5 Powerful Techniques to Hide TV Cords
Prevent the distraction of TV cord clutter by implementing these innovative solutions while also enhancing your understanding with additional information.
Imagine this scenario: You’ve finally treated yourself to the new TV you’ve had your eye on. After mounting it on the wall, connecting all the necessary cables, and settling down to watch your favorite show, you realize that the mess of cords in front of you is hindering your ability to relax.
In today’s world, TVs serve as both sources of entertainment and decorative pieces, especially with the increasing popularity of framed flat screens that double as artwork when not in use. The presence of visible cords can disrupt the aesthetic appeal you’re striving for, especially against pristine white or neutral walls. However, there’s good news! You have various ingenious options at your disposal to hide TV cords and achieve a seamless viewing experience, whether you’re engrossed in a solo Netflix binge or hosting guests. Let’s explore five powerful techniques to effectively hide TV cords and elevate your setup.
1. Choose a TV Stand with an Outlet
Opt for a TV stand equipped with a built-in outlet to attain an organized and polished appearance for your television setup. There may be instances where mounting the TV on the wall is not feasible or desirable, such as when renting a home or lacking confidence in DIY skills. In such cases, placing the TV on a surface can still result in a streamlined look.
To achieve this, select a console, cabinet, or entertainment center that features an opening in the back specifically designed for cord management. This opening allows you to neatly route the cords through the back of the furniture piece, effectively concealing them from view. To further minimize visual clutter, opt for a stand that includes at least one cabinet door. This door can serve as a designated space to hide the cable box and/or router. By placing these devices behind the closed cabinet door, you can create a tidy and uncluttered appearance.
Once the cable box and/or router are safely positioned within the cabinet, route the cords through the back of the furniture piece and direct them upward toward the TV. While there may still be a small section of wires visible, it will be significantly less noticeable compared to having the cable box placed on the floor or sitting on top of the TV stand. The overall effect is a cleaner and more organized aesthetic for your TV area.
2. Concealing Behind the Wall
Achieving a seamless and virtually invisible solution for hiding TV cords involves the method of concealing them within the wall. Although this approach requires substantial effort, the results are highly effective. By hiding the cables behind the wall, they become completely hidden from view, regardless of the viewing angle. To accomplish this, a series of steps must be followed.
First, you’ll need to mark the precise locations on the wall where the holes will be made. These holes will serve as entry and exit points for the cords. Using a specialized tool called a hole saw, you can cut two openings—one at the bottom of the TV’s wall mount and the other near the power outlet below. This careful and precise cutting process ensures that the holes are appropriately sized to accommodate the cords.
Once the holes are created, the next step involves the installation of low voltage brackets or boxes within the wall. These brackets or boxes provide a secure housing for the cords as they pass through the wall. They are positioned vertically, from the top to the bottom, creating a path for the cords to follow.
With the brackets or boxes in place, you can now run the cords through them. This allows for the cords to be conveniently plugged in at the entry and exit points, establishing a seamless connection. The result is a clean and unobstructed space between the bottom of the TV and the top surface of any console or cabinet that may be positioned below it.
3. Opt for Cable Box
Utilize a cable storage box as a practical solution to keep your cords organized and elevate the overall organization of your home office or living space. Cable storage boxes have gained popularity due to their ability to discreetly house cables and maintain a tidy environment. These boxes typically come in rectangular shapes, blending seamlessly into the surroundings, and are often available in neutral colors that complement various interior styles. They are designed to accommodate power strips, plugs of different sizes, and the bulk of excess wires, providing an all-in-one solution for cable management.
To implement this method, select a cable storage box that matches the style of your living room or desired space. Ensure that it is the appropriate size to accommodate your specific needs. Place the box on the floor, near the power outlet and cable jack for easy access. By doing so, you can conveniently gather and store the cords within the box, effectively reducing the visual clutter associated with tangled wires.
The cable storage box serves as a central hub for cord management, allowing you to neatly organize and conceal the excess cables. This not only enhances the aesthetics of your living space but also provides a practical solution for maintaining a clean and organized environment. Embrace the benefits of cable storage boxes as an effective method to streamline your space and eliminate the eyesore of tangled cords.
4. Utilize a Cable Raceway for Concealment
Achieve a streamlined look for your wall-mounted TV by utilizing a cable concealer kit, also known as a cable raceway. This method offers a simpler alternative to hiding cords while eliminating the need for additional drilling. The cable raceway consists of a smooth and flat PVC cover that adheres directly to the wall using adhesive, ensuring a secure attachment. With its flexibility, you can easily customize the length of the raceway to accommodate any size or layout requirements, providing the freedom to mount the TV in the most optimal position.
The process is straightforward: gather all the cords together and bundle them neatly. Next, position the cable raceway over the bundled cords and snap the cover into place, securing it firmly. This seamless cover effectively conceals the cords, ensuring they remain out of sight. Additionally, if desired, you have the option to paint over the cable raceways to seamlessly blend them with your wall. Just ensure that you select the exact color of your walls to create a cohesive and integrated appearance.
5. Bundle Cords
Optimize the organization of your TV cords with an affordable solution by bundling them together. This simple yet effective method drastically reduces the disarray caused by cords going in various directions. To achieve this, several tools and accessories can be utilized, such as clips, zip ties, adhesive hooks, and coiled sleeves, all serving the purpose of consolidating TV cables into a compact enclosure.
To implement this solution, strategically position the bundled cords along the baseboard behind the TV or on the backside of the furniture supporting it. By pinning the cords in these locations, you can ensure they remain out of sight, resulting in a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly option, consider cutting pieces from a Velcro roll to wrap and contain the TV cords securely.
By bundling the cords together, you not only minimize their visibility but also create a more organized and cohesive space. This approach allows you to effectively manage and control the cords, reducing the risk of tangling or accidental disconnection. Embrace this cost-effective solution to enhance the overall aesthetics of your TV setup while maintaining a clutter-free environment.
Additional Tip: Remember to Label
As an additional tip, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of labeling each TV cord, regardless of the method you choose to hide them. Allocating a few minutes to undertake this organizing task will ultimately save you time and potential frustrations in the future. While some cords are your personal belongings, others, such as the power cord of a cable box, may be provided by your cable service provider and might need to be returned if you switch services. By clearly identifying and labeling all the cords in advance, you eliminate any guesswork or unnecessary hassle.
Labeling the cords serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it ensures that you can easily differentiate between various cords, avoiding any confusion or mix-ups. Secondly, it simplifies the process of plugging the cords back in if you ever need to move or remount your TV. By clearly indicating the purpose or device associated with each cord, reconnecting them becomes a seamless and efficient task.
Consider using adhesive labels, color-coded tags, or even a simple marker to label each cord. Make sure to include relevant information such as the device it belongs to, its function, or any specific instructions. Taking the time to label your TV cords not only helps you stay organized but also provides peace of mind, knowing that you have a clear inventory of all the cords and their respective purposes.
