Easy Ways To Hide Router Cords In A Living Room Setup

A tidy living room enhances both comfort and visual appeal. Yet, one of the most common eyesores in modern homes is the tangle of cords trailing from routers, modems, and power adapters. These cables often snake across floors, wrap around furniture legs, or dangle unsightly from entertainment centers. While essential for connectivity, they disrupt the harmony of even the most thoughtfully designed spaces.

The good news? Hiding router cords doesn’t require expensive renovations or technical expertise. With simple tools, smart placement, and a few clever tricks, you can maintain a sleek aesthetic while ensuring your network remains strong and accessible. This guide explores practical, effective methods that blend functionality with design—so your living room looks as good as it feels.

Assess Your Setup Before You Begin

Before diving into concealment strategies, take stock of what you're working with. Identify all components: modem, router, power strips, Ethernet cables, and any wall outlets involved. Note their locations and how far each cord needs to stretch. Understanding your current layout helps you choose the best hiding method without compromising safety or signal strength.

Ask yourself:

• Is the router near a window or central location for optimal Wi-Fi coverage?
• Are there nearby furniture pieces that could help conceal cords?
• Can I access baseboards, walls, or floor edges easily?
• Do I need permanent solutions, or would removable options work better?

Avoid routing cables through high-traffic areas or under rugs where tripping hazards or overheating may occur. Also, never block ventilation ports on your router—heat buildup reduces performance and shortens device lifespan.

Tip: Use painter’s tape to temporarily trace potential cable paths before committing to any permanent solution.

1. Use Cord Covers and Raceways

Cord covers, also known as cable raceways, are among the simplest and most effective tools for managing exposed wires. These plastic channels adhere to walls, baseboards, or furniture and enclose multiple cords in a low-profile, paintable track.

Available in various sizes and colors, many raceways come with adhesive backing for quick installation—no drilling required. For a seamless look, choose white or off-white models and paint them to match your wall color.

To install:

1. Measure the length of exposed cord run.
2. Cut the raceway to size using scissors or a utility knife.
3. Peel the adhesive backing and press firmly onto the surface.
4. Open the cover, thread in the cords, then snap it shut.

Raceways are ideal for vertical drops (e.g., from a shelf to an outlet) or horizontal runs along baseboards. They keep cords organized, prevent tangling, and protect against dust and pets.

Pros and Cons of Common Cord Management Tools

Tool	Best For	Pros	Cons
Cable Raceways	Wall or baseboard mounting	Easy install, paintable, hides multiple cords	Visible if not painted; may yellow over time
Cable Clips	Securing cords to surfaces	Inexpensive, reusable, minimal footprint	Holds only one or two cords; less discreet
Floor Cord Protectors	Across walkways	Flattened design, safe for foot traffic	Bulkier appearance; limited to floor use
Wireless Extenders	Reducing cord dependency	Eliminates long Ethernet runs	May reduce speed; adds another device

2. Route Cords Behind Furniture

Leverage existing furniture to naturally obscure cords. Position your router behind a console table, media stand, or bookshelf so that cables run along the back edge, hidden from view when standing in front of the piece.

Use small adhesive-backed clips or Velcro straps to secure cords to the rear panel of the furniture. This prevents sagging and keeps everything neat. If your entertainment center has internal cable management grommets, feed the cords through them for a built-in solution.

If placing the router inside a cabinet, ensure adequate airflow. Avoid enclosing it in a fully closed compartment unless ventilation slits are present. Overheating degrades performance and can shorten the device’s life.

“Many clients assume they must place routers on open shelves, but with proper airflow and strategic positioning, concealment behind furniture works beautifully.” — Daniel Reyes, Interior Tech Designer

3. Install a Power Strip Inside a Side Table or Shelf Unit

One major contributor to cord clutter is the dangling power adapter and surge protector. A clean workaround is to mount a slim power strip inside a hollow side table, ottoman, or enclosed shelf unit.

Choose a compact, right-angle power strip that fits snugly within the space. Feed the main power cord through a pre-drilled hole or existing gap in the furniture. Then plug in your router, modem, and other devices inside the enclosure.

This method centralizes power access and hides multiple cords at once. Just make sure the interior allows enough room for heat dissipation and that you can still access individual plugs when needed.

Tip: Label each outlet on the power strip with a small tag to identify devices quickly during troubleshooting.

4. Run Cords Along Baseboards or Crown Molding

For longer cable runs from wall outlets to central living room locations, follow architectural lines. Baseboards provide a natural path for discreet routing. Use small plastic clips or double-sided adhesive anchors every 12–18 inches to keep cords flush against the molding.

Alternatively, consider running cords along crown molding near the ceiling—a technique often used in home theater installations. Though less common for routers, this approach keeps cords entirely out of sight and away from foot traffic.

For renters or those avoiding wall modifications, use removable adhesive hooks rated for cable weight. These won’t damage paint and can be repositioned as needed.

5. Choose Wireless or Battery-Powered Alternatives When Possible

While not always feasible, reducing physical dependencies minimizes cord visibility. Consider:

• Mesh Wi-Fi systems: Place nodes strategically without long Ethernet cables.
• Powerline adapters: Use electrical wiring to transmit data, eliminating the need for long network cables.
• Battery-powered routers: Ideal for temporary setups or secondary zones (though not primary living room solutions).

Even if you can't go completely wireless, minimizing one or two cords simplifies the overall management task.

Mini Case Study: The Urban Apartment Refresh

Sarah, a graphic designer in Chicago, struggled with a messy router setup in her open-concept studio. Her ISP-provided modem and router sat on a floating shelf near the TV, with cords cascading down to an outlet behind the sofa. Guests frequently commented on the “tech jungle” marring her otherwise minimalist decor.

She implemented three changes:

1. Mounted a white cable raceway along the baseboard from the shelf to the outlet.
2. Switched to a right-angle power cord for the router to reduce bulge.
3. Installed a slim power strip inside a woven storage basket tucked beside the sofa, feeding the main cord through a small opening.

The result? All cords disappeared from sight. Wi-Fi performance remained strong, and Sarah gained valuable floor space. The total cost was under $25, and installation took less than an hour.

Step-by-Step Guide: Hide Router Cords in 6 Simple Steps

Follow this sequence for a professional-grade finish:

1. Unplug all devices and lay out cords to assess length and routing needs.
2. Plan the shortest, safest path from router to outlet, avoiding high-traffic zones.
3. Select your concealment method (raceway, clips, furniture integration, etc.).
4. Prepare the surface—clean with rubbing alcohol for better adhesion.
5. Install the chosen system and thread cords through or alongside it.
6. Test connections and ensure full router functionality post-installation.

This process ensures safety, preserves performance, and delivers lasting results.

Checklist: Quick Actions to Hide Router Cords Today

• ☐ Identify the main cord run (power + Ethernet)
• ☐ Measure distance between router and outlet
• ☐ Purchase cable raceway or adhesive clips
• ☐ Clear space behind furniture for cord routing
• ☐ Test Wi-Fi signal after repositioning equipment
• ☐ Secure loose cords with Velcro ties or sleeves
• ☐ Label cables for future maintenance

FAQ

Will hiding router cords affect my internet speed?

No—cords themselves do not impact speed unless they are damaged or excessively bent. As long as cables are properly seated and not pinched, performance remains unchanged. Avoid wrapping cords too tightly, which can degrade signal quality over time.

Can I paint cable raceways to match my walls?

Yes, most plastic raceways accept latex paint. Clean the surface with mild soap, let dry, apply primer if needed, then paint with a small brush. Allow 24 hours to cure before installing cords.

Is it safe to run cords under a rug?

No. Doing so creates a fire hazard due to heat buildup and increases tripping risk. It also damages cords from constant compression. Always route cords alongside or over rugs—not underneath.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

A clean living room shouldn’t come at the cost of reliable internet. By applying these straightforward techniques, you can eliminate visual clutter while maintaining peak connectivity. Whether you opt for adhesive raceways, furniture-integrated power strips, or smart rerouting along baseboards, the goal is the same: a space that feels intentional, calm, and functional.

Small improvements add up. Start with one method today—tape down a stray cord, clip a line to the back of a table, or install a simple cover. Once you see the difference, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

🚀 Ready to declutter your digital life? Pick one strategy from this guide and implement it this weekend. Share your before-and-after tips in the comments—your solution might inspire someone else to transform their space too!