Tangled wires and cables can quickly ruin the aesthetic of your beautifully arranged TV entertainment center. Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly and creative ways to hide these unsightly wires and keep your space looking sleek and organized. Here's how to do it without breaking the bank!
1. Use Cable Management Sleeves
Cable management sleeves are an affordable and effective way to gather multiple wires into a single, tidy bundle. They are available in various sizes, materials, and colors, so you can easily find one that matches your home decor.
- How to Use :
- Gather all the wires that need to be hidden, such as those for the TV, sound system, gaming consoles, or streaming devices.
- Slip the wires into the sleeve and zip it up.
- You can even secure the sleeve to the back of the TV stand or along the walls for a more streamlined look.
This method keeps your wires looking neat and prevents them from tangling, all for a very low cost.
2. Mount a Power Strip Underneath the Entertainment Center
One of the simplest ways to hide wires is by using a power strip mounted underneath your TV stand. This allows you to plug in all of your devices while keeping the wires off the floor and out of sight.
- How to Use :
- Purchase a power strip with a long cord and mount it to the underside of your entertainment center using adhesive strips or screws.
- Plug your devices into the power strip and route the cables neatly along the back of the stand.
- If your entertainment center has open shelves, you can even run the wires along the back edge to keep them out of view.
By utilizing a mounted power strip, you can ensure that your wires remain organized and hidden without spending much.
3. Use Cable Clips or Hooks
Cable clips and hooks are incredibly inexpensive and can be a game-changer when it comes to organizing and hiding wires. These small items are perfect for securing cables to the back of your entertainment center or along the walls.
- How to Use :
- Attach the cable clips to the back of your entertainment center or along the baseboards where the cables are running.
- Use the clips to secure each wire individually or group them together to avoid clutter.
- For a more seamless look, you can paint the clips or hooks to match the color of your furniture or walls.
Cable clips and hooks offer a discreet way to keep your wires in place, and they're an affordable option that doesn't require any complicated installation.
4. Create a DIY Cable Box
If you want to hide a mess of cords at the base of your entertainment center, a DIY cable box can be a stylish solution. These boxes are designed to contain all your power strips, adapters, and excess cables in one neat, hidden location.
- How to Make :
- Find a sturdy box (you can use a wooden box or even an old shoebox).
- Cut holes on each side for the wires to pass through.
- Place the power strip and cables inside the box, then pull the wires out through the holes.
- Decorate the box to match your decor (paint it, add fabric, or cover it with wallpaper).
A DIY cable box is a great way to conceal cords while adding a unique touch to your entertainment center, and it costs very little to make.
5. Use a Decorative Tray or Basket
If you have a lot of small electronics with their own cables and wires, a decorative tray or basket can help keep them organized while hiding the cables. This method works especially well for open-shelved entertainment centers.
- How to Use :
This simple and stylish solution can be done with minimal cost and effort.
6. Add a Back Panel to Your Entertainment Center
If you're willing to do a little bit of DIY work, adding a back panel to your TV stand can be an excellent way to hide wires and cables completely. A back panel will not only give your TV stand a more polished look but also keep all the cables neatly tucked away.
- How to Make :
- Measure the back of your entertainment center and cut a piece of wood or thick cardboard to fit.
- Attach the panel to the back using screws or adhesive strips.
- Drill holes for cables to pass through and route them out of sight.
This solution is ideal if you want a completely hidden wire setup while adding a touch of craftsmanship to your furniture.
7. Decorative Cords or Cable Covers
Another affordable way to conceal wires is by using decorative cords or cable covers. These covers are often made from fabric or plastic and can be placed over the wires to make them blend in with the decor.
- How to Use :
- Select a cover that matches the color and texture of your entertainment center or surrounding decor.
- Slide the covers over the cables and secure them along the edges of your entertainment center.
- Some cable covers come with adhesive backing, which makes them easy to attach to the walls or baseboards.
Decorative covers are available at most home improvement or dollar stores, making them a cost-effective solution to hide wires.
8. Tuck Wires into the Wall
If you're looking for a more permanent and cleaner option, consider running your wires inside the wall. This method requires some tools and a bit more work, but it can make your entertainment center look completely streamlined and wire-free.
- How to Do :
- Use a wire wall kit to create a clean route inside the wall for your TV, sound system, and other devices.
- Install wall plates with small openings where the wires can pass through to the TV and outlets.
While this method can be more labor-intensive, it's an excellent way to create a truly clean look for your entertainment center.
Conclusion
Hiding wires in your TV entertainment center doesn't have to cost a fortune. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can organize your cables, reduce clutter, and give your entertainment space a sleek, polished look. Whether you choose simple cable clips, a decorative basket, or a DIY cable box, these budget-friendly solutions will help you maintain a clean and stylish setup without spending a lot of money. So, say goodbye to tangled wires and enjoy your new, wire-free entertainment center!