If you’re tired of looking at the messy, tangled pile of cables behind your mounted TV, it’s time to learn how to hide them. Concealing your TV cables not only makes your setup look neater, but it also creates a safer environment by eliminating tripping hazards. In this article, we’ll provide you with the tools, materials, and steps you need to successfully hide your mount TV cables.
Why It’s Important to Hide Your TV Cables
The most obvious reason to hide your TV cables is aesthetics. Without any pesky cords hanging down, your mounted TV appears sleek and unobtrusive. But beyond looks, cable management is essential for safety as well. When cables are left in plain sight, they can quickly become tangled, creating an unsightly mess that can pose a tripping hazard. Additionally, cords that come loose from their outlets can create a fire risk. By hiding your TV cables, you create a clean, safe, and functional viewing experience.
Another benefit of hiding your TV cables is that it can improve the overall organization of your living space. When cables are left exposed, they can create a cluttered and chaotic appearance, detracting from the overall ambiance of the room. By hiding your cables, you can create a more streamlined and organized look, which can help to promote a sense of calm and relaxation in your living space.
Finally, hiding your TV cables can also help to protect your electronics from damage. When cables are left exposed, they can be easily pulled or tugged, which can cause damage to the cords or the devices they are connected to. By hiding your cables, you can help to protect your electronics from accidental damage, which can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
Tools and Materials Needed to Hide Mount TV Cables
To hide your TV cables, you’ll need several tools and materials. These include:
- Stud finder
- Measuring tape
- Drywall saw or utility knife
- Cable ties or velcro straps
- Power drill
- Cable management kit or raceway
Before you begin hiding your TV cables, it’s important to plan out the route you want them to take. This will help you determine the length of cable management kit or raceway you’ll need, as well as the number of cable ties or velcro straps required.
Additionally, if you’re mounting your TV on a brick or concrete wall, you’ll need a masonry bit for your power drill to make holes for the cable management kit or raceway. It’s also important to ensure that you have the correct size and type of screws for mounting the TV bracket onto the wall.
Prepping Your TV for Cable Hiding
Before you can start hiding your TV cables, you need to prepare your TV and wall for the process. Begin by unplugging all electronic devices connected to your TV, including the TV itself. Then, use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the wall where your TV is mounted. This will give you a clearer picture of where your cables can be routed.
Once you have located the studs, mark their positions on the wall with a pencil. This will help you to avoid drilling into them when you start to make holes for your cable routing. Next, measure the distance between your TV and the nearest power outlet, and ensure that you have enough cable to reach it. If not, you may need to purchase an extension cord or move your TV closer to the outlet.
Finally, consider investing in cable management tools such as cable ties, cable clips, or cable covers. These can help to keep your cables organized and prevent them from becoming tangled or unsightly. With these preparations in place, you will be ready to start hiding your TV cables and enjoying a cleaner, more streamlined entertainment setup.
Different Options for Hiding Your TV Cables
There are many ways to hide TV cables, each with its own pros and cons. Below are some of the most common cable-hiding methods to choose from:
- Concealing cables in-wall: this involves cutting a hole in your drywall to create a pathway where your cables can run. Before attempting this method, make sure you are comfortable working with drywall.
- Using cable management kit or raceway: these are plastic tubes or casings that run along the surface of your wall, disguising your cables.
- DIY solutions: you can get creative by using decorative fabric, PVC pipe, or even a fake plant to hide your cables.
- Professional installation: if you’re not comfortable with DIY, consider hiring a professional to install an in-wall kit or some other cable-hiding solution.
It’s important to note that some cable-hiding methods may not be suitable for certain types of walls or rooms. For example, concealing cables in-wall may not be possible if you have concrete walls or if there are electrical wires or plumbing behind the wall. Additionally, some DIY solutions may not be as effective as professional installations, especially if you have a lot of cables to hide or if you want a more permanent solution. Consider your specific needs and limitations before choosing a cable-hiding method.
Pros and Cons of Various Cable-Hiding Methods
Each cable-hiding method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Below are some of the pros and cons of each method to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
Concealing cables in-wall
Pros:
- Provides a clean, professional look with no visible wiring
- Offers complete flexibility as you can route your cables wherever you choose
Cons:
- Requires extensive DIY work and may require professional help if you don’t have much experience with cutting drywall
- Cables can still be difficult to access and remove should you need to make any changes to them in the future
Using cable management kit or raceway
Pros:
- Easy to install and no need to cut into the drywall
- Can be painted to match your wall for a seamless look
Cons:
- May not be as visually appealing as hiding cables in-wall
- May not be as flexible as cables are limited to the length of the tubing or raceway
DIY solutions
Pros:
- Allows you to get creative with your cable management method
- Can be a cost-effective solution
Cons:
- May not provide the most professional-looking result
- May not be as safe as other hiding methods if not done properly
Professional installation
Pros:
- Provides a high-quality, professional-looking result
- Can offer various customization options
Cons:
- Can be costly
- May require some disruption to your home during the installation process
Wireless cable-hiding solutions
Pros:
- Eliminates the need for visible cables altogether
- Provides a clutter-free look
Cons:
- May not be compatible with all devices
- May require additional equipment or setup
Wireless cable-hiding solutions are becoming increasingly popular as technology advances. These solutions use wireless signals to transmit data, eliminating the need for visible cables altogether. This provides a clutter-free look and can be a great option for those who want a minimalist aesthetic. However, it’s important to note that not all devices may be compatible with wireless solutions, and additional equipment or setup may be required.
Combining cable-hiding methods
Pros:
- Allows you to customize your cable management solution to fit your specific needs
- Can provide a more visually appealing result
Cons:
- May require more time and effort to install
- May be more costly than using a single method
Combining cable-hiding methods can be a great way to customize your cable management solution to fit your specific needs. For example, you could use a cable management kit to hide cables along the baseboard, and then conceal any remaining cables in-wall. This can provide a more visually appealing result than using a single method. However, it’s important to note that combining methods may require more time and effort to install, and may be more costly than using a single method.
Steps to Conceal Cables in a Wall
If you choose to conceal your TV cables in-wall, follow these steps:
- Locate the studs in your wall using a stud finder.
- Choose the appropriate spot where you want to conceal the cables
- Use a drywall saw or utility knife to cut into the wall
- Place a nail guard plate over the hole to protect the cables from nails or screws
- Thread the cable(s) through the wall using a fish tape
- Install a brush plate or wall plate to cover the hole and run the cable out of it
- Mount the TV back onto the wall and connect the cables
How to Route Cables Through a Wall
If you’ve opted for the cable management kit or raceway method, follow these steps:
- Decide where you want to install the kit or raceway
- Measure and mark the area to ensure straight and level installation
- Install the base of the kit or raceway onto the wall using a power drill and drywall screws
- Place the cover of the kit or raceway over the base and secure it in place
- Thread your cables through the tubing or raceway
- Re-connect all electronic devices to your TV
How to Use Raceways to Hide Cables
If you’re using raceways to hide your TV cables, these steps are for you:
- Choose the appropriate size and color of raceway to match your wall and cables
- Cut the raceway to the desired length using a hacksaw
- Clean the wall where you will apply the raceway with a damp cloth
- Use double-sided mounting tape to stick the raceway onto the wall
- Feed your cables through the raceway and snap the cover in place
- Re-connect all electronic devices to your TV
Tips for Managing Cords Behind Furniture
If you have furniture that sits in front of your TV and the cords are still visible, there are a few things you can do to manage them:
- Zip-tie or Velcro straps can be used to secure cords together and route them neatly
- Run cables through decorative fabric conduit to conceal them
- Add a power strip behind the furniture to keep cords and plugs out of sight
How to Hide Power Outlets and Surge Protectors
If you want to hide power outlets and surge protectors, use a power strip or raceway to conceal them. You can attach the power strip directly to the back of your furniture with strong double-sided mounting tape. If you’re using a raceway, feed the cables into the base of the raceway, and then attach the cover over the top.
Maintaining Accessibility for Future Cable Changes
When you’re hiding your TV cables, it’s essential to keep future access and maintenance in mind. Choose a hiding method that allows you to remove or add cables easily, and ensure that the mounting design you use allows for flexibility in the future. You don’t want to have to redo all of your hard work if you want to add a new gaming console, for example.
Final Touches: Making the Hidden Cable Setup Look Neat and Tidy
Once you’ve successfully hidden your TV cables, the final step is to make everything look neat and tidy. Cable ties or clips can be used to route your cables along the wall or furniture. Spray paint can be used to give the cable covers a uniform appearance, or you can add decorative pieces around the area to help the cables blend in better with the room’s décor.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully hide your mounted TV cables in just a few hours. With your cables out of sight, you can enjoy a clean, organized, and safe viewing experience.