While people’s tastes and opinions on how best to decorate their home may vary, the problem of trying to hide TV cables (and other cords) is pretty universal. It’s safe to assume that no one wants to decorate their home with the sight of messy, tangled cords, whether it’s in the living room or home office. And with our expert-approved tips for hiding TV cables, no one has to.
Much like hiding a television, hiding TV cables requires a bit of creativity, DIY skills, or access to qualified professionals who can do the job for you – which also depends a lot on the method you choose, as some require more skill than others.
“Visible TV cables can make your space look messy, but there are easy ways to hide them for a cleaner look,” says Olga Alexeeva, creative director of interior design studio Black & Milk.
This way, you can visually create a little order in your living room, bedroom or any other room where you have a TV installed by hiding the unsightly cables.
1. Invest in a media console
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)
Whether you’re not confident in your DIY skills, can’t make too many changes to your home because you rent, or don’t want to pay a professional to install it, the easiest idea to hide your TV cables in the living room is a media console, as this piece of furniture is specifically designed to hold cables and everything that goes with a TV.
“A media console with integrated cable management hides cables behind the unit, keeping them organized and out of sight,” says Olga.
Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Interiors, adds: “To hide TV boxes, opt for rattan on the cabinet doors. It’s a wonderful way to hide the box while ensuring it functions.”
Sweeek TV stand with wood and pipe effect
TV stands and media consoles like this Sweeek design feature holes for running TV cables. And the rattan doors on either side are perfect for hiding your TV box behind.
2. Choose a cable management kit
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)
“Cable ties are essential for controlling cables,” says interior designer Benji Lewis.
However, there are other cable management tools besides cable ties that can help you organize your TV cables in the form of cable clips. These are all included in a cable management kit. “These kits include sleeves or cable channels to cover cables along the wall.”
Moseem Cable Management Kit, 142 Pieces
A cable management kit is handy for dealing with messy TV cables and keeping your computer and WFH setup’s cables in order. And 142 pieces for £12 is a bargain if you ask us.
3. Cover them with surface channels
(Image credit: Future PLC/Douglas Gibb)
Speaking of cable ducts, you can also buy surface cable ducts individually and cover your cables that way – this works especially well if you do it with the ingenious idea of painting the cable duct the same color as the wall to make it virtually invisible.
“One option is to use a cable duct, which can be painted to match your wall, providing an elegant and discreet solution,” says Alex Stubbs, interior designer at Flitch.
MUDEELA Cable Duct Kit, 3.2 m
Surface trunking is commonly used for lighting cables and is also perfect for hiding TV and computer cables. With over 500 purchases in the last month, this cable trunking kit is the most popular on Amazon and costs just £16.
4. Hide the cables in the wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
As is often the case, the most effective and seamless solution is also the one that requires the most work. And hiding TV cables is no exception. The best method is to hide them behind the wall – which of course means cutting them open.
“For a wireless look, run the cables through the wall. To do this, you need to cut small holes behind the TV and near the socket and then run the cables through,” recommends Olga.
Claire adds: “To hide TV cables, create a cable duct, for example behind the wall, and cut out recesses in cupboards or shelves if necessary. This is by far the neatest solution, but if you do it after the fact you may need to seek the help of a professional electrician.”
5. Create a decorative element
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
Or why not turn the cords into a decorative element? Our favorite way to do this is with a fabric cord cover, which is also the favorite of actress Emma Roberts, who showed off her lamp cord covers during a home tour for Architectural Digest. All you have to do is slide the cover over the cord – there are a variety of colors, materials and patterns on the market to match the aesthetic of your home.
“A less permanent solution would be to hide the cables with decorative elements such as a cable cover or even route them along a wall shelf or behind furniture. These methods not only keep things tidy but also improve the overall aesthetic of your room,” says Alex.
Olga adds: “Hide cables behind wall decorations such as picture frames or panels and integrate them into the design of your room.”
CBirds Clothing Long Striped Cord Cover
From the ruffled finish to the striped pattern, we love pretty much everything about this stylish cable cover. Made from pure cotton, this innovative and decorative cable management solution is becoming increasingly popular and we are so excited about it.
Whichever option you choose, you can be sure that those ugly TV cables will never see the light of day again. You’re welcome!
