*Edited 04/05/2016 to add: There’s a new HUGE post on this issue. Make sure to check out all the ways to hide those cords after reading through this post.
This is another installment of “Naptime Projects.” Basically, as its name implies, a project that can be completed during one nap. This project has been on my mind for 6+ months! Can you believe that something that can be completed in an hour or so just never got done? Man, I hate those types of things.
Alright, let me back up. We have moved our television and console around a few times, even changing consoles completely. We finally found a set-up that works for right-now (until we find the perfect console). The “console” that we are using is actually the sideboard from the dining room. The sideboard has higher legs than our previous console so you can see underneath it.
Do you see my issue?
THOSE CORDS!!
Part of the issue of not taking care of it was that I never sit down to watch tv until after the little guy goes to bed. By that time, I’m done with projects and cleaning. So, every night I get reminded about this ugliness but never take care of it. Well, last week I actually remembered during the day and started working on it. My set-up ended up being pretty easy.
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First thing that I did was zip-tie the cords together. I did that in three different spots with multiple different cords.
The second thing I did was to hunt the house for a multiple prong electrical outlet that either would mount to the wall (with holes for screws) or plug directly in to the socket. I found the latter one.
With those two changes, the cords were no longer visible. It seriously makes quite the difference not seeing that extra junk. Then, I motivated myself to decorate just a bit on top of the console and, low and behold, that helped as well.
If you want to get your media console organized, you might want to get:
– Zip Ties
Seriously, hiding tv wires and all the other stuff around your console looks so much better! Just do it!
It seems pretty silly, but it’s just one of those things that helps make spaces feel put together and clean. Also, I pinned this awesome trick for mounting electrical power strips and thought I’d share.
That’s one gorgeous sideboard for sure. I have a huge issue with electrical cords and this is the prefect little fix.
Thanks Julia. That sideboard was such a steal but came from the most disgusting place. I spent hours getting the smoke smell out of it. I’ve got more electrical issues around the house and now I’m looking to them next.
My outlet is just 3″ to the right of my sideboard, which is so frustrating! I think I’m going to paint the few inches of cords that stick out with leftover wall paint to help them blend in a little more. Those multi-prong outlet plug-ins are lifesavers for sure 🙂
I’m also crazy about that awesome gold lamp – where is it from?!
So annoying! I guess you could just move them over and drywall over? I bet your guy would love that because of design issues. LOL.
Oh, that lamp was a DIY. It was a Nate Berkus (or Threshold… can’t remember) candlestick and I made it a light last year. https://biggerthanthethreeofus.com/repurposed-diy-light/
Great tip! It’s amazing how changing something small can catapult into bigger changes like decorating the top of your media center.
Thanks Jennifer. I feel like little things always catapult to big things. But usually, in a good way.
Is it crazy that I never knew there were outlets thingies that could hang off the wall! I think I need to make a trip to Target! I hate cords! They drive me bonkers!
I don’t think I ever thought about other options until I was staring at my ugliness under the TV for months! I think that’s when it clicked for me. Go buy some!
I have the worst cord problem in the bed room, TV is hanging and a small kinda like a sofa table underneath. I’m think about drilling holes and threading the cords through the drywall and then out the bottom but its open, AAHHH. Just don’t know… Hopefully I can come up with something.
Yep, I think that’s what you have to do when you hang your tv. I love the look of the tv mounted on the wall and when I eventually settle on the right entertainment system, then that is what we are going to do! Let me know if you come up with a solution!
What a stunning piece of furniture! I need to do this, because my cords are out of control! lol! Thanks for the tip, and the eye candy with all those awesome accessories around that amazing console!
Thanks for linking up with us at The Makers link party!
Thanks Ursula!
Great tip!
Thanks Cindy!
What a smart solution!! I’m going to have to look for one of those because my cords are one hot mess right now!
Definitely go pick one up! I’m trying to motivate myself to work on the cords around the computer…nightmare area for sure!
I hear ya re: exposed cords – drives me crazy! I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for multiple cord sockets this afternoon during my Home Depot run. Have been using bulky power bars attached to the back – these would far better. Thanks!
Good luck! I think they even have bendable ones that you can snake around furniture feet. =)
I haaate cords. I love this. Some gadgets are totally worth buying!
I totally agree (just don’t tell my husband!).
Great idea and thanks for sharing! Some things seem so simple, but they change EVERYTHING. Ha. Nothing like a clear floor 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Think & Make.
Thanks Karisa! I only wish the floor was clean. Ha!
So simple, but what a big difference. I find getting cord clutter off the floor also means it’s easier to vacuum under there, so it’s more likely to get done. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Darla! I totally agree with you on it definitely being easier to vacuum!
Brilliant!!! So easy and such a difference!!
Thanks Heather!
So simple and yet genius! I love that light you put on top too! I must find a way to make one!! I would love it if you stopped by my blog and linked up with me on Totally Terrific Tuesday 🙂
Have a wonderful day!
Jess
Thanks Jessica! The light was a DIY (from a Candleholder). I blogged about it… search for “DIY Light” and it will come up. Thanks again!
You could just attach a surge protector to the back of the sideboard – most of them come with nail holes so you can hang them on a wall. That way, you still have a surge protector to keep your electronics safe in case of electrical surges.
Yes, you definitely could! This particular one doesn’t have the nail holes (its super old) but that is an option!
I’m glad you brought that up. I was concerned about the lack of protection, having seen a tv fried by lightning.
I like the zip tie idea, but these outlet plugs are dangerous. My mom had several until one caught fire. The fireman strongly encouraged her to get rid of them as he sees these as fire starters in several homes.
I had no idea. I’ll definitely look into that. Thanks!
FYI…my DIL found a deal at HD that went into the wall and came out at the plug to hide all the cords to hang the TV….she did it all herself..except hang the TV but could have probably have done that, since they are now so light weight, but wanted to make my son feel like he did something, heehee! You might check that out….she said it was super easy….hardest thing was cutting the hole for the cords AND the size they told her to get was really toooo big she’d go down one size next time!
Good to know! I’ll have to check that out.
LOVE THE CORD ORGANIZATION. I PUT A PEG BOARD BACKING ON MY TV STAND AND WRAP THE CORDS AND ANCHORED ALL ON PEG HOOKS. IT KEEPS THE DUST BALLS OFF OF THE CORDS.
Thanks Judy! The peg board backing is such a great idea.
I have this exact dresser and I use it for my tv too. Isn’t it so gorgeous?! But I agree on the wires, I had to tie mine up and use a command hook on the back to hang them.
So funny! A command hook is a good idea!
i appreciate your post! I too abhor exposed plugs and wires. My precious husband loves me enough to hire experts to to install cables and plugs in the walls when we had our television mounted on the wall.
Even then, we will have wires due to video systems when used (when not used I unplug them…which has saved a system or two due to power surges during bad storms, so no one complains anymore!) I use one of the double sided Command strips with hook on the back of the tv to prevent one of the connecting cables from showing, and that way it can stay connected and not a hassle to hook up Wii on a whim.
Thanks for your post!
Such a good idea to use the command strips!
Naptime project? Now how am I supposed to accomplish this while I’m taking a nap? 😉
Seriously, thanks for the great ideas!
lol. Ha.
Great idea BUT DO YOU KNOW 35,000 children under age 5 go to the Emergancy room from TV’s FALLING ON THEM! Many die. They pull the drawers out & climb up! TV’s are very dangerous, there is a contraption at your local hardware that you can mount to the back of the TV and then to the wall so the TV WONT GO ANYWHERE! Do take this precaution to protect your little ones!
Thanks Jean. Yes, I have heard that about TVs. We don’t have a young kiddo anymore, so we are good but that’s a great reminder as well.
at least you should have cleaned the TV before taking photos!!!!
haha. Yep! It’s still not cleaned!
Where did you get that dresser? !! I had that very same one along with the matching desk when I was a boy…50 years ago!
I found it on Craigslist!
Your Amazon affiliate links are broken
That’s a great idea! Was in problem with my TV cords and searching for a simple way to hide them. The plan has made it easy. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks Yana! Cords are my nemesis. Glad you found the post helpful.