How To Hide Cords Neatly Behind A TV Console

A sleek entertainment center can elevate the look of any living room—until you catch sight of the tangled web of cords snaking behind your TV console. Exposed cables from power strips, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and sound systems not only detract from the aesthetic but also pose tripping hazards and make cleaning difficult. The good news is that hiding cords doesn’t require advanced technical skills or expensive renovations. With thoughtful planning and the right tools, you can achieve a clean, professional-looking setup that hides every wire in plain sight.

This guide walks you through proven methods, practical tips, and real-world applications to manage and conceal cords effectively. Whether you're setting up a new entertainment system or reorganizing an existing one, these strategies will help you maintain both functionality and visual harmony.

Assess Your Cable Setup Before You Begin

Before diving into cable management, take stock of what you’re working with. Identify all the devices connected to your TV: cable box, soundbar, gaming console, streaming stick, DVD player, router, and any USB-powered accessories. Each device contributes at least one cord, often more if power adapters or HDMI extenders are involved.

Start by unplugging everything (safely) and laying it out on the floor. Label each cord with a small tag or masking tape noting which device it belongs to. This prevents confusion later when reconnecting components. Measure the length of each cable to determine whether they’re long enough to route behind the console or if extensions are needed.

Tip: Use colored labels or number tags to match cords with their respective devices—this saves time during reassembly.

Also, consider eliminating unnecessary devices. Do you still use that old VCR? Is there a second streaming box gathering dust? Removing unused electronics reduces clutter at the source. Consolidate where possible—many modern TVs support Wi-Fi and built-in apps, reducing the need for external boxes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Cords Behind a TV Console

A successful cable management project follows a logical sequence. Follow this timeline to ensure efficiency and lasting results.

1. Clear the area: Move furniture away from walls if possible. Unplug all devices and set them aside safely.
2. Plan your layout: Decide where each device will sit—on shelves, inside cabinets, or mounted beneath the TV. Sketch a rough diagram showing device positions and cord paths.
3. Route cords along the back panel: Use adhesive cable clips or raceways to guide cords vertically down the back of the console toward the floor or outlet.
4. Group and bundle: Use Velcro straps or reusable zip ties to group similar cords together—power cables in one bundle, HDMI in another.
5. Conceal with a cord cover: Install a flat raceway or cord concealer along the baseboard to hide cords running to wall outlets.
6. Reconnect and test: Plug everything back in and verify that all devices function properly before finalizing concealment.
7. Final touch-up: Tuck stray ends, adjust bundles, and secure loose clips.

Allow 1–2 hours for this process depending on complexity. Doing it right the first time prevents having to redo sections later.

Best Tools and Accessories for Cord Management

The market offers numerous products designed specifically for hiding and organizing cords. Choosing the right ones depends on your console design, wall type, and personal preferences.

Tool	Best For	Pros	Cons
Velcro Cable Ties	Bundling cords without damage	Reusable, gentle on insulation, adjustable	Less rigid than zip ties
Adhesive Cable Clips	Securing cords to furniture backs	Inexpensive, easy to install, removable	May lose grip over time on dusty surfaces
Flat Cord Channels (Raceways)	Running cords along walls or baseboards	Paintable, low-profile, protects wires	Requires drilling/screwing for best hold
Cord Covers with Adhesive Backing	Quick fixes for short runs	No tools needed, comes in various colors	Can peel off over time, especially in humidity
Power Strip with Mounting Bracket	Centralizing power connections	Reduces clutter, allows under-shelf mounting	Takes up space inside cabinets

Investing in high-quality versions of these tools ensures durability. For example, opt for raceways made of UV-resistant plastic if near windows, or metal-clad options for high-traffic areas.

Real Example: Transforming a Cluttered Living Room Setup

Consider Sarah, a homeowner in Portland who recently upgraded her living room TV setup. She installed a 65-inch smart TV on a floating media console but was frustrated by the mess of cords behind it—three HDMI cables, two power bricks, a subwoofer wire, and a tangle leading to an outlet across the room.

She began by labeling each cord and removing an obsolete DVD player. She then mounted a slim power strip underneath the rear lip of the console using screws. All power cords were grouped with Velcro ties and routed downward through pre-drilled holes in the console’s back panel. HDMI cables were bundled separately and fed into a white 2-foot raceway attached to the wall, which blended with the trim.

The final result? A minimalist look where no cords were visible from the front or sides. When guests complimented her clean setup, she smiled knowing it took less than $30 and two hours to achieve.

“Good cable management isn’t about hiding technology—it’s about respecting the space it occupies.” — James Lin, Interior Design Consultant and AV Integration Specialist

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned efforts can go wrong without proper technique. Here are frequent missteps and how to prevent them:

• Over-tightening zip ties: Can compress insulation and lead to overheating. Always leave slight slack.
• Blocking ventilation: Stacking devices too closely or enclosing them in closed cabinets without airflow causes overheating. Leave at least 2 inches of space around heat-generating units.
• Ignoring future access: Sealing cords permanently makes upgrades difficult. Use accessible bundling methods like Velcro instead of glue or solder.
• Using mismatched cord lengths: Excessively long cords create loops and knots. Replace with appropriately sized cables or use retractable spools.
• Mounting raceways on painted drywall without prep: Dust and moisture weaken adhesives. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before applying.

Tip: Test device placement before securing any cords—some gadgets emit infrared signals that require line-of-sight to remotes.

DIY vs. Professional Installation: When to Call an Expert

For most standard setups, DIY cord management is entirely feasible. However, certain situations benefit from professional help:

• You want in-wall cable routing (requires knowledge of electrical codes and wall structure).
• Your home has thick plaster walls or brick backing, making drilling difficult.
• You’re installing a motorized TV lift or recessed shelving system.
• You plan to add structured wiring for whole-home audio or network integration.

Licensed electricians or home theater integrators can run cables inside walls safely, install recessed outlets, and even add pop-up power hubs within the console itself. While costs range from $150 to $500+, the investment pays off in aesthetics and safety.

If going the DIY route, never run low-voltage cables (like HDMI or Ethernet) alongside high-voltage electrical lines in the same conduit—this can cause signal interference. Keep them separated by at least 6 inches when running parallel.

Checklist: How to Hide Cords Neatly Behind a TV Console

Use this checklist as a reference before, during, and after your project:

• ✅ Unplug all devices and label each cord
• ✅ Remove outdated or unused electronics
• ✅ Choose optimal placement for each component
• ✅ Select appropriate cable management tools (clips, ties, raceways)
• ✅ Mount power strip under shelf or inside cabinet
• ✅ Bundle power cords and signal cables separately
• ✅ Route cables down the back of the console using clips
• ✅ Install cord cover along baseboard to reach outlet
• ✅ Ensure all devices have proper ventilation
• ✅ Reconnect and test all equipment
• ✅ Make final adjustments to cable positioning

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I paint a plastic cord cover to match my wall?

Yes, most flat plastic raceways accept latex paint. Lightly sand the surface first, apply a primer, then paint with a small brush or spray can. Allow full drying between coats.

What’s the safest way to shorten long cords?

Do not cut cords unless replacing the plug entirely with a certified connector. Instead, use cord winders, velcro loops, or magnetic cable holders to neatly coil excess length behind the console.

Are wireless solutions reliable for hiding cords?

Wireless HDMI transmitters exist but may suffer latency or interference. They work best for secondary TVs or non-gaming setups. For primary entertainment systems, physical cables remain the most stable option.

Conclusion: Achieve a Cleaner, Smarter Living Space

Hiding cords behind a TV console is more than just cosmetic—it's an exercise in organization, safety, and attention to detail. A tidy entertainment center reflects thoughtfulness in design and respect for your environment. By assessing your needs, using the right tools, and following a clear plan, you can eliminate visual noise and create a space that feels intentional and calm.

Don’t let tangled wires undermine your home’s style. Start today with one small step: unplug, label, and regroup your cords. Then build from there. The transformation might surprise you—not just in appearance, but in how much more enjoyable your viewing experience becomes.

💬 Have a clever cord-hiding hack you’d like to share? We’d love to hear your tips—leave a comment and inspire others to conquer cable chaos!