Mounting your television on the wall instantly creates a cleaner, more modern aesthetic in any room. However, the sight of cables dangling from the back or a bulky cable box sitting on the mantle below the screen can quickly ruin that sleek look. The challenge of hiding the cable box for wall mounted tv is a common one for homeowners who want both functionality and style.
Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to manage these wires, ranging from simple cosmetic tricks to full-scale in-wall solutions. The best method for you will depend on your technical skill level, your budget, and how you plan to use the equipment. This guide will walk you through the most practical ways to conceal your set-top box while maintaining easy access for remote controls and cables.
Strategic Placement and Furniture Arrangement
Before you start cutting holes in the wall, consider how your existing furniture layout can solve the problem. Often, the simplest solution is to move the media console or stand slightly forward so it partially overlaps the edge of the television. This creates a shelf or ledge specifically designed to house the cable box, DVD player, and soundbar, keeping everything organized and off the floor.
- Low media consoles: Position a low, streamlined cabinet directly behind the TV to keep components hidden from frontal view.
- Console tables: Place the cable box on the surface behind the TV stand, ensuring cables are managed with cable ties or a cord cover.
- Credenzas: Situating the equipment on a sideboard allows you to hide the mess while keeping the components accessible.
Utilizing the Wall Space Behind the Television
The area directly behind the flat panel is often dead space, but it can be transformed into a functional management zone. By lifting the TV slightly off the wall mount, you can run cables and store the box in this concealed area. This keeps the device close to the screen for optimal signal strength while removing the visual clutter from your living room.
To do this safely, you will need a articulating TV mount that allows for some variation in depth. You can then place the cable box on a small shelf or flat surface behind the set. Remember to leave adequate space for ventilation, as electronics can overheat if trapped directly against the wall or the back of the TV.
Floating Shelves and Niche Solutions
If you are unable to move the TV far enough forward, installing a floating shelf behind the set is an excellent alternative. This shelf acts as a dedicated platform for the cable box, receiver, and power strips, effectively creating a hidden storage area that is still accessible.
- Ensure the shelf is shallow enough to fit behind the TV but deep enough to hold the equipment securely.
- Use cable clips to route the wires vertically down the back of the TV and onto the shelf.
- This method allows for easy upgrades or troubleshooting without having to move heavy furniture.
In-Wall and Conduit Solutions
For a truly seamless finish, running the cables inside the walls is the most effective way to hide cable box wires. This involves cutting holes in the drywall to install low-voltage wiring kits or raceways that channel the cables down to the floor plate. While this requires more effort and precision, it results in a completely clean look that is ideal for modern interiors.
Another option is to use rigid PVC conduit. Placing a small piece of conduit behind the TV allows you to run the cables through it like a raceway. You can then cut access holes in the top and bottom of the conduit to manage the cables without having to cut large holes in the wall.
Camouflage and Cable Management Tactics
If in-wall solutions are too invasive, focusing on cable management can make the box itself less noticeable. Painting the cable box black allows it to blend in with a dark entertainment center or the back of a TV stand. Alternatively, covering the device with a custom fabric skin or placing it inside a woven basket can disguise its shape and presence.
Regardless of the hiding method you choose, cable management is essential. Using velcro straps to bundle wires, adhesive cable clips to stick wires to the back of the TV, and a power strip with a long cord ensures that everything stays secure and out of sight. This attention to detail transforms a messy setup into a polished, intentional layout.