How To Hide Cords Neatly For A Clean Tech Setup In Your Living Room

A sleek, clutter-free living room enhances both comfort and aesthetics. Yet, one of the most persistent challenges in modern homes is managing the tangle of cords from TVs, sound systems, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and chargers. Exposed cables not only disrupt visual harmony but can also pose tripping hazards and attract dust. The good news: with thoughtful planning and the right tools, you can conceal cords effectively while maintaining easy access for maintenance or upgrades. This guide walks through proven strategies, materials, and smart habits that professionals use to achieve a seamless, minimalist tech environment.

Assess Your Cord Landscape

Before hiding anything, understand what you’re working with. Walk around your entertainment center and map out every device and its corresponding power source, HDMI cable, optical audio line, or USB connection. Label each cord at both ends using masking tape or reusable tags. This step prevents confusion later—especially when troubleshooting or swapping components.

Take note of:

• The number of active devices (TV, soundbar, console, router, etc.)
• Where each device draws power from (outlet strip, wall socket, floor outlet)
• Which cables are essential versus redundant (e.g., old charging bricks)
• Whether any devices can go wireless (Bluetooth speakers, Wi-Fi streaming sticks)

Tip: Unplug devices before labeling cords to avoid accidental shocks during handling.

Choose the Right Cable Management Tools

Not all cord concealment methods are equal. The best solution depends on your furniture layout, wall type, and aesthetic goals. Below is a comparison of common tools used by interior designers and AV installers.

Tool	Best For	Pros	Cons
Cable Raceways (Cord Covers)	Wall-mounted TVs, baseboard runs	Inexpensive, paintable, easy DIY	Visible if not painted; bulkier than alternatives
Cable Clips & Ties	Furniture backs, short bundling needs	Low-cost, removable, flexible	Less effective for large bundles
Under-Carpet Cord Protectors	Floor crossings, high-traffic areas	Safe, flat profile, durable	Limited length; may lift carpet edges
Furniture with Built-in Channels	New setups, media consoles	Seamless integration, elegant look	Higher cost; less customizable
Wireless Power Systems (e.g., induction mats)	Charging stations, lamps	No cords needed at point of use	Still requires hidden power source; limited availability

Raceways are often the go-to for renters due to their non-permanent installation. These plastic channels adhere to walls or baseboards and allow you to route multiple cords inside. Choose white or neutral colors unless you plan to paint them to match your trim.

Step-by-Step: Concealing Cords Behind a Wall-Mounted TV

If your television is mounted, this method keeps all wires completely out of sight while allowing future access.

1. Turn off and unplug all devices. Safety first—disconnect everything before starting.
2. Remove the mounting bracket cover (if applicable). Some brackets include a shroud designed to hide cables.
3. Drill a small hole behind the mount location. Use a stud finder to locate the space between studs, then drill a 1.5-inch hole down into the wall cavity. Ensure it leads to an accessible area below—like behind a cabinet or near a floor outlet.
4. Feed a fish tape or string down from the hole. Retrieve it from below to pull cables through smoothly.
5. Bundle cords with Velcro straps. Group HDMI, power, and audio lines together without over-tightening.
6. Pull cables through the wall using the fish tape. Attach securely and gently tug upward until they emerge.
7. Reconnect devices and test functionality. Make sure no signal loss occurs after routing.
8. Install a low-voltage bracket or wall plate. These hold connectors flush against the wall and provide a clean exit point.
9. Use a raceway for final stretch (optional). If the path from outlet to wall isn’t fully enclosed, run a slim raceway along the baseboard.

Tip: Leave 12–18 inches of slack inside the wall to accommodate future adjustments or equipment changes.

Smart Furniture and Layout Hacks

Your choice of furniture plays a crucial role in cord management. Opt for pieces designed with built-in organization features:

• Media consoles with rear grommets or cutouts for cable pass-through
• Cabinets with ventilation slots and internal shelves for power strips
• Coffee tables with integrated USB ports powered from a single hidden line
• Sideboards with false backs or magnetic access panels

Arrange your layout so that primary devices sit close to outlets. Avoid stretching cords across rooms. Instead, consider relocating devices using extension solutions:

• Use long HDMI cables with Ethernet support to place AV receivers in lower cabinets
• Relocate routers or hubs to nearby closets using network extenders
• Mount power strips vertically inside cabinets using adhesive mounts or screws

“Over 70% of homeowners regret not planning for cable management during initial setup. A few extra minutes now saves hours of frustration later.” — Daniel Reyes, Home Automation Consultant at ClearSignal Integrations

Real Example: Transforming a Cluttered Living Room Corner

Jenna, a graphic designer in Portland, had a corner dominated by a floating TV shelf, a soundbar, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, and a subwoofer. Wires dangled from the ceiling mount down to a power strip tucked behind a side table. Her dog once pulled the entire setup down trying to chew a loose HDMI cable.

She implemented the following changes:

• Installed a 3-foot white raceway from the ceiling to the baseboard, painted to match her trim
• Mounted a ventilated cabinet under the TV to house all electronics and the power strip
• Bundled all cords with fabric-wrapped Velcro ties behind the cabinet
• Used a wireless subwoofer adapter to eliminate the need for a direct cable
• Added a USB charging hub inside the cabinet, routed to a front-facing port

The result? A gallery-wall-worthy entertainment zone with zero visible cords. She regained floor space and eliminated tripping risks—all for under $80 and three hours of work.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cord Concealment

Do’s	Don’ts
Use modular power strips with USB ports to reduce adapters	Staple cords directly to walls or baseboards
Label both ends of each cable before concealing	Overstuff raceways or pinch cables in tight spaces
Leave service loops (extra length) inside enclosures	Run high-voltage and data cables in the same conduit (risk of interference)
Use cable sleeves for grouped cords behind furniture	Ignore ventilation—electronics need airflow to prevent overheating
Check connections annually for wear or heat buildup	Hide damaged or frayed cords instead of replacing them

Advanced Tips for a Truly Minimalist Look

For those aiming for a luxury-level finish, consider these elevated techniques:

• Install in-wall power outlets. An electrician can add a recessed outlet behind your TV mount, eliminating the need for external strips.
• Use fiber optic HDMI cables. Thinner and more flexible than copper, they’re easier to conceal and immune to electromagnetic interference.
• Switch to battery-powered or solar-charged accessories. LED strip lights, remote controls, and even some cameras now offer rechargeable options via hidden docks.
• Add magnetic cable managers. Mount small metal plates behind furniture and use magnetic clips to hold cords in place.

Also explore smart home integrations. Voice-controlled outlets let you turn off devices remotely, reducing the need for constant physical access. Smart plugs can be hidden deep within cabinets while still offering full control via app or voice command.

FAQ

Can I hide cords without drilling holes?

Absolutely. Adhesive raceways, furniture-side routing, cable sleeves, and cord clips require no permanent modifications. These are ideal for rentals or historic homes where alterations aren't permitted.

How do I keep pets from chewing exposed sections?

Use bitter-tasting deterrent sprays on any accessible rubber-coated cables. Alternatively, install protective cord covers made of rigid plastic or braided nylon sheathing. Keep devices in enclosed cabinets whenever possible.

What’s the safest way to bundle different types of cables?

Group similar cables (power, HDMI, audio) separately to minimize interference. Use color-coded labels and separate sleeves. Never wrap power and signal cables tightly together—maintain at least a half-inch gap where they run parallel.

Final Checklist: Achieve a Clean Tech Setup

Follow this checklist to ensure no detail is missed:

1. ✅ Inventory all devices and their cords
2. ✅ Label each cable at both ends
3. ✅ Remove obsolete or duplicate chargers
4. ✅ Choose a concealment method (raceway, in-wall, cabinet routing)
5. ✅ Install necessary hardware (clips, raceways, power strips)
6. ✅ Route cords neatly and secure with ties or clips
7. ✅ Test all connections post-installation
8. ✅ Add ventilation if enclosing electronics
9. ✅ Schedule annual inspection for safety and function

Conclusion: Elevate Your Space with Intentional Design

A clean tech setup isn’t just about aesthetics—it reflects intentionality in how you design your daily environment. Hidden cords contribute to mental clarity, physical safety, and lasting enjoyment of your living space. Whether you opt for simple adhesive clips or invest in professional-grade in-wall solutions, the effort pays off in both form and function. Start small: tackle one corner today, label three cords, install a single raceway. Over time, these actions compound into a seamlessly organized home. Technology should serve you quietly, not dominate your decor. Take control of your cords, and reclaim the calm elegance your living room deserves.

💬 Have a clever cord-hiding trick you swear by? Share your solution in the comments and inspire others to build smarter, cleaner living spaces.