How to Hide Wall Mounted TV Wires

Mounting a flat-screen TV on the wall clears up floor space, becomes part of the décor and provides a good viewing area. With the price of flat-screen wall-mounted TVs in the affordable range, they are increasing in popularity. To complete the look, hide the wires from the TV so the screen becomes another frame on the wall.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cable management system to hide TV wires in and outside-the-wall installation
• Cable and connector extensions, depending on length from TV to peripherals
• Covers for entry and exit holes

1. Look at the outside-the-wall system. You can hide TV wires them with prefabricated cable covers painted to match the wall or to coordinate with the room's colors. This is the easiest to install.

2. Determine if the wall is right for an inside-the wall system. It should be made of drywall for easy cuts. Choose an interior wall so there's less wood and wires to work around.

3. Find cable extensions as needed at an electronics store. Also, get covers for the holes in the wall where the wires enter and exit. These are readily available.

4. Mount the TV. Measure the distance of the cables needed to go through the wall or the cable cover system. Mark the spot for where cables and wires leave the TV.

5. Engage an electrician to make a recessed plug on the wall that will hide behind the TV. You don't want to run the power wire through the wall. This isn't necessary if you don't mind the one wire or want to use an exterior system.

6. Mark the spot near the base of the wall where the cable can exit. Measure again to make sure wires and cables are long enough. Also, measure the size of the hole to fit the plug cover.

7. Cut small holes in the drywall where you marked. Feed the wires from top to bottom, then connect to cable boxes, DVD players and other peripherals. Install the covers.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the area is clear behind the drywall before cutting. A small test hole can help. Use a hand saw, not electric.
• Look for brackets that help with wire and cable management, and mount the TV at the same time.
• Mounting TV wires behind a wall works for drywall as a do-it-yourself. If you are looking at a brick wall—no pun intended—get some professional help.
• Make sure the stud system in the wall can support the weight of the TV.
• Many higher-end audio stores now offer in-home services to mount wall TV screens and hide the wires. This is a better option for the non-do-it-yourselfer.

[bisscuitt]

on 6/15/2009 We decided that cutting out the dry wall and plaster was a big job. So we created iConceal to quickly and easily hide the cables on the surface of any wall. http://www.iconceal.tv/

It works with all TVs, cables, AV equipment and games consoles.

[chuckshirley]

on 5/13/2009 We had a similar situation with regards to hooking up the Wii and making it look clean. You have probably found a solution, but we mounted our Wii behind our TV and twist tied the excess wires. We have developed a unit for retail. Check out www.wiiwallmount.com or www.hideitmounts.com

[drobb]

on 11/10/2008 Can you hook up Wii game systems and DVD players to wall mount flatscreen and also hide the wires?