Leah Berenson

Leah Berenson

October 12, 2024

9 Ways to Repurpose Old Wall-Mounted Phone Jacks

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

Ancient Technology Old Telephone Jack
Source: Shutterstock

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

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2. Cover it with Important Information 

Coax cable outlet and land line phone wall outlet. Coaxial connection for TV and high speed broadband internet. Television service installation. Landline telephone wall jack.
Source: Shutterstock

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

An image of a Japanese electrical outlet (wall socket or mains) and phone jack
Source: Shutterstock

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

Network cable connected
Source: Shutterstock

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

RJ-11 Jack telephone wall plate
Source: Shutterstock

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

Two white phone jack outlets.
Image Credit: Amazon

A blank or decorative outlet cover may also be a great alternative to the phone jack and can be hand-painted or customizable. 

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7. Be Creative with Your Installation

A 5 pack of beige phone jacks.
Image Credit: Amazon

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

Old vintage stationary shiny black plastic telephone with a tube on the wire with a long cord on isolated background
Source: Shutterstock

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

Colorful bright image of female hand holding old-fashioned green colored phone, handset falling down isolated over orange background. Concept of pop art, vintage things, mix old and modernity
Source: Shutterstock

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

Black and white image of a vintage telephone.
Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos | Pixabay

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. 

Conclusion

Close up Mobile phone Charger with USB Type-C USB-C. USB type C cable charger and port of the phone. Connection 3.5 mm audio jack to a black mobile phone.
Source: Shutterstock

Interestingly, phones have a headphone jack, similar to the relic found in many homes, according to sources. As such, they’re still prevalent today, despite how few people recognize it or know what it does. Meanwhile, the little rectangle wall mount takes up valuable space on the wall and is still found in most homes. Namely, older homes.

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Sources

  1. 9 Ways To Transform Your Old Wall-Mounted Phone Jack.Family Handyman. Laurie M Nichols. September 10, 2024.
  2. Ancient History Of The Phone Jack.Hackaday. Al Williams. June 5, 2020.