You're bound to encounter tangled, unsightly cords when setting up a workspace or a lounge area. To properly implement your favorite workspace ideas, keep the space from looking jumbled by tucking any wires from computers or printers away. While some of us may not mind wires in our workspaces, most look for ways to hide them.
Furthermore, getting them organized is always preferable but think about safety first. Here are some safety precautions:
- Keep a sharp eye on potential fire hazards when working with wires and power sources.
- Minimize methods that place too much stress on cables since this can cause them to snap or fray.
- Never wind or bend consumer cables repeatedly or too tightly, for example.
- Keep paper and other combustible objects away from outlets.
- Don't interfere with your building's electrical circuits unless you're a licensed electrician.
Creative Ways to Conceal Wires
- Use plastic access panels
- It hides your cords behind them. Exposed wires are likely to get tangled or frayed, posing a severe safety hazard. Tucking it away behind plastic access panels will assure you it will be out of harm's way.
- You can put them in a box
- Putting all your chargers in one package is easy to organize and conceal the mess. You can repurpose shoe boxes or file boxes, or if you want to splurge, buy one with a more decorative appearance. Create holes for the wires and insert curtain rings through the holes. Put the chargers and extension cables in the box now. Loop each cable through its respective holes.
- Make use of cable ties
- One of the most significant issues with some cables is their length. Long wires are helpful when the power socket is far away, but they tend to become tangled or lie around looking unkempt the rest of the time. Shorten these long cables by looping them and securing them with zip ties or reusable cable ties. Colorful wires are ideal for organization, while Velcro cable ties are also helpful for concealing long wires.
- Consider a cable sleeve
- If you have many wires running in the same direction, group them and conceal them with cable sleeves. Zipper cable sleeves keep your wires organized and prevent them from getting damaged. You can use multiple cable sleeves to separate and identify groups of cables.
- Use crown moldings
- Crown moldings are a more elegant alternative, though they will require the assistance of a professional. They are famous for covering up electrical wiring along the ceiling wall. The molds are hollow in the middle, allowing wires to go through to attach them to their power outlet. They are an excellent choice if you have a brick wall. Purchase shorter crown molding' shelves' to create a mantel around your electrical device and add to the interiors.
- Utilize drawers
- You can hide untidy cables in desks and cabinet drawers. The gap in the back of the drawers allows for easy wire routing. The advantage of this setup is that it has more than enough space within the desk to store all your cables and components. Add some drawer organizers to the structure to create a charging station with designated areas for all your gadgets.
- Cover wires with skirting
- Keep your cables close to the skirting board if they go a long distance across the room. Route these extra-long wires via trunking or a cord cover attached to the skirting. It allows cables to pass between rooms without being seen. To make the skirt invisible, match the colors to the existing skirting.
- Secure wires with clips
- A cable clip is a helpful tool for offices with many wires. It might be bothersome when chargers and cords fall to the floor as soon as they are unplugged. Even if you hide cables and wires, their connectors must be accessible for future usage. Attach a cable catch or clip to your desk to solve this problem. They'll hold the ends of the cables and keep the desk tidy.
- Make use of a cable tray
- Cable management trays are practical solutions for organizing wires and accessories. The trays can be fastened or nailed to your desk, offering storage underneath. Wire baskets clamping to your desk's back are easy to use and store. If your desk has a closed-back, an under-desk raceway for office wires is a good option. To keep wires and adapters, you can use sticky drawers, and boxes cling to the desk's bottom.
- In an emergency, use painter's tape
- Painter's tape is helpful to tame cables when you're out of cable ties and need a temporary solution. Secure the cords using painter's tape to the back of a desk, a wall, or the underside of a table without hurting the surface. The main issue with painter's tape is that it does not last permanently. Depending on the surface type, cleanliness, and humidity, the painter's tape may last for weeks or only a few hours. If you're worried about a surface with a sensitive varnish, press and remove a piece of tape several times on your skin before using it.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to hiding wires, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Be sure to use the best methods for your specific workspace and needs. And as always, use caution when working with electricity. Consider consulting a professional if you are unsure about it.