Keeping cords and cables organized and out of sight can make a home look cleaner and more put together. Here are some tips from professional organizers on how to hide cords for a tidier space.
Use Cable Management Boxes
Cable management boxes are plastic bins or trays designed to neatly contain and conceal cords. They come in various sizes to fit under or behind furniture.
“I love using cable management boxes behind TVs, media consoles, and desks,” says professional organizer Becky Rapinchuk. “They corral all of those unsightly wires into one tidy space.”
Look for cable management boxes with slots or holes to thread cords through. Label the cords inside the box for easy access.
Route Cords Along Baseboards
Cords can be tacked or clipped along baseboards or edges of walls to keep them hidden and out of walkways.
“Use cable clips with adhesives to attach cords tightly against the wall,” suggests organizer Laura Wittmann. “Paint them the same color as your wall so they blend in.”
For a versatile option, cable channels are plastic moldings that act as cord covers. They can be cut to size and painted to match any wall.
Hide Cords Under Furniture
Running cords beneath furniture keeps them out of sight but still accessible. Use adhesive clips to attach them underneath desks, tables, sofas, beds, and other furnishings.
“I organize the cords by labeling each one with painter’s tape and coiling any excess,” notes organizer Rachel Rosenthal. “This keeps everything neat and identifiable.”
For desks and media consoles, use a cable management tray that attaches to the underside to hold power strips and excess cord length.
Use Cord Covers
Cord covers are flexible plastic tubes that envelope cords and wrap them together into one tighter bundle. They come in various sizes and can be cut to fit your needs.
“I use cord covers when I want to conceal cords going down an open wall,” explains organizer Cassandra Aarssen. “They blend in better than exposed wires.”
For floors, cord covers can be placed over cables to prevent tripping hazards. Look for covers made of durable rubber that lay flat.
Hide Outlets Behind Furniture
To make outlets less visible, place furnishings like bookshelves, media consoles, and dressers in front of them. Make sure cords can run behind the furniture to devices.
“I rearrange furniture to cover outlets whenever possible,” says organizer Cyndi Seidler. “It makes the whole room look instantly tidier.”
Only cover outlets that are not in use. Avoid placing beds or other large pieces directly in front of outlets to allow access if needed.
Use Decorative Wire Covers
For visible cords that can’t be hidden entirely, decorative wire covers add style while concealing unsightly cables. Options include cloth covers, braided sleeves, and flexible paint-able shells.
“I use decorative cord covers on lamp cords and other visible wiring,” says organizer Emma Dell. “It makes them blend in as part of the decor instead of an eyesore.”
Match the cord cover pattern and color to your wall, furniture, or decor for a cohesive look. This transforms wires into an intentional design element.
Ask Yourself: Do You Really Need That Cord?
Before managing cords, it pays to assess if each one is actually necessary. This allows you to remove any unnecessary cords cluttering your space.
“I always challenge my clients to evaluate if they are using all of their electronics and wires,” says organizer Sara Elliot. “Often, we find some can be donated or permanently stored.”
Keep only the cords you need on a daily basis. As you acquire new devices, be mindful of eliminating clutter from obsolete electronics and accessory cords no longer in use.
Maintain Organized Cords
Once cords are neatly organized, be sure to maintain the system. When disconnecting a device, take care to wind the cord properly and return it to its designated spot.
“Prevent cord chaos by putting cords away every time you unplug something,” advises organizer Hannah Cecil. “Making it a habit will keep things tidy.”
Check cord management solutions regularly for any loose cables and refasten them. Edit the system as needed if new devices are added or old ones removed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiding Cords
How can I hide cords on my desk?
For desks, use wraps to bundle cords together, sleeves to cover them, or boxes to contain excess length. Attach cable trays underneath or route cords along the back of the desk. Place a decorative screen behind the desk to conceal wires.
What is the easiest way to conceal cords?
Adhesive cable mounting clips provide an easy method for sticking cords neatly to surfaces like walls, furniture, and baseboards. Cable management boxes also offer simple cord storage for a quick declutter.
Where can I buy cord organizers?
Cord management solutions like sleeves, boxes, channels, and clips can be found at home improvement stores, office supply retailers, online marketplaces like Amazon, and specialty organizational product websites.
What is the best way to hide TV cords?
Use adhesive clips to fasten excess cord length behind the TV mounting to keep wires out of sight. Place a media console below to allow routing cords behind it and store extra length in a cable management box.
How can I cover exposed extension cords safely?
For safety, only use flexible cable covers made for electrical wiring rather than flammable fabrics or materials. Ensure the cord is not tightly wrapped inside. Follow local electrical codes and manufacturer guidelines.
Conclusion
Hiding cords makes any room look clean and free of clutter. Use cord organizers like covers, clips, and channels to neatly contain and conceal wires. Route cords strategically behind furniture or along edges of rooms. Regularly maintaining your cord management system prevents tangles and clutter. Evaluating device usage and removing unnecessary cords also keeps your space tidy. With some planning and simple solutions, you can banish messy cables for good.
How to Hide All Your Cords, According to Organization Pros
Keeping cords tidy and out of sight can make your home look cleaner and more organized. Here are some expert tips on effectively hiding wires and cables for a clutter-free space.
Use Cable Management Boxes
Plastic cable management boxes neatly corral all your cords in one place. Adhesive slots allow threading wires through while keeping them contained.
“I love using these behind furniture to hide a mess of wires.” – Becky R, Professional Organizer
Route Cords Along Baseboards
Use cable clips or channels to tightly attach cords to baseboards or edges of walls. Paint them to match the wall for a discrete look.
“This keeps cords hidden and out of walkways.” – Laura W, Professional Organizer
Conceal Cords Under Furniture
Run cords under desks, media consoles, and other furnishings. Use adhesive clips to neatly attach them to the underside and coil excess length.
“Out of sight but still accessible.” – Rachel R, Professional Organizer
Cord Covers Hide Wires
Flexible plastic cord covers group wires into a tidy bundle. They easily adhere to floors or walls for a streamlined look.
“Great for concealing loose cords going down an open wall.” – Cassandra A, Professional Organizer
Place Furniture Over Outlets
Rearrange furnishings like bookcases and dressers to cover unused outlets. Just make sure devices can still access cords.
“It makes the whole room look instantly tidier.” – Cyndi S, Professional Organizer
Decorative Covers Disguise Cords
For visible wires, cloth sleeves and painted shells blend in with decor while concealing cords.
“It transforms an eyesore into an intentional design element.” – Emma D, Professional Organizer
Remove Unneeded Cords
Audit devices and eliminate obsolete electronics and wires not in use. Maintain only the cords you need daily.
“Prevent cord chaos by putting wires away every time you unplug something.” – Hannah C, Professional Organizer
With some clever solutions and regular maintenance, you can banish messy cables for good. Just remember to hide cords in a way that doesn’t create a safety hazard or block access. A tidy, cord-free home is within reach with the right organizational approach.