Maybe your living room is almost perfect — comfy couch, the right rug, that TV mounted just so — and then there are the cables. They dangle, they gather dust, they look like a small electronics crime scene. If you’re a homeowner in Salt Lake City who wants a clean look without calling an electrician right away, you’re in the right place. Let me explain some simple, practical ways to hide TV mount cables yourself, using tools you might already own or can borrow from a neighbor (you know how that goes).
Contents
- 1 Why bother hiding cables anyway? (Short answer: it’s worth it)
- 2 Tools and materials that actually help (no mystery gear)
- 3 Easy, practical methods you can try this weekend
- 4 Common mistakes people make (and how to avoid them)
- 5 Pro tips that make DIY feel pro
- 6 When to call a pro (yes, sometimes you should)
Why bother hiding cables anyway? (Short answer: it’s worth it)
Nobody likes cords in the way. They’re a safety hazard, they collect dust, and they ruin the visual flow of a room. But beyond cosmetics, hiding cables can improve safety for kids and pets and make your setup look more professional—think Gallery wall, not tech chaos.
Honestly, the payoff is immediate. Guests notice a tidy wall. You’ll notice less stress when cleaning. And yes, it can even raise the perceived value of your home when you’re showing it—small details matter, especially here on the Wasatch Front where presentation counts during spring showings.
Tools and materials that actually help (no mystery gear)
| Tool | Purpose | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Stud finder | Find studs for safe TV mount and in-wall runs | $15–$40 |
| Fish tape or wire coat hanger | Pull cables through wall or behind drywall | $8–$20 |
| Cable raceway (Legrand, D-Line) | Surface-mounted hiding that you can paint | $10–$40 |
Tools like a DEWALT drill, drywall saw, and a good level are handy too. If you see a brand on a box—Legrand raceways, Klein Tools, DEWALT—you’re likely in familiar territory. Use caution with in-wall work: electrical codes apply, and sometimes a simple wall plate kit (look for in-wall power kits that meet code) is all you need.
Easy, practical methods you can try this weekend
Here’s the thing: you don’t always need to cut into drywall. Some solutions are fast and reversible; others are cleaner but a little more permanent. Pick what suits your timeline and tolerance for tools.
1. Surface raceways — quick, paintable, and tidy
What it is: Plastic channels that stick to the wall and hide cables.
How to do it: Measure, cut with a hacksaw, adhere or screw to the wall, snap the cover on, paint to match. It’s workshop-level simple and looks surprisingly sleek when painted the same color as your wall.
Pro tip: use 3M VHB tape for extra hold if you rent and don’t want screws.
2. In-wall cable routing — the cleanest, a little more work
What it is: Running cables behind the drywall to an outlet or power kit.
How to do it: Cut two small holes (one behind the TV, one at the outlet height), use fish tape to pull the cable, install brush-style wall plates. If you’re comfortable with a drywall saw and a stud finder, this is doable; but if there’s any live wiring near the cavity, stop and call a pro.
Yes, it’s more permanent. And yes, it’s worth it for that floating-TV look.
3. Use a power relocation kit (for TVs over fireplaces)
Fireplace installations get tricky—heat and code issues make you think twice. A power relocation kit allows you to mount the TV above the mantel and move the outlet higher behind the TV. It’s safer, cleaner, and prevents that ugly extension cord snake down the wall.
4. Hide cables behind furniture or art
What it is: Tucking cords behind a console, bookshelf, or inside a decorative frame.
How to do it: Position a slim console or floating shelf directly under your TV to hide cables in plain sight. Or create a gallery wall and let art pieces discreetly cover cable channels. It’s low-tech but highly effective—sometimes low effort gives high reward.
5. Cord covers that look intentional
Want to make a statement? Use braided cable sleeves or a fabric cord cover. They turn messy cables into a designed element, especially in modern, industrial, or rustic Salt Lake homes.
Common mistakes people make (and how to avoid them)
Underestimating cable length: Measure twice. You don’t want cords pulling tight after you’ve painted the raceway.
Ignoring local code: Running power in-wall is not the same as hiding an AV cable. If you’re doing anything with electrical outlets, check the code or call a licensed electrician.
Choosing the wrong raceway size: Make sure it fits HDMI, power cords, and any future upgrades (4K HDMI plus a streaming stick adds up).
People often think “I can skimp on connectors.” Don’t. Good connectors keep signal quality and reduce future headaches. Mild contradiction here: inexpensive solutions can work fine—if you choose wisely.
Pro tips that make DIY feel pro
Use a level and measure from multiple points. Mounting a TV slightly off will look worse than a few visible cords. Paint raceways the wall color—or choose a contrasting color as a design feature. If you’re using an in-wall kit, label both ends of every cable. Cable management is half organization, half aesthetics.
Seasonal note: winter months in Salt Lake City often mean more indoor time—great for tackling that TV wall project while the mountains are calling but the roads are icy. Spring is perfect for touchups before hosting guests.
When to call a pro (yes, sometimes you should)
If your setup involves moving power, working near HVAC ducting, or cutting into fire-rated walls, it’s time to get help. Also, if you want a completely seamless installation with recessed boxes and hidden power that meets code—save yourself the hassle and call in a pro.
That’s where Utah TV Mounting comes in. We handle mounting, in-wall cable runs, outlet relocation, and clean finishing touches that make your TV feel like a built-in feature, not an afterthought. You can DIY some things and still call us for the finishing touches—that hybrid approach often makes the most sense.
You know what? A polished, safe result is worth a small investment if it saves time and stress. Want to talk specifics? We’re local to Salt Lake City and understand the quirks of homes here—from older bungalows to newer townhomes along the Wasatch Front.
If you’d rather have a pro handle the technical stuff, we’ll handle it fast and clean. No surprise fees, no sloppy patch jobs—just tidy work that lasts.
Call us at 801-383-0493 or click to Request a Free Quote. We’ll assess your wall, recommend the right solution—whether it’s a raceway, an in-wall kit, or full outlet relocation—and get your TV looking great.
