How to conceal wires from wall mounted tv

After spending big bucks on your beautiful new television, the last thing you want to see is a tangle of loose cords and cables hanging down the wall. Fortunately, there are a couple of quick, affordable solutions to this messy problem, and just about anyone can do it themselves.

There are two basic ways to hide TV wires: on the wall or behind the wall.

The simplest approach is to conceal the wires on the surface of the wall by running them inside something called a raceway, which is nothing more than a shallow channel that mounts directly to the wall.

The wires are placed into the raceway channel, and then a cover snaps on to conceal the wires. Various elbow and tee fittings allow you to run the wires vertically and then horizontally, if necessary.

Gear You'll Need

SimpleCord Cable Concealer On-Wall Raceway Kit

For covering unslightly cords outside of your walls.

ECHOGEAR Echogear in Wall Power Kit

For concealing cords in wall (includes outlet for high-voltage power). 

Bosch Digital Multi-Scanner GMS120

Now 26% Off

Much more than a studfinder, it can detect AC wiring, metal objects, plastic pipes, and even rebar.

DataComm Electronics Flat Panel TV Cable Organizer Kit

Now 56% Off

For concealing cords in wall (requires outlet for high-voltage power). 

There are a few different types of raceways, including ones made of metal or plastic. Metal raceways are more durable and paintable, but also more difficult to install because they typically must be screwed to the wall. Plastic raceways are less expensive and have an adhesive backing that allows for easy peel-and-stick installation. Now, if you choose a raceway, the wires and cables will be completely hidden from view, but you will still see the channel mounted to the wall.

A better, neater option is to run the TV wires behind the wall, using something call an in-wall power kit. This pre-wired system comes with two low-voltage power modules, which can accommodate multiple wires, including HDMI, Ethernet, and audio cables.

The Best TV Mounts

EASY INSTALLATION

Sanus Systems VMPL50A-B1

Consumer Score: 90% gave it 4 stars or more

Hang any size TV without a hitch.

STURDY

Peerless Peerless PT650

Consumer Score: 93% gave it 4 stars or more

Don’t worry about your TV weighing this down.

MOST CUSTOMIZABLE

Echogear Full Motion

Consumer Score: 95% gave it 4 stars or more

Wherever you like to sit, you’ll have a perfect view.

Best Value

VideoSecu ML531BE2

Consumer Score: 95% gave it 4 stars or more

It’s affordable, reliable, and comes in every size you could need.

FOR TINY TVS

AmazonBasics Heavy-Duty

Now 29% Off

Consumer Score: 92% gave it 4 stars or more

Mount your mini screen with ease.

This system provides the best way to manage cables, and it's also the safest way to run TV wires inside the wall. If you want to install your own outlet to utilize a cheaper in-wall mount, here's an instructional video on how to do it.

⚠️In most states, simply drilling holes and snaking power cords behind the wall violates the national fire code. An in-wall power kit utilizes low-voltage wires, so it’s code compliant.

The kit even includes a hole saw for drilling power-module holes through the drywall. Installation is quick and easy: drill the holes, feed the TV cables through the power module and down inside the wall, push both power modules into the holes, and tighten the locking screws.

Now, plug your equipment directly into the modules and that's it—no visible wires or cables.

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Joe is a former carpenter and cabinetmaker who writes extensively about remodeling, woodworking, and tool techniques. He has written eight books and is a contributing editor to Popular Mechanics. He also appears on the Today’s Homeowner TV show, and co-hosts the weekly Today’s Homeowner Radio Show. Joe writes from his home in Roxbury, Connecticut. 

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