Cords and cables can quickly turn an otherwise tidy desk into a tangled mess. Not only is a jumble of wires unsightly, but it can also be a safety hazard and make it difficult to clean your workspace. Fortunately, there are many clever ways to organize and conceal cords so you can reclaim a clutter-free desk.

Use Cord Covers

Cord covers or conduits are a simple and inexpensive solution for streamlining cords. They are tubular plastic sleeves that group wires together into a neat bundle. Cord covers come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials.

Plastic cord covers are affordable and available in basic colors like black or white. Look for rigid plastic covers if you need to run cords along the floor. Flexible plastic covers work well for wrapping groups of cords on a desk.

Fabric cord covers have a cloth exterior that blends in with office decor. They come in fun prints and patterns to disguise cords. Fabric covers are soft and won’t scratch surfaces.

Wire loom tubing is an industrial-style conduit that protects and hides wires. The expandable tubing fits over large bundles of cords. It has a slit along the side so you can add or remove cords easily.

When using cord covers:

Measure cord bundles to get the right size cover. Underfilled conduits gape open, while overstuffed ones strain wires.
Consolidate cords into a few major wire runs rather than individually sheathing each cord.
Use adhesive clips to secure covers in place and prevent sliding.
Coil up extra slack in cords inside covers for a sleek look.

Use Desk Cable Clips

Adhesive cable clips affix easily to the underside of a desk to hold wires in position. Clips keep charging cables, lamp cords, and other wires from dangling below the work surface. There are a variety of clip styles:

Single tabs have adhesive pads to stick cords directly against the desk. They work for managing one or two cords.
Channels have a track along the bottom to hold multiple wires in place side-by-side.
Coiled clips secure cords in a spiral pattern. The coils conceal and contain excess cord length.
Cable drop clips have two plates and an opening to route cords from above the desk to below.
Cable ties or strips wrap around bundles of wires to organize them together.

Tips for using cable clips:

Clean the underside of your desk so the adhesive sticks firmly.
Leave slack in cords for plugging/unplugging devices without undoing clips.
Open coil clips wide when installing so they re-close tightly around cords.
Use multiple clips over the length of a cord to keep everything straight.
Place clips along the back of the desk if you can access that area.

Use Cable Boxes and Baskets

Cable boxes or baskets mount below the desk surface to discreetly store a power strip and excess cord length. Look for boxes with knockouts or cutouts for routing cords from the power source up to the desktop.

Plastic cable boxes have removable lids for easy access. They come in basic white/black or transparent styles.
Wire baskets have open mesh sides and can attach with cable ties or screws. The ventilation allows heat from power strips to escape.
Fabric cubbies have a cloth, sleeve-like design to tuck under a desk. They neatly conceal all wiring in a hidden pouch.
Power hub boxes have built-in power strips and cord storage. The all-in-one design reduces cord clutter.

Tips for organizing cords with boxes:

Label cords inside the box for easy identification.
Use velcro straps to bundle wires inside the container.
Choose oversized boxes and baskets to avoid cramming cords.
Cut holes or gaps in the desk backing to thread cords into the box neatly.
Pair with coiled cable clips for dropping cords from desktop to box.

Attach Cord Trunks

Cord trunks mount vertically to the side of a desk or wall to neatly store wires. They have channels, hooks, and openings for routing cables from power sources up to devices.

Acrylic cord trunks attach with adhesive or screws. The clear acrylic blends discreetly under a desk.
Fabric trunks have a sleeve-like design to tuck cables away out of sight. They come in stylish materials like leather or canvas.
Power cord trunks have built-in power strips in addition to cable channels.
Desktop cord trunks sit horizontally on the work surface and pass cords up through grommets.

Tips for using cord trunks:

Use twist ties or velcro inside trunk channels to group wires together.
Label individual cords with masking tape for easy identification.
Look for trunks with rubber gaskets to protect cables from sharp edges.
Maintain slack in wires so devices can be unplugged without undoing the trunk.
Position the trunk close to outlets to minimize exposed wiring.

Use Pen Cups for Cord Management

Simple pen cups provide handy cord organization right on your desktop. Use them to stash device chargers, coils of excess cord, and other desktop wires.

Repurpose old cups like mugs and glasses for containing cords.
Acrylic pen cups have sleek, transparent styles to blend with any decor.
Mesh metal cups have open sides for ventilation and drainage.
Cord corrals are designed with cutouts specifically for threading cables.
Drawer caddies can sit atop the desk to hold various cord types.

Tips for using pen cups:

Choose cups with an open or ventilated design to prevent overheating cords.
Use multiple matching cups to assign functions – one for charging, one for peripherals, etc.
Label cords coiled in cups with masking tape to avoid tangles.
Opt for wide, sturdy bases that won’t tip over if pulled by a cord.
Select neutral colors that won’t clash with your desk accessories.

Adhere Cord Hiders

Self-adhesive cord hiders stick flat to the desk surface to neatly channel wires. The low-profile design is discreet yet keeps everything organized.

Plastic raceways have snap-closed channels for housing wires. Look for slim designs that lie nearly flush with the desk.
Fabric tape is a self-stick cloth that pins cords directly against the work surface. The material blends in and prevents sliding.
Rubber wire guides have an adhesive bottom and top openings for threading cords. They grip cords to keep everything in place.
Cable routing kits contain clips, channels, and covers to stick down in custom paths.

Tips for using cord hiders:

Clean and dry the desk surface so adhesive sticks securely.
Plan the wiring pathways prior to adhering the hiders.
Use hiders in conjunction with cable boxes to run cords off the desktop.
Use multiple segments of guides rather than extremely long pieces.
Choose low-profile hiders that sit nearly flush with the desk.

Attach Power Strips Underneath

Mounting power strips beneath a desk keeps bulky plugs and transformers out of sight. Position strips vertically or horizontally using screws or high-strength adhesive.

Plastic power strips are inexpensive and provide basic cord management. Look for right-angle plug outlets on some models.
Rotating strips pivot outlets for access behind the desk.
Surge protector strips add extra protection for expensive equipment.
USB charging strips combine standard outlets with USB ports.

Tips for mounting power strips:

Leave the end tip of a strip unmounted for mobility if needed.
Install strips along the rear of the desk if possible to hide wires.
Make sure strips don’t press against cords – this can disconnect devices intermittently.
Use cable clips to neatly route cords from the strip up to the desktop.
Label each outlet and corresponding desktop device for easy identification.

Use Cable Management Boxes

Cable management boxes mount below the desk and contain outlets, chargers, and excess wires all in one discreet unit. The enclosed box design streamlines cords into a tidy setup.

Plastic boxes have removable lids and cutouts for routing cables.
Fabric boxes mimic cord covers with a cloth sleeve design.
Power hub boxes include charging stations and power strips.
Rotating boxes spin to access ports and prevent kinked cords.

Tips for using cable boxes:

Select an appropriately sized box for your number of cords. Avoid cramming wires.
Use adhesive clips to route cords neatly from the desktop into the box inlet.
Label chargers and outlet plugs inside the box for easy identification.
Look for grommets and protective edging inside cable inlets to avoid frayed cords.
Position cable boxes centrally on the underside of the desk for best access.

Run Cables Through Grommets

Grommets are plastic rings that punch through the desk surface to allow cables to pass neatly through holes. They protect cords from sharp desk edges that can fray wires. Look for power grommets with outlets built into the rings.

Plastic grommets are inexpensive and come in black, white, or clear. The stiff design holds its shape for tight wire passage.
Rubber grommets have a soft, flexible sleeve to protect cords from abrasion damage.
Brush grommets have a wire channel and brush lining to conceal cords.
Power grommets integrate outlets into the grommet for charging devices.

Tips for using grommets:

Position grommets near devices to avoid long exposed cord lengths.
Use a stepped drill bit to create clean openings for grommets.
Insert grommets into the pre-drilled holes and turn to lock them in place.
Feed each cord individually through grommets rather than bundling together.
Install scratch protection like U-line sleeving inside grommets to avoid frayed cords.

Use OUTLET TOOLS

Simple outlet tools such as wall plates and recessed boxes allow convenient access to plugs and prevent cords from cluttering desk surfaces.

Drop-down receptacles install above/below the desk to make outlets retractable when not in use.
Desktop receptacles sit on the work surface and feed cords through built-in ports.
Recessed outlet boxes embed into the desk surface so devices can be plugged in flush.
Wall-mounted plates install outlets adjacent to the desk area.

Tips for using outlet tools:

Position outlets close to devices without creating tripping hazards.
Make sure cords have slack so devices can unplug without pulling outlets.
Use covers on desktop outlets when not in use to prevent dust and spills.
Label safety cut-off switches on any desktop or retractable outlets.
Contact an electrician if uncertain about electrical modifications.

Consolidate Charging

Charging stations allow consolidating multiple device cords into one central hub. They reduce outlet overload and simplify wire management.

Multi-port USB hubs charge several USB devices from one outlet.
Qi wireless pads eliminate cables for compatible phones/devices.
Charging docks hold devices upright while charging.
Charging cables with multiple connectors charge different devices from one cord.

Tips for streamlining charging:

Use cords with flat/right-angle tips to save space and avoid bending plugs.
Mount charging stations on the underside or back of the desktop.
Label station outlets/ports to avoid confusion and tangled wires.
Choose reputable chargers to avoid device damage or electrical risks.
Unplug devices promptly when fully charged to free up charging capacity.

Use Cord Wraps

Cord wraps spiral around cables to shorten and contain slack. The coiled design keeps connections organized and reduces tangling.

Plastic spiral wraps screw open to insert cords and closed to hold them in place.
Nylon braided wraps have a soft sleeve design that tightens with pull-tabs.
Adhesive-backed wraps stick directly to the desk surface without hardware.
Bungee wraps use elastic cords to bind and tighten around wires.

Tips for using cord wraps:

Wrap chargers, extension cords, and other flexible cables prone to tangling.
Use multiple wraps over long cords to evenly distribute and contain slack.
Position wraps out of the way under the desk to avoid clutter on the desktop.
Open wraps wide when inserting cords and allow room for plugs.
Avoid over-tightening wraps as this can strain wires over time.

Use Magnetic Cord Holders

Magnetized cord holders affix to metal surfaces like file cabinets and desk legs to hang and organize wires. The magnetic design eliminates drilling or hardware.

Magnetic strips secure power bricks, chargers, and excess coiled cable length.
Magnetic clips hold cables flat against vertical metal surfaces.
Magnetic hooks suspend cables to keep them off the floor and untangled.
Cable catchers mount power strips vertically and use magnets to grip plugs.

Tips for using magnetic holders:

Ensure cords are knot-free before coiling them for magnetic storage.
Maintain some slack in cables rather than pulling taut for a durable connection.
Use pairs of clips on parallel surfaces to neatly run cables between areas.
Choose flat-backed magnetic holders that press securely against metal.
Clean surfaces and checkpolarity first for optimal magnet hold.

Route Cords Behind Furniture

Running cords neatly behind furniture keeps wires hidden and out of walkways. Use the existing space between furnishings and walls to conceal cables.

Drill small holes behind or under cabinets/shelves to thread cords to the desktop.
Use flat routings against walls if drilling holes is not an option.
Attach cord channels or tracks under furniture to contain wires neatly.
Designate power outlet zones behind equipment to avoid exposed wires.
Use two-sided tape and clips to affix cords snugly behind objects.

Tips for concealing cords behind furniture:

Use the desk interior or back panels to discretely pass wires.
Keep cables minimal and consolidated into one or two bundles.
Maintain enough slack for moving furniture or plugging/unplugging.
Use painted tape colors matching furniture to camouflage cords.
Avoid loose coils or dangling wires that can get tugged or disconnected.

Install Floor Cord Covers

Cord covers secured to the floor protect loose wires running between wall outlets and desks. The covers prevent tripping hazards and contain cables neatly.

Cable protectors are hinged plastic channels that snap closed over cords.
Cord ducts adhere directly to floors using a self-stick backing or tape. The slim profile hugs the ground discreetly.
Floor cord covers fasten together in interlocking sections to cover extended cable runs.
Cable ramps are thick rubber sleeves that arc over cords to prevent crushing.

Tips for using floor cord covers:

Clean and dry the floor thoroughly before applying any self-stick products.
Avoid doorways or heavy traffic areas that could displace covers.
Use cable ties inside covers to bind wires neatly together.
Select colors matching your flooring for discreet camouflaging.
Leave some slack at the ends for equipment movement or human error.

Use Overhead Cable Trays

Cable trays suspend above the desk to keep cords off the floor and route wires directly to outlets. Look for designs with side railings to contain cables.

Metal mesh trays have open bottoms for ventilation and cord accessibility.
Solid trays fully enclose wires and allow mounting power strips directly to them.
Swinging arms mount trays that can rotate to extend over the desk then retract out of the way.
Low-profile adhesive mounts stick cable trays flush to the underside of desk surfaces.

Tips for using cable trays:

Position trays near outlets to minimize wire runs in open areas.
Maintain adequate space between desk edges and trays to avoid snags.
Label cords resting in trays for easy identification and organization.
Use ties or sleeves to bundle wires together inside trays.
Mount multiple trays at different heights for separating cable types.

Keep Desk Surface Clear

Avoid placing chargers, cords, power bricks, and other accessories directly on the work surface. Keeping the desktop clear instantly creates a neater appearance.

Use drawer organizers to contain small cables, chargers, and tech accessories.
Install shelves, racks, and wall mounts near the desk area to stow devices and chargers.
Place WE in-use desktop items like mice, keyboards, and phones on desk pads to corral cords.
Coil up and secure excess cable lengths under the desk to limit exposed wires.
Dedicate off-desk zones like side tables to collecting gadgets, chargers, and loose accessories.

Tips for a clear desktop:

Minimize portable electronics brought to the desk area.
Eliminate non-essential items cluttering workspace.
Use cordless peripherals when possible to avoid extra wires.
Charge devices before use to avoid leaving chargers out.
Remove unused cords and identify sources when possible.

How to Hide Cords on a Desk: 15 Ideas