How to Hide Media Equipment (5+ Ways)

Having media equipment like TVs, speakers, game consoles, streaming devices, and more out in the open can make your living room look cluttered. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to hide these devices to create a cleaner, more stylish space.

Why Hide Media Equipment

There are a few key reasons you may want to hide your AV equipment:

Improve Aesthetics

Lots of black boxes, wires, and remotes can make your room look messy and unfinished. Hiding equipment cleans up the look.

Protect Devices

Concealing electronics in cabinets or behind walls keeps them safe from damage. This is especially important if you have kids or pets.

Reduce Noise

For home theater sound systems, enclosing speakers helps focus the sound for a more immersive experience.

Create a Focal Point

Hiding everything except the TV draws attention to the screen and makes it a focal point in the room.

Ways to Hide Media Components

There are a variety of methods for concealing AV components, cables, and other gear, including:

TV Lift Cabinets

TV lifts allow you to hide a television inside a cabinet or TV stand when not in use. At the push of a button, the TV rises up for easy viewing. Pros include:

Seamless Look

With the TV descended, the lift cabinet appears as a regular piece of furniture.

Protection from Damage

Enclosing the TV prevents harm from kids, pets, dust, and more.

Remote Control Operation

Remotes or smart home tech make it easy to raise and lower the TV.

Multiple Sizes

Lifts are available for TVs from 20″ up to 90″ or more.

However, lifts can be expensive, and you need to ensure proper ventilation inside the cabinet.

In-Wall Cabinets

In-wall cabinets install between wall studs to provide built-in storage to hide components. Options include:

Media Boxes

Perfect for hiding DVRs, Blu-ray players, game systems, and the excess wires that come with them.

Component Shelving

Open shelving neatly stores devices while allowing remotes and controls to remain accessible.

Enclosed Cabinets

Fully enclosed cabinets keep equipment completely hidden behind wood doors for a seamless look.

Benefits of in-wall cabinets include keeping floors and surfaces clear while safely stowing gear and wires. Just be cautious of ventilation, dust buildup, and access for setup/upgrades. Wall repairs are also needed if removing cabinets.

Custom Built-Ins

For the ultimate integrated look, have cabinets and shelving custom built right into your wall. Benefits include:

Seamless Appearance

When designed properly, built-ins appear as part of the home’s structure.

Abundant Options

Built-ins can accommodate TVs, speakers, media players, gaming systems, and more.

Personalized Storage

Get creative with drawers, doors, and openings tailored to your gear.

Flexible Sizing

Built-ins can be designed to fit your unique space and needs.

While expensive and permanent, built-ins yield a clean, integrated place for all your media equipment.

Hiding Speakers

In addition to media components, you also need to address your speaker system:

In-Wall Speakers

In-wall speakers install directly into your wall, with only the front grille exposed. Great for surround sound.

Minimal Look

Only the front grille shows, blending seamlessly with walls.

Customizable Locations

Place surround speakers exactly where needed for optimal sound.

Professional Installation Often Needed

Cutting into walls and running wires takes skill and knowledge.

In-Ceiling Speakers

Ceiling speakers hide up and out of view for 5.1 and Atmos surround sound:

Unobtrusive Look

Mounted overhead, they essentially disappear from view.

Enhanced Audio Immersion

Sounds effects pan overhead, as intended.

Challenging DIY Install

Fishing wires through walls and cutting ceiling holes is tricky.

Soundbar

While less immersive, modern slim soundbars conveniently mount just below the TV:

Streamlined Appearance

Wall-mounted bars keep floors and surfaces clear.

No Installation Needed

Soundbars simply mount on the wall or sit on a credenza.

Limited Surround Capability

While some simulate surround sound, discrete speakers work better.

Wireless Speakers

For the easiest setup, wireless speakers don’t require running any speaker wires at all.

Completely Hidden

No wires means all equipment can be hidden away.

Flexible Placement

Put speakers anywhere without worrying about wires.

Sound Quality Concerns

Wireless speakers may suffer some loss in fidelity and lag.

Concealing Cables

Getting rid of unsightly cabling is key to a clean, hidden install. Options include:

Raceways

Plastic channels securely adhere to your wall and neatly guide wires down from the TV.

Discreet Look

Raceways blend into most walls once painted.

Low Cost

Plastic models are an affordable solution.

Visible Wires

While tidy, cables remain exposed.

Wire Concealers

Adhesive wire channeling sticks to the wall and hides cables inside.

Hidden Wires

Concealers fully hide cables from sight.

Low Profile

With thin designs, they are barely noticeable on walls.

Limited Capacity

Concealers may not fit thicker cables or many wires.

In-Wall Wiring

For a seamless look, have cables routed inside your walls and ceilings.

Completely Hidden

No wires are visible with in-wall routing.

Professional Installation Often Needed

Fishing cables through finished walls is extremely challenging.

Future Upgrades Difficult

Accessing cables to add or swap gear requires wall repair.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about hiding media components:

What’s the easiest way to hide TV wires?

Adhesive wire concealers provide a quick, simple way to hide TV power and HDMI cables against the wall. Just stick them on and insert wires. Raceways are another option that neatly guide cables down from the TV.

Where should I put equipment inside a cabinet?

Install media components on shelves, racks or in pull-out drawers near the back of the cabinet. This allows wires and cables to run neatly down the back interior wall. Also be sure to allow adequate airflow inside the cabinet.

Is it OK to completely enclose electronics?

While it may hide equipment best, enclosing media gear in cabinets requires proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Allow a few inches around components and install vent holes or low-speed fans.

How can I access equipment after installation?

For built-ins and in-wall cabinets, include hinged doors or removable panels to allow access to devices. Also consider pull-out shelves and drawers to slide gear out more easily.

What about running power to hidden gear?

Outlet strips and small power hubs can be mounted inside cabinets to supply electricity. For more permanent installs, you can also have outlets installed inside built-ins or behind TVs. Consider surge protectors to protect expensive equipment.

I hope these hiding tips help you conceal media components for a cleaner, less cluttered room! Let me know if you have any other questions.