You spent $1,500 on a beautiful 75″ OLED TV. Then 6 ugly cables dangle down the wall, ruining the look. Here’s how to make those cables disappear — legally, safely, and beautifully.
Why Cable Concealment Matters (Beyond Looks)
- Exposed cables are a trip hazard for kids/pets
- UV light degrades cable insulation over years
- Loose cables get snagged and yanked, damaging connections
- Dust accumulates — fire hazard near power supplies
Method 1: Surface Cable Raceway ($15-$50, DIY)
Plastic or metal channel that mounts to the wall covering cables. Paint to match wall.
Pros: Cheap, fast, no wall cutting
Cons: Visible boxy track, looks DIY
Best for: Rentals, short-term setups
Method 2: In-Wall Cable Pass-Through Kit ($30-$80, DIY-able)
Two recessed wall plates: one behind the TV (cables in), one near the floor (cables out to outlet/components). Cables run inside the wall cavity.
Pros: Clean look, completely hidden
Cons: Requires drywall cutting, only works on single-stud-cavity walls (no fire blocks), CANNOT include power cable inside wall (electrical code)
Best for: Most living rooms where outlet is on same wall
Method 3: Power Outlet Behind TV ($100-$200, Pro)
An electrician installs a new wall outlet directly behind the TV. Now power, HDMI, and ethernet all hide behind the TV with no visible cables.
Pros: Perfect clean look, code-compliant, increases home value
Cons: Requires licensed electrician, building permit in some MD jurisdictions
Best for: Permanent installations, above-fireplace TVs
Method 4: Power Bridge / Power Relocation Kit ($75-$150, Semi-Pro)
A kit that runs special low-voltage power “loop” through the wall, with code-compliant inlet/outlet plates. Not real wiring — safer than running an extension cord.
Pros: No electrician needed, code-compliant, looks like real outlet
Cons: Outlet is non-functional except for the TV power adapter
Best for: Renters who want a clean look without permits
Method 5: Full Whole-Room Cable Management ($299-$599, Pro Installation)
The premium solution: cables route through wall to a separate equipment cabinet, all components (cable box, game console, Apple TV, soundbar) live in the cabinet, controlled by IR repeater. ZERO cables visible anywhere.
Pros: Magazine-quality finish, hidden components reduce dust, easy to upgrade later
Cons: Most expensive, requires planning
What About Behind a Brick or Stone Wall?
For brick or stone fireplace walls, in-wall pass-through isn’t possible. Solutions:
- Color-matched cable cover (paintable, $40-$60)
- Side-channel routing to nearest drywall
- Pre-mounted cable conduit (if fireplace is being remodeled)
Code-Compliance Note for Maryland
Maryland electrical code: Never run a TV power cable inside a wall. Only signal cables (HDMI, ethernet, speaker wire). Power must use a dedicated electrical outlet OR a UL-listed power bridge kit. Doing it wrong = fire hazard + home inspection failure when selling.
Let Us Hide Your TV Wires Professionally
ProTvMount MD specializes in in-wall cable management throughout Maryland. Starting at $129 for basic concealment, $299 for full pro installation with new outlet.
📞 Call (443) 540-7985 or get our full pricing here.
Available in Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and all Maryland 20XXX/21XXX ZIP codes.