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How to hide TV cables

Image of a mounted TV with hidden cables using grommets.

Overview

If your TV cables are in a tangle, it can make watching your favourite shows annoying or even difficult. There are two easy ways to hide TV cables – one is a permanent and more professional-looking solution; the other is temporary and ideal for renters. Either way, this D.I.Y. project will tame the clutter and make cleaning easier.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1The permanent fix – cable grommets

Cable grommets are used to feed cables through a hole drilled into the wall behind the TV. This solution creates a tidy passageway for cables to travel from behind the TV to the outlet or other devices. It also helps to conceal the cables and provides a protective barrier against any rough edges that may cause damage. Follow the steps below for easy installation instructions.
Image of a mounted TV with hidden cables using grommets.

2Use a stud finder and mark the points

Decide where you want to put your TV mount and identify where the nearest power outlet is. This will help you plan the route for your cables and where to place your grommet. To avoid drilling through any studs or electrical wiring, use a stud finder to locate these and plan your cable route around them. Mark out the entry point for your cable – this should be hidden behind your TV, centred and easy for your cables to enter through. Next, mark out your cable exit point. This should be close to and aligned with the power point for the cables to plug into.
A Bunnings team member using a Ryobi stud finder.

3Drill into the wall

If you’ve purchased a kit that comes with a holesaw attachment, centre this to your entry point and twist to drill into the wall. Repeat this step for the exit point.

If your kit doesn’t come with an attachment, carefully drill the holes at the points you marked out using an appropriately sized holesaw. Make sure you drill straight to avoid damaging the wall or hitting any electrical wiring.

A hand twisting a hole saw to drill into the wall.

4Feed your cables through

If you’re worried about how to feed your cables from entry to exit point, that’s where fish tape comes in. It’s what electricians use for pulling wires and cables through walls and other confined spaces.

Start by attaching your cables or wires to the hook, tape the cord to the rod or eyelet of the fish tape, then push or guide the tape through the space you want the cables to go through. If you’re working in a large space, make sure you join enough rods to the tape to reach the exit point. Once the tape has reached the exit point, simply pull the cables through.

A person in a red T shirt holding a cable.

5Attach the cable grommet

Insert the grommet into the entry hole you drilled. Depending on the grommet, you might need to secure this with screws. Ensure the grommet fits snugly and sits flush against the wall. Repeat this step at the exit point. Now that everything’s ready, simply plug in your TV and you’re good to go.
A hand is installing a grommet into a drilled hole.

6The temporary fix – adhesive cable covers

Adhesive cable covers are a great alternative if you're renting or don’t want to commit to a permanent cable management system. Follow these steps for easy installation.
Using cable management covers to hide the cables.

7Clean the wall

Decide where you’re going to install the TV and where the cables will lie. This is where you will install the covers. To prep the area, wipe the wall down with a damp microfibre cloth. Use sugar soap wipes for a deep clean, removing any oil, dirt and debris. This will ensure the covers stick well. If needed, use a pencil to mark where you want your cable cover to go.
Cleaning the wall while holding cables to the side with the other hand.

8Measure and cut to length

Measure the cover against the wall to see if it needs to be cut to size. If it’s too long for the area, cut it down with a hacksaw or a strong pair of scissors.
Cutting the cover to the appropriate size with a hacksaw.

9Stick the adhesive

Once the cover is cut to length, peel the protective layer off the adhesive strip and attach the cable cover to the wall where you made your marks earlier. Allow some time for the adhesive to settle, following the instructions on the back of the packaging.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Use a level to keep the cover straight and flush during application.
Holding an adhesive cable cover and a spirit level.

10Insert the cables

Once your adhesive has had time to set, open the hinged cover, arrange your cables as needed and snap it shut. Enjoy watching TV with nice, neat cables.
A hand arranging cables into the adhesive cable cover.

11If you enjoyed this organisational D.I.Y. project...

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.