How to Hide Cords when Rearranging the TV & Computer
Exposed cords are not only unsightly, they can be a tripping hazard and a dust magnet. Whenever you rearrange your TV and computer, it's a good time to think about the cords that power your equipment and peripherals. When picking a new spot for your electronics, choose one that is as close to the outlet as possible. Once you have your computer and TV situated in their new position, use one of these tips to conceal the cords for a neater appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Cord basket
- Double-sided foam tape
- Screw
- Screwdriver
- Zip ties
- Electrical tape
- Cable sleeve
- Cord cover
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase and install a cord basket. Great for computer desks or entertainment centers with open backs, these long, narrow baskets can hold electrical cords and power strips and keep them off of the floor. Simply attach it to the underside of your computer desk (according to the manufacturer's instructions) directly opposite the outlet or on the side of the desk nearest to it. Then thread your cords through the basket. If you have a surge protector, plug all of the devices in first. Then lay the power strip and cords in the basket.
-
2
Hang your power strip on the back of your entertainment center. Most power strips come with an eyelet that will allow you to screw them into a surface. If yours does not, use double-sided foam tape to secure it to the back wall of your entertainment center. This will lift it off of the floor and keep it and the cords plugged into it out of sight.
-
-
3
Purchase zip ties. Long tangled cords are unsightly. And even cords attached to an elevated power strip or hung in a basket will peek through if they are not properly managed. Wrap excess cord length (never pull an electrical cord taught, leave a little slack) around itself. Then secure the loop with a zip tie and cut off the excess.
-
4
Tape individual hanging wires to the back of your entertainment system with electrical tape. This will allow you to bypass any openings that may reveal your cords and run the cord to the outlet without a hanging mess.
-
5
Join multiple television cables together in a sleeve designed for electrical cords. By threading all of the cables through this one point, you can avoid the tangled mess that multiple cables can create.
-
6
Conceal cables, extensions and other cords that have to travel a long distance with a cord cover. These covers allow you to run a long cord against the wall in a discrete casing instead of across the floor. Simply thread your cords through it and affix it to the top of the baseboard according to the manufacturer's instructions.
-
7
Place your largest piece of equipment (your CPU or your television) directly in front of the outlet to mask the plugs behind it.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit computer classroom image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com
