How To Cover Unsightly Boiler Pipes

Boilers are designed to be functional, not stylish. We’re more than grateful for all the work they do around the home. From keeping us cosy and warm to making sure that hot water always flows, the humble boiler certainly pulls its weight. But, when it comes to interior design choices, your boiler could be stopping you from reaching the peak of perfection.

Let’s face it, an uncovered boiler sticks out like a sore thumb. While modern boilers might look more sleek and stylish by the day, they’re still boxy and awkward. This could even have an impact on your ability to sell your home. 

In 2018, energy company Npower completed a survey of 2,000 UK homeowners. They found that 68% would avoid buying a property if it had an exposed boiler. Furthermore, a shocking 48% reported they would try to knock £5,000 off the asking price if there was an exposed boiler involved.

If you want to cover up your boiler, either for your own peace of mind or to help to increase the value of your property before selling, here are a few ways you can achieve this.

Safety first

Safety first illustration

The most important thing to remember when covering a boiler is safety. Ventilation and access are both essential for your boiler. If you have a boiler breakdown, an engineer needs to be able to access the boiler and the pipes with ease. 

It’s also helpful to be able to keep an eye on common boiler problems such as leaks. So, while you’re looking for a solution to cover your boiler, make sure it is still accessible and safe.

Behind the curtain

Safety first illustration

A simple curtain can be used to cover the unsightly pipes below your boiler. A spring-loaded curtain rod will allow you to hang the curtain without drilling into any walls. Then you can hang a curtain made from a fabric that matches the rest of your kitchen. If you have kitchen curtains or blinds, a matching fabric would help your curtain to blend in. You’ll also be able to easily remove it for access for cleaning.

Box in the pipes

Behind the curtain illustration

You can purchase boiler pipe casing which will fit around most standard installations. This will help to cover the unsightly pipes and will also prevent them from gathering dust. A simple boiler pipe box solution will also be easy to remove for access and will ensure good ventilation. 

Boiler casings are available for above and below your boiler, so you can create a sleek and sophisticated look in your kitchen without committing to any serious carpentry work. If your boiler is quite modern, it is more likely to blend into the background of your kitchen with matching casings over the pipes. 

Hide it in a cupboard

Box in the pipes illustration

This option might require the help of a carpenter. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find a cupboard to fit your boiler in the same style as your existing kitchen cupboards. This is why it pays to get a little creative. Ask a local carpenter for a quote to hide your entire boiler in a cupboard. 

A large hinged door will allow access and ventilation so you will know it is safe. You can then paint the door and the cupboard a colour that matches your existing kitchen cupboards. If you want to get even more creative, you could paint the door with blackboard paint. This will allow you to turn your boiler cupboard into an oversized chalkboard so you can leave notes for your family.

Create a whole unit

Hide it in a cupboard illustration

When looking for a new home, many people will be impressed by thoughtful and inventive ways to use space that would otherwise be wasted. The space under your boiler could be put to good use by creating a custom storage unit around it. 

The base of this storage unit can then be used to store awkward items like your hoover, mop and ironing board. Keeping the boiler separate from the storage compartment will ensure that you never overpack the cupboard and cause problems with ventilation. 

Consider moving the boiler

Create a whole unit

If you are upgrading your boiler and you are unhappy with the current location, ask for a quote to fit the boiler somewhere else. It’s not uncommon for boilers to be housed in storage cupboards in spare bedrooms to keep them completely out of sight. Being able to move your boiler will all depend on the type of boiler and your existing plumbing.

These are just some of the ways to update your kitchen and create a refined look without spending a lot of money. If you are planning to move house, this could be an easy way to add £5,000 to the value of your home.