Cable Management Tips When Installing a Wall-Mounted TV

Installing a wall-mounted TV is not as simple as it may first appear. Deciding where to put your new flat-screen TV and which wall mount to use to get the best viewing out of your television can feel a little overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, and then, when the mission is accomplished you sit back to relax and watch your favourite program… and you can’t see beyond the mess of wires and cables that are left hanging down!

The key to making a success of any DIY job is to plan ahead before you start. Decide where you want to place your TV, and locate the electrical outlet you are going to plug it into. Then you can plan the length of cable you will need and the best way to conceal it. There are many products available today that are designed to keep your cables neat and out of sight, so you need to decide which option best suits your aesthetic desires, your ability and your budget.

Different Cable Management Solutions

• Cable Raceway or Cord Cover – this is basically a protective channel or enclosure, usually made from plastic or metal, that attaches to the wall and is used to hide your cables in. They come in various lengths, some have self-adhesive backs for simple installation, and they can be painted so they match the wall colour.
• Cord Clips, Velcro or Ties – you can basically use anything to bundle your cables together, but Velcro or cord clips will be easier to untie and neater to look at. Bundled cords and cables make them easier to manage and help to reduce clutter.
• Using Furniture or Clever Decor – you can route the cables behind shelves or furniture to hide them, or strategically place plants or decorative items to cover cables running down the wall, or rugs if cables are unsightly along the floor.

In-Wall Solutions

• Wood panelling or Wainscoting – these decorative wall solutions are a great way to create a space behind them that allows cables to be tucked behind them and hidden from view.
• Running Cables Through Walls – not so much for the faint-hearted – you may need professional help, as it involves drilling holes in walls and avoiding drilling through any electric wires, but you can feed your cables through the wall exiting at the desired outlet location. This is a permanent solution, so ensure you are sure about positioning before you start!

Go Wireless!

If cables are going to be a real bugbear for you, then there are plenty of wireless devices available to help minimise the amount of cable you need. Wireless HDMI kits are great for a clean wall set-up, wireless soundbars and streaming devices are available, and built-in WiFi means there is no need for Ethernet cables.

When it comes to cable management, there are lots of options out there; you need to decide on the results you want to achieve, the amount you want to spend and the work involved. For a professional installation that includes expert cable management and clean wall mounting, consider All About Hanging’s TV wall mounting services, where their experienced team can handle both the mounting and cable concealment for a flawless finish.