When new lighting fixtures are installed, sometimes they can have a trailing wire that can be tough to disguise. But it’s not just lighting wires that can be a nuisance and even a danger-speaker wires, telephone wires, and cable can all be a big eyesore to hide in any design. Use these tips and techniques for hiding wire and you’ll be sure to get the most out of your hardwired home décor and accessories.
Trim
Baseboard and trim are all great areas to help disguise wiring. By attaching small wire clips to the side of door or window trim, you can run the wire along the edge of the material, keeping it far from view. Mismatched colored wires can easily be painted to match the trim and help disguise any wire for your ceiling lights .
Baseboard can be removed and ripped on a table saw along the backside of the baseboard to create a small groove. Wiring can easily slip behind the baseboard and reattached to the floor with ease. Try to avoid using any nails in the baseboard. A simple wood glue will hold the baseboard in place without damaging the wire. Keep bathroom lights and other wet wiring locations out of any baseboard.
Shoe molding can be added to the face of baseboard to help disguise any light fixtures wiring. Cut the back side of the shoe molding at a 45 degree angle to leave a space that the wire will fit into, without offsetting the look of the shoe molding.
Wainscoting is a great way to hide any wiring dilemma. Multiple wires can be inserted into a conduit, and then attached flush with the existing wall by cutting out the drywall to the studs. Attach the wainscoting over the conduit and glue to the walls. Attach a chair rail to the top and it can also be used to disguise wiring by cutting a small notch into the back of the chair railing using a table saw and a dado blade.
Fishing Wires
If you have drywall, you can easily fish wires along the interior of the walls vertically. Penetrate the ceiling and you’ll be able to run wires horizontally as well. Fishing wires can be a little tough for the uninitiated. With the use of a metal fish tape, you can easily lead wires through some pretty stubborn locations. Simply make a small penetration into the drywall. If you’re going into the attic, you’ll need to run the fish tape down the wall. Slowly push the fish tape. Another friend at the other end of the opening can let you know exactly how far you need to go. Once the fish tape is secured at the other end, you can tightly tape the wire to the fish tape. All’s that’s left is pulling the fish tape back through the hole and your light fixture , speaker or cable wire is ready to go.