If you have a wall-mounted TV, you know how unsightly dangling cords can ruin the look of your living room. Fortunately, there are several ways to hide TV cords on wall mounts. In this article, we’ll discuss all of your options and show you how to do it step-by-step. Read on to learn more!
Tools and Materials Needed for Hiding TV Cords on Wall Mount
Before you begin, gather together the following items:
- Power drill
- Drywall saw
- Stud finder
- Electrical tape
- Cable raceways
- Wireless HDMI kit
- Flat-screen TV cord cover kit
With these tools and materials, you’ll be well-equipped to hide your TV cords simply and easily.
It’s important to note that the size and weight of your TV will determine the type of cable raceway you need. For larger TVs, you may need a wider raceway to accommodate thicker cords. Additionally, if your TV is mounted on a brick or concrete wall, you may need a masonry bit for your power drill to make holes for the raceway.
Another option for hiding TV cords is to install an in-wall power kit. This involves cutting a hole in the wall behind your TV and running the cords through the wall to an electrical outlet. This method requires more advanced DIY skills and may require a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes.
Preparing Your Wall for TV Cord Hiding
The first step in hiding TV cords on wall mount is to prepare your wall. Make sure your TV is mounted securely and locate the studs in your wall. Use a pencil to mark where you’ll be drilling into your wall, making sure to avoid any electrical wires or pipes. Use the drywall saw to make a hole just behind where your television is mounted. This will allow you to pass the cords through the wall.
Once you have made the hole, you can use a fish tape or wire coat hanger to guide the cords through the wall. Make sure to leave enough slack in the cords so that you can easily connect them to your TV and any other devices.
Before patching up the hole, consider installing a wall plate to make future cord management easier. Wall plates come in a variety of styles and can be installed over the hole to provide a clean, finished look. This will also make it easier to access the cords if you need to make any changes or additions in the future.
Determining the Best Hiding Place for Your TV Cords
The next step is to determine the best hiding place for your TV cords. This will depend on the layout of your room and your personal aesthetic preferences. A wireless HDMI kit is one option that can allow you to transmit the signal from your TV without any visible cords. If you want to go for a more traditional route, consider running cords through the walls.
Another option to consider is using cord covers or cable raceways. These are plastic or metal channels that can be mounted on the wall to hide cords and cables. They come in various sizes and colors to match your wall and can be painted over to blend in seamlessly. Cord covers are a great solution if you don’t want to drill holes in your walls or if you’re renting and can’t make permanent changes to the space.
Installing a Power Outlet Behind Your Wall-Mounted TV
If you’re running cords through the walls, you’ll need an electrical outlet behind your TV to power it. This requires a bit more work, but it can create a nice, seamless look. Before beginning, make sure to turn off your electricity at the breaker box to avoid any accidents. You’ll then need to use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall, drill holes where you want to install your outlet, and then feed the wiring through the holes to connect the outlet.
It’s important to note that installing an electrical outlet behind your wall-mounted TV should only be done by a licensed electrician. This is because there are specific electrical codes and safety regulations that need to be followed to ensure that the installation is safe and up to code. Attempting to do it yourself could result in electrical hazards or damage to your home. So, while it may be tempting to save money by doing it yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.
How to Run TV Cords Inside the Wall
Once you’ve got your power outlet installed, you can run your cords through the wall. Some people choose to hire an electrician for this step, but it can be a DIY job with a cable raceway. To get started, simply attach the raceway to the wall with screws. Then, feed the cords through the raceway and snap it shut. Using a cable raceway is the easiest way to run the cords and it also protects your cords from damage.
It is important to note that before running cords through the wall, you should check your local building codes and regulations. Some areas may require a permit or inspection for this type of work. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the cords you are running through the wall are rated for in-wall use. Using cords that are not rated for in-wall use can be a fire hazard and may not be up to code. Always prioritize safety when working with electrical components.
Using Cable Raceways to Hide TV Cords on Wall Mount
If you have multiple cords to hide, you may want to use a cable raceway. These devices can be installed on the wall just like a power outlet and are a great option for those who don’t want to deal with wiring. Once installed, all you need to do is feed your cords through the raceway and snap it shut. It’s an easy and effective way to keep your cords organized and hidden.
Another benefit of using cable raceways is that they can be painted to match the color of your wall, making them virtually invisible. This is especially useful if you have a light-colored wall and want to avoid any unsightly cords or cables ruining the aesthetic of your room.
It’s important to note that cable raceways come in different sizes, so make sure to measure the width and height of your cords before purchasing one. You don’t want to end up with a raceway that’s too small to fit all your cords or too big that it looks awkward on your wall.
Hiding Cords with a Cord Cover Kit
If you prefer not to go through the walls, you can use a cord cover kit to hide the cords. These kits come in a variety of designs and colors, so you can choose one that matches your wall color. Simply attach the cord cover to the wall with the adhesive strips provided, and snap your cords into place. It’s an easy and affordable option that will keep your cords from falling all over the place.
Another benefit of using a cord cover kit is that it can help prevent tripping hazards. Cords that are left exposed on the floor can easily become tangled or caught on furniture, causing a potential danger for anyone walking by. By using a cord cover kit, you can keep your cords organized and out of the way, reducing the risk of accidents in your home or office.
Painting Your Cord Cover to Match Your Wall Color
For an even more seamless look, you can paint your cord cover to match your wall color. This will help it blend in with the wall, making it less noticeable. Before painting, clean the cord cover and make sure it’s free of any dust or debris. Then, use a paint brush or spray paint to cover the cord cover. Let it dry completely before snapping it into place.
When choosing a paint color for your cord cover, it’s important to consider the finish as well. If your walls have a matte finish, you may want to use a matte paint for the cord cover to ensure a consistent look. If your walls have a glossy finish, you may want to use a glossy paint for the cord cover to match the shine.
Another option for painting your cord cover is to use a stencil to create a pattern or design. This can add a unique touch to your cord cover and make it a decorative element in your room. Just be sure to use a stencil adhesive to keep the stencil in place while painting, and allow the paint to dry completely before removing the stencil.
Tips for Safely and Securely Hiding TV Cords on Wall Mount
When it comes to hiding cords on wall mount, safety is key. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Follow all safety precautions when drilling into your wall.
- Use electrical tape to secure your cords.
- Make sure all cords are plugged into a surge protector to prevent electrical fires.
- Test your wires to ensure they work properly.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and secure setup for your wall-mounted TV.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiding TV Cords on Wall Mount
Here are some common questions people have about hiding TV cords on wall mount:
Can I hide TV cords in the wall without a power outlet?
No, you’ll need an outlet to power your TV. However, if you prefer not to have an outlet, you can use a wire cover kit to hide the cord on the surface of your wall.
Can I hire someone to help me hide my TV cords?
Yes! Some homeowners prefer to hire a professional to help them hide their cords. An electrician or installer can help make sure your cords are safely and securely hidden.
Additional Creative Ideas for Concealing TV Cords on Wall Mount
If you’re feeling creative and want to hide TV cords in a unique way, try some of these ideas:
- Use a decorative fabric to cover your cords.
- Create a gallery wall that incorporates your cords.
- Paint your cords to match your wall color.
- Use a decorative basket or box to hide your cords.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional to Hide TV Cords on Wall Mount
Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to hire a professional to hide your cords:
Pros:
- Professional installers can guarantee a safe and secure installation.
- They have experience dealing with complex electrical situations.
- They can handle the entire process, from running cords to installing the outlet.
Cons:
- Hiring a professional can be more expensive than doing it yourself.
- You’ll need to coordinate schedules to find a time that works for you and the installer.
- You lose the DIY experience and satisfaction of doing it yourself.
Ultimately, the decision to hire a professional is up to you. Consider your budget, your skill level, and your schedule to decide which option is right for you.
The Bottom Line
With a little bit of know-how, you can easily hide TV cords on wall mount. Whether you choose to go through the walls or use a cord cover kit, there are plenty of options for keeping your cords organized and hidden. Follow these steps and you’ll have a beautiful and functional wall-mounted TV setup in no time!