If a tangled mess of dangling cords isn’t your style, you need to know how to hide TV wires.
We’ll show you five smart ways to conceal cords for wall-mounted TVs, entertainment centers, mantles, desks, and more.
Wondering How to Hide TV Wires?
Your flat-screen TV might have crystal-clear 4K picture quality, but if the TV wires are showing, the whole setup is going to look a little sloppy. Fortunately, it’s not hard to hide these cords (or any electronic cords) from view.
Whether you’re sick of wires ruining the look of a sleek entertainment center or tired of seeing the mess hanging down from your wall-mounted TV, there are easy ways to keep these cords out of sight and out of mind.
Keep reading to find out how to hide TV wires and cords with five methods that will make you say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” You’ll learn these smart ways to conceal your cords:
- Attach Cords to the Back of the TV Stand
- Install Cord Concealing Covers
- Make DIY Fabric Cord Covers
- Install a Semi-Permanent Outlet
- Use a TV Cord Hiding Kit
How to Hide TV Wires 5 Different Ways
Some of these methods require a few tools, and others are pretty straight-forward. If you need a certain product or tool, we’ll make a note of it in each section. Let’s hide those TV cords!
Method 1: Attach Cords to the Back of the TV Stand
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If you want to keep things simple, the easiest way to keep cords hidden is by attaching them to the back of the TV stand. This method won’t work for wall-mounted televisions.
But it’s perfect if you’re using a stand or entertainment center. Check below for the items you’ll need to get started and instructions on how to do it.
Items Needed
- Medium or large adhesive cord or cable clips
Instructions
- Determine the direction you want your cords or wires to travel. Typically, you’ll choose the direction closest to the outlet your TV plugs into.
- Remove the paper backing from your adhesive cord or cable clips. Line the first one up with where the wire typically hangs down at the back of the TV stand or entertainment center. Turn the clip so that the cord will be able to run horizontally through it later. Firmly press the clip into place and hold for 30 seconds.
- Leave about 6 inches of space in between each cord clip, firmly pressing each one into place and holding for at least 30 seconds to ensure good adhesion. Move down the back and leg of the stand to make sure the cords stay hidden from view.
- Wait at least one hour before using the cord clips. Run the wires through each clip and ensure the clips stay firmly attached. Plug the TV back in when you’re done.
Method 2: Install Cord Concealing Covers
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Another super simple option is using cord covers to make your wall-mounted TV wires disappear. These are low-profile plastic covers that hold the cords in their hollow centers.
They adhere to the wall to keep wires covered and organized. You can also find cord concealers that are open on the back and lay over the cables. Either type will work.
A good cable concealer kit will come with everything you need for the project. They should include long, straight pieces and elbow connectors for angles.
Many of the kits come with strong adhesive, drywall screws, and anchors. Choose the best method of installation for your needs. We really like this method because the covers can easily be painted to match your walls.
So if you have a little leftover paint, you can make the covers seamlessly blend in. Even if you aren’t painting the covers, the solid white tracks still look much nicer than a tangle of cables running down the wall.
Items Needed
- Cable/cord concealer kit (Available on Amazon and home improvement stores)
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver or power drill (if installing with screws)
Instructions
- Measure the length from the bottom of your wall-mounted TV to the floor. This is the length the main stretch of cord concealer will need to be.
- If none of your pieces are long enough, use the smaller straight connectors to join two or more together. If you need to trim a piece, your kit should come with a PVC saw to make cuts easy.
- Measure along the floor at the baseboards from the end of the main concealer tube to the outlet your TV plugs into. This is the length of the second large piece you’ll need to keep the wires hidden. Use the PVC saw to trim any piece that is too long. You will use the included elbow connectors to join the vertical first piece with the horizontal second piece as you install.
- Decide whether you’ll be installing with adhesive (great for renters or if you plan to move your TV soon) or with screws. If you plan to paint the covers to match your wall, do that now and allow time for the measured pieces to dry fully.
- Use the manufacturer’s instructions to feed the cords and wires through the pieces, then mount them with either screws or the included adhesive. If you choose to mount it with screws, don’t remove the backing from the adhesive.
Method 3: Make DIY Fabric Cord Covers
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If you’re pretty crafty and have your TV mounted on a stand or entertainment center, this is an easy way to cover up your TV wires without the need to buy a special kit.
All you need is some fabric close in color to your wall or the stand it will be on, some Velcro and cable ties, and a pair of scissors. It only takes about 20 minutes to camouflage your wires with this method.
Items Needed
- Fabric in your pattern or color choice
- Adhesive Velcro strips
- Cable ties
- Scissors
- Fabric glue (optional)
Instructions
- Gather the TV wires and cords you want to hide in a bundle, then use the cable ties to bind them securely. Place a cable tie about 6 inches or so down the bundle of wires to keep them neatly contained.
- Measure the length of cable that will need to be covered by your fabric sleeve. Start from the back of the TV and measure down the length of the wires to the outlet where the TV plugs in. Measure the width the fabric should be, making sure to leave a little extra room so the cables are wrapped loosely. This will help prevent them from overheating.
- Cut your fabric to the measured size. Remember: Measure twice, cut once. Use a little fabric glue if the edges get frayed as you cut. If you’re handy with the sewing machine, you can always hem the edges for a more finished look.
- Flip the fabric so that the side you want facing out is facing down. Take the Velcro and separate the hook side from the softer loop side. Remove the backing and place the sticky side of the hook-type Velcro strip along the long side of the fabric. Use multiple pieces if needed.
- Flip over about two inches of the opposite long side of the fabric (like an envelope flap), leaving the rest face-down. Remove the backing and place the loop-type Velcro strip along the fabric’s flipped-up portion, making sure that the new strips will line up for a perfect, slightly loose fit when the fabric is rolled shut.
- Place the fabric under the bundled cords and use the Velcro to secure it. You can now place or drape the bundle any way you’d like to help conceal it even more. Keep the seam toward the wall for the best appearance.
Method 4: Install a Semi-Permanent Outlet
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Heads up: This method is much more challenging than some of the others on the list, but it’s the most effective method on this list. Forget halfway fixes that temporarily hide wires or cover up cords.
Installing one of these semi-permanent outlets will give you a solution that won’t require you to hide your wires. Instead, you’ll have an electrical outlet right where you need it – behind the TV.
If you are comfortable working with electricity and have some experience doing so, installing a semi-permanent outlet is a great wire-hiding solution.
But if you’ve never worked with electrical outlets and wiring, we recommend calling an electrician to install a permanent outlet for you instead.
The great thing about installing a semi-permanent outlet is that it eliminates the risk of running a power cord behind a wall. This option follows NEC regulations and complies with codes as well. Here’s what you’ll need to install a semi-permanent outlet.
Items Needed
- Semi-permanent wall outlet kit (pre-wired)
- Utility knife or drywall saw
- Flathead screwdriver
Instructions
- Decide where you want to place the outlet so the TV screen can hide it. Your kit should come with a wall template that allows you to plan where the outlets and opening for the power connector will go.
- Use your utility knife or drywall saw to follow the template and cut the two openings according to the outline.
- Drop the pre-wired power connector cable and your AV cables down into the upper opening. Pull them through the lower opening.
- Plug the power connector you just pulled from the lower opening into the short (also pre-wired) power connector on the outlet. The two should click when you connect them.
- Use your screwdriver to screw the wall plates of the outlet down tightly. Once you’ve secured them, the back tabs on the inside of the wall will release and firmly hold the outlet in place.
- Plug one end of the longer power cord into the newly installed outlet and the other end into your home’s existing electrical outlet. Now your semi-permanent outlet has power, and you can plug your TV into it without visible cords hanging down.
Method 5: Use a TV Cord Hiding Kit
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If you want to mount your flat screen on the wall with a seamless look and no visible wires, you need to grab a TV cord hiding kit. These kits come with everything you’ll need to keep your TV cords out of sight safely.
Kits vary slightly, but most we’ve seen come with a plastic tube outfitted with connected outlets, a long extension cord, circular drill bit, wire snake, and a template to help make sure you lay everything out correctly.
Keep in mind that installing a power line behind a wall may not comply with National Electrical Codes (NEC). The plastic covers these kits come with are designed to keep the cords from overheating.
But you should understand the risks before using the kit. Do your research before starting this process to ensure your home’s wiring complies with codes.
Items Needed
- In-Wall Power Kit (Available on Amazon and home improvement stores)
- Stud finder
- TV mounting bracket
- Power drill
Instructions
- Put your mounting bracket up in the position you want the TV to be in. Decide where the holes should be located for the wires to travel through by using a stud finder. Ensure there is an open section behind the where the screen will be and down near the outlet.
- The kit will come with a circular drill bit. Use your power drill to create the openings where you’ve planned.
- Push the included plastic tube with the kit’s power cord inserted into it through the top hole. Then, pull the bottom end of the tube, so that it’s pointing straight down to the lower hole. Pull the kit’s power cord through the opening to be plugged into the nearby existing outlet.
- The top of the plastic tube contains an outlet where you can now plug your TV in. Use the screws that came with the kit to secure this outlet into place. All the other cords can go through the tube behind the wall to keep them out of view. Plug in the kit’s power cord near the existing outlet, and you’re good to go.
Hiding TV Wires the Easy Way
You can use any of these five methods to hide unsightly wires from your TVs or other electronics. Some are easier and faster than others (like using cord clips or making a DIY fabric cover), but they can all be completed within about 2 hours.
If you’re not comfortable working with electricity and don’t want to have any code violations or safety risks, it’s worth it to call an electrician for help.
They’ll be able to install a permanent electrical outlet right where you need it so your devices can plug in without their cords dangling in your view. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to put safety first.
Don’t make any cuts or touch electrical wiring unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing. And as always, remember to measure twice, cut once!