Creative Ways to Hide Power Strips and Cords: A Clutter-Free Guide

Power strips are essential for modern living, powering our computers, lamps, phone chargers, and more. However, they are also notoriously unsightly, contributing to visual clutter and creating potential tripping hazards. If you’re tired of staring at a tangled mess of cords and a bulky power strip, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide provides numerous creative and practical ways to hide power strips and cords, transforming your space from chaotic to clean and organized. We’ll cover everything from simple solutions using everyday items to more involved DIY projects. Let’s dive in!

Why Hide Power Strips?

Before we get into the ‘how,’ let’s briefly discuss the ‘why.’ Hiding power strips offers several key benefits:

• Improved Aesthetics: A clean, uncluttered space is visually more appealing and calming. Hiding power strips instantly elevates the look of any room.
• Enhanced Safety: Exposed cords and power strips can be tripping hazards, especially for children and pets. Concealing them reduces the risk of accidents.
• Dust Reduction: Cords attract dust like magnets. Hiding them minimizes dust accumulation and makes cleaning easier.
• Protection from Damage: Exposed cords can be easily damaged by pets, vacuums, or foot traffic. Hiding them protects them from wear and tear.
• Organization: Hiding power strips contributes to a more organized and efficient workspace or living area.

Simple and Quick Solutions

These solutions are ideal for those who want to hide power strips without spending a lot of time or money.

1. Cord Management Boxes

Cord management boxes are perhaps the easiest and most popular solution for hiding power strips. These boxes are typically made of plastic or wood and come in various sizes and styles to match your decor.

How to Use:

1. Open the cord management box.
2. Place the power strip inside the box.
3. Plug all your devices into the power strip.
4. Route the cords through the designated openings in the box.
5. Close the lid.

Tips:

• Choose a box that is large enough to accommodate your power strip and all its cords.
• Consider a box with ventilation holes to prevent overheating.
• Opt for a box with a non-slip base to keep it from sliding around.

2. Cable Sleeves

Cable sleeves, also known as cord covers, are flexible tubes made of fabric or neoprene that bundle cords together. They help to tidy up the appearance of multiple cords and can be easily installed.

How to Use:

1. Gather the cords you want to conceal.
2. Open the cable sleeve (usually with a zipper or Velcro closure).
3. Insert the cords into the sleeve.
4. Close the sleeve.

Tips:

• Choose a cable sleeve that is long enough to cover the entire length of the cords.
• Select a sleeve that matches the color of your walls or furniture to blend in seamlessly.
• Consider using multiple sleeves for different groups of cords.

3. Cable Clips

Cable clips are small adhesive or screw-in clips that attach to surfaces to hold cords in place. They are a simple and affordable way to keep cords organized and out of sight.

How to Use:

1. Clean the surface where you want to attach the clips.
2. Peel off the adhesive backing (if applicable) or use screws to attach the clips.
3. Insert the cords into the clips.

Tips:

• Choose clips that are appropriate for the type of surface you are attaching them to (e.g., adhesive clips for smooth surfaces, screw-in clips for rough surfaces).
• Space the clips evenly to provide adequate support for the cords.
• Consider using clips with adjustable closures to accommodate different cord thicknesses.

4. Furniture with Built-in Cord Management

Many modern desks, TV stands, and other furniture pieces come with built-in cord management features, such as grommets, channels, and compartments. These features allow you to discreetly route and hide cords.

How to Use:

1. Identify the cord management features in your furniture.
2. Route the cords through the grommets or channels.
3. Conceal the power strip in the designated compartment.

Tips:

• When shopping for new furniture, prioritize pieces with cord management features.
• Use cable ties or Velcro straps to bundle cords together before routing them through the furniture.
• Consider adding additional cord management accessories, such as cable clips or sleeves, to further enhance the organization.

5. Use Decorative Baskets or Boxes

A simple, aesthetically pleasing option is to use decorative baskets or boxes to conceal the power strip and excess cords. This method works particularly well for areas where the power strip is easily visible, such as behind a sofa or next to a desk.

How to Use:

1. Choose a basket or box that complements your decor and is large enough to hold the power strip and cords.
2. Place the power strip inside the basket or box.
3. Plug in your devices and neatly arrange the cords.
4. Drape a decorative cloth or scarf over the basket/box to further conceal the contents (optional).

Tips:

• Ensure the basket or box has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
• Consider using a basket with a lid or a box with a magnetic closure for added concealment.
• Choose a material that is fire-resistant for safety.

DIY Solutions

For those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, these DIY solutions offer creative ways to hide power strips and cords.

1. Faux Bookcase

Create a hidden compartment behind a faux bookcase panel. This is a great option for hiding power strips in a living room or home office.

Materials:

• A piece of plywood or MDF board
• Hinges
• Magnetic latches
• Paint or wallpaper to match your bookcase
• Screws
• Drill

Instructions:

1. Measure the width and height of the section of your bookcase you want to conceal.
2. Cut the plywood or MDF board to the measured dimensions.
3. Attach the hinges to the board and the bookcase frame.
4. Install the magnetic latches to keep the panel closed.
5. Paint or wallpaper the board to match your bookcase.
6. Mount the power strip behind the panel and run the cords through a small opening.

Tips:

• Consider adding faux book spines to the panel for a more realistic look.
• Ensure the panel is securely attached to prevent it from falling open.
• Provide adequate ventilation behind the panel to prevent overheating.

2. Hidden Compartment in a Desk

Create a hidden compartment within your desk to house the power strip and cords. This is an ideal solution for home offices or study areas.

Materials:

• A small box or container
• Screws
• Drill
• A piece of wood to create a false bottom (optional)

Instructions:

1. Attach the box or container to the underside of your desk using screws.
2. If desired, create a false bottom for the container to further conceal the power strip.
3. Place the power strip inside the container and run the cords through a small opening.

Tips:

• Choose a container that is sturdy and can support the weight of the power strip and cords.
• Ensure the container is securely attached to the desk to prevent it from falling.
• Provide adequate ventilation inside the container to prevent overheating.

3. Fabric Cord Covers

Sew custom fabric cord covers to match your home decor. This is a great way to add a personal touch while concealing unsightly cords.

Materials:

• Fabric of your choice
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Velcro strips or snaps

Instructions:

1. Measure the length of the cords you want to cover.
2. Cut a piece of fabric that is slightly wider than the diameter of the cords and long enough to cover the entire length.
3. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and sew along the open edge to create a tube.
4. Turn the tube right side out.
5. Attach Velcro strips or snaps along the open edge of the tube.
6. Wrap the fabric cover around the cords and secure it with the Velcro or snaps.

Tips:

• Choose a fabric that is durable and easy to clean.
• Consider using a patterned fabric to add visual interest.
• Ensure the fabric cover fits snugly around the cords to prevent it from slipping.

4. Convert a Drawer into a Charging Station

Repurpose an existing drawer into a hidden charging station. This is a fantastic way to declutter your countertops and keep devices out of sight while they charge.

Materials:

• A drawer (preferably one you don’t use often)
• Power strip
• Drill with appropriate drill bit
• Screws (if needed to secure the power strip)
• Cable clips or ties

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Drawer: Choose a drawer that’s easily accessible and large enough to accommodate your devices and the power strip.
2. Create Cord Access: Drill a hole in the back of the drawer to allow the power cord from the power strip to pass through. Ensure the hole is large enough but not excessively so.
3. Install the Power Strip: Secure the power strip inside the drawer. You can use screws if the drawer material allows, or heavy-duty adhesive strips. Make sure it’s firmly attached.
4. Route the Cords: Plug in your devices and neatly arrange the charging cables. Use cable clips or ties to keep the cords organized and prevent them from tangling.
5. Conceal and Charge: Close the drawer to conceal the charging devices. The drawer becomes a discreet charging station, eliminating clutter on your countertops.

Tips:

• Always prioritize safety. Ensure the power strip is a surge protector to prevent electrical damage.
• Consider ventilation. If you’ll be charging multiple devices simultaneously, leave the drawer slightly ajar to prevent overheating.
• Label the cords. Use labels to identify which cord belongs to which device for easy management.

5. Shadow Box Cord Hider

Create a decorative shadow box to conceal the power strip and cords. This option allows you to combine cord hiding with a decorative element.

Materials:

• A shadow box frame (choose a size that fits your power strip)
• Fabric or decorative paper
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Power strip
• Drill (optional, for cord access)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shadow Box: Line the inside of the shadow box with fabric or decorative paper using a hot glue gun. This will create a visually appealing backdrop.
2. Create Cord Access: If the shadow box doesn’t have a pre-existing opening, drill a hole in the back for the power cord to pass through.
3. Install the Power Strip: Place the power strip inside the shadow box. You can secure it with adhesive strips if needed.
4. Arrange Cords: Plug in your devices and neatly arrange the cords within the box.
5. Decorate and Conceal: Place decorative items inside the shadow box to conceal the power strip and cords. Consider using small plants, figurines, or decorative rocks.
6. Mount the Shadow Box: Hang the shadow box on the wall, concealing the power strip and adding a decorative touch to your space.

Tips:

• Choose a shadow box that complements your existing decor.
• Ensure the power strip is easily accessible if you need to reset it or unplug devices.
• Avoid overloading the power strip to prevent overheating.

Advanced Solutions: In-Wall Cord Concealment

For a truly seamless look, consider in-wall cord concealment. This involves running cords behind your walls, completely eliminating visible wires. This is a more advanced project that may require electrical knowledge or the assistance of a professional.

Important Safety Note: Working with electrical wiring can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, consult a qualified electrician.

1. In-Wall Cable Management Kits

These kits typically include everything you need to run cords behind your walls, including cable plates, fish tape, and wire connectors.

How to Use:

1. Turn off the power to the circuit you will be working on.
2. Locate the studs in your wall.
3. Cut holes in the wall where you want to install the cable plates.
4. Use fish tape to pull the cords through the wall.
5. Connect the cords to the cable plates.
6. Secure the cable plates to the wall.
7. Restore power to the circuit.

Tips:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall before cutting any holes.
• Be careful not to damage any existing wiring or plumbing when cutting holes in the wall.
• If you are unsure about any part of the process, consult a qualified electrician.

2. Hiring a Professional Electrician

The safest and most reliable way to achieve in-wall cord concealment is to hire a licensed electrician. They have the expertise and tools to safely and efficiently run cords behind your walls.

Benefits of Hiring an Electrician:

• Ensures the job is done safely and correctly.
• Complies with all local building codes.
• Provides peace of mind knowing the work is guaranteed.

General Tips for Cord Management

Regardless of which solution you choose, here are some general tips for cord management:

• Unplug Devices When Not in Use: This not only saves energy but also reduces the number of cords that need to be managed.
• Use Cord Labels: Labeling cords makes it easy to identify which cord belongs to which device.
• Bundle Cords Together: Use cable ties, Velcro straps, or zip ties to bundle cords together.
• Shorten Excess Cord Length: Use cord winders or shortening devices to eliminate excess cord length.
• Plan Your Setup: Before plugging in any devices, plan the layout of your cords to minimize clutter.
• Regularly Tidy Up: Make cord management a regular part of your cleaning routine to prevent clutter from building up.

Safety Precautions

When dealing with power strips and cords, always prioritize safety:

• Never Overload a Power Strip: Exceeding the power strip’s capacity can cause it to overheat and create a fire hazard.
• Use Surge Protectors: Protect your electronic devices from power surges by using power strips with surge protection.
• Inspect Cords Regularly: Check cords for damage, such as frayed wires or cracks. Replace damaged cords immediately.
• Keep Cords Away from Water: Avoid placing cords near sinks, bathtubs, or other sources of water.
• Keep Cords Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Secure cords to prevent them from being chewed or pulled on.

Conclusion

Hiding power strips and cords doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little creativity and planning, you can easily transform your space from cluttered to clean and organized. Whether you choose a simple solution like a cord management box or a more involved DIY project like a faux bookcase, the key is to find a method that works best for your needs and aesthetic preferences. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can create a safer, more visually appealing, and more functional living or working environment. So, take the first step towards a clutter-free space today!