How Do I Hide TV Wires on the Wall?

Option 1: In-Wall Power Bridge Kit (Best for Drywall Walls)

A power bridge kit is two wall plates connected by a non-metallic sheath (NM) cable run inside the wall, one plate goes directly behind the TV, the other at floor level. The kit includes everything needed and is code-compliant in most jurisdictions because it uses UL-listed components designed for in-wall use (unlike extension cords, which are not rated for permanent in-wall installation).

• Cost DIY: $60–$200 for the kit, plus $0–$100 for an electrician to verify the outlet placement
• Cost installed professionally: $250–$500 depending on wall type and run length
• Tools needed: Drywall saw, fish tape or wire rod, drill, stud finder
• Time DIY: 2–4 hours for an experienced DIYer on a standard interior wall

After the power bridge is in place, low-voltage wires (HDMI, optical audio, ethernet, speaker wire) route through a separate low-voltage brush plate opening, these do not require an electrician and have no code restrictions.

Option 2: Surface Cable Raceway (Best for Renters or Brick/Stone Walls)

A cable raceway is a plastic channel that mounts on the wall surface and encloses the wires. Painted to match the wall color, it is barely visible. Not as clean as in-wall routing but entirely reversible and requires no tools beyond a drill or double-sided tape.

• Cost: $20–$80 depending on length and brand
• Time: 30–60 minutes
• Best brands: Wiremold, DataComm, Legrand

Option 3: New Construction Conduit (Best Long-Term Solution)

During construction, before drywall, run 1" to 1.5" flexible conduit from the TV wall location to the equipment location. Cap both ends. This costs $100–$300 during construction and lets you pull any wire: HDMI 2.1, 8K cables that do not exist yet, fiber, at any point in the future by simply pushing a fish tape through. This is the professional recommendation for any new build.

What Not to Do

• Do not run extension cords in walls: Standard extension cords and power strips are not UL rated for permanent in-wall installation. This is a fire hazard and a code violation in most jurisdictions.
• Do not cut into walls near fireplaces without a professional: Fireplace surrounds often have fire-blocking that must be preserved. Routing wires through these areas incorrectly creates a fire code violation.
• Do not run power and low-voltage in the same conduit: Line voltage (120V) and low-voltage (HDMI, speaker wire) must be separated by at least 2 inches in the wall to avoid signal interference and code violations.

Fireplace TV Mounting: Special Considerations

Mounting a TV above a fireplace is common but creates two challenges: heat from the firebox and wire routing through stone, brick, or drywall over a firebox. Heat: most electric fireplaces are fine; gas and wood-burning fireplaces can produce enough heat to damage a TV over years of use, a tilting mount that angles the TV away from the heat is recommended. Wiring: routing through stone or brick requires a masonry bit, a longer time investment, and usually professional installation.