How to hide cable wire on wall: 10 easy steps to hide TV wires in the wall – in less than an hour
10 easy steps to hide TV wires in the wall – in less than an hour
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Whether you’re mounting a TV or installing some plug-in wall lights but don’t want to see the wire, or need to hide some cabling that trails across the wall, hiding wires in the wall can make the world of difference to your interiors, keep things looking neat and remove any potential hazards for little ones and pets.
When my friends redecorated following a big water leak, they wanted their new tv on the wall but didn’t want its many wires trailing down the wall to the sockets below and not knowing how to hide them, they dropped me a message to ask for my DIY help.
- Treat yourself to the best TV too.
Knowing our new-build exterior walls are just plasterboard on top of breeze block and diving walls, with just stud framed and wall insulation behind, I knew it was possible to channel behind the plasterboard and hide the wires in the gap to keep their mounted TV looking seamless and wire free. So I headed round their house with my box of tools and got to work.
(Image credit: Jasmine Gurney)
Whether you have sockets low down on the wall and want to hide wires that would reach up to a wall mounted TV, or would prefer to conceal wires around the baseboards at floor level instead of them traipsing across the wall, this process is super quick and easy and can take less than one hour, depending on your DIY skill level.
- Find more quick DIY projects to try.
Tools you’ll need to hide wires:
- Stud/ wire detector
- Multi-tool with flat saw attachment
- Drill and screw bits
- Spirit level
- String
- Tape Measure
- Rawl plugs
- Brush Wall Plates
How to hide wall mounted TV wires: step-by-step
1.
Safety check and mark up the wall
Grab your stud/ live wire detector and check the area you plan to hide the TV wires behind. Mark on the wall in pencil where your wires go and where your studs are (if any) so you have a clear picture of what’s lurking behind the plasterboard.
(Image credit: Jasmine Gurney)
2. Check the socket area and cable length
If you have some sockets lower down on the wall that you’d like the wire to come out next to, check around this area so you know where is safe to drill and cut. At this point, it’s also worth checking how long the cables are that you’re planning to hide, to help determine where to put the entry and exit points.
3. Decide where the wire openings should go
Once you have your item or TV mounted on the wall and, your wires and obstructions mapped out, decide where you want the two openings to go. It’s best to have them directly above one another to make feeding the wire through easier.
4. Prepare to install the wall plate
Remove the brush part of the wall plate and using a spirit, mark the internal rectangle/square and screw holes on the wall.
I did this right by the TV wall mount so the TV would hide the exit point, and the entry point right beside and in line with the existing wall sockets below.
(Image credit: Jasmine Gurney)
5. Cut the entry and exit holes
Once the entry and exit have been marked, grab your wire detector and triple check there’s nothing behind there. Then you’re free to cut the hole using the flat wood cutting bit on your multi-tool.
Top tip: If you don’t have a multi-tool, you can drill a hole in all four corners and use a plasterboard knife to cut out the squares.
(Image credit: Jasmine Gurney)
- Find the best drill for the job.
(Image credit: Jasmine Gurney)
6. Detach the wires from the TV
Detach the wires from your TV and get them ready to feed through. You can either attach the face plates now, or after you feed the wires through the wall.
7.
Attach the face plates
To attach the face plates, drill a hole where you marked the screw holes with a wood drill bit. Use the appropriate plasterboard rawl plug and screws to attach the plate. Do this for both the entry and exit points, but don’t add the brush fronts just yet.
8. Feed the wires behind the wall
To feed the wires behind the wall, grab a long piece of string, longer than the gap between your entry and exit points and tie a weight (I used a drill bit) to one end, leaving enough string to tie to the wire, or the knot loose enough to undo.
Drop this weight into the entry point (the top hole) and let gravity take the weight down behind the wall as you feed the string – don’t let go!
Keep feeding down until you see it through the exit point (bottom hole). Grab it and pull through, without letting go of the top of the string.
9. Feed the cable up behind the wall
Tie the bottom end of the string around your cable and start pulling the top end of the string so the cable starts feeding up behind the wall.
Once you reach the top, pull enough through needed to plug into the TV and detach the string. Repeat this for any further cables.
(Image credit: Jasmine Gurney)
10. Finish up
Once you have all your cables fed through, feed the ends of the cables through the brush and clip it onto the face plate. Plug the cables in at both ends, put your TV on the bracket you’ve installed or push your furniture back in place, because you’re done!
How do you hide unsightly wires?
This simple solution to a wire free wall can completely transform a space and make a TV look seamlessly mounted. This can also work for a wall mounted plug in light if you didn’t want to pay out for an electrician, just use one wall plate at the bottom and cut a smaller entry hole to mount the light on top of, and ensure the wire is long enough to reach a socket below.
(Image credit: Jasmine Gurney)
If your entry and exit points aren’t quite in line with each other, you can use a metal wire or unbent hanger with a hook on the end or magnet attached to catch the weight and pull it through the bottom hole, of course checking there is no stud in the way that will prevent you accessing the string.
5 Brilliant Ways to Hide Wires in a Room Without Going Into the Walls
Conceal that unsightly wire without hard labor!
1
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5
Family Handyman
Tuck Speaker/Low-Voltage Wire Between Carpet and Baseboard
Before you invest in any products, if there’s room you can tuck speaker wire between the carpet and the baseboard in a room with wall-to-wall carpet. To do this, you can simply use a ruler or paint stir stick to force the wire out of sight.
Here’s more on the tip, plus additional wire hiding information.
2
/
5
Family Handyman
Install Plastic Raceways
If you can’t simply hide low-voltage wire under rugs and behind furniture, try using plastic raceways along the trim. You’ll find them in various shapes and sizes to work with the length and width of your wires. You can paint the raceway to match the wall or trim.
Here’s how to add outlets safely with surface wiring.
3
/
5
Family Handyman
Invisible Wire Clamps
To conceal wire around a door, DIY your own wire clamps using a clear plastic soda bottle. To do this, simply cut the bottle into 1-1/2 x 1-in. strips, then loosen the trim with a small pry bar, wrap the plastic around the wire, and slide it between the wall and trim.
New to projects involving electricity? Don’t make these 10 beginner’s mistakes.
4
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5
Sewell Direct
Run Ghost Wire Along Wall
Sewell Direct offers “Ghost Wire” that’s a spool of 16 AWG speaker wire, about the width and thickness of duct tape. It has a strong adhesive on one side, so it can be easily run along walls, floors and under carpets. This invisible wire solution is a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to cutting holes in the wall. Check out Sewell Direct’s guide, which covers ghost wire, super flat adhesive speaker wire and a ghost wire terminal block.
Here’s how to install low-voltage outdoor lighting without wires showing.
Photo: Courtesy of Sewell Direct
5
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5
Zenith
Hide Wires Inside a Shower Curtain Rod Cover
If you’re mounting your TV to the wall and don’t want to install the wires inside the wall, you can hide the clutter with a shower curtain rod cover. You’ll want to lightly sand the cover, then paint it the same color as your wall. Fresh Crush has the DIY how-to steps.
You may also enjoy these 25 uses for tension rods (other than for hanging a shower curtain!).
Photo: Courtesy of Zenith
Originally Published: July 18, 2018
Alexa Erickson
Alexa is an experienced lifestyle and news writer, currently working with Reader’s Digest, Shape Magazine and various other publications. She loves writing about her travels, health, wellness, home decor, food and drink, fashion, beauty and scientific news.
Follow her traveling adventures on Instagram: @living_by_lex, send her a message: [email protected] and check out her website: livingbylex.com
How to hide wires: 7 original ideas :: Design :: RBC Real Estate
Wires and cables can nullify all efforts to create a harmonious interior. If at the stage of repair they were not hidden in the wall or on the ceiling, there are a few simple solutions. To do this, you do not have to spoil the finish.
Photo: Daria Shevtsova/Pexels
It is impossible to imagine a modern house without electrical appliances. Washing machine, computer, refrigerator, TV, router – all this facilitates work and makes our life more comfortable. But the more electronics in the apartment, the more difficult it is to maintain comfort and harmony in the interior. Protruding wires spoil the appearance of rooms, get underfoot, collect dust and complicate cleaning. And most importantly, they pose a great danger to children and pets.
Here are some interesting solutions that will help get rid of the clutter of wires and make the interior aesthetic and functional.
Important: any work with electrical wiring requires extra care and strict adherence to safety rules. If you accidentally damage the insulation of the internal wires of the cable, you can not only ruin your favorite household appliances, but also cause serious harm to your health and the health of loved ones.
1. Skirting board with cable channel
adv.rbc.ru
This method is excellent for masking long wires. For example, from the antenna. The cable channel can be purchased at any hardware store. It allows you to hide communications from the eyes without chasing the walls and carrying out expensive work, and most importantly, it will fit into almost any interior due to the variety of colors, designs and materials. One of the most popular models is plinth cable channels.
Photo: plintal.ru
Outwardly, they do not differ from ordinary skirting boards, but they are equipped with special cavities into which the cable is placed.
The base is attached to the wall with dowels, glue nails or hidden screws. Then communications are laid inside and the lid snaps into place. Please note that the wire must fit freely in the cavity of the cable channel. Choose a model that will meet this requirement.
2. Spacious organizer
If you have too many wires in one place, just put them in the organizer box. This will create a sense of order, reduce cleaning time and make the space safer. Surge protectors, extra wires, chargers, routers are placed inside the organizer. Today on sale you can find stylish plastic boxes with ventilation holes and silicone legs. If desired, the organizer is easy to make with your own hands.
Photo: ebay.de
An ordinary shoe box or an old wooden bread box will do for this. Make the required number of holes for the wires in it and decorate it to your liking. If you don’t want to think about design, choose a ready-made gift box on the Internet. And so that not a single wire is lost, you can stick a small paper label on each and make a signature.
3. Disguise behind furniture
Protruding wires can be masked by using nearby furniture. Glue them to the back of a bookcase, clip them to the back of a countertop, or tuck them neatly behind a desktop leg. To do this, you will need holders to fix the wires. For example, reusable plastic clips with Velcro. If you are afraid to spoil the surface, use ordinary masking tape. In addition, the wire can be hidden behind a curtain, a mirror, a vase, or a plant with dense foliage.
Photo: leevalley.com
Another practical solution is to purchase a pedestal with a built-in cable management niche, or to create a dedicated wire drawer in the desk. Place an extension cord and chargers from gadgets scattered around the apartment. So you will not only get rid of the tangle of cables, but also make your workplace more organized.
4. Wall installations
Sometimes it is better not to hide the wires, but to leave them in a visible place and turn them into a spectacular decorative element.
If the room has a free plain wall, try folding the pattern. These can be geometric shapes, abstract patterns, or realistic images. For example, silhouettes of a city or people. Such installations look especially advantageous in modern interiors.
Photo: Pinterest
Bend the wire in a specific pattern and angle. In this case, it is very important to choose the right fasteners. They should firmly fix the cable on the wall and remain invisible. Before you begin to assemble the composition, draw a wire layout and transfer the sketch to the surface with a simple pencil. This will save time and effort. And if the wire does not fit into the environment, you can repaint it.
5. Vinyl stickers
Wall installations will look more interesting if you add some decorations. Vinyl stickers are perfect for this – even a small cable can be decorated with them. Such products are quickly applied, leave no traces behind and adhere well to any smooth and clean surfaces. Try to make a tree out of wire and decorate it with flowers and leaves – let the plinth be the “soil”.
Or draw a separate branch by placing vinyl birds on it.
Photo: Aliexpress.com
Now stickers of all colors and sizes are sold on the Internet, so this decor will never get bored. You can always pick up figures for the interior and change them depending on the mood or season. The main thing is to make installations on a plain background. And to make them even more spectacular, use LED garlands, feathers and colored ribbons.
6. Decorative clips
If you don’t have a suitable wall in the room or you don’t want to waste your time on drawing, decorate the wires with decorative clips. According to their design characteristics, they do not differ from conventional clamps and securely fasten the cable in the right place. The difference is only on the outside: these clips look more interesting and are complemented by various elements.
Photo: Pinterest
These can be leaves, figurines in the form of birds or rabbit ears. Remember that the mounting hole of the clip must match the diameter of the cable.
To organize wires, instead of holders, you can buy decorative ties or overlays. They will help to beat the nondescript cable stretching along the wall. For example, a camouflage cover in the form of a metal pipe will look great in a loft living room, and a stem overlay is a great solution for a nursery.
7. Colored electrical tape and beads
To turn a wire into an original piece of furniture, it is not necessary to pick it up from the floor. Just decorate communications with any means at hand. For example, wrap with colored electrical tape, textured twine or bright threads. If the cable is thin enough, try stringing massive beads onto it. Designers often use this technique to create ethnic accents. All you need to do is match the color of the materials with the rest of the items in the room. Show your imagination and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Photo: ponybeadstore.com
Such decorations will not only allow you to harmoniously fit an unpresentable wire into the room’s decor, but also additionally protect it from wear.
Thanks to the decorative edging, communications will not be subjected to friction, which means they will serve you much longer.
7 tips on how to hide the wires in the apartment
Electrical appliances have firmly entered our lives, and with them a huge number of wires that you want to hide from your eyes as much as possible and protect yourself and your loved ones. There are a huge number of interesting and affordable ways, which will be discussed.
Contents of the article
The modern home is literally full of electrical appliances. They make our life easier and more comfortable, but at the same time, a huge number of wires is a mortal danger for children and pets, in addition, a tangle of wires causes difficulties in cleaning, interferes and spoils the visual appearance of the room.
Of course, the best option to hide all the wires is to determine all points of electrical appliances before carrying out repairs, calculate the wiring diagrams and hide them in the walls or behind drywall.
But this is not always appropriate, so let’s consider simpler, cheaper and quite effective methods for solving this issue.
1. Decorative box
The easiest way to hide the wires is in a decorative box, which is also called a cable channel. Such a channel is closed, meets fire safety standards and can fit into any interior. To date, there is a huge variety of cable channels, from various materials (plastic, metal and metal-plastic), different configurations.
Despite all their advantages, there are some disadvantages of – this is a considerable cost and installation that requires certain skills.
Due to the huge variety of forms and types of this design, it is impossible to follow one installation algorithm. Each case will have its own subtleties. But some general guidelines can be given.
Determining the size of the cable channel
When choosing a cable channel, the first step is to determine its dimensions. To do this, it is enough to estimate the volume of wires that need to be hidden, and determine the size on the basis that, when laying, the wires should lie freely.
The volume of the cable channel space filled with wires is a standard value, which is prescribed in the equipment installation rules and is 1/3 of the volume of the box. This is necessary for ease of installation and operation of the cable channel.
Varieties of cable channels
Cable boxes have a huge variety of types, the main criterion for their classification is the location of the cable channel on the surface. The configuration and method of fastening depends on this condition.
Depending on the way the wire is located, the cable channels are:
- wall-mounted;
- floor;
- skirting;
- angled;
- suspended.
To determine the type of box you need, you need to choose its location, which should be convenient, safe and aesthetically pleasing. Most often, skirting or ceiling boxes are installed, as they are less noticeable and easily fit into any interior.
Let us consider in more detail what characteristics each type of such a box has.
Skirting boxes
The most demanded, as they are installed instead of skirting boards, do not get in the way and are not noticeable in any interior. In addition, any fittings (corners, turns, tees) are available for skirting cable channels, which allows you to lay the wires the way you want.
In the manufacture of plinth cable channels, materials are used that are resistant to mechanical damage and fire. This affects the cost of boxes, which is their main drawback.
Parapet systems
The word “parapet” in the name already speaks for itself. Such channels are located at a height of 80 to 100 cm from the floor, and in their structure they resemble baseboards, only wider and not so deep.
As well as for skirting boxes, parapet boxes are equipped with fittings for more convenient installation: slips, adapters, corners, plugs.
The parapet system is very prominent on the walls, so it is more widely used in public spaces (hospitals, offices, etc.
). In residential apartments, they are used only if it is appropriate for a style decision or at the insistence of the owner.
Mini cable duct
This system is a U-shaped tray, which is closed with a tight or flexible lid with a lock. Depending on the size, the cross section of such boxes can be rectangular or square. The size range is very wide.
For a small number of thin wires, one-piece molded mini-ducts are used. In such a system, instead of a removable cover, one of the sides of the channel opens, which is also kept locked. The dimensions of the solid cast channel in height and width do not exceed 20-25 mm.
Fittings in mini-channels are presented in a more expensive segment. For budget mini-channels, fittings are not produced. In order to connect several such systems at an angle, part of the sidewall is carefully sawn out.
Mini channels can be attached to the surface with self-tapping screws and dowels, as well as with double-sided tape. This is very convenient when you need to run wires through furniture.
Floor cable systems
The main features of the floor system are the round shape of the channel (in order not to cling to it with feet) and more durable material. Such channels are made, as a rule, from aluminum and its alloys, as well as from durable plastic.
It is very convenient to use a floor cable duct when the wire has to run through the door frame. In this case, the floor channel is laid in the doorway, which greatly simplifies and shortens the wire route.
Very often this system is used in offices where the workplaces are far from walls and baseboards.
Corner cable duct
This format is very convenient to install in order to run wires in a corner. It is a triangular box, which is closed with a lid with a lock. The cover of the corner channel can be plain and transparent. This is very convenient in order to provide additional lighting by laying LED strip in the boxes.
Route length and number of channel segments
It is worth considering that designer cable channels have non-standard sizes.
Therefore, it is necessary to refine the parameters in order to correctly calculate the number of channel sectors.
You also need to take into account that some part of the channel segments may break during installation, so you should always take at least one section (2 m) with a margin.
Accessories
When choosing a cable channel, be sure to pay attention to whether the selected model has accessories (plugs, joints, angles, tees) and electrical installation products (sockets, switches, junction boxes). They will greatly facilitate the installation of the box and its operation.
Box fixing options
Cable ducts are mounted on self-tapping screws or on double-sided tape. Both methods are universal, but there are some recommendations.
Fastening with self-tapping screws
This type of fastening is strong, reliable and is used for any surface. The exception is drywall and foam block. These materials have their own fasteners.
For plastic products, it is necessary to select dowels and self-tapping screws with a large diameter head so that they do not damage the material of the box body. In case such self-tapping screws were not found, it is possible to put a wide washer under their hat during installation.
The number of fixing points depends on the surface. The main requirement is a tight fit of the box. Therefore, if it is perfectly flat, three points of contact will be enough: along the edges of the section and one in the middle. The more irregularities, the more points of contact are needed to ensure that the tray does not move away from the surface.
Installation of the cable duct using self-tapping screws is as follows:
- The cable duct is attached to the wall and the required number of connection points is determined.
- Marks the mounting points on the tray.
- Holes are drilled on the channel in the required places with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the self-tapping screws.
- Place the tray against the wall and mark with a pencil where holes need to be made.
- Holes are drilled, then plastic plugs are installed in them, into which self-tapping screws are then screwed.
In order not to damage the surface, you can use double-sided tape for installation.
Fastening with double-sided tape
Adhesive tape is used when the surface is sufficiently even and dust-free, otherwise it will peel off and not provide a good fixation. In order for it to grab well, it is recommended to degrease the surface with alcohol before installation.
Select adhesive tape with a foam backing. Then the requirements for a smooth surface will be slightly lower due to the fact that such a base will compensate for small irregularities.
Cable channel quality
In order to choose a quality wire box, first of all, you need to pay attention to the quality of the plastic casting and the lock. Make sure that the walls of the box are not too thin, and that the whole structure keeps its shape well.
An indicator of channel quality is a well-closing lock. But it should also open relatively easily with your hands, without additional devices. There are two types of locks: single and double. The lock of the first type is always easier to open, but if you have to lay a large number of wires, it may not withstand the load.
A double lock is more secure, but much more difficult to open. However, at higher temperatures it will be easier to handle. Preference is most often given to locks of the second type, as they are more reliable.
To check the quality of the cable channel, it is enough to open and close the lock several times. The box should keep its shape and not crack. In this case, the quality is good.
The advantages of cable channels are undeniable. They are reliable, easy to install, it is very easy to replace the wire, you can lay different wires according to the current strength, for this there are necessary partitions inside the channel.
The only drawback is the high cost.
2. Shoe box
Everyone is familiar with the situation when a huge number of chargers are connected to one extension cord. In this case, an ordinary shoebox is very convenient in which an extension cord is placed and the required number of holes for the wires is made. Thus, the wires will be protected from dust and will be in perfect order, while maintaining an aesthetic appearance.
Such a device is also made in industrial conditions. It is a plastic box with a rubberized bottom, at the bottom of which there is an extension cord, at the top there are holes for the output of wires, and inside there are several holders for winding very long wires on them. This protection can be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall.
3. Hiding the wires behind the table
A great option if you need to put computer wires in order. For this method, stock up on screws and ordinary clerical clips. In order not to spoil the surface of the desktop, the screws should be at least 1/4 part less than its thickness.
First, select the location of the extension cord. It should be located where all necessary wires are accessible. Then we fix it at the bottom of the tabletop. To do this, it is very convenient to use a wide textile adhesive tape. It is screwed to the countertop with screws, and then an extension cord is attached to it.
After that, several holders are screwed to the worktop. Then we include the wires in the extension cord and collect them with binders in several places. In order for the wires not to hang out, special cable channels are used. They can be purchased at any hardware store. Thus, we bring the workplace in full order. Immediately becomes much cleaner and neater.
4. Staples and ties
If there are not so many wires, it is much more expedient to attach them with a construction stapler or ties to a table leg or other surfaces. For thick cables, special brackets are used.
5. Organization of wire storage
In order to keep wires that are not constantly in order and not lost, you can organize an organizer to store them.
To do this, you need to choose a box of the required size, divide it with cardboard partitions for each wire and sign the cells.
Can be used as drawers:
- toilet rolls;
- plastic cups;
- regular office clips;
A great idea for storing wires – fabric envelopes and pockets.
6. Wires as decor
Modern interiors allow outdoor wiring. And you can also lay out an interesting sketch from the wire or decorate it, for example, by planting a bird on it. Of course, with such methods one must be careful if there are children or pets in the house.
7. Decorative elements from hardware stores
In hardware stores, especially in the garden section, there is a huge variety of decorative items that can be used for other than their intended purpose. For example, a small decorative fence will perfectly close the cable running along the floor along the wall and will act as an unusual element of the interior of the room.