How to hide cords when you mount a TV.
A mounted TV looks sharp until the cords running down the wall ruin the effect — here's how to fix that.
Reviewed by Isabella Eson•Home Improvement Expert•Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Isabella is a copy editor with 6+ years of experience refining content for home services clients, from HVAC and plumbing to roofing and remodeling.
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Highlights
- Before hiding cords, you should plan where your TV and components will go and locate the nearest power outlet.
- Simple cord covers run along the wall's surface, while in-wall kits can hide wires behind the drywall.
- You can often install a basic cord cover yourself, but routing wires behind the wall may require professional help.
- The type of wall, such as drywall or brick, will determine which cord hiding methods are possible.
- To avoid future issues, ensure you leave enough slack in the cords for any adjustments to your TV setup.
If you're wondering how to hide cords when you mount a TV, you're likely looking at a tangle of wires that spoils the clean look you wanted. Your new television looks great on the wall, but the dangling cables create clutter. You want a finished look but might be unsure how to conceal the wires safely and without damaging your wall.
This guide walks you through the process, from planning your setup to choosing the right method. We'll cover simple on-wall cord covers and more advanced in-wall kits. You'll get an overview of the steps for each, understand when you might need professional help, and learn how to find a top-rated TV mounting pro on Thumbtack.
Quick steps
This high-level summary outlines the basic process for hiding TV cords.
- Plan the placement of your TV and all connected devices.
- Choose a cord-hiding method, such as an on-wall raceway or an in-wall power kit. See the Alternative ways section below.
- Gather the necessary tools and your chosen cord management kit.
- Install the system following the product instructions — in-wall installations may require professional help.
- Route your TV and component cables through the new system.
- Connect all devices to power and each other, then test that everything works correctly.
What you need to hide TV cords
These tools and supplies will help you install a basic on-wall cord cover. They aren’t intended for more complex projects like in-wall wiring or drilling into brick or concrete. For anything beyond a simple surface installation, you may want to hire a pro to ensure the job is done safely.
- On-wall cord cover kit for the raceway and connectors to hide your wires
- Measuring tape to determine the length of the cover you’ll need
- Pencil for marking where the cover will go on the wall
- Level to ensure the cord cover is installed straight
- Drill or screwdriver to secure the cover to the wall if it requires screws
- Stud finder to locate wall studs for a more secure installation
- Utility knife or small saw for cutting the plastic raceway to the correct size
- Cable ties to bundle cords together neatly inside the cover
- Safety glasses to protect your eyes when cutting or drilling materials
Safety precautions
Following these safety precautions can help you avoid common risks during your project.
- Turn off the power. Before you start any work, especially for in-wall installations, shut off the power to the circuit you'll be working on at the breaker box. You can use a voltage tester to confirm the power is off. Never work with live electrical wires, as this poses a serious risk of electric shock.
- Check for in-wall hazards. Before drilling or cutting into your wall, use a stud finder to locate studs, pipes, and existing wiring. Drilling into a water pipe or electrical wire can cause significant damage and create safety hazards.
- Wear protective gear. Using safety glasses is a good practice to protect your eyes from dust and debris, especially when drilling or cutting. Gloves may also help protect your hands.
- Follow kit instructions. Your cord cover or in-wall kit will include manufacturer-specific instructions. Reading and following them carefully can help ensure a safe and correct installation.
- Be aware of building codes. In-wall electrical work is often subject to local building codes to prevent fire hazards. Using a power kit that is rated for in-wall use is important. For complex installations, you should check local codes or consult a licensed pro.
- Keep the work area clear. It may be helpful to keep children and pets away from the project area to prevent accidents and distractions.
How to hide TV cords: Step-by-step
You can often handle straightforward tasks like installing an on-wall cord cover yourself, but you should leave anything involving cutting into walls or modifying electrical wiring to a professional.
Step 1 – Prepare the area.
- Unplug and clear. Turn off and unplug your TV and all connected devices. If the TV is already mounted, you may need a second person to help you temporarily take it down to give you clear access to the wall.
- Plan your route. Decide on the most direct path for the cords to run from the TV to the power outlet. Use a measuring tape to determine the length of cord cover you will need. This planning step may take 15–30 minutes.
- Mark the wall. Use a pencil and a level to lightly draw a straight line where the cord cover will go.
Step 2 – Install the on-wall cord cover.
- Cut the raceway. Using a small saw or utility knife, carefully cut the plastic raceway (the channel for the cords) to the length you measured. Tip: If you plan to paint the cord cover to match your wall, it is often best to do it before installation.
- Attach the base. Most on-wall kits come with a self-adhesive backing. Peel off the protective strip and press the base of the raceway firmly onto the wall along your pencil line. Some kits may require you to screw the base into the wall — if so, a stud finder can help you locate a secure anchor point.
- Place the cords. Lay your TV and component cords neatly inside the raceway base. Use cable ties to bundle them together for a snug fit, which can make it easier to attach the cover.
- Attach the cover. Snap the top piece of the cord cover onto the base. You should hear a click as it locks into place. Add any corner or connector pieces that came with your kit to navigate around obstacles.
Step 3 – Clean up and finish.
- Reconnect and test. Remount your TV if you took it down. Plug in all the cords and turn on your devices to make sure everything is working correctly.
- Complete the final touches. Gently wipe away any pencil marks from the wall. If you painted the cover, you might need to do minor touch-ups.
- Clean the area. Dispose of the packaging from your cord cover kit and any plastic scraps from cutting the raceway. Vacuum any dust from drilling, if applicable.
Alternative ways to hide cords when mounting a TV
Beyond a basic on-wall cover, there are several other ways to hide your TV cords. The best method for you often depends on your wall type, budget, and how comfortable you are with a DIY project.
Install an in-wall power kit
This method uses a special kit to run wires behind the drywall for a completely hidden look. It involves cutting a hole behind your TV and another near the floor, then fishing the cables through the wall. These kits come with pre-wired, code-compliant components to safely power your TV.
- Pros: Achieves a clean finish with no visible cords
- Cons: Requires cutting into your wall and isn’t suitable for brick or concrete
This project may require intermediate DIY skills, a drywall saw, and a drill. For safety and to ensure you meet local building codes, you may want to consult a licensed pro.
Conceal cords with furniture or decor
A simple, non-invasive approach is to use furniture to block the view of the cords. A media console placed under the TV can hide the wires running to the outlet. You can also use items like tall plants or stacked books to strategically cover the cables.
- Pros: Requires no tools or damage to the walls, making it a good option for renters
- Cons: The cords are only hidden from view, not organized, and the solution depends on your room's layout
This requires no special tools or skills, just creative placement of your furniture and decorative items.
Use a baseboard cord channel
This technique hides cords along the floor by running them through a channel in the baseboard molding. You can either replace your existing baseboard with one designed to hold cables or use a separate quarter-round molding that attaches along the bottom of your baseboard where it meets the floor. This is often combined with a vertical on-wall cord cover to hide the drop from the TV.
- Pros: Creates a very clean look that blends in with your room's trim
- Cons: May require cutting and fitting molding, and it only addresses the horizontal run of the cables
This can be a beginner to intermediate project, depending on the product. You may need a miter saw for precise cuts and a nail gun or hammer and nails to install the molding.
Mistakes to avoid
Hiding TV cords can seem simple, but a few common missteps can lead to a messy finish, wasted time, or even wall damage.
- Forgetting to plan the layout. It can be tempting to start installing a cord cover right away, but not planning can lead to problems. You might place the cover in the wrong spot or find it’s too short for your needs. Before you begin, it may be helpful to decide where your TV and all connected devices will go and measure the cable route.
- Using a drywall kit on brick or plaster. Not all cord-hiding solutions work on every wall type. An in-wall kit designed for drywall will not work on a brick or concrete wall, and attempting to use one can cause damage. It’s often best to identify your wall material first and choose a product specifically designed for it.
- Leaving no slack in the cables. Pulling your cords tight might look neat at first, but it leaves no room for adjustments. If you ever need to tilt your TV or move a component, taut cables can strain or damage the connection ports. You can often avoid this by leaving a little extra length in the cords inside the cover or behind the wall.
- Running a standard power cord inside the wall. It’s against most electrical codes to run a TV's standard power cord or a regular extension cord behind drywall, as it can be a fire hazard. For in-wall installations, it’s important to use a kit specifically rated for this purpose. For any electrical work, you may want to check local codes or consult a licensed professional.
- Drilling or cutting without checking for hazards. The space behind your drywall can contain pipes, ductwork, and electrical wiring. Drilling into one of these can cause serious damage and safety risks. Using a stud finder before you cut or drill can help you map out what is behind the wall and avoid costly repairs.
- Choosing a raceway that is too small. Trying to force too many cables into a small cord cover can make it difficult to close and may damage the wires. It can also create a bulky, unprofessional look. It is good practice to count how many cords you need to hide and choose a raceway wide enough to hold them comfortably.
When to hire a pro
While installing a simple on-wall cord cover is often a manageable DIY project, some situations are better left to a professional. Here are a few signs that you may need to find local TV mounting professionals for the job.
- Signs of complexity: You might want to call a pro if you want to run wires behind the wall, especially if it’s made of brick, plaster, or concrete. Professionals have the right tools and experience to work with these challenging materials without causing damage.
- Safety risks: You may want to hire a professional for any electrical work. Installing a new outlet or modifying circuits is a job for a licensed electrician, not a typical DIY project. Running a standard power cord inside the wall is a fire hazard and against electrical codes. A pro will use a code-compliant in-wall power kit to help ensure the installation is safe.
- Quality and durability: For a seamless look, a professional can often deliver a better result. They can make sure the installation is perfectly straight, secure, and that any covers are painted to blend in with your wall. This helps avoid issues like raceways peeling off over time.
- Permits and inspections: Modifying electrical circuits often requires a permit to ensure the work complies with local building codes. A licensed professional can handle the permitting and inspection process for you. It’s always a good idea to check local codes or consult a licensed pro for this type of work.
- What a pro does differently: A pro can handle tasks beyond the scope of most DIY projects, such as installing a new recessed outlet directly behind the TV. They also have specialized tools, like fish tapes, to route cables through walls with minimal disruption.
If your project involves cutting into walls, working with electrical wiring, or dealing with difficult wall materials, hiring a professional is often the safest and most effective choice. You can use Thumbtack to find a qualified local pro to help you hide your TV cords.
How to keep TV cords hidden long-term
Keeping your TV cords organized from the start can often be easier than trying to fix a tangled mess later. A little planning before and after you mount your TV may help you maintain a clean look long-term.
- Plan your layout. Before mounting your TV, decide where it and all your components will go. This can help you choose a spot near an existing outlet and plan the shortest, most direct route for your cables.
- Choose components with fewer wires. When possible, you might select devices that connect wirelessly, such as soundbars or speakers. Many smart TVs also have built-in apps, which can reduce the need for external streaming boxes and their associated cords.
- Install a recessed media box. If you’re building or renovating, you could install a recessed power and media outlet directly behind the TV's location. For any new electrical work, you may want to check local codes or consult a licensed pro.
- Purchase cables of the correct length. Using cables that are too long can create unnecessary bulk behind your TV or inside a cord cover. You can measure the distance needed and buy cables that are just long enough, leaving only a small amount of slack for flexibility.
- Select a cord cover with extra space. When choosing an on-wall raceway, it may be helpful to pick one that is slightly larger than you need. This provides room to add cables for new devices in the future without having to replace the entire system.
- Bundle cords from the start. As you connect each device, you can use cable ties or velcro straps to bundle its wire with the others. This prevents tangles and makes it easier to feed the collected cords through a cover or channel.
The bottom line
Dangling TV cords can spoil a clean setup, but you can often fix the issue with a few simple steps. By planning your layout, gathering the right tools, and following a clear process, you can neatly conceal those wires. However, if your project involves cutting into brick walls or handling electrical wiring, you can review our TV wall mount installation cost guide to learn more before getting started. A pro can get the job done safely and correctly, giving you a seamless finish and helping prevent future problems.
FAQs
How long does it take to hide TV cords?
The time it takes to hide TV cords depends on the method you choose, your wall type, and your experience level. A simple project might take less than an hour, while a more complex installation could take several hours.
- DIY project time: A basic on-wall cord cover installation typically takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. If you’re installing an in-wall kit, you might expect the project to take 2–4 hours, as it involves cutting drywall and fishing wires.
- Professional installation time: A professional can often complete a standard installation, including an in-wall kit, in about 1–2 hours.
- Time breakdown: You can split your project time into several phases. Preparation, including planning and gathering tools, may take 15–30 minutes. The active installation can range from 30 minutes to over 3 hours. Cleanup usually requires another 10–15 minutes.
- Drying time: If you paint a cord cover to match your wall, you’ll need to factor in drying time, which can take several hours depending on the product.
- Factors that add time: The project can take longer if you are working with difficult materials like brick or concrete. Discovering unexpected obstructions like pipes or wiring inside the wall will also cause delays. Hiding cords for many devices or navigating around corners can add to the total time as well.
What’s the easiest way to hide cords without damaging walls?
The simplest methods are using an adhesive on-wall cord cover or strategically placing furniture and decor to block the wires from view. These options require no drilling, making them a good choice for renters or for anyone wanting a non-permanent solution. You can also use cable ties or sleeves to bundle the cords together behind a media stand.
When should I hire a professional?
You might consider hiring a pro if the job involves cutting into walls like brick or plaster, or if you need a new electrical outlet installed. Professionals have specialized tools and expertise to handle complex installations safely. A pro can often ensure a cleaner, more durable result that avoids common DIY mistakes.
Is it safe to run a standard extension cord behind the wall?
No, running a TV's power cord or a regular extension cord inside a wall is typically against electrical codes and creates a fire hazard. You should use an in-wall power kit that is specifically rated for this purpose. For any in-wall electrical work, it’s a good idea to check local codes or consult a licensed pro.
Can I paint a cord cover to match my wall?
Yes, most plastic on-wall cord covers are paintable. For the best finish, it’s often helpful to lightly sand and prime the cover before applying a paint that matches your wall color. This helps the raceway blend in.
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