Cords, wires, outlets, switches – they’re all essential parts of a functional home, but they can also clutter up your rooms and take away from your interior design. Hiding those unsightly plugs, cables and switches doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With some clever tricks and affordable products, you can conceal them and still have easy access when needed. This comprehensive guide covers creative ideas, materials and DIY steps for hiding wires, outlets, switches and more – keeping your home looking clean and polished.
Locate Problem Areas Needing Concealment
The first step in hiding wires and outlets is identifying the problem areas. Check all your rooms and make note of:
- Dangling, messy wires and cables
- Exposed outlets and switches on walls
- Surge protectors and power strips out in the open
- TVs mounted high on walls with visible cords
Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like living rooms, kitchens, and home offices where exposed wires and plugs can be most unsightly. Outlets behind furniture or in concealed areas usually don’t need hiding. Focus your efforts on exposed spots first.
Creative Ways to Hide Cords and Wires
Messy cables and wires dangling from TVs, computers, and other devices can really detract from your decor. Here are some clever ideas for concealing them:
Use Cable Management Boxes
Plastic cable boxes are available in various sizes with slots to thread cables through and keep them neatly bundled. Place behind furniture like TV stands or desks.
Route Through Walls/Floor
For a hidden look, drill holes in walls or floors and route cables through to outlets. Plastic cable channel lining protects wires.
Hide Down Back of Furniture
Use clips to attach cables tightly down the back of desks, entertainment centers, etc. Keeps wires out of sight.
Under Area Rugs
Cables can be tucked under area rugs between furniture like couches and TV stands. Use tape to hold in place.
Paint or Wallpaper Concealment
Paint wires and cords the same color as your walls for camouflage. Removable wallpaper also wraps cords against walls.
Use Wire Covers
Plastic cord covers, cord channels and other wire hiding products keep cables neatly against baseboards and floors.
Clever Ways to Hide Outlets and Switches
Exposed outlets and light switches can disrupt the look of your walls. Use these creative ideas to conceal them:
Place Furniture in Front
Put wall furniture like bookshelves, TVs, art, etc. directly in front of outlets to hide.
Install Wall Plates
Wall plates designed for hiding outlets have covers that allow cords to run behind them.
Wallpaper Over
Use removable wallpaper to blend outlets and switches into wall designs.
Frame Out
Build enclosed frames around outlets with trim/molding to blend into walls.
Install Sconces or Pictures
Hang sconces or framed art over outlets and switches to disguise.
Use Custom Covers
Decorative switch plate and outlet covers come in various designs to conceal.
Paint to Match Walls
Paint outlets, switches, and plate covers the same color as your walls to camouflage.
DIY Cabinetry Hiding Spots
Installing enclosed cabinetry is an effective way to conceal outlets, surge protectors and power strips.
Entertainment Center Enclosures
Build a box enclosure in entertainment centers to hide TV cords, outlets, and power strips out of sight behind closed doors.
Desktop Hutch Hideaways
Desktop hutch cabinets with doors keep computer cables, power strips, and outlets hidden but accessible.
Cabinet Door Outlet Concealment
Install outlets inside cabinet doors with a power cord outlet built into the hinge for easy access.
Custom Boxes Around Outlets
Construct concealed boxes around outlets with removable fronts to mount TVs and hide cords.
Kitchen IslandOutlet Hiding
Kitchen island outlet hiding is easy using tip-out drawers to conceal plugs. Hide cords in rear drawer grooves.
Innovative Ways to Hide Plugs and Power Strips
Power strips and surge protector plugs can be just as unsightly. Disguise them with these clever methods:
Use Power Cord Covers
Plastic cord covers placed over power strip cords or up walls conceal wires and make plugs less visible.
Install Floor Outlets
Outlets installed in flooring eliminate power strips. Use pop-up grommets for access.
Hide in Furniture Cut-Outs
Cut small holes or notches in furniture backs positioned against walls to run cords and hide plugs.
Use Power Lift Recliners
Reclining chairs with outlets and USB ports in their base hide plugs and let you charge devices.
Furniture Cord Slots
Cord slots cut in desk and cabinet backs channel wires to hide plugs against the wall.
Handsome Ways to Hide Electrical Panels
Even essential electrical panels can be an eyesore. Disguise them beautifully using these methods:
Attach Decorative Coverings
Removable wallpaper, fabric, wood panels or lattice attached over panels hides them beautifully.
Build Enclosing Cabinetry
Construct cabinets around panels with doors for safe concealment that’s still easily accessible.
Mount TV in Front
If panel is positioned where you want to mount a TV, place it directly in front to conceal.
Install Picture Frame Moldings
Picture frame moldings around panels make them look like artwork. Use decorative frames.
Utilize Furniture
Place furnishings like hutches, bookcases, or filing cabinets in front of panels to disguise.
Strategic Wallpaper
Wallpaper the wall around the panel to blend it in versus covering just the panel.
Floor and Wall Outlet Concealment
When outlets are in inconvenient floor or wall locations, you can make them disappear.
Attach Wall-Mounted Shelves
Wall mounted floating shelves are great for hiding floor outlets below.
Use Area Rugs
Place area rugs or carpets with taped down edges over floor outlets for concealment.
Install Wall-to-Wall Cabinetry
Base cabinets or built-ins covering the whole wall hides outlets and provides storage.
Use Wall Sconces and Art
Mount sconces, mirrors or hanging art directly over wall outlets to disguise.
Build Custom Surrounds
Construct custom wood trims or borders around outlets that match your floors and walls.
Paint to Match Floors or Walls
Painting floor and wall outlets the same colors as your surfaces hides them.
How to Hide Switches on Walls
Don’t like looking at those light switches? Use these clever tricks to make them disappear:
Install Touch Lamps
Replacing switched lamps with touch-control models means no need for visible switches.
Wallpaper Over
Coordinates wallpaper over switches blends them seamlessly into wall patterns.
Attach Fabric Behind
Adhere fabric pieces like felt behind switches so just the flip tabs are exposed.
Surround with Picture Frames
Grouped picture frames artfully conceal switches on walls while still keeping them accessible.
Conceal with Decor
Place wall decor like sconces, artwork or clocks directly over switches to hide them.
Use Switch Covers
Switch cover plates come in various designs that help conceal outlets.
Add Trim Around
Adding wooden trim/molding frames around switches covers them beautifully.
Paint to Match Walls
A coat of paint matching your wall color makes switches less noticeable.
FAQs About Hiding Wires, Outlets and Switches
How can I hide plugs and cables behind a TV?
Use plastic cable boxes and guides to bundle wires, then attach them to the back of the TV mount or entertainment center to keep organized and out of sight.
What is the best way to hide computer cables?
Bundling cables with velcro straps and running through cable management boxes keeps wires organized under desks. Route along walls with cord covers.
How do you cover up wall outlets?
Wall plates designed for concealment, frames around outlets, wallpapering over them, or placing furniture in front hides outlets well.
What can I use to conceal power strips and surge protectors?
Enclosed furniture like hutch cabinets, custom boxes around outlets, power cord covers, and specially designed outlet furniture hides power strips.
How do you hide an electrical panel box in a room?
Wallpaper, fabric, removable screens, surrounding cabinetry, furnished placed in front of it, picture frame trim, and strategic wall painting/wallpapering helps conceal unattractive electrical panels.
What’s the easiest way to hide floor outlets not being used?
Area rugs, wall-to-wall shelving or cabinetry, furniture placed over them, or carpeting taped down at the edges covers floor outlets well.
Achieve Concealed, Clutter-Free Appeal
Hiding those unsightly plugs, cords, panels and switches doesn’t require intricate skills. Using clever products and strategic home design, you can conceal them beautifully. Keep your interior decor looking clean and polished by incorporating the creative outlet and wire hiding ideas detailed here. With a few easy steps, you can transform those chaotic cords and plugs into a more streamlined, concealed appearance. Get ready to enjoy orderly, clutter-free appeal!
