How to Hide Wires in Plain Sight With Everyday Household Items

Hiding wires and cables in your home can be an eyesore. However, with some creative thinking and everyday household items, you can conceal them in plain sight. Here are some tips on how to hide wires using things you likely already have around the house.

Use Picture Frames

Picture frames make excellent wire hiders. Simply drill a hole in the back or side of the frame. Thread your cables through the hole, then hang the picture over them. The wires will be completely out of sight behind the frame.

Some ideas:

• Hanging photos or art - Hide wires behind landscape photos, family portraits or decorative art prints. Just be sure the frame is large enough to conceal the cables.

• Mirror frames - Frames around mirrors can also disguise cords along a wall. Position the mirror to cover up wires.

• Display shelves - For shelves with items on display, drill through the side or back of the shelf and feed cables through to the outlet.

Conceal with Furniture

Furniture that touches the wall, like bookcases, hutches and sideboards, effortlessly hide wires. Simply pass any cables behind them close to the wall. The furniture will camouflage the wires for a clean look.

Some furniture hiding ideas:

• Bookcases or wall shelves - Place tall bookcases in front of outlets to stash wires behind. Shelves let you thread cables up through the sides inconspicuously.

• TV consoles or media stands - These are ideal for hiding the mass of cables from TVs and media devices. Tuck cords behind and under through openings.

• Headboards - Cables along the bed can sneak behind headboards attached to the wall. You won't see them from the bed.

Use Decor Strategically

Home decor like wall art, sculptures, baskets and even plants can creatively conceal wires. Position them over and around wires to make the cables disappear.

Decor tips:

• Wall art and mirrors - Hang artwork and mirrors over outlets with cables plugged in. Paintings and framed prints work especially well.

• Sculptures and baskets - Place sculptures, baskets or decorative bowls on shelves or consoles to hide wires behind them.

• Plants - Set potted plants in front of wires or outlets along the floor. The plant stems and leaves camouflage the cables.

Tack Wires Discreetly

For exposed wires running across walls, use discreet tackers to blend them in. Painted wires, wire channels and cord covers make them less noticeable.

Some subtle tacking ideas:

• Paint or wallpaper - Paint wires the same color as your wall. Or wrap in wallpaper that matches the wall pattern.

• Wire channels - Plastic channels let you run wires horizontally or vertically flush with the wall. Paint them the wall color.

• Cord covers - Slide cords inside paintable fabric covers to match your walls. Use ones with adhesive backing for easy install.

With a little creativity, you can conceal wires around your home using ordinary household items. Frames, furniture, decor and tackers help wires virtually disappear, so you can enjoy your rooms wire-free.