If you’re looking to upgrade your home entertainment system, wall-mounting your television is a popular and practical option. However, dealing with unsightly cords and wires can be a major deterrent. Fortunately, there are several ways to hide TV wires for wall mount, and this article will provide you with an exhaustive guide to doing just that. So let’s dive right into it.
Why You Need to Hide Your Tv Wires for Wall Mount
The primary reason to hide TV wires for wall mount is to improve the aesthetic appeal of your room. Leaving cords dangling and exposed can give your space a disorganized appearance and ruin its overall look. Additionally, cords and wires can be a safety hazard, especially if you have children or pets. Tangled cords, plus household tumbles, can result in serious accidents.
Another reason to hide TV wires for wall mount is to prevent damage to the cords themselves. Exposed cords can be easily pulled or tugged, leading to fraying or even electrical damage. This can result in costly repairs or even the need to replace your TV altogether. By hiding the wires, you can protect them from accidental damage and ensure that your TV stays in good working condition for years to come.
Finally, hiding TV wires for wall mount can also make it easier to clean and maintain your space. Exposed cords can collect dust and debris, making it difficult to keep your room clean. By hiding the wires, you can eliminate this problem and make it easier to keep your space looking neat and tidy. This can be especially important if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, as dust and debris can exacerbate these conditions.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
The tools and materials you need to hide TV wires will depend on your chosen method to conceal them. You might need a brush, stud finder, tape measure, spackle, fish tape, cord cover, wire ties, cable clips, wall plates, or raceways.
If you are planning to run the wires behind the wall, you will need a drywall saw, a drill, and a fish tape to pull the wires through the wall. You may also need a voltage detector to ensure that there are no electrical wires in the area where you plan to cut the wall.
If you are using a cord cover or raceway to hide the wires, you may need a hacksaw or a pair of scissors to cut the cover to the desired length. You may also need a level to ensure that the cover is straight and properly aligned with the wall.
Planning Your Wire Hiding Strategy
Before you begin hiding your TV wires, you must first determine the best strategy for your room. Ask yourself questions like, will you be running your cables through the wall, along the wall surface, or inside a cover? Where should you place the TV and other home entertainment equipment? How might you conceal the cords, covers or raceways?
One important factor to consider when planning your wire hiding strategy is the type of wall you have. If you have drywall, you may need to cut holes in the wall to run your cables through. However, if you have brick or concrete walls, you may need to use adhesive cable clips or conduit to hide your wires.
Another consideration is the length of your cables. Make sure to measure the distance between your TV and other equipment to ensure that your cables are long enough to reach. If your cables are too short, you may need to purchase extension cords or invest in wireless technology to avoid visible wires altogether.
Tips for Choosing the Best Wire Concealing Method
Choosing the best wire concealing method will depend on your preference, budget, and overall aesthetics of your room. For example, if you’re using an entirely flat mount or an ultra-thin wall mount, hiding wires behind a drywall is a good option. If you’re working with a slightly larger, tilting, or tilting-and-swiveling mount, hiding wires with a wall plate is an excellent choice.
Another factor to consider when choosing a wire concealing method is the accessibility of the wires. If you anticipate needing to access the wires frequently, it may be best to use a wire cover that can easily be removed and replaced. On the other hand, if the wires will be hidden behind a permanent fixture, such as a built-in bookshelf, a more permanent solution like in-wall conduit may be the best option.
It’s also important to consider the safety of your wire concealing method. Make sure that any wires that will be hidden are properly insulated and protected from potential damage. If you’re unsure about the safety of your chosen method, consult with a professional electrician to ensure that your wiring is up to code and safe for use.
Hiding Wires Behind the Wall: Step-by-Step Guide
Sleek and seamless, concealing TV wires behind your walls is a popular way to hide unsightly cords. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hide your TV wires behind your wall:
- Identify stud locations with a stud finder. It’s best to run your wires through the closest stud cavity.
- Mark the desired location on the wall where you will put the outlet plate.
- Use a drywall knife or saw to cut a hole into the drywall where you marked the location.
- Attach your fish tape or straightened wire coat hanger to the cables or wires.
- Draw the wire through the hole by pulling the fish tape or coat hanger, and through the backplate of the outlet.
- Replace the drywall patch piece and spackle over the patch around the cut edges to hide the hole.
Before you begin, make sure to turn off the power to the outlet where you will be working. This will ensure your safety and prevent any electrical accidents from occurring.
Additionally, if you are unsure about any step in the process, it’s always best to consult a professional electrician. They can provide guidance and ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.
Hiding Wires with a Cord Cover: Step-by-Step Guide
Cord covers are an inexpensive and relatively easy way to hide TV wires and conceal them along the wall’s surface. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a cord cover:
- Place the cover over the cords and attached them to the wall.
- Cut the cover to your desired length, dry-fit, and mark the cover where it meets the edge.
- Use a saw to detach the cover at the marked point.
- Attach the included clips to the painted cover to keep them flush with the wall.
- Route the cords up the cover and, if needed, bend the cover to ensure a smooth flow.
It’s important to note that cord covers come in different sizes and colors, so be sure to choose one that matches your wall color and fits the size of your cords. Additionally, if you have a lot of cords to hide, consider using a cord cover that has multiple channels to keep them organized and separated. With a little bit of effort, you can easily hide unsightly cords and create a cleaner, more organized living space.
Hiding Wires with a Raceway: Step-by-Step Guide
A raceway is another popular way to conceal TV wires along the surface of the wall. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a raceway:
- Cut the raceway to required length using scissors or a hacksaw.
- Attach it to the wall using screws and anchors or double-sided tape included — be sure to measure that the raceway is level.
- Route the wires inside, snapping the raceway’s cover on when the cords are in place.
- Use wire clips to keep the cords flush with the surface of the raceway.
One of the benefits of using a raceway to hide wires is that it can be easily painted to match the color of your wall. This makes it blend in seamlessly with your decor and reduces the visual clutter of exposed wires.
It’s important to note that raceways come in different sizes and shapes, so be sure to choose one that can accommodate all of your wires. Additionally, if you have a lot of wires to hide, you may need to use multiple raceways to ensure a neat and tidy appearance.
Hiding Wires with a Wall Plate: Step-by-Step Guide
A wall plate is an excellent option for those looking for a minimalistic approach to hiding TV wires. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a wall plate:
- Mark the position of your wall plate on the wall, making sure the location doesn’t interfere with the studs.
- Cut a new hole that matches the wall plate’s position and size, using drywall tools.
- Feed the cords through the hole and into the wall mounting bracket.
- Attach the wall plate to your bracket, aligning the holes before tightening the screws.
It’s important to note that before you begin the installation process, you should turn off the power to the outlet where the cords will be plugged in. This will ensure your safety and prevent any electrical accidents from occurring.
Additionally, if you’re unsure about the location of the studs in your wall, you can use a stud finder to locate them. This will help you avoid drilling into them and damaging your wall or the wiring behind it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiding Tv Wires for Wall Mount
As with any DIY project, there are several common mistakes to avoid when hiding TV wires. One of the major pitfalls is forgetting to account for future TV upgrades or the addition of new equipment. You should always plan wire hiding while keeping future upgrades in mind to prevent the unnecessary do-over. Another error is not having enough slack in your cables or wires. While it may seem like a good idea to push every inch of wire through your wall or cord cover, you always want to have a little extra in case you need it in the future.
Another mistake to avoid is not properly labeling your wires. It may seem like a tedious task, but labeling your wires can save you a lot of time and frustration in the future. When you need to make changes or troubleshoot, you’ll know exactly which wire is which, instead of having to guess or trace them back.
It’s also important to consider the placement of your wall mount and the location of your power outlet. Make sure your TV is mounted in a location where the power outlet is easily accessible, and that you have enough space to maneuver your wires. If your power outlet is too far away, you may need to hire an electrician to install a new one or use an extension cord, which can be unsightly and potentially hazardous.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hiding TV wires for wall mount may seem daunting at first, but, with the right tools and techniques, it can be straightforward and seamless. With the various methods before you, you can choose the best option that suits your tastes and budget. Once all the wires are hidden, sit back, relax, and enjoy your clutter-free entertainment center!