Internet routers are nothing new, but they have traditionally been kept on shelves and under desks because of their unattractive appearance. That, however, actually affects their performance, particularly their reach, forcing owners to choose between a strong Internet connection and a pleasing interior design. With home Internet needs exponentially increasing every year, routers can no longer stay hidden in corners and are starting to become very visible presences in living spaces.

Some routers have embraced their nature of cold, impersonal technologies with designs that look alien and at times intimidating. Fortunately, a few designers and manufacturers have realized the need for more human aesthetics that seamlessly blend into their surroundings, such as this WiFi router that lets you style the device the way you want it, matching not only your decor but your own personality as well.

Designer: Intexiv for KT (Korea Telecom)

We’re finally starting to see routers that add aesthetic value to the space they live in. Going beyond the crude and clinical plain white boxes that most of them bear, some routers adopt minimalist and sometimes even nature-inspired designs. That said, all these presume that everyone wants a plain white or plain black box standing on their desks or shelves clear as day.

The Vibrant WiFi router takes this humanization of technology to the next level by making the device not only appealing but also personal. This simple yet ingenious strategy involves a switchable enclosure that covers the actual router, which is nothing more than a tall, pill-shaped object. On the surface (pardon the pun), the solution is pretty simple, but it requires careful design and engineering. After all, using the wrong materials can negatively affect the WiFi’s performance.

When done correctly, however, the enclosures offer a nearly unlimited amount of customization as far as appearances go. It’s not just the color that can be changed as each shell can also have different materials and finishes. They can be plain or textured, opaque or translucent, and even printed with graphic designs. It can even become an opportunity for branding collaborations. And you don’t even have to stick to one skin, as you can swap them out as your tastes, moods, and interior decor change.

It might sound like a very trivial feature, but the Vibrant WiFi router does more than just make the device look good. It empowers owners to design their space even further, no longer hampered by boring boxes or horned monstrosities. The router now becomes a decorative object that you can design as you wish and flaunt to your guests without having to worry that it will be standing in some secluded spot that will affect its signal strength.

The post Customizable WiFi router skins turn an eyesore into an aesthetic decoration first appeared on Yanko Design.

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