![Free Malaysia Today](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.freemalaysiatoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2Fcable-wire-main-lifestyle.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
In this electronic-driven age in the home, the wires and cables that come with these items on top of the regulars — lamps, fans, microwaves, toasters — coil around your feet, your chair and even your cat.
Before you know it (yes you, the one with four iPads, six smartphones and eight laptops), your cables have almost buried you alive. Plus, they are such a terrible eyesore!
In true Malaysian fashion, closing one eye can be a temporary fix, as long as no one trips or electrocutes themselves.
Luckily there are better, smarter ways to hide those electrical wiring and troublesome cables.
1. Box them up
![Free Malaysia Today](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.freemalaysiatoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2Fbox.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Firstly, find a box. You can be reuse shoe boxes or file boxes or if you feel like splurging, shop for one that has more of a decorative look.
Cut out or punch the number of holes you need for your chargers. Then, insert curtain rings where the holes are.
Now you can place the chargers and extension cables in the box. Loop each individual cable accordingly through their designated holes, and voila! It’s ready for use.
2. Stick them in drawers
![Free Malaysia Today](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.freemalaysiatoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2Fdrawers.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
This is probably the quickest and easiest way if you already have a drawer located in a convenient space – especially one that’s close to the power source and plugs.
Connect the wires from behind the drawers, and you’re all set.
Keeping things clean and neat is just a matter of keeping all the wires in the drawers and shutting the drawers when they’re not in use.
3. Shield them with a curtain
![Free Malaysia Today](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.freemalaysiatoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2Fcurtain.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Now you see it, now you don’t! Introducing the ‘desk curtain’!
Use a fabric of your choice, such as black or white to better obscure, but feel free to double it as decoration with a patterned fabric to hide messy wires.
If your table has a metal frame, you can attach the cloth using either strong magnets or adhesive magnets. Think of them as skirts.
4. Hook and hide them
![Free Malaysia Today](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.freemalaysiatoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2Fhook.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Adhesive hooks are a lifesaver. There are different types that you can find in stores, so pick one that’s suitable for your mini DIY project.
Attach the hooks either under the table or line them neatly along the back frame of your table (no one’s going to see them after all). Roll neatly and hang the excess wiring and you’re done.
5. Cover them with plastic
![Free Malaysia Today](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.freemalaysiatoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2Fplastic.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
You can find different types of plastic coverings in a variety of sizes and lengths. They are commonly used to cover electrical wirings for water heaters or lighting along the ceiling-wall or AV cables on the floor.
When used discreetly, it’s a no-frills method to hide your cables. Run the plastic covering along the wall for your computing devices or mounted TV set, and paint it over with the same colour as your wall to camouflage it.
6. Class them up with crown molding
![Free Malaysia Today](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.freemalaysiatoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2Fcrown.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Crown moldings are a classier alternative to plastic coverings even though it will take some professional help. They are a popular choice to conceal electrical wiring along the ceiling-wall.
The molds are hollow in the middle like the plastic coverings above where the wires can be fed through to connect them to their power outlet. They are a great option if you have a brick wall instead of a drywall.
Get shorter versions which are called crown molding ‘shelves’, which you can use to create a mantel around your electrical appliance and add to the interior decor.
If you can’t find these types of ‘shelves’ at the DIY store, ask your carpenter if he can custom make one for you.
7. Hide them behind drywalls
![Free Malaysia Today](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.freemalaysiatoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F01%2Fdrywall.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The two main tools that you need are a drywall saw and a low voltage recessed cable plate or electrical box that’s designed to be fitted into the drywall to hold your cables in place.
After cutting out a hole behind your TV mount and another near the power outlet, attach the electrical box. You can use a fishing line or string to feed the cables through the holes.
This article first appeared in kaodim.com.
One of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing local services platform, Kaodim connects users to dependable and professional local service providers – fast and hassle-free. With the Kaodim app, users can access professional services for home renovation, office cleaning, and much more.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram