How to hide cables of a mounted TV?
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through several options for hiding the cables of a mounted TV and highlight the best solution for achieving a professional and clutter-free finish.
Mounting a TV on the wall is a fantastic way to save space, enhance your room’s aesthetics, and create a sleek, modern look. However, one of the biggest challenges many face after mounting their TV is figuring out what to do with the unsightly tangle of cables dangling down the wall. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to hide TV cables and keep your space looking clean and organized.
Why Is It Important to Hide TV Cables?
Visible TV cables can instantly take away from the sleek look of a wall-mounted TV. Aside from the aesthetic appeal, hiding your cables helps prevent them from being pulled or damaged, protects them from wear, and reduces the risk of tripping hazards. Moreover, having loose cables hanging down can create a sense of clutter, detracting from your room’s design.
How to Hide TV Cables: The Best Solutions
1. In-Wall Cable Management
The most effective and professional-looking solution for hiding TV cables is running them through the wall. This method involves creating a small hole behind your mounted TV and another near the power outlet. The cables are then fed through the wall, out of sight, and down to your entertainment center or power source.
What you’ll need:
- A drywall saw or utility knife
- Cable management kit (includes a power outlet relocation kit and wire channels)
- Fish tape or wire puller (to guide cables through the wall)
How to do it:
- First, mark the spots where you’ll cut holes behind the TV and near the outlet.
- Use a drywall saw to cut the holes.
- Feed the cables through the wall using fish tape, ensuring they exit near the power outlet.
- Install a cable management kit to make the openings clean and professional-looking.
In-wall cable management requires some basic tools and DIY know-how, but the result is a completely hidden setup that gives your wall-mounted TV a true “floating” appearance.
2. Cable Covers or Raceways
If cutting holes in your wall isn’t an option, cable covers (also called raceways) offer an easy and affordable solution. These are plastic or metal channels that attach to your wall and hide the cables inside. Once installed, the covers can be painted to match your wall color, making them blend in seamlessly.
What you’ll need:
- Cable raceway kit
- Adhesive strips or screws (depending on the type of raceway)
- Paint (optional, to match wall color)
How to do it:
- Measure the length of the area where your cables will run and cut the raceway to size.
- Attach the raceway to the wall using adhesive strips or screws.
- Place the cables inside the raceway and snap it closed.
- If needed, paint the raceway to match your wall for a more discreet look.
Cable covers are great for renters or those who don’t want to make any permanent modifications to their walls. They provide a neat and organized solution without requiring any invasive work.
3. Cord-Organizing Boxes and Hooks
Another simple way to keep your TV setup tidy is by using cord-organizing boxes and adhesive hooks to manage the extra cable length behind furniture. You can bundle the excess cables together using zip ties and store them in a box near your entertainment center.
What you’ll need:
- Cord organizing box
- Zip ties or Velcro straps
- Adhesive cable hooks
How to do it:
- Use zip ties to bundle up any excess cable length.
- Attach adhesive hooks to the back of your furniture to guide the cables neatly out of sight.
- Place the excess cables inside the organizing box to keep them concealed and prevent tangling.
This method won’t completely hide the cables, but it helps to manage the mess and keep everything looking more organized.
Best Solution: In-Wall Cable Management
If you’re looking for the best solution that provides a truly seamless and clean look, in-wall cable management is the way to go. While it requires a bit more effort and a few tools, the result is a professional-looking setup where all cables are completely hidden. This option offers a sleek, minimalist appearance, making it perfect for anyone who wants a high-end look in their living room or entertainment area.
Conclusion
Hiding TV cables is an essential step to creating a clean and polished look for your mounted TV. Whether you choose in-wall cable management for a completely invisible solution, or use cable covers for an easier approach, managing your TV cables will significantly enhance the aesthetics of your space. Invest in a method that works best for your home, and enjoy the sleek, clutter-free setup you’ve always wanted!