Mounting your TV on the wall has become a popular practice in recent years. Not only does it save space, it also gives your living room a neat and modern look. However, with all the components that come with a typical home entertainment setup, cable clutter can quickly become an eyesore. Fortunately, there are many options for cable management available that can help to hide cables behind your TV and keep your entertainment system looking sleek and organized. In this article, we will walk you through the steps needed to hide cables for your TV wall mount.
The Importance of Hiding Cables
The main reason to hide cables of a TV wall mount is aesthetic. No one wants unsightly wires hanging off their pristine wall-mounted TV. But cables left exposed can also pose a safety hazard, especially if you have kids or pets running around. In addition, dust and dirt can easily accumulate on the exposed wires which can cause issues with your electronic devices. In short, hiding cables is essential for both safety and design purposes.
Another reason to hide cables is to prevent them from getting tangled or damaged. When cables are left exposed, they can easily get tangled with other cables or objects, which can cause damage to the cables or even the devices they are connected to. Hiding cables can also help to organize them, making it easier to identify which cable goes where and reducing the risk of accidentally unplugging the wrong cable.
Finally, hiding cables can also improve the overall functionality of your space. When cables are hidden, it can create a cleaner and more streamlined look, which can help to reduce distractions and improve focus. This is especially important in a home office or study area where productivity is key. By hiding cables, you can create a more professional and organized environment that is conducive to getting work done.
Tools and Materials Needed for Cable Management
The following tools and materials will be needed for your cable management task:
- Cable ties
- Cable raceway system
- Cord covers
- In-wall cable management kit
- Power drill with drill bits
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Wall anchors
It is important to note that the specific tools and materials needed for cable management may vary depending on the size and complexity of the task. For larger projects, it may be necessary to also have a wire cutter/stripper, a fish tape, and a label maker to properly organize and label cables. Additionally, it is recommended to wear safety goggles and gloves when handling cables and using power tools.
How to Plan for Cable Management Before Wall Mounting Your TV
The first step in hiding cables is to plan your cable management system before mounting your TV. Think about where the components of your entertainment system will be located, and whether they will be visible behind or beneath the TV. Consider the distance between your wall-mounted TV and where you will hide the cables. Determine the type of cable management system you need and purchase the tools and materials that suit your needs.
Once you have determined the type of cable management system you need, it’s important to measure the length of the cables you will be using. This will ensure that you purchase the correct length of cable covers or conduits to hide the cables. It’s also a good idea to label the cables before hiding them, so that you can easily identify which cable goes where in case you need to make any changes in the future.
Another important factor to consider is the safety of your cables. Make sure that the cables are not pinched or twisted, as this can cause damage to the cables and affect the quality of your audio and video signals. You can use cable ties or clips to secure the cables in place and prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.
Different Ways to Hide Cables Behind Your TV
There are different ways to hide cables behind your TV depending on the cable management system you have chosen. Here are a few options to consider:
- Use cable ties to bundle cables together and attach them to the back of the TV.
- Use a cord cover to conceal cables that run along the wall from the TV to a nearby outlet.
- Use a cable raceway system to encase cables and eliminate visible cords.
- Conceal wiring in the wall using an in-wall cable management kit.
Another option to consider is using a cable sleeve to bundle and hide cables. This is a flexible tube that can be cut to the desired length and wrapped around the cables, providing a neat and organized look.
If you have a TV stand or entertainment center, you can also use cable clips or adhesive cable holders to keep cables in place and out of sight. These can be attached to the back of the furniture piece or along the edges to keep cables hidden and organized.
How to Install a Cable Raceway System
If you have decided to use a cable raceway to hide your cables, here are the steps to follow:
- Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall where you intend to install the raceway.
- Measure and mark the placement of the raceway on the wall using your tape measure.
- Drill pilot holes at the marked locations, and install the anchors that come with your raceway.
- Attach the raceway tracks to the anchors using screws.
- Place the cables inside the raceway tracks, and snap the cover onto the tracks to conceal them.
It is important to note that before installing the raceway system, you should plan the cable layout to ensure that the raceway is long enough to accommodate all the cables. Additionally, make sure to choose a raceway that is appropriate for the size and number of cables you need to conceal. If you are unsure about the installation process, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional electrician.
How to Conceal Cables Inside the Wall
Concealing cables inside the wall requires a little bit of extra effort, but the results are worth it. Here are the steps to follow:
- Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall where you intend to install the in-wall cable management kit.
- Measure the distance between the studs where you want to run your cables.
- Use a drywall saw to cut a hole in the wall between the studs.
- Feed the cables through the hole and into the in-wall cable management kit.
- Attach the cables to the kit using cable ties, and then attach the kit to the wall using screws.
- Cover the hole in the wall with a wall plate that matches your decor.
It is important to note that before cutting into the wall, you should turn off the power to any electrical outlets or switches in the area. This will ensure your safety and prevent any damage to the electrical wiring. Additionally, it is recommended to use a fish tape or wire snake to help guide the cables through the wall and into the cable management kit. This will make the process easier and prevent any damage to the cables.
Tips for Routing Cables Through the Wall
Routing cables through the wall requires careful attention to detail to ensure that you don’t damage any existing wires or pipes inside the walls. Here are some tips to follow:
- Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall where you want to cut through.
- Be careful when drilling through the wall to avoid potential hazards such as electrical wires or pipes.
- Use a fish tape to feed cables through the wall to avoid damaging the cables.
- Label your cables before feeding them through the wall to ensure that they are connected to the right ports once they are hidden.
Another important tip to keep in mind is to use the right tools for the job. For instance, if you’re routing cables through a brick wall, you’ll need a masonry bit to drill through the wall. Similarly, if you’re working with drywall, you’ll need a drywall saw to cut through the wall.
It’s also a good idea to plan out your cable routing before you start cutting into the wall. This will help you determine the best path for your cables and avoid any unnecessary holes or cuts in the wall. You can use a cable routing template or create your own diagram to help you plan out your cable routing.
How to Use Cord Covers for a Cleaner Look
If you have cables that run along the wall from your TV to a nearby outlet, cord covers can help to conceal them and give your space a cleaner look. Here are the steps to follow:
- Clean the area where you plan to attach your cord cover.
- Peel off the adhesive backing on the cord cover, and position it over the cables.
- Press the cord cover down firmly to ensure that it adheres to the wall.
- Use a utility knife to trim any excess cord cover that extends beyond the area where the cables are running.
It’s important to choose the right size and color of cord cover to match your wall and cables. You can find cord covers in various sizes and colors at your local hardware store or online. Additionally, if you have a lot of cables to conceal, consider using a cable management system to keep them organized and tidy.
Pros and Cons of Wireless TV Installation
While hiding cables is a great way to keep your living space organized and neat, another option to consider is going wireless. Wireless TV installation is gaining popularity as more people choose to cut the cords. Here are some pros and cons:
- Pros: No cables to hide, no holes to cut in the wall or cover up, flexibility for relocating your TV, and a clean and modern look.
- Cons: Higher cost than traditional setup, potential for interference or connectivity issues, and devices may require separate power sources.
One of the biggest advantages of wireless TV installation is the flexibility it provides. With no cables to worry about, you can easily move your TV from one room to another without having to deal with the hassle of unplugging and re-plugging cords. This is especially useful if you like to rearrange your furniture frequently or if you have a home theater setup that you want to use in different rooms.
Another benefit of wireless TV installation is the clean and modern look it provides. Without cables cluttering up your space, your living room or bedroom will look much more streamlined and organized. This can be especially important if you have a small space or if you’re trying to create a minimalist aesthetic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiding Cables
When it comes to hiding cables, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. These include:
- Overcrowding cables in one raceway or cord cover.
- Not testing the cable connections for functionality before concealing them.
- Not labeling which cable is which before feeding them through the wall.
- Not using the right tools or materials for your cable management system.
By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully hide cables for your TV wall mount and transform your living space. Choose the system that works best for your needs and budget and enjoy a clean and modern entertainment setup.