Best Methods: How To Hide Tv Cords Over Brick Fireplace

How To Hide Tv Cords Over Brick Fireplace
Image Source: preview.redd.it

Best Methods: How To Hide Tv Cords Over Brick Fireplace

So, you’ve mounted your TV over a brick fireplace and now have messy cords hanging down? Knowing how to hide TV cords over brick fireplace involves several methods, ranging from simple surface covers to more involved wall modifications using cable management brick fireplace techniques. You can use wire covers for brick wall surfaces or, with careful planning, even run cords through the wall itself by drilling brick for TV wires and installing a recessed cable plate brick system. The goal is to achieve clean cable management brick fireplace, keeping everything tidy and safe. Let’s look at the best ways to conceal TV wires brick hearth setups and achieve clean hiding power cord fireplace TV.

Why Hide TV Cords?

Visible cords hanging from a TV mounted over a fireplace can look messy. They take away from the clean look of the room. Hiding them makes your space look much nicer. It creates a finished look.

Messy cords are not just ugly. They can be a safety risk. People or pets can trip on them. Cords can also get pinched or damaged. This can be a fire danger. Good cable management brick fireplace keeps everyone safe.

Looking at Your Choices

There are a few main ways to hide TV cords on a brick fireplace. Your choice depends on how much work you want to do. It also depends on how permanent you want the fix to be.

The methods break down into two main types:

Surface Solutions: These methods hide cords on the outside of the brick. They don’t involve cutting or drilling the brick much. They are easier to do.
Concealed Solutions: These methods hide cords inside the wall. They often need drilling holes in the brick. This takes more work and skill.

Let’s look at each type in more detail.

Surface Methods: Hiding Cords on the Brick

Surface methods are popular because they are easier. They do not require major work on the brick itself. You attach something to the brick or the mortar to cover the cords.

H3: Using Wire Covers and Channels

Wire covers or cord hider channel fireplace products are common. They are long, thin pieces. Cords run inside them. They attach to the wall.

These covers come in different sizes. You pick a size that fits all your TV cords. This might include the power cord, HDMI cables, and others.

How They Work: You open the cover, put the cords inside, and snap it shut. Then you attach the cover to the brick wall.
Materials: Most are made of plastic. Some are metal.
Looks: They can be plain white, black, or brown. Many are paintable cord covers brick. This means you can paint them to match your brick color. This helps them blend in better.

H4: Types of Wire Covers

There are different styles of wire covers:

Channels: These are U-shaped or square tubes. They have a lid that snaps on.
Raceways: Similar to channels, but often larger. They can hold more cords. Some have dividers inside.
On-Wall Cord Covers: These are thin strips. They stick to the wall or attach with screws.

H5: Attaching Wire Covers to Brick

Attaching things to brick is different from drywall. Brick is hard and uneven. Mortar joints are softer.

Adhesive: Some light covers come with strong adhesive tape. This tape might stick to smooth brick or mortar. But brick can be dusty and rough. The adhesive might not hold well.
Screws/Anchors: For a strong hold, you need to use screws and wall anchors. You drill small holes in the mortar joints. Mortar is easier to drill than brick. You put plastic anchors in the holes. Then you screw the cord cover into the anchors.
Masonry Screws: Sometimes you can use special screws called masonry screws. These screws go right into the brick or mortar without anchors. They need a strong drill.

Using screws or anchors is usually the best way to make sure wire covers stay put on a brick wall. Especially with cable management brick fireplace, where heat might affect adhesives over time.

H4: Pros and Cons of Surface Covers

Pros:

Easy to install compared to drilling into the wall.
Less mess.
You don’t damage the main brick structure.
Many are paintable cord covers brick, helping them blend in.
Relatively low cost.
Good for rental homes where you can’t make big changes.

Cons:

The covers are still visible on the wall. They may not fully disappear even if painted.
Following the path of the cords can look like a line on the wall.
May not work well on very uneven brick surfaces.
Might not hold very heavy bundles of cords.

H3: Other Surface Ideas

Besides dedicated covers, you can use other things to hide cords on the surface.

Fabric Sleeves: You can put cords inside fabric tubes or sleeves. These make the bundle of cords look neater. They don’t hide the cords against the wall, but they group them. You could try to blend the sleeve color with the brick or paint color.
Decorative Elements: Sometimes you can use decor items. A tall plant, a statue, or artwork placed next to the fireplace or TV can hide the cords running down the wall. This works if the cords run along the edge of the fireplace or wall.
Built-in Shelves or Cabinets: If you are adding shelves or cabinets next to or below the fireplace, these can hide cords. You can run cords behind or inside them. This is a bigger project, but offers great concealment. Conceal TV wires brick hearth by routing them along the hearth or behind something on it.

Concealed Methods: Hiding Cords Inside the Wall

Hiding cords inside the wall is the cleanest look. The cords disappear from view. This involves drilling into the brick or the wall next to the fireplace. This is more complex than surface methods.

H3: Drilling into Brick for Wires

To hide cords inside the wall, you usually need to make holes. One hole behind the TV and one lower down, perhaps near the floor or side of the fireplace. The cords run inside the wall space between these holes.

Where to Drill: You need to find the space behind the brick. This space is often the wall cavity. If your fireplace is built into a regular framed wall, there’s likely space behind the brick facing. If the fireplace is a solid brick structure, this method might be impossible or very hard. You need to know what is behind the brick.
Tools Needed: Drilling brick requires special tools. You need a hammer drill. This drill hammers as it spins, which breaks up the hard brick or mortar. You also need masonry drill bits. These bits are strong and designed for stone and brick.
Making the Holes: You will drill one hole behind the TV where the TV mount is. This hole needs to be large enough for the cables to pass through. You drill a second hole lower down. This is where the cables will come out. This might be behind a piece of furniture, near an outlet, or in the wall next to the fireplace.

H4: Using Recessed Cable Plates

Once you drill the holes, you don’t want just an open hole in the wall. This is where recessed cable plate brick systems come in.

What They Are: These are special wall plates. They have an opening or brushes. You install one plate at the top hole (behind the TV) and one at the bottom hole.
How They Work: The cords go into the wall through the top plate. They travel down inside the wall cavity. They come out through the bottom plate. The plate keeps the hole covered and looks neat. It protects the edges of the hole.
Types: Some plates have a flexible brush opening. This lets many cords pass through and seals the hole. Others have a simple opening or rubber grommet.
Installation: You need to cut a hole in the drywall (if using drywall next to the brick) or carefully chip out brick/mortar for the plate housing. The plates often fit into a standard electrical box size hole. You then install the plate over the opening.

This recessed cable plate brick setup is great for hiding power cord fireplace TV and all other wires cleanly inside the wall. It provides excellent cable management brick fireplace.

H4: Running the Cords

Getting the cords from the top hole to the bottom hole can be tricky.

Wall Cavity: If there is an open space behind the brick (a wall cavity), you can often drop the cords down. You might need a fish tape or glow rods. These are tools used to pull wires through walls. You push the tool down from the top hole. You grab it at the bottom hole. Then you attach the cords to the tool and pull them back up or down.
Obstacles: Sometimes there are fire blocks (wood pieces) inside the wall cavity. These stop the cords from just dropping down. You might need to drill through these blocks or find a path around them. This makes the job harder.
Solid Brick: If the fireplace is solid brick, you cannot run cords inside it. You would need to chase (cut a channel) into the face of the brick and cover it. This is a major construction task and is rarely done just for TV cords. In this case, surface methods or routing cords around the fireplace are better options.

Knowing how to run cords on brick fireplace when there’s a cavity behind it is key to this method.

H4: Pros and Cons of Concealed Methods

Pros:

Cleanest look. Cords are completely hidden.
No visible covers or channels on the brick.
Very secure cable management brick fireplace.
Adds value to the TV mounting over brick fireplace setup.

Cons:

Much harder to do. Requires special tools (hammer drill, masonry bits).
Involves drilling into the brick or wall. This is permanent.
Requires knowing what is behind the brick.
Can be difficult if there are obstacles inside the wall.
More expensive if you need to buy tools or hire someone.
Might not be possible with solid brick fireplaces.

Preparing for the Job

No matter which method you choose, some prep work is needed.

H3: Planning Your Cord Route

Think about where the cords need to go.

From TV to Outlet: Where is the nearest power outlet? Where do the HDMI cables go (to a cable box, gaming console, soundbar)? These devices are usually on the hearth or nearby furniture.
Path: Draw a line on the wall (lightly in pencil) where you want the cords or cover to go. This helps you measure and visualize the path.
Measure: Measure the distance the cords need to travel. Get covers or cables that are long enough. It is better to have cables a bit too long than too short.

H3: Safety First

Working around a fireplace and electricity needs care.

Turn Off Power: Always turn off power to the nearest outlet before working on or near it. Turn off the breaker switch for that circuit. Test the outlet with a simple lamp or voltage tester to be sure the power is off. This is very important when dealing with hiding power cord fireplace TV.
Fireplace Heat: Think about heat. Even if you are not using the fireplace, residual heat can be an issue. Cords and plastic covers can melt if they get too hot. The TV itself needs space for air flow. Make sure the TV and cords are far enough above the fireplace opening according to the TV and mount maker’s guides. This is crucial for TV mounting over brick fireplace setups.
Dust and Debris: Drilling brick makes a lot of dust. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Wear a dust mask to avoid breathing brick dust. Cover furniture and the floor below the work area.
Tools: Use the right tools for the job. A regular drill won’t work well on brick. A hammer drill is needed for drilling brick for TV wires. Use sharp drill bits.

H3: Gathering Your Tools

Here is a list of tools you might need, depending on the method:

Tool	Surface Method (Covers)	Concealed Method (Drilling)
Tape Measure	Yes	Yes
Pencil	Yes	Yes
Level	Yes	Yes
Hacksaw or Snips	Yes (to cut covers)	No
Drill	Yes (regular)	Yes (Hammer Drill)
Drill Bits	Standard (for mortar)	Masonry Bits (for brick/mortar)
Screwdriver	Yes	Yes
Wall Anchors	Yes (for screws)	Yes (for plates/mount)
Safety Glasses	Yes	Yes
Dust Mask	Yes	Yes
Stud Finder	No	Yes (to find wall cavity)
Fish Tape/Rods	No	Yes
Voltage Tester	Yes	Yes
Utility Knife	Yes	Yes (for drywall/grommets)

Doing the Work: Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through the steps for the two main methods.

H3: Step-by-Step for Surface Wire Covers

This is the process for using wire covers for brick wall.

Plan the Path: Hold the wire cover pieces against the wall. Decide exactly where they will go. Mark the path with a pencil. Plan cuts needed for corners or length.
Measure and Cut: Measure the sections you need. Use a hacksaw or strong snips to cut the plastic covers to length. Cut pieces for corners if your path turns. Many kits include corner pieces.
Mark Mounting Points: Hold each cover piece on the wall along your pencil line. Use a level to make sure it is straight. Mark where you will attach it. If using adhesive, mark where the strip goes. If using screws, mark where the screw holes are on the cover. Mark these spots on the brick or mortar.
Drill Holes (if using screws): Put on safety glasses and a dust mask. Use your regular drill with a masonry bit. Drill small holes at your marks. Aim for mortar joints if possible, as they are softer. Drill the right size hole for your wall anchors.
Insert Anchors: Gently tap the plastic wall anchors into the drilled holes. They should fit snugly.
Attach Covers:
- Adhesive: Peel the backing off the adhesive strip. Press the cover firmly onto the wall along your marks. Hold for a moment.
- Screws: Line up the cover holes with the anchors. Use a screwdriver or drill to drive screws through the cover into the anchors. Don’t overtighten.
Route Cords: Open the cover (usually by snapping off the lid). Place all your TV cords inside the channel.
Close Covers: Snap the lid back onto the channel. Make sure all cords are inside and the lid is fully closed.
Paint (Optional): If you have paintable cord covers brick, paint them now. Use a paint color that matches your brick or mortar. This helps them blend in. You might need a few coats. Let the paint dry fully.
Check Cords: Make sure the cords are not pinched. Plug everything back in and test your TV.

This method helps conceal TV wires brick hearth by guiding them neatly down the wall.

H3: Step-by-Step for Concealed Recessed Plates

This is a more advanced method involving drilling brick for TV wires and using recessed cable plate brick systems. Make sure power is OFF first!

Plan and Mark: Decide where the top and bottom holes will be. The top hole goes behind the TV mount area. The bottom hole goes where cords will exit (e.g., near an outlet, behind furniture). Mark the exact centers of the holes on the brick/wall. Make sure the bottom hole is below any fire blocks if you have a standard framed wall cavity behind the brick.
Check Wall Cavity: If drilling through brick into a framed wall, use a stud finder or small pilot bit to check for studs, wires, or pipes near your planned holes. Ensure there is a clear path inside the wall.
Drill the Top Hole: Put on safety glasses and a dust mask. Use your hammer drill with a masonry bit. Drill a pilot hole first. Then, use a larger bit to drill a hole big enough for your cables and the recessed plate fitting. The size depends on the plate you bought. Drill through the brick and into the wall cavity behind it. Be ready for dust!
Install Top Recessed Plate: Follow the instructions for your specific recessed cable plate brick. You might need to cut a square hole in the drywall behind the brick or slightly enlarge the brick opening. Install the plate according to its design (some screw in, some clip in).
Drill the Bottom Hole: Drill the bottom hole in the same way as the top hole. Ensure it aligns vertically or follows the path you planned within the wall cavity. Install the bottom recessed plate.
Run the Cords: This is often the hardest part.
- Take your TV cords. You might need longer ones than before.
- From the top hole, feed a fish tape or glow rod down the wall cavity towards the bottom hole. Wiggle and push past any insulation.
- At the bottom hole, try to see or feel for the fish tape. Grab it with pliers or your hand.
- Attach the TV cords to the end of the fish tape (tape them securely).
- Go back to the top hole and gently pull the fish tape (and cords) down through the wall cavity until the cords come out the bottom hole.
- Leave enough cord at the top to connect to the TV and enough at the bottom to reach your devices/outlet.
Connect Everything: Feed the top ends of the cords through the recessed plate behind the TV. Connect them to the TV. Feed the bottom ends through the lower recessed plate and connect them to your devices and the power outlet (remembering safety and turning power back on only when finished).
Secure TV: Mount your TV onto its wall mount over the fireplace. The cords should now be hidden inside the wall. This completes the TV mounting over brick fireplace with hidden wires. Hiding power cord fireplace TV becomes easy with this method.
Test: Turn power back on. Test the TV and all connected devices to make sure everything works.

This method offers the cleanest look for how to run cords on brick fireplace, achieving excellent cable management brick fireplace and helping conceal TV wires brick hearth effectively.

Working with Brick: Special Points

Brick is different from drywall or wood walls.

Hardness: Brick and mortar are hard. You need the right drill and bits. Don’t use regular drill bits; they will get ruined.
Dust: Be prepared for a lot of dust when drilling.
Uneven Surface: Brick surfaces are not flat. Surface covers need to be flexible or attached securely to handle bumps.
Finding the Cavity: Not all brick walls have a cavity behind them. Older homes or solid brick fireplaces may be solid all the way through. You must know what’s behind the brick before planning a concealed method. You can often tell by looking at the wall thickness near doorways or windows, or by carefully drilling a small test hole in an hidden spot.
Mortar vs. Brick: Drilling into mortar is usually easier than drilling into the brick itself. When using anchors for surface covers, aim for the mortar joints if possible. When drilling larger holes for recessed plates, you will likely need to drill through both brick and mortar.

Choosing the Right Method for You

Think about these things when deciding how to hide your cords:

Your Skill Level: Are you comfortable using power tools? Have you drilled into masonry before? Surface methods are better for beginners.
Desired Look: Do you want cords totally invisible? Or is a neat cover okay? Concealed methods offer the best look.
Type of Fireplace/Wall: Is it solid brick or brick veneer over a framed wall? Concealed methods only work with a wall cavity.
Budget: Wire covers are inexpensive. Recessed plates and special drill bits cost more. Hiring a pro costs the most.
Time: Surface methods are fast. Concealed methods take much longer.
Commitment: Drilling holes is permanent. Surface covers can be removed (though screw holes remain).

Feature	Surface Covers (Wire Covers, Channels)	Concealed (Drilling, Recessed Plates)
Effort	Low to Medium	High
Skill Needed	Basic DIY skills	Advanced DIY skills, comfort with masonry work
Tools	Basic drill, hacksaw, level	Hammer drill, masonry bits, fish tape
Appearance	Cords covered, channel visible (can be painted)	Cords invisible
Damage	Minor holes (screws) or adhesive residue	Permanent holes drilled in brick/wall
Cost	Low	Medium (tools/parts) to High (hire pro)
Wall Type	Works on solid or cavity walls	Needs wall cavity behind brick
Best For	Easy fix, rentals, limited tools, visible cover is OK	Cleanest look, permanent solution, confident DIYer

This table helps compare the options for cable management brick fireplace and how to run cords on brick fireplace.

Hiding Power and HDMI Cords

When hiding cords, you typically have:

The power cord for the TV.
HDMI cables from devices (cable box, console, etc.).
Possibly audio cables or network cables.

Make sure your chosen method can fit all the cords you need to run. Cord hider channel fireplace products come in different sizes. Recessed plates are usually designed for multiple low-voltage cables and one standard power plug.

For the power cord specifically when doing a concealed installation, it’s best practice to install a new electrical outlet behind the TV. This should be done by a qualified electrician. Running a standard power cord inside the wall is not always up to electrical codes due to fire risk. Using a special in-wall power extension kit designed for this purpose is another option, but check local codes. Hiding power cord fireplace TV safely is key.

Finishing Touches

Once the cords are hidden, take a step back.

Check All Connections: Make sure everything is plugged in correctly and working.
Secure Loose Ends: At the bottom, gather the cords neatly near your devices. Use cable ties or Velcro straps for tidy cable management brick fireplace.
Touch Ups: If you painted your wire covers, make sure the paint is dry and looks good. If you drilled, clean up all the dust thoroughly.

FAQ: Common Questions

H5: Can I just run the cords behind the TV mount?

The TV mount itself might hide a very short length of cord right behind the TV. But the cords still need to get down the wall to the power outlet and devices. The mount alone does not hide the cords running down the brick face. You need a method to hide that vertical run.

H5: Is it safe to drill into my brick fireplace?

It can be safe if done correctly. Know what is behind the brick. Avoid drilling near gas lines, electrical wires, or vents. Use the right tools (hammer drill, masonry bit) and wear safety gear. If you are unsure, it’s better to hire a professional. Drilling brick for TV wires is a skilled task.

H5: Will paintable cord covers really blend in on brick?

They can blend in quite well, especially if you match the paint color closely to the brick or mortar. They will still be a raised line on the wall, but the matching color makes them less noticeable than a plain white or black strip. They help conceal TV wires brick hearth without major work.

H5: Can I run a regular power cord inside the wall?

Running a standard power cord designed for outside-the-wall use inside a wall cavity is generally not recommended and may violate electrical codes. It can be a fire hazard. For hidden power, install a new outlet behind the TV (by an electrician) or use an approved in-wall power relocation kit. Hiding power cord fireplace TV needs to be safe.

H5: What is a recessed cable plate brick?

A recessed cable plate brick is a special cover that installs flush or slightly recessed into a hole in the wall (like brick or drywall). It has an opening (often with brushes) that allows TV cables to pass through into the wall cavity, hiding them from view. It’s used as part of a concealed cable management system.

H5: My fireplace is solid brick. Can I hide cords inside the wall?

Probably not easily or safely. Solid brick fireplaces do not have a wall cavity to run wires through. You would need to cut a channel into the brick face, which is a difficult and messy job, and then cover it. For solid brick, surface methods using wire covers for brick wall are usually the best and most practical option for how to run cords on brick fireplace.

H5: How do I hide the devices (cable box, etc.) if they are on the hearth?

Once the cords are managed coming out of the wall, you still need to hide the devices and the cords connecting them. Use decorative baskets, cabinets, or place devices behind other items on the hearth or on shelves nearby. Good cable management brick fireplace includes keeping the area around the devices tidy.

Conclusion

Hiding TV cords over a brick fireplace makes your viewing area look much cleaner and is safer. You can choose easier surface methods using wire covers for brick wall and paintable cord covers brick, or more involved concealed methods that involve drilling brick for TV wires and using a recessed cable plate brick.

Think about your skills, budget, and what look you want. Plan your work carefully, gather the right tools, and always put safety first, especially when dealing with hiding power cord fireplace TV near heat and electricity. With good cable management brick fireplace and smart planning on how to run cords on brick fireplace, you can easily conceal TV wires brick hearth setups and enjoy a clean, tidy space around your TV mounting over brick fireplace.