All HDB and BTO homeowners will know that next to the bomb shelter, lies the electrical distribution board (DB) box. A not-so-little unsightly panel of switches that pose a renovation headache for many. You’re not allowed to remove it, it’s bulky and clunky, and you need to ensure that you can easily access it.
With that said, Singaporean homeowners are getting increasingly creative about concealing their DB boxes, and if you’re looking for a little help, here are some solutions to disguise your HDB BTO’s DB box.
1. Hiding your DB behind a pegboard feature or frame
Image credit: Etsy
Homeowners yinwilshome on Lemon8 shared that they sourced a wooden pegboard box from Taobao to cover her DB box. Since Taobao is a Chinese website, searching for an item you want in Mandarin may yield more options. For example, you could type “电箱遮盖箱” (dian xiang zhe gai xiang) or other similar keywords into the search function.
Image credit: @yinwilshome
Do be sure to measure the length, breadth, and depth of your DB box prior to making your purchase. Also measure a space where you’ll have to cut out a hole for the existing trunking and/or wiring.
Image credit: @yinwilshome
Once you’ve selected your desired product, chat with the seller to see if you can customise the product to the DB box’s specification. Confirm the customisation order and colour before completing the purchase.
All that’s left is to decorate your pegboard. Use it to hang house keys, caps, or sunglasses. Add little figurines and plants. Whatever you do, know you have added a functional and creative storage solution to your entryway. You’ll also be able to find solid wood options like this handcrafted walnut pegboard cover on Etsy.
2. Custom entryway concealment
Image credit: @ourhouseofgoh, @lainchua
Another clever way to hide your DB box is by turning the area it inhabits into a cupboard. You can achieve this look by splurging a little on carpentry to carve out an entryway alcove. These homeowners @ourhouseofgoh and @lainchua have documented their DB box concealment on Lemon8—the former being a DIY project that cost them under $25 and the latter, a result of a well-planned renovation.
Another homeowner on Lemon8 known as @eat.cook.eat also made use of the DB box cupboard as the default storage location for their robot vacuum, even going as far as to create a custom gap for their vacuum to exit and enter to recharge.
Image credit: @eat.cook.eat
Painting your cupboard a colour that matches your home’s palette will help the cupboard seamlessly blend into the interior design. For instance, you could paint the cupboard the same colour as your living room walls.
For those who want their entryway to be a feature piece, consider installing a laminate for a splash of colour—check out this list of laminate suppliers.
3. Artwork display
Image credit: @LightInDwelling, Etsy
If installing a built-in cupboard over your DB box is too large of a project for you, here’s an easy, inexpensive option. Installing art over your DB box turns what was previously a design downer into a customisable canvas where you can express your creativity. The best part is you can install a frame of any size without hiring a professional.
Those who favour a neutral palette can choose a plain but textured piece to add visual interest. Alternatively, you can search online retailers and Etsy for unique options too. Just be sure that the cover can be easily removed should you need to perform repairs or maintenance.
4. American-style mudroom with seating nook
Image credit: Brownstoner
A mudroom is a space designed for people entering the home to remove dirty or wet shoes and clothes before going inside. Typically, the mudroom is located near the entrance or at the rear of a landed home. However, in Singapore, where most of us live in HDB flats, dedicating an entire room to keeping dirt out isn’t practical.
Still, that shouldn’t stop you from adopting the concept to keep your home spotless. Plus, you can conceal your DB box at the entrance behind panelled cupboards.
Install a coat rack for outerwear and raincoats. Add shelves for extra storage of clean shoes and socks. Include a sitting bench so you can comfortably put on and take off your shoes. Finally, tie the whole area together and mark the boundary between ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ with a coir floor mat.
When the monsoon rains hit, you’ll be grateful for this cosy nook.
5. Moveable accent wall feature
A moveable wall feature would provide a focal point for your entryway while skillfully masking your DB box. One main advantage of having a sliding panel over a hinged one is that sliding panels are space saving as they remain flush against the wall. If your DB box is in a tight or awkward space, this could be the best way to access the switchboard.
Furthermore, having overlapping sliding panels secures the mechanism so you don’t have to worry about accidentally revealing the DB box. If wood panelling is not your thing, you can embellish the sliding frame with patterned tiles or even coloured glass blocks.
6. Mirror concealment
Image credit: Yulia Nitzani
If space concerns are not an issue, concealing your DB box with a full-length mirror could be an option to explore. Not only does it brighten your home by reflecting more light, but also makes your home look more spacious. And if you decorate the surrounding space right, you may add a 1,000 aura points when you take mirror selfies.
A full-length mirror is a practical addition to your home and saves you the hassle of having to install another mirror in your bedroom. Ideally, you should mount a framed mirror securely to your wall to prevent mishaps. Do opt for a mirror with hinged frames to ensure the DB box is still easily accessible.
Hiding your HDB BTO flat DB box
It’s true that the DB box is an important part of your home as it distributes power and provides protection against overloading and short circuits. But it doesn’t change the fact it often is an eyesore. However, with some creativity and renovation magic, you can incorporate your DBS box into your home’s interior design.
The bomb shelter is also a feature many try to disguise. If you’re looking for more interesting ways to hide your bomb shelter, here are some ideas:
- Best HDB bomb shelter ideas
- A $4.5K pegboard bomb shelter makeover
- Saving $10K on our HDB BTO reno
Cover image adapted from: Etsy, Brownstoner
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