Once a pinnacle for communication, the phone jack was found in homes everywhere. However, technology has changed and most people today don’t know what to do with it, or what purpose it once served. Arguably, they’re an eye sore and because they’re obsolete, they take up space on the wall but serve no practical use. Check out these 9 ideas for repurposing, or getting rid of the relic.
1. Remove the Phone Jack
The first, possibly most obvious, way to get rid of the unstylish relic is to remove it from the wall and patch up the hole. It’s not creative but eliminates the eye soar and frees up a small space for another family photo.
2. Cover it with Important Information
Rather than removing the phone jack, you can hide it by installing a cork or chalk message board, helping eliminate the eye sore and giving you a leg up on keeping track of your to-do lists.
3. Create Phone Jack Artwork
You can cover the it with artwork, similar to the message board. Or you can incorporate it into the work, painting, or mod podge over it.
4. Replace with Storage Space
Although the phone jack isn’t large, you will gain some space by getting rid of it. You can use the extra space to supplement with storage space. For instance, you can purchase stackable or decorative bins of all sizes and colors.
5. Create a Secret Space
Removing the phone jack will create a tiny alcove to hide small things like important documents or jewelry. Moreover, you can install a shelf behind it in the wall, and then put it back in place so no one will ever know.
6. Install Something Else
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7. Be Creative with Your Installation
A phone jack is a similar size to a bottle opener, you can install it in place and add a touch of charm, and convenience, to your space.
8. A New Light Switch in Place of the Phone Jack
Some homes with older electrical systems also have outdated means of turning lights off and on. For instance, some have pull-strings but you can update those, adding electricity through an old phone jack, without having to cut a new hole. However, electrical work can be dangerous so unless you’re properly trained, it’s best to leave these home improvements to someone with more experience and expertise.
9. Functional and Decorative Phone Jack
Lastly, consider replacing, or repurposing them with a Hi-Jack Coverage System. The product covers old or outdated wall-mounted phone jacks and comes with a bracket and a separate shelf, key hook, and an integrated picture frame. Purportedly, installation only takes a minute and doesn’t require any tools.
History of a Phone Jack
For generations, the telephone has evolved from a large piece of equipment, requiring a stationary connection, to little phones that double as computers and fit in our pockets. In between, the phone jack played an important role in facilitating communication between loved ones.
Moreover, it has evolved alongside the telephone. In its early days, it was was massive and had countless wires. Over time, the device got smaller and more discrete.