A clean and organized kitchen countertop can make all the difference in your home. Nothing ruins the aesthetic of a beautiful kitchen faster than a jumble of unsightly cords snaking across the counters and cabinets. Fortunately, there are some clever ways to hide those unsightly wires and keep your kitchen looking tidy and streamlined. Read on for designer-approved tricks to keep your kitchen counters clutter-free by hiding cords.
Use Discrete Appliance Garages
One of the simplest ways to hide cords on kitchen counters is by using small appliance garages. These are essentially small cabinets or “boxes” designed to store and conceal smaller kitchen appliances when not in use. Place your toaster, blender, stand mixer, and any other small appliances inside the garage and shut the door to keep the cords out of sight. Look for ones with outlets built into the back so you can keep appliances plugged in inside.
When choosing an appliance garage, opt for one that fits with your kitchen’s existing style. Sleek metal or solid wood models blend seamlessly into modern kitchens, while vintage-inspired ones with distressed paint or butcher block finish work well for country cottage aesthetics. Consider the size carefully as well to ensure it can fit all your essential small appliances.
Route Cords Through Holes in Cabinets
If you don’t want to dedicate counter space to an appliance garage, you can drill discreet holes through cabinets to route cords to outlets inside. This hides the majority of the cord, leaving just a small exposed portion on the countertop.
Choose an interior cabinet that has access to a power source. Measure carefully and drill a hole large enough to accommodate the plug. Use silicone or rubber grommets around the opening to prevent damage to the cords. If you’re drilling through ceramic tile, be sure to purchase special bits designed for drilling through this material.
For kitchen islands, an easy option is to drill up through the bottom of the cabinet into the interior shelf. The lip of the shelf opening will hide the majority of the cord.
Install Outlets Underneath Cabinets
Another effective way to keep cords hidden is to install power outlets directly underneath wall cabinets or overhangs. Position them a few inches back from the cabinet front so cords can be run behind.
Look for low-profile outlets that sit nearly flush to the underside of cabinets. This will make them barely noticeable from below. Make sure these outlets are installed securely by a professional electrician.
For kitchen islands, you can install them underneath the overhang or lip of the countertop. Just be sure they won’t interfere with stool seating space.
Use Adhesive Cord Hiders
Self-adhesive cord hiders are inexpensive plastic channels that stick to the underside of cabinets to neatly contain and conceal dangling wires. They have split openings that allow you to stick cords inside, keeping them up and out of sight.
Look for cord hiders designed specifically for kitchen cabinets, as these are slim, low-profile, and blend in discreetly. Measure the length you need and apply securely with the included adhesive backing.
You can run multiple cords together inside one channel. Just be sure not to overload it to the point that the plasticchannel bulges or pops open.
Employ Cord Covers
Cord covers are adjustable plastic sleeves that wrap around exposed portions of wires, neatly containing them and protecting them from damage. They come in a wide range of colors to blend in with your cabinetry.
Use cord covers anywhere appliance cords are visible, such as trailing from the outlet to your mixer or from inside cabinet holes. Look for corrugated or flexible versions that are easy to position around cords. Secure them using the self-adhesive backing or built-in clips.
Hide Cords Inside Cabinets
For a seamless look, hide cords entirely inside empty cabinet spaces. This works well for larger appliances like stand mixers that have a long reach cord.
Simply open the cabinet, plug the appliance in inside, then carefully close the door with the cord running through the corner. The closed door will conceal the majority of the cord.
Use cable clips inside the cabinet to neatly run cords along interior shelving and walls. This prevents tangling and keeps cords from getting pinched inside the doors. Just be sure to unplug appliances before accessing that cabinet to avoid snagging.
Use Appliance Drawers and Lift Mechanisms
For larger appliances like stand mixers and blenders that you use frequently, appliance lift mechanisms and pull-out drawer storage allow you to neatly tuck them out of sight when not in use.
Appliance lift mechanisms connect to the base of the appliance and are mounted inside a cabinet. When you need the appliance, you simply lift up the platform smoothly and it raises for use.
Pull-out cabinet drawers are another space-saving option. Install a slide-out drawer and place appliances inside securely to roll them in and out while keeping cords hidden inside.
Conceal Strip Outlets Against Walls
Low-profile strip outlets that sit nearly flush to walls are easy to conceal behind appliances. Place them against backsplashes or walls, then situate appliances like microwaves and coffeemakers in front to obscure the outlets.
Make sure you have sufficient outlet space for each appliance. Then plug cords in behind them to keep the counters tidy and streamlined. Just be sure to pull appliances out carefully when accessing the outlets.
Use Adhesive Outlet Covers
If you need to conceal a standalone outlet on a kitchen island or peninsula, self-adhesive outlet covers stick right over the top for easy cord management. They have vertical slots in the bottom that allow the plugs to slide through while the rest of the outlet is hidden from view.
Search for low-profile, beveled designs that blend in against the countertop material. Match them to your existing hardware for the most seamless look. Just be careful not to overload them with too many heavy cords.
How to hide cords on kitchen counters – designer-approved tricks to keep your kitchen clutter-free
A cluttered kitchen countertop covered in cords can make your beautiful kitchen look messy and disorganized. Thankfully, there are many clever and easy ways to hide those unsightly wires.
Install discrete appliance garages, route cords through cabinets, mount outlets underneath, and use cord covers and channels. For a seamless look, conceal cords entirely inside cabinets or drawer storage. With a few simple solutions, you can keep your kitchen counters clutter-free and enjoy a clean, streamlined space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you hide appliance cords on kitchen counters?
Some effective ways to hide appliance cords on kitchen counters include using appliance garages, installing outlets underneath cabinets, routing cords through holes with grommets, and using cord covers or channels. You can also conceal cords entirely inside cabinet spaces.
What is the easiest way to hide cords in a kitchen?
The easiest ways to hide cords in the kitchen are cord covers, channels or conduits that adhere underneath cabinets to neatly contain the wires. These peel-and-stick options are inexpensive and easy to install.
How do you hide cords on a kitchen island?
For kitchen islands, install outlets beneath the overhang or under the countertop. Use cord covers to contain exposed portions. You can also route cords down through openings drilled in the bottom of the island cabinet interior. Just be sure to use grommets to prevent damage.
Should you hide cords in kitchen cabinets?
Hiding cords inside kitchen cabinets can be an effective solution if done properly. Be sure cords have enough slack and use clips to prevent tangling. Only hide cords for larger appliances that you don’t need constant access to. Take care not to pinch cords in cabinet doors.
What are the best cord management solutions?
The best cord management solutions include cord covers, channels and conduits, outlet relocating, using power strips and surge protectors, twisting cables together, binding them with Velcro straps, and using clips or sleeves to contain cables neatly.
Conclusion
Dealing with messy cords dangling across your pristine kitchen counters can be frustrating. Fortunately, with a little creativity and the right solutions, you can effectively hide those unsightly wires and maintain a clean, clutter-free space. Implement a combination of unique storage innovations like appliance garages, strategic outlet placement, and cord routing methods. In no time, you’ll have a streamlined kitchen with no visible cords in sight.