How to Hide Cables for Wall-Mounted TVs (5+ Ways)

Having a wall-mounted TV can provide a clean, modern look for your living space. However, the unsightly tangle of power cords and cables trailing down the wall below the TV can ruin the aesthetic. Properly hiding these cables makes a huge difference in the look of your room.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through various clever solutions to conceal TV cables against walls or hide them inside them. With some planning and simple materials, you can create a seamless, cable-free appearance for your mounted television.

Why Hide TV Cables?

Before we get into the solutions, understanding why it’s worth the effort to hide cables will help motivate you to tackle this project. Here are some top reasons:

Enhanced Aesthetics
Exposed cables from your wall-mounted TV can make the whole area look messy and unfinished. Hiding them improves style and sophistication.

Safety
Loose cables hanging down are tripping hazards, especially for kids and pets. Concealing them removes this risk.

Protect Wires
Cables left dangling can get damaged over time. Hiding them properly keeps them safe and usable.

Create Clean Lines
The right techniques can create clean, architectural lines for a polished, professional appearance.

Increase Enjoyment
Eliminating visible wires, distracting messes and safety issues enhances your viewing pleasure.

Planning Your Cable Hiding Strategy

Before doing anything, assess your situation and make a plan. These key steps will set you up for success:

Gather Supplies You Will Need

Here are some common supplies that come in handy:

• Cable raceways/channels
• Cable concealer strips and paintable molding
• Cable box
• Cable grommets
• Cable ties and clips
• Cable tubing
• Power drill
• Drywall saw
• Stud finder
• Fishing tape
• Low-voltage brackets

Determine Cable Hiding Route

Decide where you want cables to run – along the wall, through the wall or behind mounted accessories. The easiest option depends on your setup.

Check for Power Outlets & Know Your Wall Type

Note available power outlets and wall material (drywall, concrete, etc.) as that impacts the methods used.

Measure Cable Lengths

Measure how much slack you’ll need for all cables to avoid pulling cables taut.

Hiding Cables Against the Wall

Running cables down the wall just below your mounted TV is the most straightforward approach. Here are some creative ideas to conceal them:

Paintable Wall Cable Covers

These plastic channels have removable tops that snap on to hide wires inside. Just nail them to the wall and paint them the same color. They blend right in! The open back allows easy cable access.

Benefits:

• Quick, simple way to hide cables
• Paintable to match any wall

Considerations:

• Visible from some angles
• Only works for low-voltage cables like HDMI or antenna

Cable Hiders Paired with Picture Ledges

Another option is to affix slender cable hider strips vertically just behind a wall-mounted picture ledge. Run cables down inside the gap behind the ledge.

Benefits:

• Totally concealed cables
• No visible boxes or plastic
• Decorative ledges provide shelving

Considerations:

• More challenging installation
• Needs ledges wide and deep enough to hide cables

Adhesive Cable Clips Under Baseboard Trim

Affix cable clips with adhesive backing under the baseboard trim. Then run cables down neatly behind the trim.

Benefits:

• Very discreet appearance
• No nailing or wiring needed

Considerations:

• Baseboard trim must be tall enough
• Won’t work for very thick cables

Inset Cabling into the Wall

If you have access to wall studs, you can create inset channels for cables. This offers a seamless, built-in look.

See the “Hiding Cables Inside Walls” section for details on creating recessed cabling channels.

Concealing Cables Inside Walls

For the most streamlined, hidden look, installing cables inside walls keeps them totally out of sight but easily accessible.

Secure Cables to Wall Studs

Use specialty brackets designed for mounting cables to wall studs. Attach them using wood screws.

Benefits

• Sturdy, professional mounting
• Allows running cables from TV to outlets

Considerations

• Requires drilling many holes into studs
• Visible if wall has no drywall

Use Conduit Raceways Behind Drywall

For new construction, install plastic conduit tubing inside walls to neatly guide cables from A to B. Conduit lets you easily pull new wires later on.

Benefits

• Makes changing cables a breeze
• Provides very finished look

Considerations

• Best for new construction
• Challenging for existing walls

Create Inset Cable Channels

For existing walls, carefully cut out drywall to create narrow, rectangular cable channels. Then install low-voltage mounting brackets inside to neatly guide wires.

Benefits

• Totally concealed end-to-end
• Allows safely securing cables

Considerations

• Very labor intensive
• Risk of wall damage or uneven cuts

Fish Cables Through Hollow Wall Sections

Use fishing tape to pull cables through hollow wall cavities to outlets. Works great for hollow brick or block walls.

Benefits

• Takes advantage of existing space
• Doesn’t require new channels

Considerations

• Only works for hollow wall types
• Requires access to top and bottom of wall space

Hiding Cables Behind Wall-Mounted Accessories

Another clever trick is securely mounting decor pieces like photos, mirrors or wall sculptures over a hollow space to feed cables through behind them.

Wall Art or Mirrors

Securely affix wall art or mirrors with bolts through the drywall into studs. Leave a gap behind for cables.

Benefits

• Creates a polished, decorated look
• Convenient cable access behind

Considerations

• Items must be large enough
• Could look messy if art/mirrors are removed

Floating Wall Shelves

Mount sturdy floating shelves with built-in cable access holes. Paint shelves the wall color for seamless appearance.

Benefits

• Creates functional storage space
• Cable holes are neatly integrated

Considerations

• Visible shelf brackets
• Dust is visible on shelves

Wall Boxes or Cabinets

Install wall-mounted cabinets or open boxes to feed cables through while providing covered storage.

Benefits

• Adds functional storage space
• Offers easy cable access inside

Considerations

• Boxes protrude from wall
• Dust collects inside

FAQs About Hiding Wall-Mounted TV Cables

Still have some questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What’s the easiest way to hide cables?
Paintable cable channels provide the fastest cable hiding with the least effort. Just nail on, snap on covers and paint.

Can I hide cables on a textured wall?
Yes, cable hiders work on textured walls. Just securely anchor them to studs underneath using long screws.

Do adhesive cable clips work well?
Yes, if used properly! Apply to clean wall and press firmly for over 30 seconds to ensure strong hold.

How do I hide cables going down an exterior wall?
Use exterior-rated cable tubing painted to match the wall. Secure it in a straight line to a railing, downspout pipes or siding grooves.

What if my cables are too short to hide?
Purchase cable extensions, power cable extenders or HDMI extenders. These lengthen cables so they can neatly run behind walls.

How much does professional cable hiding cost?
It ranges from $100-$500 depending on home layout and the complexity of the job. DIY is cheaper but very labor intensive.

Final Thoughts

Hiding messy cables is one of those jobs that makes a huge visual impact once completed. While running cables through walls or behind mounted decor takes planning and effort, the results are well worth it.

With so many clever products and approaches to conceal cables available today, you’re bound to find a method that works perfectly in your space. Just be sure to carefully measure and map out your plan in advance.

Follow the techniques outlined above and you’ll soon be enjoying your wall-mounted TV with no visible wires in sight!