It’s the bane of every living room: those unsightly cords running from our televisions to the wall. Not only are they a visual eyesore, but they can also be a tripping hazard. If you’re looking for an easy way to hide TV cords and wires, look no further! In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do just that. Plus, we’ll give you some tips on how to make your cords less visible in the first place. So read on and learn how to tame those pesky wires once and for all!
Why Would You Consider Covering TV Cords and Wires?
Most people don’t think too much about the cords and wires coming out of their television until it’s time to clean or move the TV. Then, all of a sudden, those cords become an unsightly mess that can be difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can cover up TV cords and wires so that they blend in with your décor and are not as noticeable.
Let’s face it, those cords can be unsightly, especially if they are hanging down in front of your television or running along the floor. By covering them up, you can make your TV area look neater and more put together.
Another reason to consider covering TV cords and wires is for safety reasons. If you have small children or pets in your home, exposed cords can be a hazard. By covering them up, you can help to prevent accidents. If you have young children or pets, covering up the cords can also help to prevent them from being pulled out or chewed on. And let’s not forget about tripping!
Ways to Hide TV Cords and Wires
As you can see, there are a few good reasons why you might want to hide TV cords and wires. But do you really need to cut holes in your walls or run wires through your floors? No way! There are a number of simple and easy ways that you can cover up those cords without too much hassle. And we will discuss them right now!
Consider your cable rating
There’s one very important factor you need to consider before you start hiding your TV cords and wires, and that’s the cable rating. The reason this is so important is because different types of cables have different ratings. For example, some cables are rated for in-wall installation, while others are not.
In-wall cables are specially designed for use inside walls. They are made from fire-resistant materials and have a higher gauge than standard cables, making them thicker and more durable. In-wall cables are also UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories) listed, meaning they have been tested for safety and quality.
Generally, if your cable is rated CL2 or CL3, you can safely use it inside your walls. However, if your cable is not rated for in-wall installation, you should not try to hide it inside your walls. Doing so could be a fire hazard.
Some methods in our list include in-wall mounting, so if your cable isn’t rated for it, avoid those methods and use one of the others instead.
Wrangle your cords with cable ties
Perhaps the easiest way to manage your cords is to use good old-fashioned cable ties. You can find these at any home improvement store, and they’re great for bundling a bunch of cords together. Just make sure you don’t pull them too tight – you don’t want to cut off the circulation to your TV!
To use cable ties, simply gather up all of the cords you want to wrangle together and group them close together. Then, take a cable tie and loop it around the cords, pulling it tight. You can trim off the excess tie if you want, or leave it hanging – it’s up to you!
Label your cables
While not really a tip on how to hide cords, this one is still worth mentioning. If you have a lot of cords running around your TV stand, it can be tough to keep track of which cord goes to what. A quick and easy way to fix that is to simply label each cord with a piece of tape or a sharpie. That way, you’ll always know which cord is which, and you won’t have to go digging around behind your TV every time you need to plug something in. [3]
Buy new shorter cables
This might seem a bit extreme, but if you have the money and the time, it’s definitely worth it. If your TV cords are too long and are hanging down below your TV stand, simply buy some new, shorter cables. You can find them at any electronics store or online. This is also a good solution if your current cables are starting to show their age and aren’t looking so great. [3], [5]
Install new power sockets or ports behind the TV
If you have the option, installing new power sockets or ports behind your TV is a great way to get rid of cords. This can be done easily by running wires through the wall to the new location. If you don’t want to deal with running wires yourself, you can always hire an electrician to do it for you.
This is an effective solution if you have a wall-mounted TV. It’s also a good option if you have a TV that is sitting on a stand or shelf, as it will allow you to keep the cords hidden away behind the TV.
When installing new power outlets, be sure to use child-proof covers for the outlets if you have young children in the home. [3]
Conceal TV cords in a cable raceway
There are two main types of cord raceways: surface-mounted and recessed. Surface-mounted cord raceways are the easiest to install because you don’t need to cut any holes in your walls. You can simply attach them to the wall with adhesive tape or screws. Recessed cord raceways require a little more work because you need to cut a hole in the wall and then install the raceway flush with the surface. But don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it sounds!
Once you have installed your cord raceway, simply run your TV cords through it and then use adhesive tape or wire ties to secure them in place. Then, all you have to do is close up the raceway and enjoy your neatly hidden cords! [2], [3], [5], [6]
Use wall cord covers
Cord covers are similar to cord raceways, but they are usually made of softer materials like plastic or rubber. They are also much easier to install because you don’t need to cut any holes in your walls. You can simply attach them to the wall with adhesive tape or Velcro.
One of the great things about cord covers is that they come in a variety of colors and styles. So if you’re looking for something that will blend in with your walls, there’s sure to be a cord cover that will do the trick. And if you want something that’s a little more fun and funky, there are plenty of those options available as well. [2], [6]
Utilize furniture to hide your cables
One way to quickly and easily hide TV cords is to use furniture to your advantage. This technique works especially well if you have an entertainment center or other type of shelving unit that your TV is mounted on. Simply run the cords behind the furniture and out of sight!
You can also use your couch or coffee table to hide cords. Just run the cord under the furniture and out of sight. This is a great option if you don’t have shelving or if your TV is not mounted.
Just make sure your cords will still be easy to reach for when you need to plug or unplug them. [2], [3], [4], [6]
Invest in the cable management box
A cable management box is a great way to hide TV cords and wires. It’s a simple and elegant solution that will keep your cords organized and out of sight. And it’s easy to install! Just put all of your cords into the box and then close the lid. That’s it!
If you want, you can even get a cable management box with a power strip built-in. That way, you can plug all of your devices into the power strip and then into the wall outlet. And everything will be hidden away in the box! [5]
Relocate the outlet and move the wires up
If you have the ability to, moving your TV wires directly up is going to be the best and most fool-proof method. This is especially easy to do if you have a wall-mounted TV. Just relocate the outlet or use a power strip so that the cords can run directly up the wall. Then, use some cord management techniques to keep everything in place. You can either use zip ties, command strips, or even Velcro to keep those cords together and up out of the way. Not only is this method effective, but it’s also really cheap and easy to do!
Since TV wires can lie between the two studs, no drilling or nailing is required. You can use an adhesive cord cover like this one to tidy up the look and make it safe for kids and pets. Attach it to the wall with the included double-sided tape and run your cords through the channels. [5]
Mount power strip on your wall
Another great way to hide cords is to simply mount your power strip on the wall. A power strip is a device that allows multiple electrical devices to be connected to one another through a single wall outlet. Many users have their power strips lying on the floor or behind their TV stand, which can create a messy and cluttered look. But if you mount your power strip on the wall, you can easily hide those cords away!
You can do this with the help of a painter’s tape or any other strong adhesive. Simply run the painter’s tape along the back of the power strip and locate two keyhole slots on the top of the device. Once you have found those slots, use a pen to poke inside them. Then, remove the painter’s tape from the power strip and hold the device up to the wall. Next, use a screwdriver to insert screws into the holes that you created with the pen. Finally, tighten the screws until the power strip is secure on the wall. [2], [5]
Use a false wall to conceal the wires
If you have the space, one of the best ways to hide cords is to build a false wall. A false wall is a structure built in front of an existing wall to conceal it from view. False walls are often used to cover up unsightly features or to create the illusion of a larger space.
You can use a variety of materials to build your false wall, but the most popular choice is drywall. Drywall is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with, making it a good option for those who are not experienced in construction. Cinder blocks or wood panels are also viable options.
Once you have chosen your material, you will need to measure the area where you want to build the false wall. Then, cut the materials to size and attach them to the existing wall with screws or nails. If you are using drywall, you will need to use drywall tape and joint compound to finish the seams. You can either attach the false wall to the real wall you want to cover, or you can build it as a structure connected to the ceiling and floor.
Once the false wall is in place, you can use it to conceal cords by running them through the space between the false wall and the real wall. You can also paint or wallpaper the false wall to match your existing décor. [5]
Run cords from one side of the room to the other
This is probably the most common way to hide TV cords and wires. And it’s really not that hard to do! All you need to do is run the cords from one side of the room to the other, either behind or under furniture. We suggest you run them in low-traffic areas so you don’t have to worry about anyone tripping over them.
A great decision would be to run the wires along the baseboard. This way you can easily hide them with baseboard molding or trim. And if you want to get really fancy, you can even invest in cord coverings that match your décor. These can be found at most home improvement stores and are relatively inexpensive. Simply place the cord coverings on the floor and run your cords through them. No one will even know they’re there! [3]
Use artificial plants as a cover
A great way to cover up cords is by using artificial plants. This method works best if the cords are running along the floor, as you can simply tuck them under the leaves and stems of the plants. If the cords are running along the wall, you can use Command strips or Velcro dots to attach the plants to the wall.
Not only will this method cover up those unsightly cords, but it will also add a bit of greenery to your home décor! [4]
Use duct tape for hanging wires
If you have wires that are hanging down from your TV, then a quick and easy way to hide them is with duct tape. Just take a piece of duct tape and affix it to the wire. Then run the wire along the back of your TV or along the wall. The duct tape will hold the wire in place and keep it from being seen. [4]
FAQ
Can I run the HDMI cable behind the wall?
As long as your HDMI cable is CL2 or CL3 rated, you can run the cable behind the walls. Otherwise, you should not try to do this as it might result in a fire.
Can you hide the TV power cord behind the wall?
If your power cord is not long enough to reach an outlet behind your TV, you can use a cord extension and wire molding to hide the power cord along the wall. First, measure the distance from the outlet to where your TV will be mounted. Add a few extra feet to this measurement to account for any bends or curves in the wire molding. Cut a length of wire molding using a hacksaw and attach it to the wall with screws and wall anchors.
Next, run the power cord along the wire molding, using cable ties to secure it in place every few feet. Finally, connect the power cord to an extension cord and plug it into the outlet behind your TV.
How can I hide electrical cords in the living room?
If you’re looking for ways to hide electrical cords in your living room, there are a few different options you can choose from. You can use cord covers or conceal them behind furniture. If you have the budget for it, you can also hire an electrician to install recessed outlets.
How do I cover cords on the floor?
If you have cords running across the floor, one of the best ways to cover them is with cord covers. Cord covers are available in a variety of materials, colors, and sizes, so you can find ones that match your décor. Another option is to tuck the cords underneath a rug or carpet runner.
What is the easiest way to hide TV wires?
The easiest way to hide TV wires is to use a cord management system. There are many different types of cord management systems available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. You can also DIY a cord management system using materials like PVC pipe or wire hangers.
Useful Video: How to Hide Your TV Wires | EASY
Conclusion
No one likes the look of tangled cords and wires. They’re unsightly, and can be dangerous if not properly secured. But there’s no need to put up with them! With a little bit of planning and effort, you can hide TV cords and wires once and for all.
In this article, we mainly focused on providing you with creative ways to hide TV cords and wires. And as you can see, there are a few different ways to go about this. You can use cord coverings or paintable wire ducts to conceal the cords completely. Or, you can use cord management solutions like zip ties or Velcro straps to tidy up the cords and make them less visible.
We also provided some mini-guides on other methods, like installing a fake wall to cover cords. No matter which method you choose, we’re confident that you’ll be able to hide those cords and wires for good! Thanks for reading!
References
- https://www.cablewholesale.com/support/technical_articles/cable_ratings_and_materials_and_counterfeiters.php
- https://www.hellotech.com/blog/how-to-hide-tv-wires-without-cutting-wall
- https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/how-to-hide-tv-wires/
- https://www.alsoknownas.ca/11-creative-ways-to-hide-tv-cords-in-your-house/
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-hide-tv-wires-5219073
- https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-hide-tv-wires/