Umair Gaines
Excess electrical cords can be an eyesore and a safety hazard, but there are several ways to deal with them. One option is to use cable ties, which come in a variety of materials such as plastic, nylon, and metal, and can be cut to fit the desired number of cords. Velcro wraps are a similar option that is durable, affordable, and easy to use. Cable clips, sleeves, and decorative boxes are also effective in keeping cords sorted and contained. For a more subtle approach, cable covers and wall plates can hide wires in plain sight, while power strips and surge protectors can keep cords tucked away and neatly out of view. Labels can also be used to identify cords and prevent mix-ups. Ultimately, the best cable management solution depends on the purpose of the electronics, ease of installation, and design preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cable management | Cable clips, ties, wraps, trays, and covers |
| Cable ties | Velcro, nylon, plastic, and metal |
| Cable trays | Mounted on the underside of a desk |
| Cable covers | Cable plates, wall plates, bulk cable plates |
| Cable concealing | Wall cover, desk organizer, desk channeling |
| Cable identification | Labels, stickers, markers, bread bag tags, label makers |
| Cable storage | Hanging shoe rack |
| Cable protection | Cable boxes |
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What You'll Learn
Use cable ties, cable clips, or Velcro wraps
Cable ties, cable clips, and Velcro wraps are great tools for dealing with excess electrical cords. They are affordable, easy to use, and can be purchased online or at hardware stores. Cable ties, for example, can be found in packs of several hundred for less than $10, while a 50-piece set of Velcro cable ties can be purchased for a similar price.
Cable ties are typically made of plastic, but metal ties are also available and are more suitable for outdoor use. They can be cut to fit the desired number of cords and come in a variety of sizes and colours. Velcro wraps are a similar option, offering a durable, affordable, and adjustable way to manage cords. They are also waterproof, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
For a more permanent solution, cable clips can be used to secure cords to the back of a desk, along baseboards, or on walls. They are ideal for managing a small number of cords and can be purchased with adhesive backing for easy installation.
Using these simple tools can help streamline and organise excess cords, making your space look tidy and efficient.
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Opt for cable covers, wall plates, or a wall cover
If you're looking for a sleek and seamless way to deal with excess electrical cords, opting for cable covers, wall plates, or a wall cover is a great solution. Here are some tips and options to consider:
Cable Covers
Cable covers are an excellent way to conceal and organise multiple cords while keeping them easily accessible. They come in various designs and materials, such as plastic or metal, to match your preferences and decor. Cable covers can be attached to the wall, floor, or any other surface where you want to conceal the cords. They are usually installed with adhesive or double-sided tape, ensuring a secure and damage-free application. Cable covers are ideal for areas with multiple cords, such as entertainment centres, home office desks, or utility closets.
Wall Plates
Wall plates, also known as faceplates or junction boxes, are perfect for covering electrical cords that need to pass through walls or ceilings. They provide a neat and secure finish, preventing any gaps that could allow critters or drafts into your home. Wall plates are especially useful if you want to drill holes and run cables through walls or into attics, as they offer a tidy and enclosed solution. You can find wall plates in various designs, such as brush wall plates or standard wall plates, to suit your specific needs and aesthetics.
Wall Cover
A wall cover is an innovative solution that provides a comprehensive approach to dealing with excess electrical cords. It involves installing a decorative or functional wall panel that seamlessly covers the cords and blends in with your interior design. Wall covers are often used in combination with cable management systems that feature self-fastening ties or clips, ensuring that cords are neatly organised behind the wall cover. This option is ideal if you want to completely conceal the cords while adding an aesthetic element to your space.
When choosing between cable covers, wall plates, or a wall cover, consider the number of cords you need to manage, the desired level of concealment, and how you want to integrate the solution into your existing decor. These options provide safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing ways to deal with excess electrical cords in your home or office.
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Streamline cords along baseboards or behind desks
Streamlining cords along baseboards or behind desks is a great way to reduce electric clutter and keep your space looking neat and tidy. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Cable Channels
Cable channels are an effective solution for keeping cords neat and out of sight. You can attach them to the wall or baseboard using adhesive or screws, and then insert the cords into the channels. This method allows you to discreetly route cords along the perimeter of a room, maintaining a clean and cohesive look.
Velcro Cable Ties
Velcro cable ties are a strong, reusable, and repositionable option for streamlining cords. They are self-fastening and simple to use, making them ideal for managing extra-long wires. They come in various sizes and colours, and their waterproof coating makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Painter's Tape
If you need a temporary solution, painter's tape can be used to hold cords against the back of a desk, a wall, or the underside of a table. While it may not hold for long, it is a quick fix that won't damage surfaces.
Furniture Concealment
Hiding cords behind furniture, such as desks or bookshelves, is a simple way to keep them out of sight. You can move the furniture away from the wall to create space for the cords, and then use clips or zip ties to secure them along the back of the furniture.
Baseboard Blending
To make cords blend in with baseboards, use small clips or staples to flatten and secure them along the top of the baseboard. Then, paint them the same colour as the baseboard to fully disguise them.
By utilising these methods, you can effectively streamline cords along baseboards or behind desks, creating a more organised and aesthetically pleasing space.
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Label cords by hand or with a labelling device
Labelling cords is a simple yet effective solution to prevent clutter and easily identify which cord belongs to which device. This is especially useful in large households or for people who attend a lot of conferences, where identical laptop chargers and phone cables are easy to mix up.
You can use a label maker to identify your cables. A basic label maker for home use costs around $30, but you can also buy more advanced ones for a few hundred dollars. If you don't have a label maker, you can use a Sharpie and a piece of masking tape or painter's tape. Painter's tape is a good option if you want to attach the cords to a surface without damaging it, but it doesn't hold forever. When labelling cords, you can either stick the label on the flat part of the cord or wrap it around the cord. For computer equipment cords, it is a good idea to label both ends so that you can easily find both when making a switch.
There are also some DIY options for labelling cords. You can use bread bag tags to label the cords on your crowded surge protector, modem, or Wi-Fi router. Another option is to place a label on a binder clip, secure the binder clip to the side of your desk, and loop the corresponding cord through its prong. You can also use colourful cord identifiers, such as the ones made by Dotz Shop, and write on them with a Sharpie.
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Choose cable management systems that complement decor
Cable management systems are an effective way to deal with excess electrical cords. They help to streamline jumbled cords and wires, providing a tidier and more orderly space. When choosing a cable management system, it is important to consider not only functionality but also design, opting for solutions that complement your decor. Here are some ideas to help you choose cable management systems that enhance your space:
Conceal with Style
Opt for decorative cable management boxes that blend in with your home's aesthetic. For instance, the Teyga cable management box is made from sustainable bamboo and serves as a stylish, minimalist piece of decor. You can also DIY your own statement piece, such as building a hollow pedestal to house your electrical cords and router, as suggested by Havenly designer Brady Burke.
Creative Cord Covers
Choose cord covers that double as artistic elements. Fabric cord covers with patterns like herringbone or geometric prints can add visual interest while hiding cables. For a softer, organic aesthetic, consider braided cord sleeves in natural materials like jute or cotton, which blend well with bohemian or coastal decor. If you prefer a modern, industrial look, try metallic spiral wire wraps for an industrial-chic vibe.
Custom Creations
Get creative and design custom cord-hiding solutions using everyday materials. Paint PVC pipes to match your wall colour and mount them as modern art pieces that discreetly house cables. Transform wooden wine boxes into charging stations by drilling holes for cords and adding decorative hardware. You can also wrap extension cords in washi tape patterns that coordinate with your room's colour scheme, creating an intentional design element.
Cord Clips and Hooks
Utilise wire clips or command hooks to run cords along the back legs or walls of your furniture, keeping them out of sight. You can even paint the cords to match the colour of your furniture for further disguise. Command clips are also useful for hiding cords behind table legs, ensuring they are neatly tucked away and out of view.
Charging Stations
Design sleek and stylish charging stations using decorative boxes with pre-cut cord holes to manage adapters and excess cables. Convert vintage wooden boxes or cigar boxes into attractive power hubs by adding felt lining and discrete cord slots. Mount floating shelves with hidden compartments near bedside tables or consoles to create dedicated charging zones that keep devices organised and cords hidden.
By choosing cable management systems that complement your decor, you can effectively hide excess electrical cords while enhancing the aesthetic of your space.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to deal with excess electrical cords, including:
- Using cable ties, cable clips, or Velcro wraps to bundle cords together.
- Mounting power strips and surge protectors with double-sided tape or Velcro strips to the underside of a desk or the back of a hutch to keep them neatly out of view.
- Using cable covers or wall plates to hide cords and cables.
- Labelling cords to easily identify them.
Here are some products that can help with excess electrical cords:
- Velcro Brand One-Wrap Cable Ties
- Cable clips
- Cable trays
- Cable sleeves
- Power strips and surge protectors
- Cable covers
- Wall plates
To hide excess electrical cords, you can use cable covers or wall plates. Cable covers are available in angled and straight pieces, allowing you to conceal cords in corners or along walls. Wall plates are ideal if you have multiple cords running through the walls, as they can pull multiple wires through a single opening.
To organize excess electrical cords, you can use cable ties, cable clips, or Velcro wraps to bundle cords together and keep them secure. You can also use cable trays to manage excess cable length. Additionally, you can mount power strips and surge protectors to the underside of a desk or the back of a hutch to keep cords neatly out of view.
