Take a quick look behind your desk or TV. Is that a tangled mess of digital spaghetti staring back at you?
I know that sight all too well. For years my entertainment center looked like a tech explosion in slow motion. It was more than just ugly. It was a constant, low-level reminder of chaos. When I started my journey to overhaul my life—to break free from bad habits and lose over 110 pounds—I learned a powerful lesson. A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. Creating order in my home was one of the first steps toward creating order in my soul. Tackling that wire mess wasn't just about aesthetics. It was about taking control and making space for peace.
If you’re tired of the cord chaos, I get it. Here are 10 simple and smart ways I’ve learned to hide those pesky cords and wires for good.
Start with a Bundle
Before you buy anything, grab some simple zip ties or reusable velcro straps. This is the easiest first step. Gently gather the cords running from your TV or computer to the power strip. Bundle them into a single, neat line. This alone can make a huge difference. It turns a wild mess into a manageable stream. It’s a small win but celebrating small wins is how big changes happen.
Use a Cable Management Box
This was a game-changer for me. A cable management box is just a simple, sleek container with openings on each end. You place your entire power strip inside it, plug everything in, and close the lid. All the excess cord length and the ugly strip itself are completely hidden. It’s an instant fix for that rat's nest on the floor. My desk area immediately felt ten times cleaner. It’s a perfect example of how a small, simple action can bring a surprising amount of peace.
Stick Cords Out of Sight
Your furniture is your best ally. Mount your power strip to the back of your nightstand or the underside of your desk. A couple of screws or some heavy-duty adhesive strips will do the trick. I did this under my home office desk. Now the power strip is completely off the floor and out of sight. I also use small, clear adhesive hooks to guide cords along the back edges of furniture so they stay hidden.
Run Cords Along the Baseboard
For cords that need to travel across a room, a cord channel or raceway is your best friend. These are plastic tracks that stick right onto your baseboard or wall. You run the cord inside them and snap the cover on. The best part? Most of them are paintable. You can paint them the same color as your wall or trim and they practically disappear. It takes a little effort but the result is a clean, professional look.
Disguise with Decorative Covers
Sometimes a cord is just out in the open and you can't hide it. Think of a lamp cord running from a side table. Instead of a plain plastic cord, try a fabric cord cover. They come in all sorts of colors and patterns like jute, linen, or checkered prints. It turns an eyesore into a part of your decor. It’s a simple swap that shows you’ve thought about the details.
Get Creative with Baskets and Books
You don’t always need a special product. Look around your home. Do you have a nice woven basket or a decorative box? You can place it strategically on the floor next to your desk or media console. Just cut a small hole in the back, feed the power strip inside, and you’ve got a stylish hiding spot. You can also stack a few books in front of a power outlet to hide charging bricks and plugs.
Embrace Wireless Technology
The best way to hide a cord is to get rid of it completely. This isn't always possible but look for opportunities. A wireless mouse and keyboard can instantly clean up your desk. A wireless printer means you can tuck it away in a closet or on a shelf without a long USB cable. Every cord you eliminate is a victory for a calmer, cleaner space.
Use a Desk with Built-In Management
If you’re in the market for a new desk, look for one with built-in cable management. Many modern desks have hidden channels, grommet holes, or trays designed specifically to keep wires out of sight. This integrates the solution right into the furniture for a seamless look.
Go Through the Wall for a Mounted TV
This one is a bit more of a weekend project but the payoff is huge. If you have a wall-mounted TV, nothing ruins the clean look more than cords dangling down the wall. You can buy an in-wall cable management kit from any hardware store. It creates a clean opening behind your TV and another one down near your outlet. You feed the cords through the wall for a completely wire-free look. It’s easier than it sounds and makes your living room look amazing.
A Simple Cord Reel for Chargers
What about the chargers for our phones and laptops? They create daily clutter. A simple retractable cord reel can be a great solution. When you're done charging, the cord winds itself back up into a small, neat package. I keep one in my backpack and another in a drawer by my bedside. It prevents those tangled knots that seem to form on their own.
Creating an orderly home isn’t just about making things look nice. It’s about building a peaceful sanctuary where you can rest, connect with your family, and focus on what truly matters. For me, taking control of my physical space was a reflection of the internal changes I was making. It was a way to honor the new life I was building, one small, organized corner at a time.
So, what’s the one cord catastrophe in your home you can tackle this week? Don’t try to fix everything at once. Just pick one spot. You might be surprised by how good it feels to bring a little more order into your world.
