Having wires and cables exposed in your home can make it look cluttered and messy. Here are some tips on how to hide those unsightly wires and improve the aesthetic appeal of your rooms.
Determine Which Wires Can Be Hidden
The first step is to identify which wires and cables can be concealed.
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Power cords for lamps, TVs, computers etc. can easily be hidden if you don't need access to them often. Just make sure to leave enough slack so you can pull them out if needed.
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Speaker wires connecting various audio components can also be tucked away neatly. Use wire covers or runners to bundle them together.
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Ethernet and phone cables can be concealed if you don't unplug them frequently. Consider wireless options if you need more flexibility.
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Exposed electrical wiring should not be covered as it violates safety codes. Use covers specifically made for concealing wall outlets and switches.
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Coaxial cables for cable TV, satellite dishes etc. can be hidden but leave some slack for future maintenance.
Use Cable Management Solutions
There are various cable management products available nowadays to neatly bundle, cover and conceal wires.
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Cable sleeves are available in different sizes to bundle multiple wires and create a clean single unit. Look for neoprene or mesh sleeves.
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Cable box enclosures can enclose messy wires in a covered box with cut-outs for cords. Useful for game consoles, home theaters etc.
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Cable raceways are long plastic channels that you can attach to a wall or floor to neatly route wires. Self-adhesive models are quick and easy to install.
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Cable concealer strips have adhesive backing and can be stuck along trim, edges and furniture to hold wires in place.
Route Wires Through Walls and Floors
For a seamless look, hiding wires inside walls, floors or baseboards should be considered.
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Use cable access panels to feed wires through walls inconspicuously. They come in different sizes and finished to blend with your walls.
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Drilling access holes through studs in walls and floors will allow you to route cables to another room neatly.
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Electrical wire molding that match your baseboards can enclose lower voltage wiring along floor edges.
Hide Wires Under and Behind Furniture
Furniture placement can allow for discreet wire concealment.
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Place a cabinet with cut-out access over a power strip to hide computer and TV wires.
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An entertainment console with a back panel can conceal nests of A/V gear wires.
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Power cords can be routed under area rugs and carpets to adjoining outlets. Use flat power cables.
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Run longer speaker wires under the edge of a rug to back or side channels.
Use Stylish Management Solutions
For permanent wire concealment, there are stylish accessories that can double up as functional decor.
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Cable columns are hollow pillars that can enclose wires while serving as a design element.
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Wire baskets and storage boxes can neatly contain excess cable slack under desks.
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A custom wire shelf with access cut-outs can hide wires along room dividers or walls.
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Cable hooks that match your wall color can hold cords flush against walls.
Proper planning ensures you can conceal messy wires in a safe and code-compliant manner. Be creative and use a combination of smart management accessories and discreet routing techniques for a clean wired home.