How to Conceal TV Cables Behind the Wall

Cables hanging from a wall-mounted TV are the single greatest detractor from an otherwise clean living space. While a TV mounted flush against the drywall looks purposeful and modern, a nest of black wires dangling underneath reveals a lack of attention to detail that undermines the installation. Bringing these wires inside the wall cavity hides the mess entirely and creates a polished, custom-built look. Successfully moving cables behind the wall requires cutting small, precise holes in the drywall and ensuring your cables are rated for in-wall use. You will be fishing wires through the open space between your wall studs, which is much simpler than it sounds if you have the right path cleared. By following a clear, methodical approach, you can eliminate cord clutter in an afternoon.

  1. Locate Your Wall Path. Identify the exact location behind your TV and your media center. Use a stud finder to ensure you are not planning to cut directly into a wall stud, as you need a clear vertical path through the drywall cavity.
  2. Cut Precise Wall Openings. Trace the template provided in your cable management kit onto the wall at both the top and bottom locations. Use a drywall saw to cut slowly along your traced lines, keeping the hole as tight to the template as possible.
  3. Secure Wall Brackets Level. Slide the mounting brackets into the holes you just cut. Tighten the screws on the brackets to engage the locking tabs against the back of the drywall, securing the bracket firmly in place.
  4. Thread Cables Through Wall. Drop a fish tape or a weighted string from the top hole down to the bottom hole. Attach your HDMI and low-voltage cables to the string and gently pull them through the wall cavity.
  5. Route Power Safely In-Wall. If your kit includes an in-wall power extension, route the provided power cable between the brackets. Never run a standard TV power cord inside a wall, as it violates fire codes and is a safety hazard.
  6. Attach Faceplates and Connect. Snap the cable-management faceplates onto your brackets. Feed the cable ends through the brush openings and connect them to your television and media devices.