How to Conceal Wires, Cords & Cables
Do you have multiple tech items that you absolutely cannot live without such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, iPod, and camera, but could do without the mess of cords? We CAN live without the unsightly, tangled mess of wires and cables that inevitably goes along with all these gadgets. Here are some ideas for taming the tangle.
Houzz user Sarah Dorsey explains how to make graphic panels that easily conceal cables: “Using minimal tools and a damage-free hanging system, I created three panels for my desk — two act as stylish accents and one hides the outlet and messy wires. One of the best things about this project is that it’s completely customizable.” So customizable that she created her own stencil, too! Read the details on Houzz.
For those who are less mechanically adept but still like to DIY, here’s an idea that’s the opposite of concealment – embracing the wires and creating a beautiful object out of them instead: “Electrical cords continue to vex those with aesthetic sensibilities; the majority of us want them to blend unobtrusively into the background — or better yet, disappear altogether. Say you have a cord that needs to stretch across a room, and you’re sick of the tack-it-along-the-floorboards approach… Make the cord the center of attention, perhaps a giant colorful braid that you probably won’t trip on because, well, you can’t stop staring at it.” Kate Pruitt shows you how with helpful step-by-step photos on DesignSponge.
Not ready to adorn your room with a huge braid of cords? Legrand offers an innovative range of office products to make those wires vanish while allowing access, portability, and even retractability. Their flat-screen TV cord and cable kit is a godsend for homeowners: “Do-it-yourself kit allows for neat and easy installation in under 30 minutes with no electrician or hard wiring involved.” The kit complements Legrand’s Cordmate II Cord Channel kit and Cordmate II Flex.
And our favorite solution? Custom furniture! Here Kimball designed a wall mounted contemporary media cabinet to encompass the power outlet, eliminating all wires from view. The center shelf is positioned at bar height so it can be used to prepare cocktails or pour wine, while glasses and bottles are stored in the upper cabinets behind garage-style doors. The lower compartments store games and multimedia components which are wired through the wall connected to a ceiling mounted projector which then projects your video onto a concealed screen- not only tech savvy but stylish!
If you enjoyed these ideas get in touch through the contact page. We’d love to create a custom furniture solution to your cord calamity!
San Francisco interior design firm, Kimball Starr, provides custom furniture and interior decorating solutions for homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Kimball works to “change lives one room at a time” through designing unique and creative interiors suited for each homeowner.