How to Hide Unsightly Electrical Wiring

Introduction

Having exposed and messy electrical wires in your home can really detract from your decor. However, there are several easy and affordable ways to conceal those unsightly wires and cords to create a cleaner, more polished look in any room. In this comprehensive guide, I will share my top tips for hiding electrical wiring in your home.

Locate Problem Areas

The first step is identifying where you have exposed wires that need concealing. Some common problem areas include:

• Along baseboards
• Around doorways and windows
• Behind furniture and entertainment centers
• Around ceiling lights and fans

Make a thorough assessment of each room and take note of any spots where you have visible cords, cables, or junction boxes. This will help you determine the best solution for each area.

Use Cable Concealers

One of the easiest ways to hide wires is by using cable concealers. These are essentially molded plastic channels that you can mount flush against your baseboards or walls. The channels have a gap that allows you to tuck wires neatly inside.

There are several types of cable concealers to choose from:

• Raceway-style - These have a back and snap-on cover to completely enclose the wires. They come in white or paintable options to blend with your walls.

• Cord covers - For covering a single cord, a cord cover is a great option. It's a rounded channel that sticks to the wall and can be painted.

• Underfloor cord protectors - If you need to run wires across high foot traffic areas, underfloor cord protectors conceal them safely.

Make sure to get cable concealers that are wide and long enough to accommodate all the wiring you want to hide. Measure first to get the appropriate size.

Rout Wires Through Walls and Floors

For a seamless look, routing cables and wires through walls and floors keeps them totally out of sight. This does require basic wiring skills.

Some tips for in-wall wire routing:

• Use flat, flexible NM cable designed for snaking through stud walls.

• Drill holes in wall studs and floors for clean cable passage from one room to the next.

• Install old work electrical boxes where wires need to connect at outlets.

• Use wire staples to attach cables neatly to wood studs.

• Seal openings with fire caulk for safety and to muffle noise.

Hiring an electrician is recommended if you're uncomfortable doing in-wall wiring yourself.

Hide Wires Under Carpet

Carpeting provides an easy way to conceal wires running along the floor. Simply tuck cords under the edges of wall-to-wall carpeting.

Use flat cabling like D-1000 flat cord that can slip discreetly under padding. Or notch carpet gripper edges to secure round cords.

If re-carpeting, lay wiring before installing new carpet for buried cord installation.

This is an ideal option for rooms with heavy wiring like home theaters or gaming dens.

Use Wraps and Sleeves

For temporary wire covering, cable wraps and sleeves can neatly organize excess cord length.

Cable sleeves are fabric tubes that wrap tightly around wires. They come in various sizes and colors.

Cable ties and wraps bind loose cables together into a tidy bundle. Wraparound options like spiral wrap are adjustable.

Cable boxes have a slot to wind up excess cord inside. Use mounted boxes or freestanding options.

Wraps work well behind TVs, desks, and other furniture with wire clutter. Opt for a low-profile style in a neutral color.

Route Wires Behind Baseboard Molding

One way to utilize the space you already have is by tucking wires behind baseboard trim. This conceals cords from view while keeping them accessible.

• Pry off trim carefully to avoid damaging walls. Save nails for reinstallation.

• Drill holes behind baseboards for threading wires from one section to the next.

• Neatly align wires behind molding before reattaching with nails. Use cable staples to keep organized.

• Caulk around trim edges for a seamless look.

It's an easy DIY option for hiding wires along walls inconspicuously.

Use Concealed Shelving

Built-in shelving with a back panel is a great way to run TV and media cords discreetly. The shelf hides wires while the back panel keeps them neatly tucked away.

• Construct shelving sized to fit your TV and components. Paint or finish to match decor.

• Cut access holes in the back panel for organizing wires.

• Use ties, clips, or wire loom to neatly bundle cords along the back.

• Add outlets inside for plugging in devices out of sight.

With some DIY skills, you can custom build concealed shelves to accommodate all your wiring needs.

Creative Wiring Cover Ideas

If you want to get creative with concealing wires, there are lots of clever DIY options out there. Here are some examples:

• Paint wires the same color as your walls for camouflage.

• Use framed art to hide wall-mounted TV wires.

• Run wires through decorative moulding for ornate covering.

• Hollow table legs offer discreet wire routing for furniture.

• Place lamps or plants over floor-running wires as natural hiding spots.

• Woven baskets provide a chic way to cover junction boxes.

With some creative thinking, you can come up with stylish wire covers to suit your unique home.

When to Call an Electrician

Although many concealment solutions are DIY-friendly, it's best to call a professional electrician for the following:

• Installing new outlets and switches

• Running wires through ceilings and floors

• Electrical work requiring cutting into drywall

• Large scale in-wall wiring jobs

• Upgrading breaker boxes or circuits

• Meeting building codes and safety standards

Proper electrical work is crucial for fire prevention and your family's safety. Don't take risks on complex electrical projects.

Maintain Access for Repairs

A key thing to keep in mind when concealing wires is to still allow access for maintenance and repairs down the road.

• Use removable covers like cable concealer tracks rather than permanent solutions.

• Keep access panels in strategic areas like behind shelving units.

• Avoid caulking or cementing over junction boxes.

• Ensure wires aren't tangled or knotted together.

Proper access will make any future electrical work much easier.

Conclusion

Hiding unattractive wiring is about more than just aesthetics. Concealed cords also reduce clutter, avoid tripping hazards, and increase home safety. With this guide, you should now feel confident tackling wiring concealment projects to create your ideal clutter-free, streamlined space. Just focus on doing it safely by using the right materials and calling in electricians when needed. Take your time to do it neatly for wiring that disappears beautifully into your home's decor.