How To Hide Cords Neatly Behind A Floating TV Wall Mount Setup

A floating TV wall mount creates a sleek, modern focal point in any living room or bedroom. But the promise of minimalist elegance can quickly vanish when tangled power cords, HDMI cables, and streaming device wires snake down the wall. A clean installation isn’t just about mounting the TV securely—it’s about managing what’s behind it. Neat cord concealment transforms your setup from functional to flawless.

This guide walks you through practical, proven methods to hide cords effectively and safely behind a floating TV mount. Whether you’re installing a new system or tidying up an existing one, these strategies will help you achieve a polished look without compromising accessibility or safety.

Why Cord Management Matters

Exposed cords do more than disrupt visual harmony—they pose tripping hazards, collect dust, and attract curious pets or children. More importantly, poorly managed cables can interfere with signal quality, especially if HDMI or Ethernet lines are bent too tightly or crushed under furniture.

Professional installers agree: “A well-concealed cable system is as important as the mount itself,” says Jordan Lee, AV integration specialist with over 15 years of experience.

“The best installations are invisible. If you can see the wires, the job isn’t done.” — Jordan Lee, Certified Home Theater Designer

Effective cord management improves both aesthetics and functionality. It also makes future upgrades easier—when everything is labeled and routed logically, swapping out devices takes minutes, not hours.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before starting, gather the right tools. The exact list depends on your chosen method, but here’s a comprehensive checklist:

Tip: Use Velcro cable ties instead of zip ties—they allow for easy adjustments without cutting.

• Cable raceway (surface-mounted or paintable)
• In-wall cable kit (with fish tape and wall plates)
• Power bridge kit or relocatable outlet
• HDMI and power extension cables (low-profile)
• Cable clips or adhesive mounts
• Label maker or masking tape for identification
• Stud finder and drywall saw (if cutting into walls)
• Drill and hole-cutting bits
• Velcro straps or braided sleeves
• Measuring tape and level

Not every tool will be needed for all setups. For renters or those avoiding permanent modifications, surface solutions like raceways are ideal. Homeowners with access to studs and interior walls have more options for seamless, built-in results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Cords Behind a Floating TV Mount

Follow this logical sequence to plan and execute a clean cord concealment strategy. This process assumes your TV is either unmounted or recently installed.

1. Plan Your Device Layout
   Place all components—cable box, soundbar, gaming console, streaming stick—near the TV. Trace each cable from device to power source and input. Identify which cords must reach behind the wall and which can remain accessible.
2. Determine Power Source Location
   Most floating mounts position the TV above furniture, often far from outlets. If no outlet exists nearby, consider a relocatable outlet (power bridge) that connects to a floor outlet via a slim cord tucked behind baseboards.
3. Choose Your Concealment Method
   Decide between surface-mounted raceways or in-wall routing. Each has pros and cons:

Method	Pros	Cons
Surface Raceway	No wall damage; easy to install; renter-friendly	Visible profile; may require painting to match wall
In-Wall Wiring	Fully hidden; cleanest finish; long-term solution	Requires drilling; not suitable for load-bearing walls; may need electrician
Cord Covers + Clips	Affordable; flexible; removable	Less discreet; bulkier than raceways

1. Mount the TV with Cable Access in Mind
   Use a stud finder to locate two wall studs. Install the floating mount so its back channel aligns with planned cable paths. Leave at least 2–3 inches between the wall and TV back to route cables comfortably.
2. Route Cables Through the Wall (Optional)
   If going in-wall:
   • Mark the spot behind the TV where cables will enter the wall.
   • Cut a small hole using a drywall saw.
   • Feed a fish tape down to a lower access point—often near baseboard or entertainment unit.
   • Attach cables to the fish tape and pull them through.
   • Install a low-voltage wall plate at the top and bottom for a finished look.
3. Install a Relocatable Outlet (If Needed)
   When the nearest outlet is below or beside the TV stand, use a power bridge kit. These kits include a plug-in receiver near the floor and a transmitter behind the TV, transferring power wirelessly through a thin, flat cable that adheres to the wall. Ensure the model is UL-listed and rated for your TV’s wattage.
4. Bundle and Secure Cables
   Group HDMI, optical audio, and power cords together using Velcro straps. Avoid twisting or over-tightening. Label each cable at both ends for easy troubleshooting later.
5. Seal and Finish
   For in-wall setups, patch any gaps around entry points with spackle and touch up paint. For surface raceways, choose white or paintable models and blend them into the wall color. Use a caulked edge for a built-in appearance.

Real Example: Sarah’s Living Room Transformation

Sarah, a graphic designer in Portland, installed a 65-inch OLED on a floating mount above her fireplace. Initially, she draped cords down the brick veneer, securing them with clear tape. “It looked temporary and messy,” she said. After researching solutions, she opted for a paintable cable raceway.

She measured the vertical drop from the TV to her media console, cut the raceway to size, and primed it to match her gray accent wall. Inside, she organized three HDMI cables, a power extension, and an Ethernet line. She used a wireless power bridge to eliminate the thick power cord. The result? A gallery-like TV setup that guests assume was professionally installed.

“It took me three hours total, including drying time for paint,” Sarah shared. “Now I don’t cringe when someone looks behind the TV.”

Best Practices and Common Mistakes

Even experienced DIYers make errors when hiding cords. Here are key do’s and don’ts:

Do	Don’t
Leave slack behind the TV for movement and service	Pull cables too tight—this strains connectors
Use plenum-rated cables for in-wall runs	Run standard cords inside walls (fire hazard)
Label every cable at both ends	Assume you’ll remember which HDMI goes where
Test all connections before sealing	Close up raceways or wall plates without verifying signals
Check local building codes for in-wall electrical work	Install outlets or junction boxes without permits if required

Tip: Always test your TV, sound system, and streaming devices before finalizing the installation. A quick reboot after cabling ensures no signal loss or handshake issues.

FAQ: Common Questions About Hiding TV Cords

Can I run power and HDMI cables inside the wall?

Low-voltage cables like HDMI and Ethernet can be run inside walls if they are CL2 or CL3 rated (commonly called “in-wall rated”). However, standard AC power cords should never be embedded in walls. For power, use a relocatable outlet kit or install a new outlet with proper junction boxes—preferably by a licensed electrician.

What’s the cheapest way to hide cords behind a TV?

The most budget-friendly option is adhesive-backed cable raceways, available at hardware stores for $10–$20. Combine these with cable clips and Velcro ties for under $25 total. This method requires no tools and works on drywall, tile, or wood surfaces.

How do I hide cords on a brick or stone wall?

Brick and stone are challenging for in-wall routing. Instead, use flexible cord covers designed for textured surfaces. Adhesive silicone channels or paintable PVC raceways can be secured with construction-grade adhesive. Alternatively, run cords vertically down the side of the wall and along baseboards to a media cabinet.

Final Checklist Before You Finish

• ✅ TV is securely mounted and level
• ✅ All cables are tested and functioning
• ✅ Cords are grouped and labeled
• ✅ Slack is left behind the TV for servicing
• ✅ Raceway or wall entry is sealed and painted (if applicable)
• ✅ Power source is safe and code-compliant
• ✅ No cables are pinched or bent sharply
• ✅ Future access is possible without major demolition

Conclusion: Elevate Your Space with Hidden Cords

A floating TV wall mount should enhance your room, not highlight its clutter. With careful planning and the right techniques, hiding cords becomes a straightforward upgrade that delivers lasting satisfaction. Whether you choose a simple raceway or invest in in-wall wiring, the goal remains the same: a clean, intentional design that reflects attention to detail.

Take the time now to manage your cables properly. Your future self will appreciate the ease of maintenance, and your guests will only notice the stunning picture on the screen—not what’s behind it.

💬 Have a clever cord-hiding trick or a challenge you’ve solved? Share your experience in the comments and help others achieve a cleaner, smarter TV setup!