Wall mounting your TV is a popular trend in modern home entertainment systems, but a major downside to this setup is the unsightly wires and cables that dangle from the TV. Fortunately, hiding wires for a wall mount TV is an easy task that can help you achieve a cleaner and more professional look in your living room or home theater. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to take, tools to use, and different ways to hide wires for a wall mount TV without drilling holes in your walls.
Why Hiding Wires is Important for Wall Mount TV
When you mount your TV on the wall, you will have to deal with the possibility of wires being visible, which can take away from the aesthetics and neatness of your decor. Additionally, exposed wires can be hazardous and a tripping hazard for children and pets in your household. By hiding wires, you can not only keep them out of sight but also protect your family from potential danger.
Another reason why hiding wires is important for wall mount TV is that it can improve the functionality of your space. When wires are hidden, you can easily move furniture around without worrying about tripping over cords or accidentally unplugging your TV. This can make your living room or entertainment area more versatile and user-friendly.
Furthermore, hiding wires can also enhance the overall look of your room. With no visible wires, your wall-mounted TV can become a focal point of your decor, rather than an eyesore. You can even choose to hide wires behind decorative elements such as plants or artwork, adding an extra layer of style to your space.
Tools You Will Need to Hide Wires for Wall Mount TV
Before you commence hiding wires for wall-mount TV, you need the necessary tools. Here is a list of items you need to gather beforehand:
- Measuring tape
- Drill
- Screws and anchors
- Cable ties or clips
- Cable cover raceway
- Cord hider kit
- Nail gun and nails
- Drywall saw
- Stud finder
It is important to note that the tools you need may vary depending on the type of wall you are working with. For example, if you have a brick or concrete wall, you may need a masonry drill bit and anchors specifically designed for those materials. Additionally, if you are not comfortable using a nail gun, you can use a hammer and nails instead. Make sure to assess your specific situation and gather the appropriate tools before beginning the project.
Steps to Follow to Hide Wires for Wall Mount TV
Here are the basic steps to follow when hiding wires for wall-mount TV:
- Measure the length of the wires and cables you want to hide
- Use a stud finder to identify the location of studs within the wall
- Use a drywall saw to cut a small hole about eight inches below the mount
- Insert a cord hider kit and pull the wires through it
- Use a nail gun to attach the cord hider kit to the wall
- Use cable ties or clips to bundle and organize the cords inside the cord hider kit
However, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind when hiding wires for a wall-mount TV. Firstly, it’s important to ensure that the cord hider kit you choose is the appropriate size for the number of wires you need to hide. Secondly, if you’re not comfortable using a drywall saw, you can also use a wire coat hanger to create a small hole in the wall. Simply straighten out the hanger and insert it into the wall, twisting it back and forth until you create a hole large enough to fit the cord hider kit.
Lastly, if you’re unsure about the location of the studs in your wall, you can use a magnet to help you locate them. Simply run the magnet along the wall until you feel it stick to a stud. This will help you avoid cutting into a stud and damaging your wall.
How to Choose the Right Type of Cable Cover for Your Wall Mount TV
There are different types of cable cover raceways, which can accommodate varying numbers of cables depending on your preferences. When choosing the right type of cable cover for your wall-mount TV, consider factors such as the number and thickness of the wires and cables you want to hide. You should also make sure that the cover you choose is easy to install and aligns with your décor and wall color.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a cable cover for your wall-mount TV is the length of the cover. Make sure to measure the distance between your TV and the nearest outlet or power source to ensure that the cable cover is long enough to cover the entire length of the cables. Additionally, if you plan on adding or removing cables in the future, consider choosing a cable cover that is easy to open and close for easy access to the wires. By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the right type of cable cover that will not only hide your cables but also enhance the overall look of your entertainment area.
Creative Ways to Hide Wires for Wall Mount TV Without Drilling Holes
If you are looking to hide your wires without drilling holes, here are some creative ways to do it:
- Use adhesive cable clips
- Use a tapestry, rug or piece of furniture to hide the wires
- Use decorative items such as plants or artwork to hide the wires
Another option to hide wires without drilling holes is to use a cord cover. Cord covers are plastic or fabric tubes that can be easily attached to the wall and painted to match the color of the wall. They are a great option for those who want a more permanent solution.
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your wall-mounted TV, you can use a cord-hiding kit. These kits come with a cover plate that can be attached to the wall and a channel that can be used to hide the wires. The cover plate can be painted to match the color of the wall, and the channel can be covered with a decorative strip to add a touch of style.
How to Install an In-Wall Cable Management Kit for Your Wall Mount TV
If hiding wires with cord covers is not enough or doesn’t align with your aesthetic, another solution is installing an in-wall cable management kit. This process can be a bit complicated and tricky, so it’s important to strictly follow the user manual instructions. This involves cutting a hole in the wall and installing the in-wall kit, which can help guide the wires down through the wall and into outlets.
Before you begin the installation process, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials. This includes a stud finder, drywall saw, measuring tape, wire stripper, and the in-wall cable management kit itself. It’s also important to turn off the power to the room where you’ll be working to avoid any electrical hazards.
Once you have everything you need, carefully follow the instructions provided with the kit. This may involve cutting a hole in the wall, running the cables through the kit, and securing the kit in place. It’s important to take your time and be patient during this process to ensure that everything is installed correctly and safely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiding Wires for Wall Mount TV
Common mistakes to avoid when hiding wires for wall mount TV include:
- Not measuring and planning before concealing the wires
- Using low-quality cable organizers that can’t hold all the wires and cables
- Mounting the TV too high, making it hard to access the ports and cables
- Securing the wires to areas that are difficult to access or too cramped
Another common mistake to avoid when hiding wires for wall mount TV is not leaving enough slack in the cables. This can make it difficult to adjust the TV or add new devices in the future. It’s important to leave enough slack to allow for some movement and flexibility.
Additionally, failing to properly label the cables can cause confusion and frustration when trying to troubleshoot or make changes. Take the time to label each cable and its corresponding device, so you can easily identify and manage them in the future.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean and Tidy Look After Hiding Wires for Wall Mount TV
Once you have effectively hidden the wires, you want to maintain the look. Here are some tips for doing that:
- Regularly check the cable cover is securely attached to the wall
- Use a cable organizer to keep the cables neat and tidy
- Use furniture, artwork, or plants to disguise any visible cables
- Avoid hanging items close to the cable cover that could tug on the cords
Another tip for maintaining a clean and tidy look after hiding wires for a wall mount TV is to use a wireless streaming device. This will eliminate the need for any visible cables altogether and give your entertainment area a sleek and modern look. Additionally, make sure to dust and clean the area around the TV and cable cover regularly to keep it looking fresh and polished.
How to Hide Power Cords and HDMI Cables Along with Other Wires for Wall Mount TV
Other wires you may want to hide for wall-mount TV include power cords, HDMI cables, and other devices such as gaming consoles or streaming devices. You can use a cord hider kit or an in-wall cable management kit, or run all of the cables together through the back of your entertainment cabinet. Alternatively, if you are mounting the TV on a brick or concrete wall, you can use a chase cut in the mortar to run the cables. Just remember to only cut into unused or easily removable mortar when doing this.
These are all the steps to take, tools to use, and different approaches to hiding wires for wall-mount TV. By applying them, you can enjoy a cleaner, safer, and structured living space. Avoid the mistakes mentioned, and take heed of the tips for maintaining the look you want even after hiding the wires for wall-mount TV.
One important thing to consider when hiding wires for wall-mount TV is the length of the cables. Make sure to measure the distance between the TV and the power outlet or other devices, and purchase cables that are long enough to reach without being too loose or too tight. This will prevent any accidents or damage to the cables.
Another tip is to label the cables before hiding them. This will make it easier to identify which cable belongs to which device in case you need to unplug or replace them in the future. You can use colored tape or labels to mark each cable, or create a diagram to keep track of them.