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Custom Camouflage To Hide Your TV Remotes

October 15, 2019

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Hide Those Ugly Remotes

For someone who has paid an enormous amount of attention to every decor detail in my home, the tv remotes have been visible for far too long. Ordinarily, I cringe over the small things, like wrinkles in the couch or an un-poofed pillow.

Yet, those ugly controllers have been on full display forever.

Oh sure, I've thought about hiding them numerous times, but never took any real action. I'd push them behind the duck decoy on the end table or slide them under the pillows on the couch. I mean I don't watch tv much, but for those who do, my "decorating efforts" always led to trouble.

Where are the controllers??

No one could ever find them, so I abandoned those tactics. Even though the hardware still bothered me, I was bothered more by the constant questions.

Then one day this summer, I saw a cute upcycle from my friend Linda at Mixed Kreations. She hid her remotes in a box. I thought it was genius and commented that one day I was going to do it, too.

Well, guess what today is? That's right, it's one day.

Actually, I did this several days ago, when I was in the middle of my fall crafting frenzy, remember?  One stencil failure, one stencil success, one dollar store update and one new home for those unsightly, but necessary remotes.

How To Hide Your TV Remotes


Now, unlike Linda, I didn't have a wooden box on hand. What I did have, was a cardboard box with a magnetic clasp that I had picked up long ago with the idea of using it for tissues in my new bathroom.

Floral Cardboard Box To Hide Remotes

However, on a whim, I checked to see if the controllers would fit and lo and behold, it was a perfect match. The only problem was that the box itself, was not my style. At all. Plus, it clashed with my floral couch.

Remote and Game Controller Storage

Not gonna happen. So I dug into my craft closet and found a package of napkins I had purchased for just such an occasion.

Decoupage Napkins

I thought that the rustic twig nest with hints of red in the tiny flowers would go well in the room. It was a great match, so I grabbed my supplies and got started.

I was a bit nervous about painting the cardboard, I was afraid it would get too wet and the box would buckle. To prevent this, I went slow, one thin coat of creamy white craft paint at a time and I allowed each one to dry thoroughly in between.

How To Paint A Decorative Box

It only took two coats to cover the original design. I used a bristle brush for the first application and a large flat foam one for the final coat. Once the paint was totally dry, I started the next step. Decoupage.

How To Paint A Cardboard Box

Decoupaging items with napkins is not fun. I do it because it's effective and I can customize my decor on the cheap. It's messy, it's annoying and while it's not technically difficult, it can be very challenging.

I started by cutting my napkin to fit the box top and back side exactly. Then I coated the box top and back side with Mod Podge, moving quickly because this stuff dries fast.

Then I separated my napkin into one ply and placed it down on the box and smoothed it out with my hand...ever so gently so it wouldn't tear. Once it was smooth, I went over the napkin with more decoupage and smoothed it down again.

Using Napkins to Decoupage

My hands were tacky, that's where the tricky part comes in. The napkins, covered in decoupage - which is basically glue - stick to your fingers and then the delicate paper rips and bubbles.

In the past I have used a sheet of plastic wrap or worn gloves during the smoothing process to minimize it, but I was lazy this time around. It still worked without them, it just took a little more patience.

Decoupage Box DIY

I had to let my box dry for a solid 24 hours before I could use it, but this is how it looked the next morning when I went into the kitchen to check on my creation. It has bumps and lumps and there are wrinkles, but that's all part of the look. Rustic cottage.

Decoupaged TV Controller Box

It coordinates with my room so much better than the original pink and yellow tones. Whether it's on one of the wood pieces in the room or tossed on the couch, it doesn't matter, it blends. That box of remotes is truly part of the decor.

Custom TV Remote  Box

Of course, I did have to remind people several times where the remotes were stored now, but I think they've got it. As a matter of fact, my husband has become quite fond of the box.

He knows exactly where to find his precious controllers at the end of the day.

I don't squawk about having to look at them.

And it wasn't an expensive upgrade.

A long, long overdue DIY.

Thanks Linda!

Where are your tv remotes?

How To Hide Tv Remotes


Kim Signature


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  1. Pretty boxes are great for hiding remotes, glasses, coasters and more. I did this for my mom, so it would not look cluttered. Lovely project Kim.

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    1. Oh...glasses, I never thought of that one. Thank you, Linda, I may need another box now!

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  2. Brilliant!
    I haven't decoupaged in years. Now i'm itching to find my brushes!

    Where are our controls?? My husband usually puts in down (or up in this case) on a book case. He looks around on in lower areas but I find it up in higher places.

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    1. Christine, you are always so complimentary and enthusiastic when you pop in here. It just makes my day, thank you so much. And my husband leaves them on the couch and still can't find them, even when he's sitting on them!

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  3. I like this idea Kim.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Carla

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  4. This is so awesome Kim. Thanks for sharing your crafty self with us.
    Happy New Week.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  5. Kim I really love this project. The one technique I have not mastered is decoupage. I can do a small piece but what you did probably would have been a mess.

    Great job.

    Cindy

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    1. It's not my favorite kind of craft, Cindy. It's a lot more labor intensive and messy than what I usually do. I just enjoy the results so I keep coming back to it. One of these days maybe I'll master it...right now I'm too impatient!

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  6. Your box is so adorable! What a great way to hide remotes. I have tried decoupaging with napkins and it was a hot mess! You look like a pro! :-)

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    1. Thank you, Christina!! I am glad it looks like that, because I am not. I'm a hot decoupaging mess myself, trust me. It's a good thing I'm not a perfectionist.

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  7. What a great idea Kim. I love that you used a cardboard box. I will try and see if I have a similar box or wait and see maybe when the holidays come around for one. This is a great way to hide the remotes.

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    1. Thanks Julie! I was inspired by a friend to finally tuck them away. I love it so far. I just hope it holds up to the constant use. We’ll see...

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  8. Oh I love this! The pattern you chose to cover it with is just beautiful. I've never done this before but you make it sound really simple.

    My remotes are usually out. I sometimes hide them behind the tv & when my grandson is here I do hide them....I don't let him watch at my house if I can keep from it.

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    1. I thought those napkins were so cute, Jenny! I'm glad you like them, too. And yes, I try to keep my grand nieces away from all the media when they're here with me, but man, even at two years old, those stinkers already know how to work all the gadgets! It's a different world...

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  9. Love how it looks now. I have a bunch of remotes that I need to hide too. Time to look for a nice box and try your idea.

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    1. Thanks Mary! You're so creative, I'm sure you'll come up with something lovely!

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  10. Kim, genius!!! Looks so pretty and very practical. You do such a good job with the decopage. I tried it once adding napkins on the back of clear glass dishes, but I don't remember having to tear them apart and therefore may be where the problem was. They puckered and had air bubbles and I felt it wasn't worth it to try it again, but yours always look so pretty. Our remotes are in a wooden box but it is an old Winchester rifle ammo box with writing on the side so don't want to cover it, but it has no top so you still can see what is in there. With me having to look at the behemoth of a TV why would it bother me if the remotes show? Thanks for your visits and I always appreciate them. I have gotten so far behind when the power was out and it is hard to get back into the swing of things but I am almost there..Happy Thursday..xxoJudy

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    1. Thanks Judy! This is still not my favorite craft. There is always a snag, but luckily this time you can't really notice them. And your remote box sounds very cool, very vintage. I would love to find something like that. What a treasure! xoxo

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  11. Perfect way to camouflage those remotes. I love how your box turned out. So pretty and goes perfect with your floral couch. Decoupage napkins is sticky work, but makes for a inexpensive makeover, and fun to do. I'm always on the lookout for pretty napkins. Thanks so much for the mention and sharing a link to my remote box. 😊

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    1. You're so right, Linda...that's exactly it! It makes for sticky work, but it an inexpensive and quick fix. I just wish I were better at it. Thanks so much for the visit and the kind words!

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  12. Oh that's a much better idea for those remotes. Why do they have to be so ugly and black with crazy colored knobs.

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    1. I agree, Michelle!! Clearly they were not designed with decor in mind. 😉

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  13. The box turned out lovely. Of course, I seldom get to use the remote...it's mostly in hubby's hand!!!! I did buy him this nice (masculine) wooden holder, but does he put the remote in it???? That would be a NO!!!!

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    1. My remotes are in my hubby’s hands, too. And when they’re not, I have to put them in the box…looks like we’re in the same boat my friend!! I guess boys don’t really care about the “pretty” do they?

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  14. Oh, this is a sweet idea, Kim! So practical and I love the design of the napkin, it does go with the room. My remotes are kept in a wooden truck my father made, it has a lovely vintage-y look and little boys can play with it when they come to visit. Sadly, it's been my experience that little boys are more inclined to play with the remotes than with the truck :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. It sounds like a lovely truck, Amalia...and definitely a different world today, isn't it? When I was little it would've been all about that truck!

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  15. Oh…Longaberger Baskets…I used to have a few. Now where have they gotten off too…hmmm. Thanks for the reminder!!

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  16. Ours sit in a little cedar chest box where they're out of the way & they barely get touched b/c we seldom watch TV. I love your little box & how you updated it though!

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    1. Thanks Florence! I'm not a big tv watcher, but the Mister is...and those remotes are not pretty!

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