Concealing Wires When Power Outlets Are Limited
Not every wall has a conveniently placed outlet for a mounted TV. Here are practical solutions for managing power and cables when outlets are not where you need them.
The Outlet Challenge
In an ideal installation, a power outlet sits directly behind the mounted TV so the power cord is completely hidden. In reality, the nearest outlet is often several feet away, down near the baseboard, or on an adjacent wall entirely. This is especially common in older homes built before wall-mounted TVs were a consideration. Homes in neighborhoods like your area and your area frequently have limited outlet placement on interior walls, and adding outlets is not always straightforward in plaster-over-lath construction.
In-Wall Power Solutions
The cleanest solution when outlets are not where you need them is an in-wall power kit. These UL-listed systems allow you to run power through the wall safely by using a rated power cable that connects a new outlet plate behind the TV to an existing outlet below. The low-voltage cables like HDMI and Ethernet route through the same wall cavity. This approach is code-compliant and keeps every cable hidden. For homes where the existing outlet is too far away for an in-wall kit, your technician can have a new outlet installed at TV height. This is the most permanent and professional solution. Learn more about how power gets routed behind a mounted TV .
Surface-Mounted Cable Covers
When in-wall routing is not possible, perhaps due to a concrete or brick wall, fire blocks inside the wall cavity, or a rental property where you cannot modify the walls, surface-mounted cable covers are the next best option. These are paintable plastic channels that stick to the wall and route cables from the TV down to the nearest outlet. A well-installed cable cover that is painted to match the wall is far less noticeable than loose cables hanging down. The key is running the cable cover along natural wall lines, in corners or along baseboards where the eye does not naturally focus. Your technician can often route the cover behind furniture so only a short section is visible, if any.
Planning Ahead for Clean Results
The best time to solve the outlet problem is before the TV goes up. When you book your installation , let the team know where your outlets are relative to the desired TV location. Your technician will arrive prepared with the right solution, whether that is an in-wall power kit, cable covers, or a recommendation for outlet installation. TV Solutions handles installations with challenging outlet situations daily across the service area, from older homes in Wheat Ridge to condos in the city. No matter the situation, there is always a clean solution.