TL;DR
There are three ways to hide TV cables after mounting: paintable cable raceways (no-drill, works on any wall, renter-friendly), fabric sleeves (cheapest, bundles cables into one column), and full in-wall wiring with a power outlet behind the TV (cleanest result, drywall only). For most NYC apartments, a professional cable raceway is the sweet spot — and if you want cables completely invisible, our $599 in-wall service does it all in one visit.
Table of Contents
You spent hours finding the perfect spot for your wall-mounted TV. You picked the right mount, got it level, and stood back to admire the view. Then you looked down. A tangle of HDMI cables, a power cord drooping from the wall, and a mess of wires pooling on the floor behind your stand.
It's the single most common complaint after a TV mount installation. The TV looks great. The cables don't.
The good news: there are three ways to fix this, ranging from a no-drill adhesive track to a full professional in-wall installation. This guide breaks down each method with honest pros, cons, and costs — so you can pick the right one for your situation.
Method 1: Cable Raceways / Cord Covers (DIY or Pro)
Cable raceways are plastic channels that mount flat against your wall, concealing cables inside a clean casing. They come in white, black, and paintable versions. Most use adhesive strips — no drilling required — but you can also screw them in if the adhesive isn't strong enough for your wall.
You route your cables through the channel, snap the cover closed, and run it from the TV down to your outlet or media console. It's not invisible — you can still see the raceway — but it turns a tangled mess into a straight, intentional-looking line. Paintable raceways blend in well when painted to match your wall.
This method works on any wall type — drywall, plaster, brick, concrete. It's the only option when cutting into the wall isn't possible.
Best for: Renters, anyone with plaster or brick walls, people who want a fast no-damage fix.
Pros:
- No wall damage — peel-and-stick adhesive (or screws if needed)
- Takes 30 minutes to install
- Paintable versions blend in with the wall
- Completely reversible — important for rentals
- Works on every wall type
Cons:
- Still visible up close (it's a plastic channel on your wall)
- Adhesive can fail on heavily textured walls or in humid rooms
DIY cost: $20–$50 for a kit. Paintable versions run slightly more. Check our recommendations page for the cable raceway track we use on installs.
Pro service: Our TV Mounting + Cables Covered service includes professional cable raceway installation along with your TV mount — starting at $199.
Method 2: Fabric Cable Sleeves ($10–$20, DIY)
Cable sleeves are flexible fabric tubes that bundle multiple cables together into a single, wrapped cord. They're the easiest option on this list — you just slide your cables in, and the sleeve gives them a clean, uniform look.
They don't mount to the wall. Instead, the sleeve hangs from behind your TV down to the floor or media stand, keeping the cables organized in a single column rather than spreading out.
Best for: A media console directly below the TV, short vertical cable runs, anyone who wants zero wall contact.
Pros:
- Cheapest option — under $20
- Zero wall damage whatsoever
- Works with any number of cables
Cons:
- Cables still hang visibly — organized, but not hidden
- Only works well when the TV is directly above the media stand
- Doesn't work if cables need to travel horizontally
Estimated cost: $10–$20. Look for split-style sleeves that let you add or remove cables without re-threading.
This is the right solution when your goal is "organized" rather than "truly hidden." If you want cables completely out of sight, you want Method 3.
Method 3: Full In-Wall Wiring with Power Outlet (Pro Only, Drywall Only)
This is the clean solution. Your installer runs all cables — including power — through the wall, with a new power outlet installed directly behind the TV. The result: your TV appears to float on the wall with zero wires visible anywhere.
This method only works on drywall. Plaster walls (common in NYC pre-war buildings), brick, and concrete cannot be routed through. For those wall types, Method 1 is your best option.
This works best when your TV is your only device — a modern smart TV with built-in streaming apps that just needs power behind it. If you have a cable box, Apple TV, gaming console, or other external devices, you'll need additional cable routing, but we handle all of that in the same installation.
Our TV Mounting + Power Outlet + Cable in Wall service includes everything — TV mount, new outlet behind the TV, and all cables hidden in the wall — for $599.
Best for: Homeowners and condo owners with drywall who want a showroom-quality finish.
Pros:
- Completely invisible — no cables, no visible hardware anywhere
- Power outlet is behind the TV (no extension cords running down the wall)
- Dramatically increases the visual impact of a wall-mounted TV
Cons:
- Drywall only — does not work on plaster, brick, or concrete
Comparison Table
| Method | Cost | Wall Types | Renter-Friendly | Result |
|---|
| Cable Raceway | $20–$50 DIY / $199 pro | Any | Yes | Clean line on wall |
| Fabric Sleeve | $10–$20 DIY | Any | Yes | Organized, not hidden |
| In-Wall + Outlet | $599 pro | Drywall only | No | Zero visible cables |
Which Method Is Right for You?
Are you renting?
Methods 1 and 2 are your safe options. Paintable cable raceways give the best result without wall damage — peel-and-stick adhesive leaves no permanent marks if removed carefully.
Do you have plaster, brick, or concrete walls?
In-wall routing isn't possible. A cable raceway is your best option, and a well-installed paintable one looks much cleaner than you'd expect.
Do you have drywall and want cables completely hidden?
Method 3 — full in-wall wiring with a power outlet. Nothing else comes close.
Is your TV directly above a media stand?
A fabric sleeve might be all you need. Cables drop straight down behind the furniture and disappear from the viewing angle.
FAQ
Can I hide TV cables without cutting into the wall?
Yes — Methods 1 and 2 require zero wall cutting. Cable raceways mount with adhesive (or screws) and route cables along the outside of the wall. Fabric sleeves don't mount at all. These are the right options for any wall that can't be cut.
Is in-wall cable routing safe?
Yes, when done by a professional. Power cables require a proper in-wall rated cable and a new outlet — running a regular extension cord through a wall is a fire hazard and violates code.
Can I hide cables on a swivel or full-motion mount?
Yes — it doesn't matter what type of mount you have. The cables just need to be long enough to move with the arm. We recommend using at least 10-foot HDMI cables so there's enough slack for the full range of motion.
Can I do in-wall cable routing myself?
You can route signal cables (HDMI, ethernet) through the wall yourself if you're comfortable with drywall work. But for anything involving power — which is the whole point of Method 3 — you need a licensed electrician. Our TV Mounting + Power Outlet + Cable in Wall service handles it all for $599.
Ready to clean up your cable situation? Our TV Mounting + Cables Covered service starts at $199 (raceway, works on any wall). For a fully hidden look, TV Mounting + Power Outlet + Cable in Wall is $599 (drywall only). Both include the TV mount. Book an appointment →
