A sleek TV can be undone by a tangle of power cords, HDMI cables and streaming boxes hanging below it. The good news is that most cord clutter can be hidden in an afternoon, with or without cutting into the wall. This guide explains how to hide TV cords for wall-mounted TVs and TVs on a stand, how to hide the devices themselves, and how to do it safely.
Step 1: Reduce the Cords
Before hiding cords, cut down how many you have:
- Use the TV's built-in streaming apps instead of a separate box, if they cover what you watch.
- Choose a wireless soundbar subwoofer and rear speakers where possible.
- Replace extra-long cables with the right lengths.
- Unplug and remove devices you no longer use.
Ways to Hide TV Cords
| Method | Best for | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Cord cover (raceway) on the wall | Wall-mounted TVs, renters | Low |
| In-wall power and cable kit | Wall-mounted TVs, a clean look | Medium to high |
| Cable sleeve or spiral wrap | Bundling cords behind a stand | Low |
| Cable ties and adhesive clips | Routing cords along furniture | Low |
| TV console with closed storage | Hiding boxes, routers and power strips | Low |
| Art, plants or a gallery wall | Disguising a cord cover | Low |
Wall-Mounted TVs
Option 1: Paintable cord cover
- Plan the shortest straight path from the TV to the outlet or console.
- Cut the raceway to length and stick or screw it to the wall.
- Lay the cords inside and snap the cover shut.
- Paint it the wall color so it nearly disappears.
Option 2: In-wall kit
In-wall kits run cables behind the drywall between two wall plates, one behind the TV and one near the floor. Use a kit that's rated for in-wall power. Standard TV power cords and extension cords aren't rated to run inside walls, which is why these kits include a recessed power connection. Low-voltage HDMI and audio cables should be in-wall rated (look for a CL2 or CL3 rating). If you're unsure about electrical work, hire an electrician.
Option 3: Mount above the console
Mount the TV so its bottom edge sits just a few inches above a console. Cords drop straight down behind the console, where they're hidden. See how high to mount a TV.
TVs on a Stand or Console
- Push the console a few inches from the wall to make room for cords.
- Mount a power strip to the back of the console or inside a cabinet.
- Bundle the cables with a sleeve or hook-and-loop ties.
- Run them down a back leg or corner with adhesive clips.
- Put streaming boxes, game consoles and routers inside the cabinets.
Hiding the Devices
A console with closed storage hides boxes and power strips. The Orbis Streamline Edge TV Console – Black Walnut is 86.6" wide with cabinets and drawers (shelf weight capacity 44 lbs), and the Nacre TV Stand is 78.7" wide with closed cabinets and drawers behind mother-of-pearl fronts.
Two things to check when you hide devices:
- Remote signals: Infrared (IR) remotes need a line of sight and won't work through solid doors. Bluetooth or RF remotes, HDMI-CEC control or an IR repeater solve this.
- Ventilation: Game consoles, receivers and routers produce heat. Leave space around them and use a cabinet with airflow, or leave the door open while they run hard. Check each device's manual for clearance.
Disguise What You Can't Hide
- Run a cord cover beside a tall plant or floor lamp.
- Surround the TV with a gallery wall so a painted raceway blends in.
- Choose a wall unit or built-in look around the TV. See our TV wall ideas.
- Hide the TV itself when it's off. See how to hide a TV.
Safety Tips
- Don't run standard power cords or extension cords inside walls.
- Don't overload power strips; use one with surge protection.
- Don't pinch cords behind furniture or under rugs.
- Keep cords away from heat sources and out of reach of pets that chew.
- Anchor the TV stand and secure the TV. See how to anchor furniture to a wall.
Supplies Checklist
- Paintable cord cover kit
- Cable sleeve or spiral wrap
- Hook-and-loop cable ties
- Adhesive cable clips
- Surge-protecting power strip
- In-wall power kit (optional)
- Labels for each cable
Label both ends of every cable before you bundle them. When you swap a device later, you'll know exactly which one to pull.
For the whole setup, see what size TV stand you need and how to decorate a TV stand.
Related: see our guide to cleaning a TV screen.
FAQ
How do you hide TV wires without cutting the wall?
Use a paintable cord cover on the wall, or mount the TV just above a console so cords drop behind it.
Can you put a TV power cord in the wall?
Not a standard power cord. Use an in-wall power kit designed for it, or have an electrician add an outlet behind the TV.
How do you hide cable boxes and streaming devices?
Put them inside a TV console cabinet, using RF, Bluetooth or HDMI-CEC remotes or an IR repeater, and leave room for ventilation.
How do you organize cords behind a TV stand?
Mount a power strip to the console, bundle cables in a sleeve, and route them along a back leg with clips.