How to Hide Computer Cords

If you are like most people, the underside of your computer desk is a mess! Cords are looped, twisted, and tangled everywhere, yet somehow still make it to the computer or power strip. Those cords can be a hazard to children, and look a mess. Here are some tips to tame the mess and hide computer cords under your computer desk.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Packing tape
• Cord conduit, or cord tacks
• Tape or twist ties

1. Organize your computer components and place them in the most ideal position for your use.

2. Straighten all the cords for your computer components. Make sure you untangle all the twists and knots.

3. Determine if you will need extension cords for any of your components. You can find extension cords for almost any component (even your keyboard) at most electronics stores.

4. Locate the perfect spot for your power strip, and consider attaching it to your desk. Nothing is worse than kicking around a power strip under your desk. Most power strips have holes for hanging. Consider attaching your power strip under your desktop to get it off the floor and hide it.

5. Tape each cord under the desktop to a point where all the cords can meet, such as the corner between the desktop and desk side. If your desk does not have sides, you can run them to the computer or to a central location where you can gather them all together.

6. Use cord conduit or cord tacks to gather the cords together and run them to the computer. Conduit and tacks can be purchased at your local electronics store or home store.

7. Use tape or twist ties to gather the excess of each individual cord behind the computer. It is important that you gather the excess cord at the computer, and not at the component. If you later have to pull out your computer to unplug/plug a component or look into a problem, you can unbundle the cords to provide slack.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not pull the cords too tight when securing them. A little bit of slack will allow you to make minor placement adjustments later and prevent cords from being pulled out of components.

Resources

• Wrap-n- Strap Cord Organizer
• Cable Zipper Cord Control System

[blwww]

on 8/18/2009 Get some 'cord cradles'. They are small and cheap and they allow you to add and remove cords easily. That way you don't have to keep replacing the duct tape and ties.

[joanhaines]

on 8/11/2009 It's smart to gather in all the "spaghetti", and reign it in!

[arnief]

on 7/14/2009 Cool points. You can use common items instead of expensive electronics store solutions.. i like.

[joni04]

on 5/20/2009 Great tips, I never thought to hang the power strip on the desk!