How To Hide Router Cables Neatly In A Living Room Setup

A clean, organized living room enhances comfort and visual appeal. Yet one of the most common disruptors of that harmony is the tangle of router cables—Ethernet cords, power adapters, and modem connections snaking across walls, floors, and furniture. These wires aren’t just unsightly; they can be tripping hazards and make cleaning difficult. Fortunately, hiding your router cables doesn’t require professional installation or expensive renovations. With thoughtful planning and simple tools, you can maintain strong connectivity while achieving a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

Assess Your Setup and Identify Cable Sources

The first step in managing router cables is understanding what you’re working with. Most home internet setups include:

• Power cable – connects the router to an electrical outlet.
• Ethernet cable(s) – run from the router to devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, or wall ports.
• Coaxial cable (if using a modem-router combo) – links the modem to the wall’s internet feed.
• Phone line (less common today) – used in older DSL systems.

Begin by tracing each cable from its source to destination. Note where cables cross high-traffic areas, near seating, or along visible baseboards. This audit helps determine which concealment method will work best—whether it's routing through walls, using cord covers, or repositioning equipment.

Tip: Label each cable with masking tape and a marker before disconnecting anything. It saves time during reassembly and future troubleshooting.

Strategic Router Placement for Minimal Visibility

Where you place your router significantly affects both signal strength and cable exposure. While aesthetics matter, performance should not be compromised. Ideal placement balances connectivity needs with discretion.

Routers perform best when elevated, centered in the home, and away from obstructions like metal furniture or thick walls. However, placing it on a central coffee table may expose cables unnecessarily. Instead, consider positioning the router inside a closed media console, behind the TV, or on a low shelf tucked into a corner.

If your living room has built-in shelving or entertainment centers, utilize enclosed compartments with ventilation slits. Drill small holes in the back panel to route cables neatly out the rear, feeding them directly to nearby outlets or wall ports.

“Router placement impacts Wi-Fi performance more than people realize. A hidden but poorly located router can create dead zones. Always test signal strength after concealment.” — Jordan Lee, Network Infrastructure Consultant

Effective Cable Management Techniques

Once the router is optimally placed, focus shifts to managing the cables themselves. The goal is to eliminate slack, reduce visibility, and secure lines safely. Below are proven methods ranked by effectiveness and ease of use.

1. Use Cord Covers and Raceways

Cord covers, also known as cable raceways, are plastic channels that snap over multiple cables and mount directly to walls or baseboards. Available in white, beige, or paintable finishes, they blend seamlessly into trimwork.

Install them vertically from the router location down to floor level, then horizontally along the baseboard to the nearest power outlet or network jack. They’re especially useful when running cables across painted walls where drilling isn’t desired.

2. Route Cables Through Furniture

Furniture can act as both camouflage and structural support. Desks, TV stands, and media cabinets often come with built-in cable management features—grommet holes, rear cutouts, and internal channels.

If your furniture lacks these, retrofit it:

• Drill discreet holes in the back panel to pass cables through.
• Use adhesive clips inside the cabinet to keep cords aligned.
• Place a power strip inside the unit and plug everything in there.

This keeps all wiring contained within a single enclosure, making the entire setup appear wireless—even if it isn't.

3. Run Cables Along Baseboards with Adhesive Clips

For long horizontal runs, standard zip ties look messy. Instead, use low-profile adhesive cable clips. These small plastic holders stick firmly to baseboards and hold individual cables flush against the surface.

Space them every 12–18 inches, depending on cable weight. Choose color-matched clips (white, brown, black) to minimize attention. For carpeted floors, ensure the clip height clears the pile so cables don’t get caught.

4. Conceal Wires Under Carpets or Rugs

In open-concept spaces, under-rug cable runners provide a clean solution. These flat, fabric-covered channels sit beneath area rugs and allow cords to pass safely underneath without creating a trip hazard.

Only use this method with low-voltage cables like Ethernet or USB. Never route power cords under rugs unless the runner is specifically rated for electrical use—overheating risks exist otherwise.

5. Install In-Wall Cable Channels (for Permanent Solutions)

For homeowners seeking a seamless finish, in-wall cable routing offers the cleanest result. This involves cutting a narrow channel into the drywall, feeding cables through, then patching and painting over it.

Alternatively, use surface-mounted raceways painted to match the wall. Though not fully “invisible,” they offer a tidy alternative to loose cables and can be removed later if needed.

Tip: When running cables through walls, avoid sharing space with electrical wiring to prevent electromagnetic interference. Maintain at least a 12-inch separation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Router Cables

Follow this sequence to organize and conceal your living room router cables efficiently:

1. Unplug and label all cables connected to the router and modem.
2. Determine optimal router position based on Wi-Fi coverage and proximity to outlets.
3. Measure cable lengths and trim excess if possible (only Ethernet cables—never cut power cords).
4. Choose concealment method based on your setup (raceway, furniture routing, baseboard clips, etc.).
5. Install hardware such as clips, raceways, or grommets.
6. Route cables through chosen path, securing them at intervals.
7. Plug everything back in and test internet connection on multiple devices.
8. Adjust placement or add additional clips if cables sag or pull.

This process typically takes under an hour and dramatically improves room appearance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cable Concealment

Do’s	Don’ts
Keep cables untangled and secured with Velcro straps	Use tight zip ties that compress insulation and degrade signal quality
Allow airflow around the router to prevent overheating	Enclose the router in an airtight cabinet without ventilation
Use flat Ethernet cables for easier wall mounting	Bend cables sharply—maintain a minimum bend radius of 1 inch
Label each cable for easy identification	Run power and data cables parallel for long distances—cross them at 90° angles instead
Test Wi-Fi speed after installation	Ignore manufacturer clearance guidelines for heat dissipation

Real Example: A Modern Apartment Living Room Makeover

Sophie, a graphic designer in Seattle, struggled with a cluttered living room where her router sat on a side table next to the sofa. Three tangled cables ran across the floor to an outlet behind the couch, creating a constant tripping risk and clashing with her minimalist decor.

She decided to relocate the router inside her TV stand, which had a rear access panel. She drilled a ¾-inch hole in the back of the cabinet, routed the power and Ethernet cables through it, and used adhesive baseboard clips to guide them along the wall to the outlet—just six feet away. She covered the final stretch with a white plastic raceway painted to match the trim.

The result? A nearly invisible setup. Her Wi-Fi signal remained strong thanks to the central location, and she gained usable floor space. Guests no longer commented on the mess—instead, they complimented the room’s calm, uncluttered vibe.

Checklist: Quick Steps to Neatly Hide Your Router Cables

• ☐ Identify all cables connected to the router
• ☐ Choose a new router location with good signal and access to outlets
• ☐ Gather supplies: raceway, clips, labels, drill (if needed), flat cables
• ☐ Measure and plan cable paths from router to outlets/devices
• ☐ Secure cables using appropriate method (clips, raceway, in-furniture routing)
• ☐ Test internet connectivity and device speeds post-installation
• ☐ Clean up any debris and touch up paint if necessary

FAQ

Can I paint plastic cable raceways to match my walls?

Yes, most rigid plastic raceways accept latex paint. Lightly sand the surface first, apply primer, then paint with a brush or spray for even coverage. Allow full drying between coats.

Is it safe to hide router cables behind baseboards?

Yes, as long as cables are not pinched, bent too tightly, or exposed to moisture. Use proper clips or channels to protect insulation and ensure easy access for maintenance.

Will hiding my router in a cabinet weaken the Wi-Fi signal?

Possibly. Metal cabinets or thick wood doors can block signals. If you notice slower speeds, try relocating the router to a shelf inside the cabinet, use a Wi-Fi extender, or switch to mesh networking for broader coverage.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Hiding router cables in a living room is more than a cosmetic upgrade—it’s an investment in safety, functionality, and peace of mind. A well-managed setup reduces distractions, simplifies cleaning, and supports better digital habits. The techniques outlined here are accessible to anyone, regardless of technical skill or budget.

Start small: pick one method, gather basic tools, and dedicate an afternoon to reorganizing. You’ll be surprised how much difference a few feet of concealed cabling can make. Once done, take a photo and share your transformation online—inspire others to reclaim their space from cable chaos.

💬 Have a clever cable-hiding hack? Share your tip in the comments below and help fellow readers achieve cleaner, smarter living rooms!