With your new TV comes a lot of wiring that can cause a cluttered look, but with a few simple steps, we’ll show you how to hide TV wires without cutting into the wall.
For wall-mounted TVs, use self-adhesive cable raceways or wooden panels to hide TV wires. For TVs on a stand or atop an entertainment center, try cord clips, cable boxes, baseboard raceways, or decor.
Cable Raceways
Cable raceways are hinged plastic or metal tubes that keep cords neat and organized.
Self-adhesive Wall Raceway
With a sticky backing strip pre-installed, these devices are the easiest way to run cables from a wall-mounted TV to an outlet or to a low console table.
Measure the distance between the TV and the outlet and cut the raceway into the same length. You’ll need to leave room for the cables to connect to the ports on the TV, so place the top of the raceway as far down the wall as you can while still fully hidden behind the mounted TV.
Use a level to ensure the raceway is straight, then remove the film covering the adhesive strip and stick it to the wall under your TV. Next, tuck the wires inside and snap the cover shut.
Want to make your wall look even better? Raceways come in white or off-white to match most walls, but painting the raceway to match your wall color perfectly will result in the cleanest appearance.
Baseboard Raceway
Baseboard raceways are designed to run cables on top of the wall’s baseboard. They work wonders if you don’t have an outlet directly under your TV. You can combine baseboard raceways with wall raceways to maximize distance or use baseboard raceways to connect a TV stand to an outlet across the room.
Cut into the required length and stick it along your baseboard. No one will see as it goes around the room’s perimeter. Even if you don’t have a power socket on the same wall, you can bend these around corners easily.
They come in different colors, too. If you don’t find one that matches your wall color, you can paint them to match. You can also place furniture, houseplants, or other decor near where the wires exit from the baseboard raceway.
Wall Panels
If you want a more permanent solution, you can build a wall panel to hide wires using wooden battens. If your TV is already mounted, you’ll need to take it down before starting this process.
Read More: How to Remove a TV from a Wall Mount
Measure and Plan Your Wall Panel
Measure the area where you want the panel to go. This panel will act as a decorative cover and create space to hide wires. The panel should be larger than your TV to allow space for routing cables.
Cut the Wooden Battens for the Frame
Wooden battens are thin, sturdy strips of wood used to build a frame. Cut the battens to form a rectangular frame around your TV area. Attach the battens to the wall with screws.
To find the best place for your TV, read our article ‘Where to Mount a TV on the Wall.’
Mount the TV and Route the Wires
Mount your TV on the wall in front of the framed panel. Then, run the wires through the hollow section behind the panel and down to the power outlet.
Cable Management Boxes
A cable management box is a plastic box that keeps all your cables together in one place. Look for one with holes on the sides so cables can go every which way. Once you tuck everything inside, just close it up. These work great hidden behind a TV stand, and can be hidden behind lots of furniture items.
Tip: Place the box near the power socket to avoid the power cable lying on the floor.
Cord Clips
If your TV sits on a stand or a console table, cord clips can help minimize the profile of the wires.
Cord clips are small plastic clips with an adhesive backing. They’re great because they stick to your furniture without any damage. Place the cord clips along the back of your TV stand and guide the wires through the clips. It’s super neat and stops tangles.
Plants and Decorative Items
This method works if your TV is mounted on or above a shelving unit or other tall furniture item.
Tie or clip the wires together and set some potted plants before them. Be careful if you have pets at home, as this isn’t always safe. Did you know that plants also improve indoor air quality?
You can use decorative things like vases or storage bins to hide cables. If you love books, why not create a little display? Stack some books up and cover those wires behind them.
How I Did This:
When I was in college, my roommates and I tried many ways to hide TV wires in our dorm room. Our solution was to gather our most frequently used books and stack them on our TV stand in front of the hanging wires.
If you’ve just bought a new TV or moved to a new home and have yet to decide, check out ‘TV Stand vs. Wall Mount: Which is Right for You?’
DIY or Hire a Pro
Hiding TV wires without cutting the wall is usually low-cost or zero if you have the right tools. If you prefer to hide wires inside the wall, it is best to call a professional. Home Gnome’s experts are fully equipped and do the job right the first time. They can also mount your TV and answer any questions you have.
Additional Reading:
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Main Photo Credit: Vanit่jan / Adobe Stock Free / License
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