Creative Ideas for Outdoor Electric Meter Decorative Covers: Fast-Track Guide to Beautifying Your Outdoor SpaceSarah ThompsonSep 23, 2025Table of Contents1. Wooden Slatted Screen2. Artistic Metal Panel3. Vertical Garden Frame4. Repurposed Shutter5. Decorative Lattice Box6. Faux Window Frame7. Hinged Garden Art8. Storage Bench Cover9. Trellis Archway10. Painted Utility BoxFAQTable of Contents1. Wooden Slatted Screen2. Artistic Metal Panel3. Vertical Garden Frame4. Repurposed Shutter5. Decorative Lattice Box6. Faux Window Frame7. Hinged Garden Art8. Storage Bench Cover9. Trellis Archway10. Painted Utility BoxFAQStylish Meter Concealment10 clever ways to disguise outdoor electric meters.Visualize with room plannerOne of my funniest design blunders was when I tried to hide an outdoor electric meter behind a huge potted plant. It looked perfect... until the plant died mid-summer and revealed the meter like an unwrapped gift to the whole street. Since then, I’ve discovered that small spaces—yes, even that panel on your wall—can spark big creativity, and today I’m sharing 10 clever ways to make your outdoor electric meter a stylish feature instead of an eyesore. You can even visualize some of these ideas using online tools like room planner so you know they’ll fit the space.1. Wooden Slatted ScreenA simple wooden slatted screen can blend beautifully with your fence or deck. The gaps allow ventilation and easy access, and you can stain it to match your home. Just watch out for local regulations on meter accessibility.save pin2. Artistic Metal PanelMetal panels with cut-out patterns add a contemporary flair while keeping the meter covered. I once used a leaf-patterned steel sheet for a client, and it doubled as a shadow art piece at sunset.save pin3. Vertical Garden FrameImagine a lush wall of succulents hiding your meter. A vertical garden brings life and texture, but remember to position plants so they won’t obstruct reading or maintenance. For precise spacing, try mapping it out on a free floor plan creator.save pin4. Repurposed ShutterAn old wooden shutter mounted with hinges creates a charming, cottage-like feel. I love the rustic effect, though you’ll need to treat the wood to prevent weather damage.save pin5. Decorative Lattice BoxA lattice surrounds the meter and turns it into a subtle feature. You can even grow climbing plants over it, though trimming is necessary for easy access.save pin6. Faux Window FrameA painted frame with shutters or a planter box makes the meter look like part of your home’s architecture. Bonus points if you add seasonal décor for a fresh look year-round.save pin7. Hinged Garden ArtI once designed a hinged panel with a mural of the client’s dog—it hid the meter and made them smile daily. The key challenge here is balancing art size and meter clearance.save pin8. Storage Bench CoverIn a side-yard, a narrow storage bench can conceal the meter while providing seating or tool storage. Just make sure the lid lifts easily to meet utility requirements.save pin9. Trellis ArchwayAn arched trellis with climbing roses is a romantic hideaway for your meter. It works best when there’s enough space around for maintenance teams to access it.save pin10. Painted Utility BoxIf your meter is housed in a box, consider painting it with weather-resistant art. You could match the house color or go bold with patterns. Experiment designs in a kitchen layout planner to see color harmony with your exterior.save pinFAQ1. Is it legal to cover an outdoor electric meter?Check with your local utility company—most allow decorative covers as long as the meter is accessible. OSHA guidelines also emphasize unobstructed access for safety.2. How much does it cost to build a decorative meter cover?Costs range from $30 for DIY lattice panels to $300+ for custom metal art. Material and labor will influence the price.3. Will a cover affect meter readings?If the cover blocks the display or smart meter signal, it can cause issues. Always design with clearance in mind.4. What materials work best outdoors?Weather-resistant woods, powder-coated metals, and treated fabrics last longer in outdoor conditions.5. Can I use plants to hide the meter?Yes, but choose slow-growing plants and maintain them to prevent obstruction.6. How do I maintain a decorative cover?Regular cleaning, repainting, and checking for wear will keep the cover in good condition.7. Do decorative covers add property value?A neat, cohesive exterior design can boost curb appeal, which may positively influence value.8. Can I install the cover myself?DIY is fine for simple designs, but for complex builds, hiring a pro ensures safety and compliance.Visualize with room plannerPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Stylish Meter Concealment10 clever ways to disguise outdoor electric meters.Visualize with room planner