Published March 11, 2026 -- by Steven, owner of Rock Paper TV
A wall-mounted TV looks great -- until you notice the tangle of cables hanging down the wall. Power cords, HDMI cables, soundbar wires, and streaming device cables can turn a clean install into an eyesore fast. After 1,000+ TV installations in Louisville and surrounding areas, here are the four methods we use to hide TV wires, ranked from simplest to cleanest.
Method 1: Cord Covers (Surface-Mounted Channels)
Cord covers are plastic channels that mount to the wall surface and conceal your cables inside. They run from behind the TV straight down to your outlet or media console.
How it works: The channel attaches to the wall with adhesive or screws. Cables sit inside the channel, and a snap-on cover hides them. Most cord covers can be painted to match your wall color.
Best for: Renters, apartments, or anyone who wants a quick fix without cutting into the wall. Also the go-to option for fireplace mounts where in-wall routing is not possible through brick or stone.
Limitations: The channel is visible on the wall surface. Even painted, you can see it if you look closely. It does not look as clean as in-wall options.
Our price: Starting at $149 installed with your TV mount.
Method 2: In-Wall Cable Routing
This is the most popular option we install. We cut a small hole behind the TV and another behind your furniture or near the baseboard. Your HDMI cables, streaming device cables, and other signal wires are fished through the wall cavity so nothing is visible.
How it works: We cut two access points in the drywall, fish your low-voltage cables through the wall cavity, and install low-voltage brackets to hold the cables in place. The holes are finished with wall plates for a professional look.
Best for: Standard drywall walls with stud framing. This is what most homeowners in Middletown, Prospect, and Crestwood choose for their installs.
Important note: In-wall cable routing only works for low-voltage cables (HDMI, coax, Ethernet, speaker wire). You cannot run a standard power cord inside a wall -- that violates the National Electrical Code (NEC). For power, you need Method 3 or Method 4.
Our price: Included in our hidden wiring service starting at $249.
Method 3: Power Bridge Kit
A power bridge solves the power cord problem. It is a code-compliant system that routes electrical power through the wall using proper romex wiring, giving you a new outlet behind the TV connected to an existing outlet below.
How it works: A recessed inlet behind your furniture connects to a recessed outlet behind the TV via romex wiring inside the wall. You plug your TV into the outlet behind the TV and plug the inlet into the existing wall outlet at baseboard height. No extension cords, no code violations.
Best for: Homeowners who want zero visible wires and do not have an existing outlet behind the TV. This pairs perfectly with Method 2 -- in-wall signal cables plus a power bridge equals a completely hidden install.
Our price: Power bridge kits are typically $75-$150 added to a hidden wiring install.
Method 4: Recessed Outlet Behind the TV
The cleanest possible solution. A licensed electrician installs a new electrical outlet directly behind where the TV hangs. The TV plugs in right behind itself -- no cord runs down the wall at all.
How it works: A new circuit or extension of an existing circuit provides power at the exact height of the TV mount. Combined with in-wall cable routing for signal cables, nothing is visible from any angle.
Best for: New construction, renovations, or any homeowner willing to invest in the cleanest possible install. Many newer homes in Norton Commons and Crestwood already have outlets at TV height -- check before assuming you need a new one.
Our price: We can coordinate with your electrician for the outlet, and handle all other mounting and wiring. Our Samsung Frame TV install at the $600+ tier includes a recessed outlet for a fully hidden install.
Which Method Should You Choose?
| Method | Price | Cleanliness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cord covers | From $149 | Good | Renters, fireplaces |
| In-wall routing | From $249 | Great | Most homeowners |
| Power bridge | $75-$150 add-on | Excellent | No outlet behind TV |
| Recessed outlet | $600+ (full install) | Perfect | New builds, renovations |
Most of our customers in Louisville choose Method 2 (in-wall routing) combined with Method 3 (power bridge). It gives you a completely hidden install without the expense of new electrical work. Full pricing is on our pricing page.
What About Fireplace Installs?
Hiding wires on a fireplace mount is a different challenge. You cannot fish cables through brick, stone, or stonestack. For masonry surfaces, we use paintable cord covers that follow the mortar joints. The result is surprisingly subtle -- most guests never notice them.
Read our complete fireplace TV mounting guide for more on fireplace-specific wiring options, or see our stone fireplace mounting guide for details on drilling through stone and rock. For the cleanest wire-free option, check out our Samsung Frame TV installation guide.
Hide TV Wires FAQ
How much does it cost to hide TV wires in the wall?
Professional in-wall cable routing typically costs $249 and up. This includes cutting access holes, fishing cables through the wall cavity, and patching if needed. Cord cover kits start around $149 installed. Pricing depends on wall type and the number of cables being routed.
Is it safe to run power cables inside the wall?
Running standard power cords inside walls violates the National Electrical Code. The safe solution is a power bridge kit or recessed outlet, which uses code-compliant romex wiring inside the wall and provides a new outlet behind the TV. HDMI and other low-voltage signal cables can be run inside walls safely.
Can you hide wires on a brick or stone fireplace?
Yes, but the method is different. On masonry surfaces, we typically use paintable cord covers that follow the mortar lines, making them nearly invisible. In-wall routing is not possible through solid brick or stone, but surface-mounted channels can be color-matched to blend in. Pricing starts at $299 for fireplace installs.
Ready to Hide Those Wires?
Text us a photo of your current setup and we will recommend the best method for your wall type and budget. Most installs are same-day or next-day in the Louisville area.