Otis Singleton
Exposed electrical wires on ceilings can be unsightly and even hazardous. Luckily, there are several ways to conceal them. Crown molding is a popular method, where wiring is placed between the walls and ceiling before reinstalling the molding. Alternatively, you can use cord concealers, which are tubes that stick to the ceiling and hide the wires. Painting the wires to match the ceiling colour can also help to camouflage them. For a more creative approach, consider building a statement piece of furniture, such as a pedestal, with a hollow back to conceal wires.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crown molding | Use crown molding to conceal electrical wiring from an outlet or running cable from one part of a room to another. |
| Cable raceways | Enclose wiring with metallic or plastic channels installed along a wall or ceiling. |
| Cord covers | Measure the length of the cords, cut the cover to match, and place it over the cords. |
| Wire clips | Use wire clips to run cords along the back leg or wall of furniture to keep them out of view. |
| Command hooks | String up electrical cords along the backside of furniture using command hooks. |
| Paint | Paint the cords the same color as the furniture or the wall to disguise them. |
| Cable protectors | Use thick plastic or rubber ramps to protect wires and cables from foot traffic. |
| Baskets | Place a decorative basket next to a table and insert the bound cords inside. |
| Zip ties | Use dark-colored plastic zip ties to attach power cords to furniture legs. |
| Re-route wires | For speaker wires, re-route through a wall by cutting a narrow channel through the drywall. |
| Drill holes | Drill or cut tiny holes in the ceiling to run wires and cables through without exposing them. |
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What You'll Learn
Use crown moulding
Crown moulding is an innovative and elegant solution to hide electrical cords on the ceiling. It is a decorative embellishment that adds a touch of sophistication to your space while efficiently concealing the wires. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use crown moulding to hide those unsightly wires:
Planning and Preparation:
Firstly, you need to decide on the type of crown moulding you want to use. There are two main types: wooden crown moulding and plastic wireway crown moulding. The wooden variety is more traditional and sturdy, while the plastic variety is a more modern and lightweight option. You can purchase these from hardware stores or online.
Next, you need to measure the amount of crown moulding required. Stand on a step ladder and measure the ceiling from corner to corner with a measuring tape. Record the measurements for each wall and subtract the size of the corner blocks. This will help you determine how much moulding you need and how many wireways you will use.
Turning Off the Power:
Before you begin any installation, it is crucial to turn off the power at the circuit panel. Always use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is indeed off. This step is essential for your safety.
Marking the Walls:
Now, you will mark the walls as a guide for installing the wireway. Mark the wall approximately three inches down from the ceiling at each corner. Use a chalk line to snap a straight line from mark to mark, creating a guideline. Repeat this process for all four walls.
Installing the Corner Blocks:
Apply caulk to the inner edge of the corner and press the block firmly against it. Secure the corner blocks in place by nailing them to the corner. Repeat this for all corners.
Installing the Wireway:
With your guidelines in place, it's time to install the wireway. Use an electric screwdriver to fasten the wireway to the wall along the chalk line. Ensure you screw it in place securely every few feet. Drill holes in the wireway at existing outlet locations to allow for wire fishing.
Running the Wires:
Now, you can start running the wires through the installed wireway. Feed the wires through the electrical outlet box and screw it into place with a screwdriver. Connect the wires to the outlet receptacle. Use a wire nut to tie the ground wires together securely. Connect the neutral white wires to the silver screws and the black hot wires to the brass screws.
Attaching the Crown Moulding:
Finally, it's time to attach the crown moulding cover. Measure and cut the crown moulding pieces to fit, accounting for the pre-fabricated corners. Snap the crown moulding onto the wireway tracks. Use keystones to join longer sections of moulding for a seamless and professional finish.
By following these steps, you can effectively hide electrical cords on the ceiling using crown moulding. This method not only conceals the wires but also adds a decorative and sophisticated touch to your space.
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Paint the wires
Painting electrical wires on the ceiling is an option, but it is important to consider a few things before proceeding. Firstly, it is recommended to use water-based paint as it won't damage the wires. If spraying the paint, use a fine finish tip with a narrow spread to avoid over-application and potential dripping.
Before painting, it is suggested to wrap tape around the wires at different locations, allowing you to still identify the colours of the wires if needed. This is especially important for the junction boxes, where you should be able to identify the colours of the wires inside. Make sure to cover any receptacles or light sockets before painting.
It is also important to ensure that painting the wires does not violate any building codes or regulations. One way to avoid this issue is to consult with a licensed electrician who can guide you on industry best practices and ensure that your project is safe and compliant.
Painting the wires can be an effective way to hide them, but it is important to carefully consider and plan the process to avoid any potential issues or violations.
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Use a wire manager
If you want to hide electrical cords on the ceiling, one option is to use a wire manager. Wire managers, also known as cord covers, are plastic tubings or channels that can be installed along the ceiling to conceal electrical wires and cables. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and they can be found in various lengths and sizes to fit your needs.
To install a wire manager, simply stick it onto the ceiling, run the electrical wires through the tubes or channels, and then close or cover the wire manager to conceal the cables. You can also get creative and run the wire manager across your ceiling in different shapes and patterns, adding a unique design element to your room.
Another option for using a wire manager to hide electrical cords on the ceiling is to use crown molding. Crown molding is a decorative trim that is typically used to hide the intersections of walls and ceilings, but it can also be utilized to conceal electrical wires. If you already have crown molding installed, you will need to remove it, place the wiring between the walls and ceiling, and then reinstall the crown molding.
Alternatively, you can purchase faux crown molding that includes channels specifically designed for cords. This type of molding can be an excellent solution for hiding multiple cords or cords that need to go to outlets placed in strange spots.
When using a wire manager to hide electrical cords on the ceiling, it is important to consider the color and style of the wire manager to ensure it blends in with your ceiling and aesthetic preferences. You can also paint the wire manager to match your ceiling color for a more seamless look.
Overall, using a wire manager is a simple and effective way to hide electrical cords on the ceiling, providing a safe and aesthetically pleasing solution for your home or office.
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Re-route wires through the wall
Rerouting wires through a wall is a great way to hide electrical cords on a ceiling. This technique, known as "fishing", allows you to add new switches, lights, outlets, or communication cables exactly where you need them.
- First, you need to locate the studs in the wall. Use a stud finder to detect not only the wood studs but also any pipes or wires behind the wall.
- Once you have located the studs, mark the installation and exit points for the wires. The top installation location should be at a point on the wall that will be concealed by the TV or other device. The bottom exit hole should be marked at a point on the wall closest to a power outlet.
- After marking the locations, use a drywall hand saw or an oscillating multi-tool to cut through the drywall. Wear a dust mask or respirator to avoid inhaling the dust created during cutting.
- Cut a long, narrow hole in the baseboard and drill holes in the studs for the wire to pass through. Keep the holes at least 1-1/4 inch away from the stud edges to avoid the need for protective metal plates.
- Install low-voltage boxes or brackets before running the wires. Place one of the low-voltage boxes or brackets on the entrance hole and push the other into the exit hole cavity.
- Use a screwdriver to secure the boxes into place by turning the box tabs behind the wall.
- Now, use a fish stick (also called a fish tape or glow rod) to pull the wires through the wall. Tape the fish stick to the wall temporarily and hook it around the data, audio, video, or other low-voltage wires. Pull the wiring down towards the exit hole and remove the fish stick once the wires are through.
- Finally, patch up any access holes by spreading joint compound around the hole and pressing the cutout back in.
By following these steps, you can effectively reroute wires through a wall and hide electrical cords on the ceiling.
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Hide wires behind furniture
Hiding electrical cords on the ceiling can be done in a few ways. Crown moulding is one effective way to conceal electrical wiring from an outlet, running cable from one part of a room to another, or hiding the wires of a sound system. Cable raceways can also be used to enclose wiring. These metallic or plastic channels can be installed along a wall or ceiling. Cable protectors are another option, which are thick covered plastic or rubber ramps designed to protect wires and cables from foot traffic.
Now, here are some ways to hide wires behind furniture:
Use Wire Clips or Command Hooks
Rather than letting wires run along the wall or floor, use wire clips to run cords along the back leg or wall of your nightstand or other furniture to keep them out of view. Alternatively, use a command hook to string up electrical cords along the backside of your furniture.
Paint the Cords
If you want to take it a step further, you can paint the cord the same colour as the furniture to disguise it even more.
Use Cardboard
If you have leggy furniture with dangling wires, you can use a piece of cardboard to hide the wires. Simply place the cardboard behind the legs and tuck the cables behind it.
Build a Charging Station
If you have multiple electrical devices, consider building a charging station to hide wires and cords from view. Pick a drawer or lower cabinet near an outlet and drill a hole in the back. Insert a desk grommet through the hole and feed the plug from the power strip through the grommet.
Use Cord Covers
If you have a wall-mounted TV or other devices with cords, you can use cord covers to hide them. Measure the span of the wall between the base of the screen and the floor, then cut the cord cover to that length. Mount the cover to the wall on top of the wires to conceal them.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use cord concealers, which are tubes that stick onto the ceiling and through which you can run electrical wires. You can also paint the wires the same colour as your ceiling to camouflage them.
You can cut tiny holes in the ceiling and run the wires and cables through them. You can also use a wire manager or cord cover to hide wires.
You can use wire clips to run cords along the back leg or wall of your nightstand to keep them out of view. You can also use a command hook to string up electrical cords along the backside of your furniture.
