Umair Gaines
Exposed electrical cords can be an unsightly addition to your home decor. Fortunately, there are many creative solutions to hide them, ranging from DIY projects to ready-made products. One option is to use cord covers, also known as raceways, which are thin metal tubes that can be painted to match the colour of the wall. These can be attached to the baseboard using construction adhesive or peel-and-stick Velcro. Alternatively, you can hollow out existing baseboards to create your own raceway. Another idea is to use wire clips or command hooks to run cords along the back of furniture, and you can even paint the cords to match. For TV wires, one effective method is to use a wall cable channel that runs from the TV down to the outlet, which can also be painted to blend in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baseboard type | Cable clips, raceways, quarter rounds, crown molding, chair rails, hollowed baseboards, soft fabric cord covers, wiremold cordmate cord covers |
| Cord management | Drill holes in drawers, thread cords through, use cable ties or clips, use command hooks, use cord bundlers, use cable sleeves |
| Cord disguise | Paint cords the same colour as baseboards, disguise with macrame, wrap in fabric, coat in colourful string |
| Cord concealment | Use decorative boxes, hollow books, open-weave baskets, storage boxes, bread boxes, potted plants |
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What You'll Learn
Use cord covers or cable sleeves
If you want to hide electrical cords along a baseboard, one option is to use cord covers or cable sleeves. These can be purchased in a variety of designs, materials, textures, colours, and patterns, depending on your needs and preferences. For example, you can buy baseboard cable clips to keep the cords off the floor, or you can encase the cords in a thin metal tube called a raceway, which can be painted to match the colour of the wall.
Raceways come in different shapes, including quarter rounds, crown mouldings, chair rails, or models that mimic the appearance of baseboards. They can also be cut to size to fit your space. Soft fabric cord covers are another option, which can add a decorative touch and can be purchased or made at home if you're crafty. These work best for hiding cords that aren't in the way of foot traffic, such as those leading to chandeliers or TVs. To effectively use soft covers along baseboards, use peel-and-stick Velcro to secure the cover to the baseboard every 12 inches or so.
Cable sleeves are another option for bundling multiple wires into one package, which can be easily unwrapped to access individual cords. These are ideal for places with lots of cords, such as a desktop or entertainment system.
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Paint the cords to match the baseboard
Painting cords to match the baseboard is a great way to disguise them. This method can be used in tandem with other techniques, such as securing the cords along the top of the baseboard with small clips or staples.
First, ensure the cords are secured and flattened against the baseboard. Then, select a paint colour that matches the baseboard. It is best to use paint designed for the material your baseboard is made of, such as wood paint for a wooden baseboard. If you are painting a plastic baseboard, ensure the paint is suitable for plastic. You may also need to prepare the surface by lightly sanding or priming the cords. This will help the paint adhere better and create a more even finish. Once the paint is applied, consider sealing it with a clear coat to protect it from wear and tear.
If you are painting the cords to match a wooden baseboard, consider using a wood stain rather than paint. This will allow the natural grain of the wood to show through, creating a more seamless appearance.
This method can also be used to paint cords to match furniture, as suggested by Havenly designer Brady Burke. This is a great way to disguise cords that are running along the back legs or walls of furniture.
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Thread the cords through a drawer
Threading cords through a drawer is an effective way to hide electrical wires and create a sleek, organised space. This method is ideal for hiding speaker wires, Ethernet cables, and power cords in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Choose a Drawer
Select a drawer close to your electronics, such as a desk or nightstand drawer. It's important to choose a drawer that is easily accessible and located near an outlet.
Drill a Hole
If necessary, use a drill with a hole saw bit to create a small hole at the back of the drawer. This hole will allow the cords to pass through seamlessly. Make sure the hole is just large enough for the cords to fit, as a bigger hole might affect the aesthetics of the drawer.
Thread the Cords
Gently thread the cords through the hole and into the drawer. Ensure that the cords are not strained or twisted during this process. Take your time and be careful not to damage the cords or the drawer.
Organise Inside
Use cable ties, clips, or cord grommets to bundle and organise the cords inside the drawer, preventing tangles and ensuring easy access. Keep the cords neat and tidy, allowing for future modifications or additions without creating a cluttered mess.
Maintain Accessibility
While hiding electrical cords is important for aesthetics, it's also crucial to maintain functionality. Ensure that the cords are easily accessible for maintenance or daily use. Position the hidden charging station near your most-used devices to strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality.
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Use wire clips or command hooks
One way to hide electrical cords along a baseboard is to use wire clips or command hooks. This method can help you manage the electrical cords and keep them out of sight.
Wire clips can be used to secure electrical cords along the back leg or wall of a nightstand or any other piece of furniture. This way, the cords are kept in place and remain out of view. You can also use wire clips, also known as cable clips, to secure cords along the baseboard itself, keeping them tidy and off the floor.
Alternatively, you can use command hooks to string up electrical cords along the backside of your furniture. Command hooks are a good option if you want to avoid putting holes in your walls or furniture. Simply adhere the hooks to the desired surface and string the cords through the hooks to keep them in place.
If you want the cords to be virtually invisible, you can consider painting them the same colour as your baseboards or furniture. This will further disguise their appearance and create a cohesive look in the room.
Using wire clips or command hooks to manage electrical cords along baseboards is a simple and effective way to keep your space looking tidy and stylish.
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Hide the cords inside a hollow baseboard
If you want to hide electrical cords inside a hollow baseboard, you can either purchase a baseboard with a hollow inner cavity or create your own using existing baseboards.
Baseboards with hollow inner cavities are lightweight and easy to install. They are designed to hide electrical cables and can be purchased online or at department stores. If you want to create your own, you will need to hollow out your existing baseboards with a router to create a space for the cords.
Once you have your hollow baseboard, place the cord inside the hollowed section and reattach the baseboard using construction adhesive. You can also use soft fabric cord covers in various textures, colours, and patterns to add a decorative touch. These can be purchased or made at home if you are crafty. Secure soft fabric cord covers with peel-and-stick Velcro to the baseboard every 12 inches or so.
To further disguise the cords, you can paint the baseboard and the cord covers the same colour as your walls or furniture.
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Frequently asked questions
You can purchase covers called raceways, or make your own. You can also use cord covers in different textures, colours and patterns, or make your own to match your decor.
Raceways are thin metal tubes that can be painted to match the colour of the wall.
Yes, you can use wire clips to run cords along the back leg or wall of your nightstand. You can also use a command hook to string up electrical cords along the backside of your furniture.
You can use decorative boxes, macrame, pretty fabric, or colourful string to cover your electrical cords.
Measure and cut the baseboard to size. Place the cord inside the hollowed section and then reattach the baseboard using construction adhesive. Secure the cord cover with peel-and-stick Velcro.
