How to Hide TV Wires
Updated: Mar. 27, 2024
Easily hide TV wires without cutting into your drywall.
Time 1 - 2 hours
ComplexityBeginner
CostUnder $20
Introduction
Using a raceway to hide TV wires is a great option for wire management when you do not want to cut into your drywall.
Tools Required
- Jigsaw / handsaw / utility knife
- Level
- Paint brush
- Tape measure
Materials Required
- Double-sided tape
- Microfiber cloth
- Paint
- Raceway
It’s time to clean up the waterfall of wires pouring from your TV. For a less cluttered look, you can hide those wires quickly and inexpensively.
One of the easiest ways to hide TV wires is by putting them behind furniture and securing them to wire clips with double-sided tape. If you have large decor pieces resting on your TV stand, you could also conceal the wires behind the decor. Another option is purchasing cord covers known as “raceways.” Raceways are hollow channels that attach to the wall and house the wires. They can be painted to match your wall color and make them completely unnoticeable.
I purchased a cord raceway kit for under $15, and it was exactly what I needed for the cable management for my setup. I had about an 11-inch distance between the TV and the TV console, so I went with a raceway that was a few inches longer than that and hid it behind the TV and TV console.
Raceways can be easily cut to fit whatever distance you are working with, so it isn’t a big deal if you can’t find the exact distance you are looking for. Just go a little bigger and cut it down to size. I currently have three wires to hide, but I made sure the raceway I purchased was wide enough to fit at least four wires in case I wanted to add more components like a home theater system in the future.
Project step-by-step (10)
Prep the wall
Dust and grime can prevent the double-sided tape from sticking. I recommend cleaning off the wall with a microfiber cleaning cloth wherever the cable raceway will be installed.
Determine the length of the raceway
Take a tape measure and measure the length you need the raceway to be so it will cover any exposed wires. For my TV setup, I needed the raceway to be long enough to run a couple of inches behind my mounted TV and a couple of inches behind the entertainment center.
Cut to length
If needed, cut the required length of the raceway with a jigsaw, handsaw or utility knife. Fortunately, I did not need to cut mine since the length fit as is.
Mark a guideline
Use a level to mark a straight line on the wall where the raceway will be installed. A raceway that isn’t straight will be noticeable and very annoying to look at every day.
Apply tape to the raceway
Line up the strip of double-sided tape to the back of the raceway, remove the film, and then apply the tape. Most raceway kits come with double-sided tape. But, if yours doesn’t, you can find it at any hardware store or home center.
Mount the raceway
Mount the raceway to the wall by removing the film from the back of the double-sided tape. Then align the raceway to the plumb line drawn on the wall. Press the raceway against the wall and apply even pressure until it’s secured.
Place wires into the raceway
Place the wires into the track and push the lid down to securely close the raceway.
Paint the raceway
Paint the raceway to match your wall. I recommend two coats of paint to ensure it blends well with the surrounding environment. Since my walls and the raceway were both white, I did not need to paint it.
Pro-tip: Depending on how accessible the space behind your TV is, you may want to paint the raceway before installing it.
In-wall cable kits
If raceways don’t work well enough for you, you can also get your wires out of sight by installing an in-wall power cord cable kit. The installation process requires a bit more work and is more expensive compared to the other options, but the kit is an absolute game-changer if you have a ton of wires to hide. It allows you to run a wide variety of cables effortlessly from inside the wall to the TV and your devices.
You will need to cut the drywall with a hole saw or drywall saw for the two cable modules to be secured into place. Whenever opening a wall, check for hindrances behind the wall before cutting into anything.
Your unique TV setup and budget will dictate which wire hiding method is most appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a raceway if my outlet isn’t under my TV?
Raceway kits that accommodate 90-degree turns, corners, and joints are available, and they allow you to customize the route you need for hiding cords. Baseboard raceways would also be a good option if your wires must travel a great distance to reach their devices.
What size wire raceway do I need?
The number of wires and cables you need to hide will determine the width of the raceway required. The more wires you have, the larger the width you will need. Assuming you may add wires to your setup in the future, buy the raceway that is slightly wider than you need right now. As for the length, ensure the raceway is long enough to go behind the TV and reach the devices without exposing the wires. Purchase a raceway that is slightly longer than you think you will need, as it can be cut if necessary.
Is it safe to hide TV wires in the wall?
It is not safe to snake power cords behind the wall due to national fire code regulations. To avoid this, you can hide wires behind furniture, purchase raceways or pre-wired low voltage kits to avoid running the TV power cord inside the wall.
Originally Published: March 21, 2024
