The modern home entertainment experience is incomplete without a sleek wall-mounted TV. A wall mount not only saves space and enhances the viewing experience but also offers the home’s interior a clean, sleek look. However, one significant challenge most people encounter when installing a wall-mounted TV is cable management. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to hide cables when mounting a TV on the wall for a neat and professional look.
1. Why hiding cables is important for TV wall mounts
Exposing unsightly cables creates an eyesore in any room, no matter how beautiful the decor looks. This is where cable management comes into play, and hiding the cables is the best way to achieve a neat and professional-looking TV wall mount setup. Hidden cables also make cleaning around the TV area easier since there won’t be cords everywhere. Additionally, hidden cables prolong the life of the TV by protecting it from accidental pulling or yanking.
Moreover, hiding cables can also improve the safety of your home. Exposed cables can be a tripping hazard, especially for children and elderly people. By hiding the cables, you can eliminate this risk and create a safer environment for everyone in your household. Furthermore, hiding cables can also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. With no visible cables, your TV wall mount setup will look sleek and modern, adding to the overall ambiance of your living space.
2. Different types of cables used for TV wall mounts
There are different types of cables that you can use for TV wall mounts, depending on your needs and preferences. The most common cables are HDMI, power cables, and coaxial cables. HDMI is the most important cable because it transmits both audio and video signals, while the power cable powers the TV. The coaxial cable is used to transmit signals from cable TV and antenna. Before buying the cables, ensure you get the correct lengths and consider purchasing high-quality cables that will offer maximum performance for longer, such as those with gold-plated connectors and braided shielding materials.
Another type of cable that you may consider using for your TV wall mount is the optical audio cable. This cable is used to transmit high-quality audio signals from your TV to your sound system. It is particularly useful if you have a home theater system or a soundbar that requires an optical audio input.
Additionally, if you have a smart TV or other devices that require an internet connection, you may need an Ethernet cable. This cable is used to connect your TV to your home network, allowing you to access online content and streaming services. It is important to note that not all TVs require an Ethernet cable, as some have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
3. Tools needed to hide cables for TV wall mount installation
Before hiding your cables, you’ll need specific tools that will help you hide the wires behind your wall, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation. These tools include a stud finder, drywall saw, low-voltage brackets, cable plate, cable clips, and a drill with long bits.
It’s important to note that the type of tools you need may vary depending on the type of wall you have. For example, if you have a concrete wall, you may need a hammer drill and masonry bits to make holes for the low-voltage brackets. On the other hand, if you have a wooden wall, you may only need a regular drill and wood screws to attach the brackets.
Additionally, if you’re not comfortable with cutting into your wall, you may want to consider using a cable cover or raceway instead of hiding the cables behind the wall. These options can still provide a clean and organized look, without the need for specialized tools or cutting into your wall.
4. Step-by-step guide to hiding cables behind the wall for TV wall mount installation
The following are the steps to follow for hiding your TV cables behind the wall during installation.
- Locate the studs behind the wall and mark their positions using the stud finder.
- Using a drywall saw, create a hole behind your TV bracket where you want your cables to emerge.
- Insert low-voltage brackets into the holes you’ve made, ensuring that they fit securely around the hole’s perimeter.
- Run the cables through the brackets and the walls, popping them out where they need to go, and then install the cable plate, ensuring the screws fasten tightly into the wall.
- Attach the cables to the back of your TV using the appropriate clips, ensuring they’re secure and don’t hang loosely.
It is important to note that before you begin the installation process, you should ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. This includes a stud finder, drywall saw, low-voltage brackets, cable plate, screws, and appropriate clips for attaching the cables to the back of your TV.
Additionally, it is recommended that you have a helper to assist you during the installation process. This will make it easier to run the cables through the brackets and the walls, and ensure that they are properly secured.
5. How to use cable clips and channels to hide cables for a TV wall mount
An alternative to hiding cables behind the wall is using cable clips and channels. Cable clips attach the cords to the wall’s surface, while channels help to conceal the cables behind a cover that sticks to the wall. Using clips and channels creates a similar clean and tidy look as hiding cables behind the wall, but it’s easier and more budget-friendly. When using cable clips, ensure that they’re evenly spaced and level. Following the cable’s vertical path and using the same colored clips as the wall paint can help the clips blend in, creating a clean and discreet look.
It’s important to note that when using cable channels, you should measure the length of the cables and choose a channel that’s long enough to cover them. Additionally, make sure to choose a channel that’s wide enough to fit all the cables comfortably. When installing the channel, ensure that it’s level and straight to create a neat and professional look. Cable channels are a great option for those who want to hide cables without damaging the wall or spending too much money on professional installation.
6. Tips and tricks for concealing cables when mounting a TV on the wall
Here are some additional tips and tricks on how to make your TV wall bracket look more professional and streamlined:
- Use a paintable cover plate that matches your wall’s color to disguise the cable holes.
- If you’re using cable clips, attach them in a way that seems like a design feature rather than a haphazard arrangement.
- Consider routing all the cables through a hole drilled into a cabinet or an entertainment system to create a cleaner look.
Another way to conceal cables is to use a cable raceway, which is a plastic or metal channel that can be mounted on the wall to hide the cables. These raceways come in different sizes and colors, so you can choose one that matches your wall and blends in seamlessly.
If you have a lot of cables to conceal, you may want to consider using a power bridge kit. This kit allows you to run all your cables through a single wall outlet, which can be hidden behind your TV. This not only creates a cleaner look, but also makes it easier to plug and unplug devices.
7. Common mistakes to avoid when hiding cables during TV wall mount installation
Mistakes during cable hiding installations can impact the overall appearance of your TV wall mount. The following are some mistakes to avoid during your installation:
- Not leaving enough slack in the cable may result in damaged cables if they’re pulled or accidentally tugged.
- Using plain plastic cable clips that don’t match your walls or the TV mount.
- Not running power cables separately from other cables or bundling them together with audio or video cords, which can cause electrical interference.
- Not using a sufficient number of clips to hold the cables securely to the wall’s surface.
Another common mistake to avoid when hiding cables during TV wall mount installation is not considering the length of the cables. It’s important to measure the distance between the TV and the power outlet or other devices to ensure that the cables are long enough to reach. If the cables are too short, you may need to purchase extension cords or rearrange the placement of your devices, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
8. How to choose the right cable length for your TV wall mount setup
Choosing the right cable lengths depends on the distance between your TV and the source. To get the correct cable length, measure the distance from your TV to the source component on the ground, and ensure the cables have enough slack to maneuver the TV around comfortably.
It’s also important to consider the type of cables you need for your setup. HDMI cables are the most common type of cable used for connecting TVs to sources like cable boxes, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. However, if you have an older TV or source component, you may need different types of cables such as component or composite cables. Make sure to check the specifications of your TV and source component to determine the type of cables you need.
9. Creative ideas for disguising visible cables in your TV room
If you have cables protruding from your TV or not doing enough to disguise them behind the wall or cable cover, here are some creative ideas:
- Run the cables through a curtain rod or a behind-the-couch cable organizer to create a neat look.
- Using washi tape to create a colorful design around the cables on the wall.
- Fashioning a conduit pipe to cover the cables and painting it with the same colors similar to the wall, providing the perfect aesthetic for your room.
10. Solutions for dealing with existing cables in the room when installing a TV on the wall
If your room already has cables running along the floor or wall, consider using a raceway or a cord cover to blend those cables with the new TV cables. A raceway is a channel that runs along the wall, and a cord cover looks like a white plastic curve that you attach to the wall.
11. Maintenance tips for keeping hidden cables secure and tidy after installing a TV on the wall
After installing your TV on the wall and hiding the cords, it’s important to keep them in good condition by following these maintenance tips:
- Inspect the cables regularly for any damages, frays, or loose wires.
- Ensure that the cords remain intact and are not tugged or pulled roughly.
- Use cable ties to keep things neatly organized and to ensure that additional cords and wires don’t get added to the bundle over time.
By following these tips, you can create a clean and professional-looking installation of a TV wall mount with hidden cables, ensuring that your entertainment experience is perfect in aesthetic and function.