How To Hide TV Wires Over A Brick Fireplace
homedude is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, We may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Mounting a TV over a brick fireplace poses two main challenges. First, most fireplaces do not have a power outlet; therefore, you must string the TV power cable to an outlet on a different, nearby wall. Secondly, most of these brick fireplaces have the flue mounted right behind the wall. It is impractical and invasive to drill holes to hide the wires.
The best solution for how to hide TV wires over a brick fireplace is by using surface-mounted solutions. Cable management kits are an easily accessible and affordable option. They can be installed as a DIY project within a few hours without causing any damage to the fireplace wall or mantel.
With that said, if you don’t want to use a cable management kit, there may be some room above and behind the fireplace, which would allow you to run wires to a nearby wall with an electrical outlet. Note: this is a much more advanced DIY project and you may be better off calling a professional to help.
Here are the steps on how to hide TV wires over brick fireplace using a cable management kit.
How To Hide TV Wire Cables Using A Cable Management Kit
Tools
- Hacksaw
- Tape Measure
- Cable Management kit
- Paint
- Paint Brush
- Pencil
- Paper
- Lever
Steps
1. Buy A Cable Management Kit
There is a wide range of cable management kits available on Amazon or your local hardware store to choose from at affordable prices. Some are elaborate and come with different items, including clips, fastening cable ties, adhesive clip holders, and many more. Others are simply raceways and can get the job done when hiding TV wire cables over a brick fireplace.
The raceways usually have an adhesive material at the back that sticks to the wall. Ensure the one you choose has a strong adhesive, so it holds onto the wall firmly. Most have a sliding mechanism, or the top snaps onto the bottom for easy installation.
Depending on how far your TV is mounted from the fireplace, you may need a cable management kit that comes with elbow connectors and whose total length is enough for the entire length of the cables. Also, consider the width of the cable cover when TV mounting. If you have wide cables or many TV wires, you will need a wider cable cover.
2. Think Through The Cable Cover Set Up
Some raceways are vertical, and others are horizontal. How can you set it up to minimize bends? How can you set it up to optimize neatness? Using a pencil, map out a tentative layout by making dots at various points for the TV wall mount. Using a level, mark straight lines between connecting points. The level ensures you make a perfectly straight line.
3. Take Down Measurements
Use a tape measure to determine the distance between one connecting point and another. Note the measurements on paper. Account for elbows at the corners.
4. Cut The Cable Cover To Size
Transfer the dimensions you recorded in step 3 to the covers. Cut the covers using a hacksaw or a sharp pair of scissors. Cut the top part of the cable raceway to similar dimensions.
5. Mount The Base Of The Cable Covers
Peel off the top cover that protects the adhesive part. Align the back of the cable cover with the line you have drawn on the wall. Ensure it is completely straight, then stick the adhesive firmly onto the wall. Mount the lower part of the right-angle elbows at the corners.
6. Thread The TV Wires Through The Base Of The Cable Cover
Bundle the TV wires and TV cords together. If need be, tie the TV cords together with a cable tie for a more compact fit and better hide wires for your fireplace TV. Thread them neatly through the base of the cable cover, passing them through the elbows where applicable. Ensure a snug fit throughout the length of the TV cables from the TV to the power cord outlet without making them too tight.
7. Replace The Top Part Of The Cable Cover
Slide the cable cover tops into position, including the elbow tops. Inspect the entire setup to ensure that it is neat and the TV wires are fully covered.
8. Paint The Cable Covers
This final step is optional and only applies if the color of the cable covers does not match your walls.
Like in most homes, chances are the color of the brick wall is different from that of the rest of the living room walls. In this case, you need to get two different colors, one that matches the color of the brick fireplace wall and the other that matches the rest of the living room. This way, the cable cover camouflages into the walls for a clean finish that fits well with the rest of your décor.
Conclusion
Brick fireplace walls can pose a challenge when it comes to hiding TV cables when mounting the TV. While some people prefer to drill the walls and conceal the wire cables behind the mounted TV, this method does not work for brick or masonry fireplace walls as it might puncture the flue. Instead, follow the steps above to neatly hide wire cables using a cable management kit for your flat screen TV.