How to Hide TV Wires (8 Smart Methods)

This article outlines 8 different methods for hiding unsightly TV wires to create a cleaner look and improve the overall atmosphere of a home or business. DIY solutions such as using cord covers and bundling the wires together are discussed, making it easy to improve the look of any living space.?

Method 1: Hiding TV Wires Behind the Wall

This method conceals cables after a TV is mounted. It requires a few household tools, such as a screwdriver or drill, pencil, stud finder, cable plates, and a utility knife. You'll cut a hole in the wall and hide the cables behind the wall paneling. Cable plates can be purchased for a low cost on Amazon and help give the setup a professional look.

Steps

To install a cable plate behind a television:

1. Trace the desired cut position behind the TV using a pencil and template.

2. If using an extendable TV mount, pull the TV forward for easy access.

3. Use a stud finder to locate hidden wiring or studs.

4. Make shallow cuts with a utility knife and repeat until cutting through the wall.

5. Place the top cable plate into the wall and tighten screws.

6. Cut the bottom box out, feed TV wires through, attach the cable plate and finish screwing in.

Method 2: Hide Wires in Plain Sight with Wall Raceways or Channels

Wall-mounted TVs often require wires to be hidden from view, and wall raceways and channels are a great way to do this. They come in neutral colors and can be easily cut to fit the length of the wall between the base of the screen and the floor.?

The cover can then be mounted to the wall and the TV cords laid inside, and the cover snapped in place over the top. It can also be painted with latex-based paint to blend in with the wall.

Method 3: Bring Chaos to Order with Cable Ties

Cable ties are a cost-effective and simple solution. Choose reusable Velcro bands or wire ties over single-use plastic ties. Keep AV connections and electrical cables apart when running them together to avoid interference with analog signals like those in speaker wires. Use ties to hold the cables along the edges of AV furniture and walls for better organization.

Method 4: Hide Wires in a Drawer

You can hide your TV wires in a drawer in the TV stand or a separate piece of furniture by drilling a hole in the back panel and mounting a power strip. You can also place your TV on top of a console, cabinet, or entertainment center with an opening in the back to feed the cords through. This will help reduce visible cable clutter.

Method 5: Install New Sockets Behind the TV

You can hide the wires of a wall-mounted TV by relocating an existing outlet higher up if the wires fit between the studs. An old-work or retrofitted plastic electrical box can help you install the outlet in the drywall without nailing it to the studs. Hiring an electrician to install a power socket or HDMI ports is another, but more expensive alternative.

Method 6: Use a Cable Box

Cable storage boxes in neutral, rectangular designs come in various sizes and are made to hold power strips and cables of all sizes. Simply place them near an outlet or cable jack, and stuff all the bulky cables and wires inside for a neat and tidy space.

Method 7: Use Cable Wraps

Cable wraps are two-foot-long pieces of flexible foam tubing that allow you to bundle the wires together into one larger cord while also giving you the ability to break out and redirect wires anywhere along the stretch to reach the desired destination.

Method 8: Hide Cables with Baseboard Channels

Baseboard cord channels are a great way to hide and protect Ethernet and power cords from damage while eliminating the tripping hazard of exposed cords in a room. They are self-adhesive, impact-resistant sections of plastic quarter-round shoe molding that can be easily mounted to baseboards, and can even be painted to match any interior design.

Quick Tip: Label, Label, Label!

Labeling all TV cords ahead of time is an easy way to save time and prevent frustration in the future. It allows you to quickly identify and plug the cords back in if the TV needs to be moved or mounted, and will make it clear which cords belong to you and which need to be returned if you switch cable providers.