Why Hiding TV Wires Matters
You spent good money on a beautiful wall-mounted TV. But if there's a tangle of black cables dangling down the wall to your outlet and cable box, it looks terrible. It's the single most common complaint we hear from homeowners who had their TV mounted by a handyman or did it themselves: "The mount is fine, but the wires look awful."
After 1,100+ TV installations across Sacramento, wire concealment has become one of our most popular services. Here's every option available, from simple DIY fixes to the gold standard professional installation.
Method 1: In-Wall Wire Concealment (The Gold Standard)
This is what we do most. It's the cleanest possible result — completely invisible wires.
How It Works
We cut two small openings in the drywall: one behind the TV and one behind your furniture or near the floor outlet. HDMI, audio, and signal cables are routed through the wall cavity between the two openings. A recessed power box is installed behind the TV so even the power cable is hidden.
The Power Outlet Question
Here's something most people don't know: it's against electrical code to run a power cable through the wall. Regular extension cords and power cables are not rated for in-wall use. The proper (and code-compliant) way is to install a recessed in-wall power outlet behind the TV, connected to the existing outlet below.
We install these recessed power kits on every in-wall concealment job. It's the right way to do it.
What You Need
Pros and Cons
Pros: Completely invisible, code-compliant, clean professional look, adds home value Cons: Requires drywall (not masonry), requires cutting into walls, best done by a professional
Method 2: Surface-Mount Cable Channels (Raceways)
When in-wall routing isn't possible — like on brick, stone, or stucco walls — surface-mount cable channels are the next best option.
How It Works
A plastic or metal channel attaches to the wall surface, running from behind the TV down to the outlet. All cables run inside the channel. We paint the channel to match your wall color so it blends in.
When to Use This Method
Tips for Best Results
Method 3: Cable Management Sleeves
These are flexible fabric or neoprene sleeves that wrap around your cables and bundle them into a single, neat tube. They don't hide the cables in the wall — they just make them look tidier.
When to Use This Method
Our Take
We don't recommend cable sleeves for wall-mounted TVs. They're better than nothing, but they still leave a visible bundle running down your wall. For a wall-mounted TV, go with in-wall concealment or cable channels.
Method 4: Furniture Placement
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. If your TV is mounted above a media console, dresser, or mantel, the furniture itself can hide the cables running down the wall.
Tips
Method 5: Decorative Solutions
Some homeowners get creative:
These work in some situations, but for most homes, proper concealment (in-wall or channels) is worth the investment.
Wire Concealment for Different Wall Types
Drywall
In-wall routing is straightforward. This is the easiest and most common scenario in Sacramento homes.
Stucco
Very common in Sacramento. In-wall routing is sometimes possible if the stucco is over frame construction, but often we use painted cable channels for the cleanest look.
Brick
Surface channels are the standard approach. We mount them with masonry screws and paint to match the grout or brick color.
Stone (Natural or Cultured)
Similar to brick — surface channels or creative routing behind stone edges. Fireplaces with stone surrounds often have gaps or channels we can exploit for cable routing.
Concrete
Surface channels are the only option. We use Tapcon screws for secure mounting.
The Sacramento Homeowner's Decision Guide
| Your Situation | Best Method | DIY Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall wall, own home | In-wall concealment | Moderate (power outlet needs electrician) |
| Brick/stone wall | Painted cable channels | Yes |
| Rental property | Cable channels (removable) | Yes |
| Above fireplace | Cable channels + creative routing | No — hire a pro |
| Samsung Frame TV | In-wall power box (essential) | No — hire a pro |
Ready for Clean, Wire-Free Walls?
If you're in Sacramento and want your TV wires concealed the right way, call Dan's TV Mounting at (916) 587-4912. We handle in-wall routing, cable channels, power outlet installation, and every wire concealment scenario. Most jobs take 30-60 minutes and the difference is dramatic.