Your home entertainment area is a place for you to unwind, relax, and maybe even entertain, but it’s hard to enjoy any of those things when all you can see is a mess of cables and cords everywhere. But how do you hide TV wires?
There is an abundance of options when it comes to cable and cord hiding solutions and, in this article, we’ll look at some of those options. We’ll determine the reasons for hiding cables and some of the best wire management solutions out there, and we’ll even look at some cool DIY solutions to this common problem. So, keep reading and let’s get those cables organized!
Why Hide Your TV Wires?
Ok, maybe you’re asking, “what’s the big deal?” or “Why even bother hiding your TV wires? It’s just extra work that you don’t need to do.” Well, strictly speaking, you’re right. There is no law saying that you have to hide your TV wires, or any other electrical wires for that matter. But there are three really compelling reasons for why you might want to.
Organization
We live in a world of electronics and with all those devices, come all the cords that make them run. Whether those cords are for stationary equipment like TVs and game systems, or for charging portable equipment like cell phones and tablets, they all tend to get jumbled into one tangled mess. Hiding cords from home entertainment systems can actually help you to organize them too.
Many wire management systems are built to keep your cords untangled. And with different connectors to turn corners or change direction up and down, different cords can easily be run to where they are needed. Meaning the right cord will be where you need it, when you need it, every time.
Aesthetics
A happy by-product of organization is aesthetics. Now I’m an organization freak and to me, when something is organized it is also tidy, but I have friends who care more about the look and don’t care if the cords are a jumbled mess as long as you can’t see them. Hence, aesthetics is the second reason why you might want to hide those cables and cords from view.
Safety
The third reason is probably the most important but doesn’t apply to everyone. Hiding your cords and cables puts them out of reach and out of sight, making the living space of your home safer for small children and pets. When cords are hidden there is no chance that children or pets can chew through them or choke themselves inadvertently.
Best Products to Help Hide Your TV Wires
Echogear in Wall Cable Management Kit
The Echogear In-Wall DIY Cable Management Kit allows you to safely run electrical cables and wires behind the wall so they’re out of sight and pose no possible danger to children or pets. This pre-wired system is power-ready and easy to install in just thirty minutes or less. It is also ETL In-Wall Certified so you can res assured your home is safe.
The 1.75” Cable pass-through can comfortably fit multiple wires and cables at one time, boasting the ability to manage four large, braided HDMI cables plus additional thinner cables for an array of options. The top and bottom modules can be placed up to five feet apart and the bracket wings hold everything securely in place.
The kit requires three inches of space within the wall cavity and ½” to 1” drywall for proper installation. Included in the kit is power and low voltage cable management, a hole saw drill attachment for correct grommet hole size, locking bracket wings for secure installation, two pre-wired grommets, and one 6’ extension cable.
Pros
- ETL Certified
- Single and Dual Outlets Available
- Easy install
- Holds multiple wires
Con
- No listed warranty
Paintable Cord Cover for Wall Mounted TVs
The Eveo Cable Concealer Cable Management Kit keeps all your unsightly cables and cords concealed and out of the way of children, pets, and furniture. This on-wall raceway system hides up to 300 inches of cable in housing that is one-inch wide, 1/6” high and remarkably easy to install.
With the included connectors, you can have a straight run of cable and fit any corner with t-intersections, inside and outside corners, and outside elbows. The sixteen-inch-long raceways can also be cut down to suit whatever length you need. For installation you can choose between two-sided tape or drywall anchors and screws, which ever way you prefer. Once attached to the wall, the wire cap simply slides into place to conceal all the wires within.
This kit includes strong adhesive double-sided tape, eighteen – 16” long cable raceways, two – t-fittings, four – outside elbows, four – inside elbows, eight – flat elbows, sixteen – couplings, one – saw, four – cable ties, one – measuring tape, and thirty-six – dibbles and screws.
Pros
- Installs in as little as 15 minutes
- Holds multiple cables and wires at a time
Cons
- No warranty listed
Delamu Cord Cover Raceway Kit
The Delamu Cord Cover Raceway Kit allows you to hide ugly cords and cables from sight and away from children and pets. With ten cuttable cable management raceways and a host of different connectors, you can run your wiring in what ever direction and what ever length you need. The paintable system is easy to install with double sided adhesive or screws and anchors and accommodates up to 157-inches of cable.
The kit includes: ten PVC channels (15.7”L x 0.95”W X 0.55”H each), nine couplings, six flat elbows, two t-connectors, one inside elbow, one outside elbow, twenty screws, twenty anchors, one roll of self-adhesive tape, and an installation guide.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Holds multiple cables and wires
Cons
- Tape can’t be used on textured walls
PowerBridge ONE-CK Recessed In-Wall Cable Management System
PowerBridge ONE-CK Recessed In-Wall Cable Management System is designed to conceal low voltage cables and wires for wall mounted TVs behind the wall, providing a clean look in your entertainment area. The single-gang unit works with all TVs and wall mounts and installs easily. Simply connect the pre-wired PowerConnectors and you’ll have instant power directly behind your wall hung tv.
A deeply recessed wall mount plate lets the TV plug sit inset of the wall, allowing for low-profile mounting of your TV. Both the inlet and outlet cover come with brush style cable pass-throughs allowing you to hide your other AV and HDMI cables along with the TV power and the exclusive power indicator light lets you know power is getting to the outlet and the TV.
Included with this kit is a dual power outlet with pre-wired six-feet in-wall PowerConnector cable, a power inlet with pre-wired one-foot in-wall Power Connector cable, Six-foot power-supply cord, an installation template, and instructions.
Pros
- Electrical Code compliant in-wall connectors
- Able to power one outlet, but house multiple cables
- Easy install
Cons
- requires some light carpentry work
D-Line Cord Cover White
The D-Line Cable Raceway is a one-piece, easy to install, cable management system that allows you to keep cables and wires out of sight and out of reach of children or pets. The simple half-round design hides beautifully over baseboard or seamlessly on any wall.
Made of high-grade PVC, the D-Line Cable Raceway is 39” long x 1.18” wide x 0.59” h and fastens to the wall with a strong self-adhesive backing. Designed with an integral hinged lid, which make cable access easy, the D-Line can be cut to suit whatever size without having to double cut the body and the lid. This raceway comes in five different colors including white, black, beige, gray, and brown, and the white option can be sanded and painted to suit any décor. There are available D-Line accessories that work in conjunction with the D-Line Raceway to allow it to reach longer distances and any angles.
Included with the D-Line Cable Raceway is a 1.18” w x 0.59” h x 39” l half-round cord cover and double-sided adhesive.
Pros
- Multi-pack also available
- Multiple accessories available
- Easy install
Cons
- Can crack if walked on
Cable Concealer Cord Management Kit
The A+ Electric Cord Management Kit is designed to hide the mess and disorganization caused by wires and cables in any room in your home, creating a clean and organized environment that is also safe for children and pets.
This twenty-four-piece wire management kit an conceal up to 315 inches of wire and is easy to install with strong adhesive mounting tape that comes already fastened to the back.
The kit includes:
Twenty adhesive-backed channels, twenty drywall anchors and screws, three L-connectors, three T-connectors, three inside corners, three outside corners, twelve straight connectors, and instructions.
Pros
- Certified internationally by RoHS, CE.
- Paintable
- Easy install
- Holds multiple cables
Cons
- Not ideal for large amount of wires
Flat Panel Tv Cable Organizer Kit with Power Solution
The Datacomm 50-3323-Wh-Cable Organizer Kit is an in-wall cable hiding system that allows you to hide your AV equipment cables in the wall, where they’re out of sight and safely out of reach of children and pets. It is code compliant and does not connect to existing electrical wiring, meaning there is never contact with live electrical circuits.
This low-profile kit is easy to install and fits multiple cables, so all your AV wires stay organized and hidden.
The kit includes two metal electrical outlet boxes, one recessed cable plate with straight blade inlet, one recessed cable plate with power source connection, one 6” grounded extension cord, one roll of electrical building wire, and three wire nuts.
Pros
- Code compliant
- Fits multiple cords
- Easy to install
Cons
- Requires light carpentry work
How to Install a TV Cord Hiding Kit
I was curious to know exactly how easy it is to install an in-wall cord hiding kit, so I sought out the answer. Turns out, it’s really easy. And I mean REALLY easy! With just a couple of simple tools and a little bit of time, these kits can be installed by just about anyone. So, let me share with you what I’ve learned about the process and what steps to take.
Before I get into the nitty-gritty, there’s a couple of things to let you know. First, the in-wall cord hiding kit I researched was the Datacomm 50-3323-Wh Cable Organizer Kit.
I think most in-wall kits would install in the same way, but always be sure to reference the manufacturer’s instructions before installing any kit.
This particular kit comes with two metal electrical outlet boxes, one recessed cable plate with straight blade inlet, one recessed cable plate with power source connection, one 6” grounded extension cord, one roll of electrical building wire, and three-wire nuts.
The second thing I want to mention is to make sure you choose a kit that is safety-certified and code-approved. Most kits, including this one, do meet code standards, but always be sure. In addition, in-wall cable hiding kits typically do not connect directly to the existing electrical so there is no fear of ever coming into contact with live circuits.
It’s also important to note that if you have a lot of cables for your AV system, make sure to choose a kit that will accommodate them. Some kits will only accommodate one additional wire while other kits accommodate multiple. Choose according to your need
How to Install a TV Cord Hiding Kit into a Wall
Step One
If your wall-mounted TV is already in place, you will have to take it down to install the kit but leave the bracket up. Once the TV is out of the way, figure out where the best place would be for the top fixture of the kit to go. This can go above, below, or on either side of the TV mounting bracket.
If you haven’t yet installed your TV and bracket, you will need to determine where the bracket will sit on the wall first. Use the template supplied with the wall mounting bracket or the bracket itself as a guide to mark where the bracket will sit. Once you have determined that, you can decide where to place the top fixture of the cable hiding kit. Again, the fixture can go above, below or on either side of the bracket.
Make sure to place the fixture in a location that will be hidden by the TV. Once you’ve determined where that will be, take the template from the kit and draw a line around it on the wall.
Step Two
Next, you’ll want to mark the placement of the bottom fixture. This fixture should be placed directly below the top fixture and in line with the existing outlets in the room. Ideally, it will also be beside or near and existing electrical outlet. Mark the placement on the wall using the provided template.
Step Three
Using a sheet rock (drywall) saw, cut the top and bottom holes and remove the drywall pieces.
Step Four
Feed the electrical building wire through the wall from the top hole, down to the bottom. Make sure that there are a few inches of cable sticking out of both holes. Create a “hook” at the top end of the wire that will catch on the wall and prevent the cable from falling into the wall.
Step Five
Feed the top end of the electrical cable through one of the included metal electrical boxes, leaving about six inches of cord exposed in the box. Insert the electrical box on one side of the top hole and fasten with the provided screws. Repeat this for the bottom hole.
Step Six
Next, you’ll install the top fixture – the recessed cable plate with power receptacle. Following the manufacturer’s instructions connect the appropriate conductor to its corresponding grounding screw on the back of the receptacle. Screw each in place.
Once the cable conductors are fastened securely to the receptacle, place the receptacle face plate into the wall and secure it with the provided screws.
Step Seven
Now is the ideal time to install additional AV wires and cables. Starting at the top, feed your additional cables through the cable access hole and down the wall the same way you did with the electrical cable. Pull the end of the AV cables out of the bottom hole being careful not to pull them all the way through the top access hole.
Step Eight
Install the bottom fixture – the recessed cable plate with straight blade inlet. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the cable wires to the receptacle screwing them together with the included wire nuts.
Feed the additional AV cables through the access portion of the plate. Once the electrical cable is fastened and the AV cables are though, place the receptacle face plate into the wall and secure with the provided screws.
Step Nine
Plug the female end of the included extension cord into the strike plate inlet and the male end into an existing electrical outlet or power bar.
Step Ten
You are now ready to install or re-install your wall-mounted TV.
One side note; when placing the top and bottom receptacles consider what other AV cords you will be using and how long they are. Ideally, you’ll want to place the receptacles close enough together that your AV cords will all reach from the plug to the TV. If this is not possible, you may need to purchase longer cords.
Clever Tips to Hide Your Electrical Wires at Home
Binding Them with A Casing or Plastic Ribbon
There are a number of options when it comes to wire binding, casings, and raceways to conceal your electrical cables and wires and all of them are pretty simple to use. Essentially, the cables and wires are “bundled” together and wrapped in the binding material or placed in a casing or raceway.
With the help of periodically placed openings or connectors that allow the wires to turn corners or change direction, the cables and cords can be run to the exact place they’re needed while being kept tidy and concealed.
Examples of these types of wire management are baseboard channels, cord covers, cable raceways, wrap around braided sleeves, flexible wire conduit, and fabric cord concealers.
Hooking Them Along the Back of Furniture
This is an inexpensive and easy solution for wire management anywhere in your home or office. Simply adhere clear cord clips, by 3M or any other brand, along the back edge of furniture as well as up and down table and desk legs where needed. Once the clips properly adhere, simple hang your cables and wires on them and run them neatly down to the power outlet.
Hiding In Drawers
This wire management hiding spot takes a little more time to set up than our previous solution and the use of a few tools, but the end results will leave you in organized bliss. Choose a drawer located close to a wall outlet to turn into your charging station. Drill a hole approximately 1-¼” in diameter in the back panel of the drawer on the side nearest the wall outlet. Place a power bar inside the drawer and run the cord through the hole you just drilled. Mount the power bar to the back panel of the drawer with strong double-sided tape and plug the power bar in. You now have a designated spot to charge all your devices where they are kept safe, and the tangle of cords is kept out of sight.
Stashing Behind Books
There are really two ways you can utilize “books” to hide your cables and wires from view. The first is simple. If you have a wall mounted TV with an entertainment table or credenza below, simply stack a pile of books in a pleasing arrangement and place them in front of the cords that come down from the TV. This hides the cords from view and allows you to display your favorite books or décor at the same time.
The second option you could consider is either purchasing a stack of fake books, in which you can hide your router or wires in or making your own DIY router cover. To make your own router cover, simply take a binder that is large enough to conceal your router and with some glue or other adhesive, cover the outside of the binder with fabric, decorative paper, or the actual jacket from a real book. Once complete, place the router inside its new home and run the cables down the behind the furniture and out of site.
Building a Wooden Box Painted the Same Color as Your Walls
If you’re an avid DIYer, you may want to consider building a cable management box to hide your TV and other cables wires in. The box really can be any shape you want, but if you’re looking for discreet, it’s probably best to opt for a simple rectangular or cube shape. Be sure to leave enough room inside to hide your wires and possibly a surge protector power bar, and to leave slats on one side so that you can run cables in various directions. You’ll also want a lid so that everything stays hidden and away from children and pets.
If you paint the box the same color as the wall it will be placed against, it will all but disappear into the décor.
Panel board
Another relatively inexpensive option is to hide your cables and wires with a panel board. Panel boards come in various sizes, colors, and designs, and are easy to make if you want one completely customized to your décor. The cables and wires for the TV and other devices run up the back of the panel board between the board and the wall. Usually there is a groove cut into the back of the board so that the cables can recess, and the board can fit flush on the wall. The TV is them mounted to the wall through the panel and all the wires are concealed.
Hide Them in Plain Sight
Get creative and turn those cables and wires into works of art. This idea follows the premise that if you can’t hide it, flaunt it. Using clear cable clips, double-sided tape, or some other type of adhesive, arrange the cables and wires in decorative patterns and designs fastened discreetly to the wall. Sure, you’ll be able to see all the wires, but they’ll be a focal point instead of an eye sore.
Running Them All Behind Your Walls
The most ideal solution is to run all your TV cables and wires behind your walls using recessed cable plates and power connection cords. If cutting a couple of holes in you wall is an option, this is a safe way to keep cords 100% concealed and organized.
The Final Verdict on Hiding Your TV Wires
Who knew that wire management could be so easy and that our entertainment centers don’t have to look like a tangled maze of cyber wires and clutter? It’s exciting to discover so many options that will keep our cables organized and our children and pets safe. My favorite option is the in-wall wire management system. What’s yours? Drop us a comment and let us know if you enjoyed this article! We love hearing from you!
The post How To Hide TV Wires and Improve the Look of Your Living Room appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
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