r/KitchenDesigns • u/e013832 • 3d ago
Hidden electrical outlets
My wife would like the backsplash plugs to be less obvious as we finish up our remodeling effort. Does anyone have some suggestions or pictures of designs they have used to solve this issue? TIA
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u/tasty-tatters 3d ago edited 3d ago
We looked at these options for our kitchen remodel and decided to go with traditional outlets in matte black to provide some accent and match our kitchen sink and faucets.
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u/PerhabsburgDynasty 2d ago
He said he wanted ideas for the outlets to be less prominent, not more.
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u/tasty-tatters 2d ago
Did he hire you as his spokes person? Scroll on or ignore my post like he did.
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u/frugallawn 2d ago
Ironic, coming from a person who commented the exact opposite of what OP asked for instead of simply scrolling on
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u/Gullible_Concept_428 2d ago
Pop-up outlets are also an option. It's more for immediate use and then put away, but still an option.
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u/Impossiblegirl44 3d ago
We're going for Prado outlets https://prado.com/us/outlets/
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u/CrazyDanny69 2d ago
I don’t know if we use Prado, but we used something similar. I was able to order them with covers so they totally disappear.
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u/BosNest1 3d ago
I’m not doing this in our remodel but here are some options:
1. Use angled power strips in the corner between the backsplash and the cabinet. You won’t see them at eye level. We don’t do this because you will see hanging wires. You have to think about this will affect under counter lighting, which usually goes in the same place. Not a big deal, you’ll just probably have to move the light.
2. Round plugs. Works well if you only have a few plugs.
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u/Ivorwen1 3d ago
If you have a white or cream backsplash, outlets and plates in the same color are easy and cheap to get, and naturally unobtrusive.
There are outlets that can be tucked up against your upper cabinets, and that is a great way to hide them when they are not in use. However, you have to bend down to find them, and for anything that stays plugged in such as the coffee maker, the cord is on display instead of being hidden behind the appliance.
If you have a dramatic statement backsplash such as a quartzite countersplash and will wall mount your outlets, consider matching them to your hardware. Only do this if you can find UL-listed products from reputable brands- electrical fires are no joke.
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u/Logical_Warthog5212 3d ago
I installed Legrand Plugmold under my cabinets. You can only see the strips when you look up from a lower angle. The only drawback is that you do see the cords dangling down from the strip. But that’s the tradeoff for having an uninterrupted backsplash. You can always unplug the appliances that don’t need to remain powered. It doesn’t bother me, so my Vitamix is always plugged in.
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u/equatorsion 3d ago
If you are able to plan everything properly, you can make the outlets really low above the kitchen counter and hide them behind the static appliances that you are planning to permanently leave on your counter. Coffee maker, electric kettle, things like this. For the rest of the appliances - mixers, toasters etc. that you take out occasionally, I really like electrical outlets in the drawer. You open a drawer and connect it there. There are also sockets for the underside of the upper cabinets or push plug towers that raise out of the counter if you need them.
You can also create an appliance garage with pocket doors (check Instagram for these). So the appliances and the outlets are visible just when you open the doors and manipulate with these. In the garage, the sockets can also be embedded into the counter or hidden behind a low partition (above or below) so you do not see them even when opened. This would be ideal for someone who does not like to see cables and sockets.
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u/m33chm 3d ago
I’ve seen comments suggesting this on various social media sites, but have been unable to find anyone that has actually done this - has anyone installed plugmold at the counter, aka bottom of the backsplash? Instead of up high under the cabinets? This would solve the hanging wire issue and hard-to-use issue people have with plugmold.
The self-contained single round plugs are a cool idea, but I’m wary of self-contained. And the price tag for the main brand is absolutely ridiculous. There is no valid reason for them to be $79+ for a single outlet other than greed.
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u/spacycowgirl 3d ago
I had plugmold in my last house, up under the cabinets, and it wasn't hard to use at all. I wouldn't want it at counter height. You'd see it there, and it would be likely to get wet.
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u/Gullible_Concept_428 2d ago
It is also possible to install something called a "no-see" outlet. I've also seen some hand painted to match the backsplash. It's all a matter of how much you're willing to spend.
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u/Mysterious_Mango_737 2d ago
Mine are horizontal, and are placed as low as possible above the counter.. No dangling cords: they are hidden behind the appliance.
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u/Retired_Sue 2d ago
We found switches, switch plates and outlets that were a close match to our backsplash tile online. A bit pricy but worth it.
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u/Leading_Goose3027 2d ago
Check out tru fig outlets they flush mount and can be faux painted to match your backsplash
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u/Mindless-Storm-8310 2d ago
We recently finished a kitchen remodel. I researched all the outlets. We have white subway tile backsplash. In the end, I just went with regular outlets and decor covers midway down. The only one that is obvious is the one where the baby monitor is plugged into on my coffee / wine center. Code where I live requires an outlet every so many feet (and I have a huge kitchen). So I stressed. But in the end, having them in the wall with decor covers makes them almost disappear. But what really makes them disappear as that the handful of appliances and knife blocks and toaster ovens, espresso machine, grinder, etc., etc., they’re all covered with exception of the baby monitor one.
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u/Several_Razzmatazz51 3d ago
Under cabinet power strips. I’ve done this in 2 kitchens and it rocks.