, consider using an appliance garage—a designated cabinet space to keep countertop appliances like toasters and coffee makers out of sight. Another clever solution is adding a curtain or sliding door to conceal open shelving where smaller appliances are stored.

5. Messy Entryway Storage

entryway clutter
ivan-samkov/pexels


A cluttered entryway can set the wrong tone for your home, making it look disorganized as soon as guests walk in. The key to tackling this eyesore is smart storage. Use stylish baskets or storage benches to keep shoes, bags, and umbrellas neatly tucked away. Wall-mounted hooks and floating shelves can help keep frequently used items accessible without looking chaotic. If space allows, a narrow console table with drawers can provide concealed storage while doubling as a decorative focal point.

6. Overfilled Bookshelves and Open Storage

messy shelves
hanife-altan/pexels


While bookshelves and open shelving can be a beautiful design feature, when overfilled, they quickly become an overwhelming visual distraction. To create a more curated look, arrange books both vertically and horizontally, incorporating decorative objects and plants to break up the monotony. Storage baskets or fabric bins can be used on lower shelves to hide clutter, while a few carefully chosen display pieces add personality without looking chaotic. If open shelving isn’t working, consider adding doors or frosted glass panels for a cleaner aesthetic.

This article was created with the assistance of AI but thoroughly edited by a human being.

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