I am what they call a minimalist at heart.
Getting rid of extra clothes, opting for a casual wardrobe, reusing old bottles, and getting rid of things I don’t use, I do it all. So, when it comes to my home, I make sure it is part of my personality. After painting my whole house white, I thought of designing my ultimate dream TV console. Something simple, yet minimalist. I had it all planned out, the style, wood, design, everything.
One weekend, I finally did it. My masterpiece was ready.
Then came the moment of truth. I placed it under the TV, plugged everything in, and Voila!
In an instant, my Pinterest minimalism turned into a cyberpunk nightmare. My living room had a serious case of what Eminem would call ‘spaghetti vomit.’
It turns out, even the best internet connection like WOW! Internet, my aesthetic mind, and decent furniture couldn’t do anything unless I went wire-free.
So, if you want to trade that chaotic cord clutter for some visual silence, you need to start with the power strips.
This write-up will help you tackle the spaghetti pile oozing out from behind your furniture into a Pinterest-worthy scene.
Your Shopping List to Clear the Clutter
If you are a DIY enthusiast like me, you might be wondering how to get started.
Well, the answer is simple: you start with a shopping list.
Here is everything that you will need to get before signing up for this rescue mission. Make sure you check your toolbox and junk drawer before you start shopping, because you might end up finding most of the things at home. However, if you have any of these things missing, Amazon is your best bet.
Cable Management Box:
This one is simple; it will help you hide all the power strips. In case you can’t find a cable management box, any big, square Tupperware will be fine as well. However, it won’t be as neat.
Adhesive Hooks:
You will be needing a lot of these, and when I say a lot, I mean it. This will help you pin and paste the wires along your furniture, to the wall, or tuck things somewhere at the back.
Velcro Ties or Zip Ties:
You will also need a lot of these. These ties will help you take care of the loose and hanging cords. So, if you have multiple appliances in the same place, i.e., TV, internet router, power cable, computer, then you will need a lot of ties.
A Mid-Size Hideout Box:
Your mid-size hideout can be a woven basket, a decor piece, maybe a pot, a tissue box, or a lamp with an organizer. You can channel your inner interior designer here.
Tags:
Generally, tags are available for labeling the spice jars, so if you have these labels, it is good. However, if you don’t, then try using masking tape instead. You will also need a pen to write on the label.
Before you start the project, keep in mind that things might stop working when you are dealing with tangled wires. When I was setting up, I called the WOW! customer service. The tech team made a house visit and handled the technical issues really well, and guided me with wire labeling, too.
Now, let’s look at the process of tackling the wires.
Step-by-Step Method to Create a Wire-Free Space
Tags And Tables
Before you start working on this project, make sure to label your wires. This will save a lot of time, and you will be able to avoid the confusion as well.
So, how can you label the wires?
It’s simple. You need to use the masking tape or the sticker labels. Now use a pen and write on it. You can label each tape with the name of the device. Make sure the label is closer to the switch, so you can easily unplug the device without any mistakes.
Command Hooks
The next step is to use these labeled wires and simply paste them to the walls or furniture.
For this, you need to look at your wires. If there are multiple of them of similar appliances, bundle them up, and then use adhesive command hooks. You can paste these bundled wires to the wall or straight to your furniture.
Make sure the hooks you are using are self-adhesive and do not require a nail. Most of the wires will hide behind the table or behind the furniture. Keep each cord tight and tidy; otherwise, the loose ends will get in the way.
In case there is still a little wire pocking out, you can deal with it in the final step.
Cable Management Box
Now you will get to the power strip.
The main issue with the power strip is that it is chunky, looks ugly, and gathers dust. Moreover, due to its size, you can’t tuck it away.
So, how can you deal with it?
Well, you need a cable management box. Aim for something sleek and minimalist with a lot of slots on the side. This will help you gather up all the power strips and just shove them in the box.
There is no technical skill involved; you can just put the lid back on, and everything will look neat.
Hideout Box
Now, this one is my favorite.
As a décor enthusiast, I can tell you that I have a lot of trinkets and showpieces.
So, if you have dangling wires from the router or TV, try to hide them behind different decor pieces. One of my favorite things to use here is faux books. They look pretty, have a hollow space, and can be used to place your router as well.
If books are not your aesthetic, try looking for a woven basket instead. However, to avoid any accident, avoid wrapping it up, because it can get hot pretty fast.
Clear The Clutter
Finally, everything is sorted. Wires are all bundled up, tucked in the cable box, while the power strip is in a box.
However, you will notice a few wires here and there that still need some hiding. This is where you can wear your interior designer hat and add something to hide the wires.
I personally love using fake wines. If there is a wire poking out, I simply run a plant through it.
Simply put, technology can run your house, but don’t let it ruin your aesthetics. With these affordable yet simple hacks, you can embrace your high-speed internet while still managing your minimalist aesthetics.
FAQ’s
Is Hiding My Router in A Box or Basket Safe for My Wi-Fi Signals?
Yes, it is quite safe. However, make sure to avoid anything that is made of metal or anything that is thick. Instead, use wicker, plastic, or wood containers; this will not hinder the signals.
Can I use one box to fit all the wires?
Yes, you can use a single box. However, make sure the box has some breathing room. In case the wires are overstuffed, they can heat up easily, and this can result in damaging the cables or melting the box.
What if the cables are short?
In this case, use a stylish extension, use a paintable cable, or just run a fake plant over it.
