How to Hide Hanging Cords (5+ Ways)
Exposed and messy cords hanging from mounted TVs, speakers, and other devices can make a room look cluttered. Luckily, hiding cords is an easy and affordable way to instantly improve the aesthetic of any space.
This comprehensive guide will provide tips, step-by-step instructions, and answers to common questions to help you hide cords effectively.
Why Hide Hanging Cords?
There are several benefits to concealing dangling wires and cables:
- It makes rooms look cleaner, more modern, and polished. Tidy cord management prevents a cluttered appearance.
- It streamlines aesthetics for a simpler, visually calming environment. Hiding wires clears visual noise.
- It creates a safer space by reducing tripping hazards from loose cables. Concealed cords prevent accidents.
- It protects wires from damage like pets chewing through them. Hidden cords also avoid wear and tear.
In short, hiding hanging cords improves style, safety, and functionality in any home or office.
Planning Your Cord Hiding Project
Before getting started, consider the following to execute your cord concealment effectively:
Measure Cord Lengths
Ensure you have enough slack for all connections behind furniture or inside wire hides. Measure cords from power sources to devices to determine required lengths.
Assess Hardware Needs
Take stock of necessary components like raceways, conduits, wire covers, etc. Survey routes to determine the best hiding solution for each cord situation.
Check Electrical Setups
Consider existing outlet locations and proximity to devices when planning routes. Additionally, ensure circuits can handle added loads if using power strips.
Mind Wall Composition
Wall material dictates the anchoring system. Drywall, brick, concrete, etc. have different requirements for securing cord hiders.
Consider Future Changes
Account for potential device moves, upgrades or additional equipment when planning so concealed cords can accommodate adjustments.
Hiding Wall-Mounted TV Cords
Wall-mounted televisions with exposed cords are a common decor dilemma. Here are excellent techniques for concealing wires:
Route Through Wall
For a seamless look, drill a hole through the wall directly behind the TV and feed cables inside the wall to below. Patch the starting point hole.
Adhesive Cord Covers
Self-adhesive plastic channels stick directly to the wall and neatly guide wires downwards. Match cord color for minimal visibility.
Raceways
Snap-on raceways seamlessly blend onto walls while hiding multiple cords inside. Paint them the wall color for camouflaging.
Tip: Label cord ends so you know which device they connect to for easy swapping.
Hiding Speaker Wires & Cords
Speakers dotted around a room can mean cords strewn across floor and walls. Clean up the wiring using these strategies:
Under Carpet
For carpeting, safely tuck wires underneath and use carpet tape to secure any visible portions flush against the floor.
Behind Baseboards
Pry baseboards off gently and tuck cords behind them fully or partially if too thick. Reattach boards to conceal.
Painted to Match
Choose white cords and paint cable channels, raceways, and wire hides the same wall color to “erase” wires.
Cable Columns
Freestanding columns hide wires inside while doubling as decorative architecture elements like faux beams.
Pro Tip: For ceiling speakers, feed wiring through attic space above then down through hollow walls.
Concealing Power Strip Cords
Unsightly power strip wires can clutter workstations and entertainment centers. Clean them up with these tactics:
Under Furniture
Keep strips hidden behind cabinets and desks while routing cords neatly through cutouts or lifting furniture edges temporarily.
Cable Management Box
Corral cords in acrylic management boxes to maintain accessibility. Adhere boxes underneath surfaces or on walls.
Through Holes
Drill round holes on desktops or shelves then feed cords directly through openings to keep strips out of sight.
Behind Drawers
Mount power sources on walls behind dressers and credenzas so cord excess can be stored discreetly inside furniture.
Expert Tip: Purchase right-angle plugs or low-profile strips where furniture abuts walls for easy hideability.
FAQs About Hiding Hanging Cords
Still have questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Are cord hiding methods safe?
Yes, provided materials used are UL-certified and weight-rated for cables used. Avoid stapling cords directly. Follow all product safety guidelines.
Do I need special tools?
Basic tools like stud finders, levels, tape measure, screwdrivers, and drills facilitate installation. Some products like cable columns just slot together by hand.
Where can I buy cord hiding supplies?
Hardware stores, home improvement centers, electronics stores, office supply retailers and online ecommerce sites sell various wire concealment systems.
Can I hide cords on rental property?
Yes, provided you use non-damaging methods like adhesive products or freestanding items. Just check with landlords first.
How much does it cost?
Prices range widely – painted raceways, wire covers and columns average $15-$70 depending on size. Through-wall feeds cost more for materials.
Final Tip: Maintain tidiness for continued aesthetic appeal. Neatly bundle and fasten excess length out of sight.
So in summary, hiding messy cords is an easy, affordable DIY project with major visual impact. Strategically concealing wires makes rooms safer, stylish and streamlined.
