Hiding wires in tight spaces can be a challenge, but with some planning and clever techniques, you can conceal cables and cords to create a clean, organized look in any room. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share my tips for hiding wires in the tightest corners and crevices of your home.
Measure and Plan Your Wiring Route
The first step in any wire hiding project is planning. Take measurements of the space and map out the path you want your cables to follow.
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Measure from outlet to outlet to determine the length of wire needed. Leave some extra slack. It's better to have too much than too little.
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Map out your route. Look for hidden spaces along baseboards, inside closets, and under cabinets. Determine the entry and exit points for your wires.
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Inspect obstacles like doorways and HVAC vents that cables will need to avoid.
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Choose low voltage cables like HDMI whenever possible. They are thinner and more flexible than standard power cords.
Proper planning will make the installation process go smoothly and result in hidden wires that stay out of sight.
Use Adhesives and Clips
Adhesives and clips are affordable and easy solutions for securing cables against walls and furniture.
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Cable clips like cord covers stick to surfaces and contain wires inside. They come in various sizes.
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Double-sided tape is great for RUNNING FLAT CORDS ALONG BASEBOARDS. Press the cord into the tape, keeping it tight to the wall.
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Cable ties attach to surfaces and organize messy wires into neat bundles. Use them to COLLECT CABLES BEHIND FURNITURE.
Position adhesives and CLIPS STRATEGICALLY ALONG THE WIRE'S PATH. This keeps the cord tidy and concealed while allowing it to bend naturally.
Hide Wires Along Edges
Tuck wires along edges and seams to make them disappear. THREAD CORDS ALONG:
- Baseboards
- Floor trim
- CEILING CORNERS
- Door and window frames
- Under appliances against walls
- The back edges of furniture
The key is RUNNING CABLES TIGHT to the seam without bulges. Take it slow to keep the wire straight and conceal it completely.
Put Cables in Raceways
Raceways are long, thin casings used to organize and contain wires. Available in plastic and metal, they INCONSPICUOUSLY ADHERE to wall surfaces.
Consider raceways when:
- Multiple visible cords clutter a room
- Large cables won't fit behind trim
- Passing wires over doorways. Raceways transition smoothly across gaps.
Paintable options enable matching the raceway color to your walls for an EVEN LESS NOTICEABLE LOOK.
Hide Wires Inside Closets
Closets often back up to central rooms and make perfect WIRE CHANNELS. Here are tips for utilizing closets:
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Drill holes through closet walls near the floor/ceiling to thread cables to the adjoining space.
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Use wire molding IN THE CLOSET to neatly guide cables from hole to hole.
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Hang a decor item like a mirror or artwork to conceal the exit hole outside the closet.
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For ceiling light wires, drop the cable down through closet shelf rods. Keep it tucked behind clothes.
Hiding wires fully inside closets is an easy, out-of-sight method.
Route Through Walls & Floors
For a seamless finish, conceal wires inside walls, attics and floors:
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Use wire fishing rods to thread cables through drilled holes in walls. Requires basic drywall patching afterwards.
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Notch out floor trim and tuck wires underneath before replacing boards.
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Drop down from attics inside wall voids to hide wires originating from ceiling fixtures.
Though more labor intensive, routing wires through structural cavities makes them disappear. Consider calling an electrician for assistance.
Use Furniture to Hide Wires
With some creative furniture arrangements, you can COMPLETELY CONCEAL CORDS:
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Place a sofa in front of a wall outlet and run the wire beneath it.
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Arrange a bookcase, sideboard or armoire to cover up plugs and cables.
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Let wires hang behind large artwork for a quick solution.
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In offices, loop cables around or through desk grommets to contain them.
Take advantage of furniture placements that discreetly block wires from sight.
Get High-Tech Hiding Tools
Specialized wire concealers offer unique ways to make cords vanish:
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Power bridge kits hide outlets and cables INSIDE WALLS with just a small access port showing.
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Retractable cord reels allow you to pull out a cord when needed and RETRACT IT BACK INSIDE THE WALL or cabinet when not in use.
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Wireless charging stations let you power devices without any visible cables. The chargers can mount INCONSPICUOUSLY ON WALLS OR FURNITURE.
Though pricier, these ingenious gadgets take wire hiding to the next level.
Maintain Concealed Wires
Once you've completed your hidden wire project, be sure to do ongoing maintenance:
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Check for fraying cables and replace as needed. Frayed wires are a fire hazard if concealed.
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Ensure adhesive clips are STILL SECURELY ATTACHED and holding cords flush.
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Fix any bulging sections creating visible lumps under carpet or behind trim.
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Use cable slack wisely; COIL EXTRA LENGTH NEATLY in hidden areas to prevent messy jumbles.
With periodic upkeep, your concealed wires will stay neatly out of sight for years to come!
Hiding wires in tight quarters just takes planning, patience, and a few simple techniques. Use these tips to keep cords organized and out of view for a polished, professional look in your home. For especially complex wire hiding projects, don't hesitate to call in an electrician. With some strategic preparations, even the tightest spaces can appear practically cord-free.