10 Genius Ways to Repurpose Old Wall-Mounted Phone Jacks
That old wall-mounted phone jack—you know, the one you haven’t touched in years—doesn’t have to be an eyesore forever. You’ve probably walked past it a million times, wishing it would magically disappear. But instead of ignoring it, why not turn it into something that actually works for your home?
You don’t need to be a DIY pro or spend a ton of money. With a little creativity (and maybe some basic tools), you can repurpose that outdated jack into something functional or even a little stylish. Trust me, once you’re done, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Let’s make it something you’ll actually like looking at!
Make It a Handy Charging Station
Let’s be real—no one ever has enough outlets for all their gadgets. Turn that old phone jack into a charging station and finally free up some space. Pop off the faceplate and swap out the outdated box for a modern outlet with USB ports. They’re easy to find at hardware stores and fit perfectly in the old space. If messing with wires isn’t your thing, an electrician can knock this out in no time.
Once it’s installed, you’ve got a dedicated spot to charge your phone, tablet, or anything else that always seems to run out of battery. Add a little tray or shelf underneath for cords, and it’s a total upgrade.
Use It as a Built-In Nightlight
That old phone jack doesn’t have to just sit there—it can be the perfect spot for a nightlight. After removing the faceplate and capping off the wires, replace it with a blank outlet cover that has a built-in LED light. These covers snap right into place and add soft lighting wherever you need it.
This hack is especially great in hallways or kids’ rooms for those midnight snack runs or monster-under-the-bed checks.
Add a Floating Shelf
Turn your old phone jack into the foundation for a stylish floating shelf. Start by removing the faceplate and wires, then install a small wooden or metal shelf bracket directly over the opening. Choose a shelf with a bit of depth to cover the jack completely while offering space for displaying décor, small plants, or everyday items like keys.
This solution is practical and adds a decorative touch to your space. Paint or stain the shelf to match your room’s color scheme, and you’ll forget the phone jack was ever there.
Mount a Small Mirror
Repurpose the spot with a small, wall-mounted mirror. The phone jack’s location often works well for a decorative mirror that doubles as a quick check-in spot on your way out the door. Opt for a mirror with a frame deep enough to cover the phone jack or use adhesive strips to mount the mirror directly to the wall.
Not only does this hide the unsightly jack, but it also adds light and dimension to your room. It’s a simple fix that blends functionality with style.
Install a Wall Hook
Transform the area into a useful wall hook for hanging lightweight items like keys, hats, or even a reusable shopping bag. First, remove the phone jack and wires, then cover the opening with a small wooden or metal plate. Attach a decorative hook to the plate, ensuring it’s secure enough to hold whatever you’ll hang.
This solution is quick, practical, and adds a touch of organization to your space. Choose a hook design that complements your room’s aesthetic for an effortless, cohesive look.
Turn It Into a Mini Storage Cubby
Transform your old phone jack into a tiny storage cubby with a little creativity. Start with a small wooden box, like an empty cigar box or something similar you can find online or at a craft store. Cut an opening in the back of the box to fit over the phone jack and secure it to the wall. If the box doesn’t have a clasp, add magnets to keep the door closed. Attach a small handle for easy access, and voilà—you’ve got a clever little cubby for keys, notes, or other small items.
This is a fun and functional way to repurpose the space, and it adds a bit of personality to your room. Plus, you can paint or stain the box to match your decor, making it blend seamlessly into the wall.
Make It a Mini Secret Safe
If you’re looking for a discreet spot to stash valuables, turn the phone jack space into a hidden safe. After removing the faceplate, wires, and electrical box, install a small hidden safe designed for this purpose. These products fit snugly into the wall like an electrical box and often come with a magnetic cover that resembles a standard outlet.
Once it’s installed, the safe is virtually invisible to anyone who doesn’t know it’s there. It’s a perfect hiding spot for cash, jewelry, or small keepsakes, and you’ll feel like you’re part of a spy movie every time you use it.
Use a Blank Outlet Cover
For a quick and easy fix, replace the old phone jack with a blank outlet cover. Start by removing the faceplate and snipping and taping the wires. If the existing box doesn’t align with your new cover’s screw holes, replace it with an “existing work” single gang electrical box. Then, attach the blank faceplate and paint it to match your wall.
It won’t completely disappear, but it will be much less noticeable and give your wall a cleaner look.
Remove and Patch the Wall
To get rid of an old wall-mounted phone jack entirely, start by taking off the faceplate and the electrical box in the wall. Before dealing with the wires, disconnect them at the main phone box for safety. Once that’s done, snip the wires and tape their ends securely with electrical tape. Tuck the taped wires back into the wall so they’re out of sight.
From there, patching the wall is straightforward. Use a small piece of drywall to cover the hole, secure it with joint compound, and sand it smooth once dry. A quick coat of paint will make the wall look as if the phone jack was never there.
Create a Message Board
If your old phone jack is in the kitchen, why not turn it into a family message center? A corkboard, chalkboard, or dry-erase board works well for this. Choose one with a recessed work surface, so it fits snugly over the phone jack without bulging awkwardly from the wall.
You’ll have a handy spot to jot down grocery lists, appointment reminders, or even sweet notes to your family.
