Measure your basement height from floor to ceiling. Write down this measurement. Purchase two bookcases that are at least 3 feet wide and 1 inch shorter than the measurement you just took.
Place each bookcase on either side of the furnace, right and left. The shelves of each bookcase must face outward from the furnace so you can use their storage space.
Attach one end of an L-bracket to the top and bottom of each bookcase using screws and an electric drill. Drill the other end of each L-bracket to the ceiling and floor respectively.
Place a decorative screen in front of the furnace. Now your furnace is completely covered. However, you can move the screen whenever you need to, so that the furnace can receive proper ventilation.