Trystan Casey
The placement of electrical outlets in your home is often outside of your control, and exposed, dangling power cords can be unsightly and even dangerous. Luckily, there are many ways to hide electrical cords, including careful arrangement and clever decor tricks. For example, you can use wire clips to run cords along the back leg or wall of your nightstand, or use a command hook to string up electrical cords along the backside of your furniture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Choosing the right extension cord | Flat and thin, long enough to reach the power source but not too long, blends with the colour of the wall or door |
| Hiding cords with furniture | Use wire clips to run cords along the back leg or wall of a nightstand, use a command hook to string up cords along the backside of furniture, paint the cord the same colour as the furniture |
| Hiding cords with rugs | Run cords underneath a rug, use electrical tape to keep them running along the floor, cut a small hole in the rug to slip the cord through |
| Hiding cords with baseboards | Use small clips or staples to flatten and secure cords along the top of the baseboard, paint the cords the same colour as the baseboard |
| Hiding cords with decor | Incorporate a faux greenery garland, attach the cord to the garland using twist ties or zip ties, arrange garlands so the cord is concealed, wrap the cord in decorative tape |
| Hiding cords with cable covers | Use a cable cover to hide cords, paint the cover to blend it in with the wall |
| Hiding cords with outlets | Move the electrical outlet to behind the wreath, hire a professional to do this, use a cable management system |
| Hiding cords with creative positioning | Route the extension cord so it isn't as visible, take it up to the eaves and then around and down, run it under the edge of siding |
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What You'll Learn
Use wire clips to run cords along the back of furniture
Hiding electrical cords can be a challenge, but it is possible to do so without compromising aesthetics. One effective method is to use wire clips to secure cords along the back of furniture, ensuring they remain out of sight. This simple and cost-effective solution can be achieved in a few steps:
Firstly, plan the path of the cord from the electrical outlet to the desired location. This will involve determining the optimal route for the cord to remain discreet. It is important to consider the length of the cord and select an extension cord if necessary, ensuring it is not too long, which may create excess that is difficult to conceal. Flat and thin cords are ideal for tighter spaces, such as around doors.
Next, prepare the wire clips and the surface to which they will be attached. Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol, gently wiping it and allowing it to dry. Then, separate the adhesive strips from the wire clips and remove the liner. Apply the adhesive strip to the desired location, pressing firmly for 30 seconds to ensure a strong hold.
Now, attach the wire clips to the surface. Space the clips approximately 12-18 inches apart and repeat the process until you reach an area where the cord is no longer visible. It is recommended to wait at least one hour before inserting the cord into the clips to allow adequate time for the adhesive to set.
Finally, insert the cord into the wire clips, carefully guiding it along the desired path. Ensure the cord is securely held by the clips and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it remains discreet. If desired, the cord can be painted to match the colour of the furniture or wall for further disguise.
By utilising wire clips, you can effectively manage cords, keeping them organised and safely out of the way. This method can be applied to various pieces of furniture, such as nightstands, entertainment centres, or TV stands, providing a neat and tidy solution for cord management.
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Paint the cord to match the furniture
Painting an extension cord to match the colour of your furniture is a simple and cost-effective way to hide it from view. It is a good option if you don't want to go to the trouble of completely hiding the cord behind furniture or buying a new extension cord that matches your colour scheme.
If you are painting your extension cord, it is recommended to use spray paint rather than a brush. This gives you more control and helps you avoid getting paint on the connections, which can be dangerous. Make sure to unplug the cord before you start painting.
You should also consider the background of the cord and try to match the paint to the surrounding colours. For example, if your cord runs along a wall, the paint colour should match the wall. If the wall has wallpaper, the paint should match the wallpaper design. However, be aware that paint on an extension cord will likely flake off over time as the cord flexes.
If you don't want to paint your extension cord, there are other ways to hide it. You can attach it to the back of a piece of furniture using wire clips or a command hook. Alternatively, you can use a cable cover channel, cable management system, or simply hide the cord underneath a rug.
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Conceal the cord with a garland or Christmas decorations
One of the easiest ways to hide an electric cord on a wreath is to incorporate a faux greenery garland, swag, or another type of Christmas garland into the wreath decor. Attach the cord to the garland using twist ties, zip ties, or chenille stems, and arrange the garlands to conceal the cord. The garland can be draped across a mantel, wrapped around a door frame, or placed along baseboards. If you want to make the design look more intentional, add more garland going in different directions. If you're having trouble hiding the cord, you can also make it part of the design by wrapping it in decorative washi tape or wrapping red tape around a white cord at an angle to resemble a candy cane.
Another option is to arrange excess cord or a bulky surge protector inside a gift box or decorative basket and place Christmas ornaments or pine cones on top to hide the electronics. You can also try to select an extension cord that is long enough to reach the nearest outlet without being too long, and consider flat and thin cords if you need to fit them around a door. Look for cords that blend in with your door or wall colour to make them less noticeable.
If you're hanging the wreath on a door or railing, you can purchase a special wreath hanger that fits over the door or railing and conceals the cord. Alternatively, you can hammer a nail or screw a hook into the door or wall to hang the wreath, being mindful of the placement to avoid creating a tripping hazard.
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Use a cable cover or cord cover
If you're looking for a quick and easy solution to hide an electric cord on a wreath, a cable cover or cord cover is a great option. These covers are designed to conceal wires and cables, making them less noticeable or invisible. Here are some tips for using a cable cover or cord cover effectively:
Types of Cable Covers:
There are a variety of cable covers available in the market, and choosing the right one can make a big difference. Here are some options:
- Paintable, no-drill cable covers: These cable covers can be painted to match your wall colour, making them blend in seamlessly. They are easy to install and won't require you to drill holes in your walls.
- Raceway crown or baseboard molding: This option provides a completely unnoticeable way to hide your cables, but it requires more installation effort.
- Quarter-round channels: If you already have baseboards in the room, quarter-round channels are an excellent choice. They mount right up against your existing trim, creating a seamless and neat appearance.
- Wall panels: Installing wainscoting or accent wall panels can effectively hide cables and wiring. It requires some DIY skills, including measuring, cutting, drilling, nailing, and sawing.
- Cord covers for furniture: If your wreath is placed near furniture, you can use adhesive clips to secure the cord along the back leg or wall of the furniture piece, keeping it out of view.
Consider the Length and Placement:
When selecting a cable cover, consider the length of the electric cord on your wreath and the placement of the wreath itself. Ensure that the cable cover is long enough to conceal the entire cord. Think about the path the cord will take from the wreath to the power outlet and choose a cable cover that can be discreetly placed along that route.
Colour and Design:
To make your cable cover less noticeable, consider choosing one that matches the colour and design of your walls or the area where the wreath is hung. Paintable cable covers offer a great option to achieve a seamless look. Alternatively, opt for a cover that blends in with the surrounding decor or complements the overall aesthetic of the space.
Installation and Safety:
Follow the instructions carefully when installing your cable cover to ensure a secure and discreet fit. Some cable covers may require simple tools for installation, while others can be installed without any special tools. Always prioritise safety by ensuring that the cable cover does not create a tripping hazard or obstruct any necessary access points.
By following these tips and choosing the right type of cable cover, you can effectively hide the electric cord on your wreath, creating a neat and stylish appearance.
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Move the electrical outlet to behind the wreath
Moving an electrical outlet is a task that requires careful planning and execution. If you feel uncomfortable with electrical work, it is recommended to hire a qualified electrician. However, with the proper tools, knowledge, and safety precautions, it is possible to move an electrical outlet behind a wreath as a DIY project. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you begin, ensure you have the required tools for the job. You will need a pencil, a screwdriver, a measuring tape, fishing tape (or a similar wire-pulling tool), and a drywall saw. These tools will help you make accurate measurements, mark the wall, and safely relocate the outlet.
Step 2: Determine the New Outlet's Placement
Decide where you want the new outlet to be located behind the wreath. It is important to choose a spot within the same wall cavity, but not directly behind the old outlet. Mark the desired height and position on the wall, ensuring you are not too close to a wall stud. The new outlet should be placed between the studs.
Step 3: Measure and Mark Cut-in Locations
Using your measuring tape, measure twice to confirm the placement of the new outlet. Mark the center of the cut-in for the new outlet with a pencil. You will also need to create a second cut-in that aligns with both the original and new outlet placements. Measure and mark the center of this second cut-in as well.
Step 4: Cut the Rectangular Holes
Using the drywall saw, carefully cut rectangular holes at the marked locations. The holes should be 2-5/16" wide by 3-3/4" high. Make sure to cut horizontally first and adjust the outline if you encounter any obstructions. It is important to create a tight fit, as you can always make the hole bigger if needed but cannot make it smaller.
Step 5: Use Fishing Tape to Connect the Holes
Insert the fishing tape at the lower hole and guide it until it emerges from the upper hole. This will create a path for the wiring between the original and new outlet locations. For horizontal installations, the secondary cut-in will be positioned between the two outlets, following the instructions for the lower hole.
Step 6: Install the Bottom Module and Wall Plate Brackets
Place the Bottom Module in the lower hole and secure it to the wall by tightening the mounting screws. Then, screw on the Wall Plate Mounting Brackets for both the Upper and Bottom Modules. Snap the radiant® Wall Plate into place for a sleek finish.
Step 7: Connect the Power and Rearrange Furniture
Finally, plug the provided power cord into both the original outlet and the Bottom Module to complete the power extension. Now you can rearrange your furniture as desired, including placing items flush against the wall, without worrying about cord visibility or accessibility issues.
By following these steps, you can successfully move the electrical outlet behind the wreath, creating a more convenient and aesthetically pleasing setup. Remember to exercise caution and follow electrical safety guidelines throughout the process.
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Frequently asked questions
Choose a flat and thin extension cord that is long enough to reach the nearest outlet without creating excess. You can also paint the cord to match the colour of your door or wall.
You can use wire clips to run cords along the back leg or wall of your furniture, or use a command hook to string up electrical cords along the backside of your furniture. You can also use cable protectors, cable ties, or cord covers to keep cords out of sight and prevent tripping hazards.
Attach the cord to a faux greenery garland using twist ties, zip ties, or chenille stems, and arrange the garlands to conceal the cord. You can also wrap the cord in decorative washi tape.
You can use a cable management system or strategically place tabletop decor like candles, books, or baskets to hide the cord. You can also use a cord cover channel, which typically costs less than $20 and can be installed without special tools.
