11 min read
How to Hide Wires (4 Methods)
I remember the first time I looked behind my entertainment center and saw a mess of wires. It was overwhelming! Not only were they an eyesore, but also a dust magnet.
So what’s the solution? I’m here to share some handy tips for controlling and hiding those pesky wires.
Quick Overview
| Cable Management Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Cable Raceways | Stick-on channels that blend with interiors. |
| Cord Covers | Sleeves that wrap around wires. |
| Cable Box | A box to gather and hide cables. |
| Furniture Placement | Simple shifts to conceal cables. |
Assessing the Types of Wires in a Typical Home or Office
First up, let’s talk about power cords. You know, those black or gray lines snaking around your computer desk? Those are probably the most common type of wire in a typical home or office setup.
They’re essential for powering your devices but can quickly become an eyesore if not managed properly.
Next on our list is ethernet cables. If you’re like me and prefer a wired connection for its speed and stability, you have at least one lying around.
Thirdly, we’ve got HDMI cables – another staple in most modern homes. These guys carry audio and video signals from devices like your Blu-ray player or gaming console to your TV.
With more people setting up home entertainment systems, you likely have one or two HDMI cables contributing to wire clutter.
Let’s not forget USB cables that charge our phones, tablets, e-readers…you name it!
From USB-A to USB-C to Lightning connectors, they come in all shapes and sizes but share one thing: they tend to sprawl all over the place!
Lastly (but certainly not least), we run into speaker wires if you have any sound system set up.
So now that we’ve identified our main culprits causing cable chaos let’s move on to methods on how they can be effectively hidden away!
4 Methods of Hiding and Managing Wires
1. Cable Raceway
First off, I want to tell you about the classic cable raceways. These are essentially plastic channels that’ll stick onto your wall or baseboard.
They’re great because they blend with your interior and hide those pesky wires effectively. Do you know what I like most about them? They’re easy to install, even for a newbie.
| Step | Task | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather Materials | Collect cable raceways, measuring tape, pencil, level, screws, wall anchors, screwdriver, and a cutting tool. |
| 2 | Plan and Measure | Decide on the route for your cables. Measure the length needed for each cable raceway section and plan pathways. |
| 3 | Mark Wall | Use a pencil and level to mark the path for the cable raceway on the wall. Ensure the lines are straight and level. |
| 4 | Cut Raceways | Use the cutting tool to trim the cable raceways to the required lengths based on your measurements. |
| 5 | Attach Raceways | Position the cable raceways along the marked lines. Use a level to ensure they are straight, and mark screw points. |
| 6 | Pre-drill Holes | Carefully pre-drill holes at the marked screw points to prevent wall damage and ease screw insertion. |
| 7 | Mount Raceways | Attach the cable raceways to the wall using screws and wall anchors (if necessary) through the pre-drilled holes. |
| 8 | Insert Cables | Open the cable raceway lids and insert the wires and cables, organizing them neatly within the raceways. |
| 9 | Close Raceway Lids | Securely close the lids of the cable raceways, ensuring all cables are properly contained and concealed. |
| 10 | Test and Adjust | Test all the connected devices to ensure the cables are functioning properly. Adjust the cables if needed. |
| 11 | Cable Management Accessories (Optional) | Use cable clips, ties, or Velcro straps within the raceways to separate the cables. |
| 12 | Conceal Connections and Outlets (Optional) | Consider hiding cable connections and outlets behind furniture or decor for a cleaner look if applicable. |
| 13 | Final Check and Cleanup | Review the installation, make necessary adjustments, and clean up any debris or tools used. |
2. Cord Covers
If you’ve got a little more DIY spirit, cord covers can also be used. Cord covers can be cloth or plastic and wrap around your cords like a sleeve.
It’s like wearing a jacket when it gets cold outside—but for your wires!
| Step | Task | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather Materials | Collect cord covers, measuring tape, pencil, level, adhesive tape, scissors, and cleaning supplies. |
| 2 | Plan and Measure | Determine the path for your cords. Measure the length of cord cover needed for each section and plan the route. |
| 3 | Clean the Area | Wipe down the area where the cord covers will be applied to ensure proper adhesion. |
| 4 | Mark Wall and Trim Cord Covers | Use a pencil and level to mark the path on the wall where the cord covers will go. Trim the cord covers to size. |
| 5 | Attach Cord Covers | Peel off the backing of the adhesive tape on the back of the cord cover and carefully press it onto the wall. |
| 6 | Insert Cables | Place the cables inside the cord cover, positioning them neatly along its length. |
| 7 | Seal Cord Covers | If the cord cover has a snap-on or adhesive-sealing mechanism, close it securely to encapsulate the cables. |
| 8 | Test and Adjust | Check that all connected devices work properly. Adjust the cables and cord covers as needed for a neat appearance. |
| 9 | Cable Organization Accessories (Optional) | Use cable clips or ties inside the cord cover to keep the cables organized and prevent tangling. |
| 10 | Conceal Connections and Outlets (Optional) | Conceal any visible connections or outlets behind furniture or decor for a cleaner look. |
| 11 | Final Check and Cleanup | Review the installation, make adjustments if required, and clean up any residue or tools used during the process. |
3. Cable Box
Let’s not forget about our friend the cable box either. This one is as simple as it sounds – you gather all your wires (think game consoles, TV cables) and stuff them into a neat little box that sits out of sight.
| Step | Task | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather Materials | Collect a cable box, cables, power strip (if needed), measuring tape, pencil, level, and a small screwdriver. |
| 2 | Choose a Cable Box | Close the lid or cover of the cable box, ensuring it snaps or locks securely in place, enclosing the cables. |
| 3 | Plan the Cable Layout | Arrange the cables and determine their entry and exit points on the cable box. |
| 4 | Position the Cable Box | Decide on the optimal location for the cable box, ensuring it’s easily accessible and conceals the cables effectively. |
| 5 | Attach the Box (Optional) | If your cable box has adhesive backing or mounting holes, follow the instructions to attach it securely to the wall. |
| 6 | Plug-in Cables and Devices | Plug the cables from your devices into the openings on the cable box. Ensure a snug fit without straining the cables. |
| 7 | Route Cables Inside the Box | Carefully guide the cables through the cable box’s interior, arranging them neatly to avoid tangles and interference. |
| 8 | Manage Excess Cable Length (Optional) | If you have excess cable length, coil it neatly inside the cable box to avoid clutter and maintain a clean look. |
| 9 | Close and Secure the Cable Box | Close the lid or cover of the cable box, ensuring it snaps or locks securely, enclosing the cables. |
| 10 | Plug-in Power Strip (Optional) | If using a power strip inside the cable box, plug it into an available outlet and route its cable through it. |
| 11 | Test Connections | Test all connected devices to ensure they function properly and the cables aren’t strained. |
| 12 | Conceal Cable Box (Optional) | If desired, you can place the cable box behind the furniture or use decorative items to conceal it further. |
| 13 | Final Check and Cleanup | Review the setup, make necessary adjustments, and clean up any tools or debris used during the installation. |
4. Furniture Placement
And finally, there’s always furniture placement, too! Sometimes, shifting that bookcase or couch slightly can do wonders in hiding away unsightly cables.
| Step | Task | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather Materials | Collect furniture (shelves, cabinets, tables), measuring tape, pencils, and cable management accessories. |
| 2 | Assess Room Layout | Evaluate the room’s layout and identify furniture placement options for effective wire concealment. |
| 3 | Identify Cable Routes | Determine where the cables need to run and how they can be hidden behind or within the chosen furniture pieces. |
| 4 | Choose Furniture Pieces | If needed, move existing furniture or rearrange the room to accommodate new placement for cable hiding. |
| 5 | Measure and Mark Furniture | Measure the dimensions of your furniture and mark areas where cables will enter, exit, or be concealed. |
| 6 | Rearrange Furniture (Optional) | Gently guide the cables through the designated openings, compartments, or spaces. |
| 7 | Thread Cables Through Furniture | Gently guide the cables through the designated openings, compartments, furniture, or spaces. |
| 8 | Use Cable Management Accessories | Utilize cable clips, ties, or adhesive cable organizers within the furniture to keep the cables organized and tidy. |
| 9 | Organize Cables Inside Furniture | Arrange the cables neatly inside the furniture, ensuring they are not tangled or strained. |
| 10 | Test Connections | Test the devices connected to the cables to ensure they are functioning correctly and that the cables are secure. |
| 11 | Conceal Excess Cables (Optional) | Coil and secure any excess cable length within the furniture to maintain a clean and organized appearance. |
| 12 | Finalize Furniture Placement | Ensure the furniture is properly aligned and balanced and the concealed cables are not visible. |
Professional Solutions for Wire Management
Now, let’s talk about hiring professionals. Sure, it might cost you a pretty penny compared to tackling things yourself – but there are definite advantages.
They have extensive experience dealing with all sorts of wiring woes and come equipped with specialized tools that most folks don’t keep in their garage.
Here’s what professional services usually offer:
- Comprehensive assessment of your current setup.
- Custom solutions tailored specifically to your home or office layout.
- High-quality materials designed for long-term use.
- Guaranteed workmanship, which gives peace of mind.
Remember, if you’re not feeling confident about hiding those wires yourself or if safety is a concern (especially when dealing with electrical cables), it might be best to leave this one to the pros!
And hey, while we’re all about empowering homeowners here, there’s nothing wrong with calling in some backup when needed.
So whether you’re an avid DIYer ready for your next challenge or someone looking for expert help, remember: managing those messy wires doesn’t just make your space look better – it can also prevent accidents and improve functionality!
References
Organizations:
- The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). https://www.necanet.org/
- Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). https://www.cta.tech/
Websites:
- Houzz Forums. https://www.houzz.com/discussions
- Lifehacker. https://lifehacker.com/
Video References:
CableWholesale.com
UT WIRE
MADpack
Ashlynne Eaton