Wall-mounted TVs offer a sleek and modern look to any room. However, the unsightly cords that come with them can ruin the aesthetic appeal. Fortunately, there are simple and creative ways to keep cords hidden and out of sight. Read on to find out why you should consider hiding cords on your wall-mounted TV, when to do so, and the step-by-step guide to achieving a flawless cord-free look on your TV wall.
Why You Need to Hide Cords on Your Wall Mount TV
The cables and cords connecting your electronics can quickly become an eyesore in any room and ruin the elegant appeal of your wall-mounted TV. With cords dangling from the back of your TV, it becomes challenging to achieve a clean and minimalist look in your space. By hiding the cords, you not only improve the visuals of your room, but you also eliminate a potential tripping hazard, making your home safer for you and your family.
Additionally, hiding cords can also help to prolong the lifespan of your electronics. When cords are left exposed, they are more susceptible to damage from pets, children, or accidental bumps. By concealing them, you can protect your cords from wear and tear, ensuring that your devices continue to function properly for years to come.
When to Consider Hiding Cords on Your Wall Mount TV
If you’re mounting your TV in an area of high traffic, hiding the cords becomes even more critical. Children and pets can quickly become tangled in the exposed cables or trip over them, posing a threat to their safety. Also, if your cords dangle from the back of your wall-mounted TV and down the wall, it makes it challenging to clean around the area, gathering dust and dirt. So, when mounting a TV on the wall, always make provisions to hide the cords.
Another reason to consider hiding cords on your wall mount TV is for aesthetic purposes. Exposed cords can be an eyesore and detract from the overall look of your room. By hiding the cords, you can create a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. Additionally, if you have a home theater setup with multiple devices connected to your TV, hiding the cords can help keep everything organized and reduce clutter. Overall, hiding cords on your wall mount TV is a simple and effective way to improve both the safety and appearance of your space.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Cords on Your Wall Mount TV
Now that you understand the importance of hiding cords on your wall-mounted TV, it’s time to get into the details of how to achieve a flawless cord-free look. Below is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Determine the Power Source
Before you start hiding cords, figure out the power source for your TV. If you’re lucky, you may already have an outlet installed behind your TV. If not, you’ll need to find an alternative. Consider hiring an electrician to install an outlet if necessary.
Step 2: Plan the Route of Your Cords
Once you’ve figured out the power source for your TV, plan where you’ll need to run your cords. If you need to drill holes, be sure to use a stud finder to avoid damaging any electrical wires or plumbing pipes behind the wall. Once you’ve identified the route, use painter’s tape to mark areas where you’ll cut holes for the cables to pass through.
Step 3: Cut Holes for Cables to Pass Through
Use a drywall saw to cut holes for your cables to pass through the wall. Be sure to make the cutout slightly larger than the cable diameter to avoid any snags during installation.
Step 4: Run Cables Through the Wall
Once you’ve cut out the hole, use a special tool like fish rods to run the cables through the wall without damaging the drywall. Alternatively, you can use a tape measure or a wire hanger, tie the cords to the end, and carefully pull them through the wall.
Step 5: Install a Cord Concealer
If running cables through the wall isn’t an option, consider installing a cord concealer to cover cables and make them less noticeable. Cord concealers stick to the wall and come in various colors to match your wall paint. They are also affordable and easy to install.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Hide Cords on Wall Mount TV
The following tools and materials will come in handy when hiding cords on your wall-mounted TV:
Tools
- Drywall saw
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Wire hanger
- Fish rods
- Painter’s tape
- Level
- Scissors
Materials:
- Cord concealer
- Cable ties
- In-wall rated HDMI cables
- Cord cover kit
Top 5 Creative Ways to Hide Cords on Your Wall Mount TV
While some people prefer the simple and straightforward method of running cords through the wall, other creative techniques can make your wall-mounted TV look even better. Here are five creative ways to hide cords on a wall-mounted TV:
1. Use a Power Bridge Kit
A power bridge kit is a handy tool that hides cords behind the wall by creating a channel for the cables to pass through. The kit comes with two power outlets that can be installed behind the TV and near the floor, reducing the chances of visible wires.
2. Conceal Cords in Baseboard Molding
Baseboard molding can double up as a discreet channel to hide cords. You can install baseboard molding that is slightly deeper than your cables, creating a space where you can run your cords. After running the cords, you can paint the molding to match the color of your wall.
3. Create a Gallery Wall
If you want to hide your cords creatively, creating a gallery wall may be an excellent option. By hanging a series of framed pictures on the wall, you can use the empty frames to hide cords. Simply tuck the cords behind the frame and run them down the back of the wall.
4. Strategic Use of Furniture
If moving your TV isn’t an option, consider rearranging your furniture to hide cords. You can position your TV to be adjacent to another piece of furniture or use a rug to cover the cables that go from your wall to your entertainment center.
5. Go Wireless
The simplest way to hide cords on your wall-mounted TV is to go wireless. Many products on the market, including soundbars, streaming devices, and game consoles, have wireless capabilities, meaning that you can connect them without running cables. A wireless setup reduces clutter and eliminates the need to hide cords entirely.
How to Hide Cords on Wall Mount TV Without Drilling Holes
Hiding cords behind the wall can appear daunting, especially if you have never handled power tools before. Fortunately, you can still conceal cables without drilling holes. Here are some methods you can use:
Use a Cord Cover Kit
A cord cover kit is an affordable and easy way to hide cords without drilling holes. The kit comes with a long, flat cover that lays flush against your wall, concealing the cables inside. Cord cover kits also come in various colors and are customizable, allowing you to tailor the cover length to your needs.
Mount Your TV on a Cord Concealing Bracket
Special brackets are available that conceal cords behind the TV and come with adhesive strips that don’t damage your drywall. Simply mount the bracket directly below your TV, then run your cords through the bracket before plugging them in.
How to Hide Unsightly Cables Behind a Wall-Mounted TV
While hiding cords is crucial, other cables, such as those from sound systems and gaming consoles, can be unsightly. Here’s how you can conceal them:
Cable Management Sleeves
Cable management sleeves are an inexpensive and easy way to hide multiple cables. The sleeves are made from flexible neoprene and come with a zipper that makes it easy to install or remove cables. Once your cables are in the sleeve, you can tuck it behind your entertainment center or sofa.
Use Cable Ties and Velcro Straps
You can also use cable ties and Velcro straps to manage multiple cords by securing them together. This method makes it easier to keep cables organized and reduces the number of cords that run along the wall.
The Pros and Cons of Different Methods for Hiding Cords on Your Wall Mount TV
While there are multiple techniques for concealing cords on a wall-mounted TV, each method has its share of advantages and disadvantages. Below are the pros and cons of different methods:
Running Cords Through the Wall
Pros: Running cords through the wall and out of sight offers the cleanest and most elegant solution for hiding cords. It is also safer, as there are no cords dangling or posing a tripping hazard.
Cons: Running cords through the wall requires more time and effort than other methods. Additionally, if you’re renting your space, the property owner may not allow drilling holes into the walls.
Using a Cord Concealer
Pros: Cord concealers are affordable, easy to install, and come in a variety of colors that can match the color of your wall. They are also removable with no damage to your walls.
Cons: Cord concealers add more visual clutter to your wall, reducing the minimalist aesthetic they want to achieve. Concealers that don’t blend correctly with the wall can be unsightly, especially if you’re trying to match your wall’s paint color.
Wireless Connections
Pros: Wireless devices eliminate the need for cords entirely. This setup reduces clutter and provides flexibility on where you can position your TV.
Cons: While there’s a wide variety of wireless devices on the market, they are generally more expensive than their wired counterparts. Also, you may experience connectivity issues with your wireless device.
Expert Tips for Keeping Your Hidden Cords Organized and Tangle-Free
If you’ve gone through the hassle of hiding cords behind your wall-mounted TV, you want to keep them neat and organized. Here are a few tips:
Label Your Cords
As you run cables behind your TV, label them to avoid confusion. If you need to unplug a device, you will know which cord to unplug and plug back.
Use Cable Ties
Cable ties are an easy way to keep cables organized and tangle-free. They also allow you to adjust cords’ length, making it easier to remove or replace the cables.
Use a Cable Organizer
If you have several devices connected to your TV, use a cable organizer to keep cords organized. A cable organizer has multiple compartments to store cords and cables, making it easier to keep them organized and tangle-free
DIY vs Professional Cord-Hiding Solutions: Which is Right for You?
The decision to DIY or hire a professional to hide cords behind your wall-mounted TV comes down to several factors:
Skill Level
If you have experience handling power tools and working with electrical wires, DIY solutions may be an excellent option for you. If not, it’s best to leave the job to professionals.
Time
DIY solutions can be time-consuming, as it may take you a while to plan and execute. If you’re short on time, it may be better to hire a professional to get the job done faster.
Budget
DIY solutions are generally cheaper than hiring a professional. However, some professional services offer affordable solutions that may fit your budget.
In conclusion, hiding cords can significantly improve your wall-mounted TV’s aesthetics, creating a modern and minimalist look in your space. Whatever method you choose, ensure you follow all necessary safety precautions to avoid any accidents or damage to your property.