Are you renovating your house or installing a new TV? This guide contains information on seamlessly running TV wires behind the wall.

Safety Tips For Hiding TV Wires

Before choosing the method of hiding TV wires that work best for you, you should consider the safety rules that come with the procedure of TV wire installation.

• Ensure that any cables you run inside walls are rated for in-wall installation (often labeled as CL2 or CL3).
• Never run standard power or extension cords inside walls; this is against electrical codes and can be a fire hazard.
• When cutting into walls for in-wall cable management, avoid cutting into electrical wiring, plumbing, or other utilities.
• Use a stud finder with utility detection capabilities to avoid these hazards.
• Always turn off the power to the area where you are working to avoid electric shock.
• Avoid making large cutouts in load-bearing walls, which can compromise structural integrity.
• If you're unsure, consult with a professional before making any modifications.
• Use cable ties or clips to secure cables neatly, but don't cinch them too tightly, as this can damage the cables.
• Keep cables organized and separate power cables from data cables to avoid interference.
• When running cables along the floor, secure them to prevent tripping or accidental dislodgement.
• Use cord covers or rugs to cover wires on the floor.
• Keep cables away from heat sources, such as radiators, heating vents, and appliances that generate heat, to prevent cable damage.
• Inspect cables for any damage or wear before hiding them.
• Damaged cables can be a fire hazard or cause electrical faults.
• Do not staple or nail through cables when securing them.
• Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet or using multiple power strips, which can lead to overloading and potential electrical fires.
• Be mindful of potential signal interference when grouping cables.
• HDMI cables, for example, can be susceptible to interference if not properly shielded.
• Familiarize yourself with and adhere to local building and electrical codes.
• Ensure that your TV and any associated mounts or brackets are securely fastened to the wall, especially after any modifications.
• Be aware of the materials on your wall. Older buildings may have asbestos or lead paint, which require professional handling.

Methods for Hiding TV Wires

Below are the common methods of hiding TV wires. They work equally well for hiding wires of a wall-mounted TV.

Use a Cord Concealer or Cable Management Kit

Cord concealers and cable management kits are widely available. Some forms of it include raceways or channels. They attach to your wall and encase the wires, and you can easily paint them to match the color of your wall to make it a genuinely hidden solution.

In-Wall Cable Management

You can run cables through the wall if your TV is wall-mounted for a much cleaner look. This method involves creating a small hole behind the TV and another near the bottom of the wall to thread the wires through. That's it; all you ever have to do is cut two holes. It's a more permanent solution but requires cutting into the wall.

Adhesive Cable Clips

The adhesive clips stick to the back of your TV or onto the wall and can help guide wires neatly down or along the back of furniture.

Cable Ties or Velcro Straps

You can choose to bundle your cables together to reduce clutter. This works well if your TV stand or media console can hide the bundled cables. This works well for smart TVs, flat-screen TVs, and wall-mounted TVs.

Use Furniture to Your Advantage

Place your TV above a console or cabinet where the wires can be hidden behind. You can also route cables behind bookshelves or other furniture. This solves the problem of the dangling cords. Built-in cord storage can also be incorporated directly into the design of your TV table.

Decorative Solutions

You can use plants, decorative boxes, or other home decor items to hide cables strategically. This is the easiest way to avoid requiring you to purchase any specific tools. For example, you can place a tall, leafy plant like a Fiddle Leaf Fig or a Dracaena in a decorative plant beside the TV stand to cover the TV wires.

Install a Power Outlet Behind the TV

You can install an electrical outlet directly behind the TV. This minimizes the length of exposed cables. This is an excellent solution for when you are only planning a renovation or designing your house.

Baseboard Channels

You can run cables along the baseboard using a channel that matches or complements your baseboard color. This neat method works great when the outlet is not behind your TV stand. Baseboard is an easy method that does not require cutting into the wall. It may also blend seamlessly into its surroundings. This may be an excellent method for when tripping on a cable is a problem. Chair rail decoration can help hide wires in a similar way a baseboard channel does.

Use a Wall Panel

A panel or a false wall behind the TV can conceal cables while adding a design element to the room. A panel can be both store-bought or DIY.

How To Hide TV Wires Over a Fireplace?

Hiding TV wires over a fireplace can be challenging due to the heat and aesthetics, but it's doable. Here are some methods you can consider:

You can purchase a cord concealer or cover that matches your wall color. These are typically easy to install and can effectively hide the wires running from your TV to your outlets or other devices.

This method requires some electrical work. You can install a recessed outlet directly behind where the TV will be mounted. This way, the wires can plug in without hanging down.

 A wire mold is a conduit that can be painted to match your walls. It allows you to run your cables inside it, concealing them while leading them to the nearest outlet.

 If you're comfortable with a more involved project, an in-wall cable management system is a great solution. 

For a simpler solution, you can use cable ties and adhesive clips to neatly bundle and route your wires along your wall or fireplace mantel.

If you want to know how many amps a TV uses, read this blog.