How to Hide Cords and Cables

With a few simple tricks, you can create a clutter-free space.

Has your tangling mess of cords behind your entertainment center or under your desk become an eyesore? While concealing them might feel next to impossible, there are actually a few simple ways you can hide your cords — or at least keep them neat and organized:

• Run cords into the wall: Mount your flat-screen TV or gaming system directly onto the wall; then drill two small holes to run the cords into the wall and out near the outlet.

• Hide them just under the surface of your desk: Mount a desk management tray, rain gutter or wire basket to the underside of your desk and store cords inside, out of view.

• Conceal them inside furniture: Tuck TV cords directly into a cabinet or entertainment center; if needed, drill a hole on the top for the wires.

• Bundle cords together: Using cable ties, a cord wrap or even a toilet paper roll, bundle cords together to keep them looking neat.

• Use cord organizers: Run cords through cord hooks behind your desk or along the legs of furniture, feed them through a cable catch or wind them through a cable reel.

• Make a docking station: Repurpose a magazine rack to create a fashionable docking station for your phone, laptop and tablet; then run all the cords through a multi-cable holder.

• Get a cord cover: If your cords are located near a baseboard or other visible area, hide them under a cord cover — they come in a variety of styles to match your décor.

You may also want to consider getting a wireless mouse, keyboard or charging station. The fewer cords you’re working with, the easier it will be to hide them.