Some methods will be better suited than others, depending on your home layout.
Plan to have extra spools of speaker wire available.
A rug offers personality and draws aesthetic attention to itself, plus it helps prevent tripping hazards.
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In most instances, rugs can’t cover up every exposed inch of speaker wire.
Still, they offer a flexible, non-permanent solution to keep rooms looking tidy.
You’re free to rearrange the furniture layout when you want, relocating rugs and wires just as easily.
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No tools, no installation!
Baseboards are typically installed slightly off the floor to allow space for carpeting.
There should also be a gap between the tack strip and the wall, underneath the carpet and baseboard.
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This area makes for a great way to run speaker wire discreetly around and between rooms.
Tuck the wires under the baseboards before connecting the ends to the terminals.
Slide the speaker wire in, and then push the carpet edge back down on the tack strip.
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Continue working your way around until all the desired speaker wire is hidden.
The idea here is to attach speaker wires straight and flush to the walls before painting over them.
But rather than using the staple gun to pin wires, staple the twist/zip ties.
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Then, place the wire above the staple and fasten the tie.
Since you’re not stapling the speaker wire, there’s no risk of damage.
Do this every few feet.
you might trim excess tie lengths with a pair of scissors.
Once done, use matching paint to camouflage the wires and ties with the walls.
Some are powered by AC wall adapters, while others can use a USB power source.
Many come with remotes, while some can be controlled through a mobile app.
Some, like the Power Practical Luminoodle, are more like LED ropes that come with mounting accessories.
These products adhere to many surfaces and can be safely removed without leaving residue or damaging surfaces.
They offer either an open or enclosed channel that keeps cords and wires safely tucked inside.
Many cable raceways are slim and discreet, allowing them to be installed above baseboards and painted to match.
While cable raceways are effective for hiding speaker wires, they’re not always easily removed.
An alternative that is less likely to leave any trace is a cable cover.
They’re also great to use when wires need to cross open thresholds.
In most cases, no adhesive is necessary to keep cable covers in place.
Cable covers are offered in a selection of widths, colors, and patterns.
A peel-away backing exposes the industrial-strength adhesive side, which applies to almost any flat surface.
Since this wire is flexible and super thin, you’ll have no problems going around corners.
The side that faces out is paintable to match the color of the wall or baseboard.
Carefully measure and roll out the flat speaker wire, then paint.
before you kick off, weigh the pros and cons ofin-wall and in-ceiling speakers.
It takes planning toinstall in-wall and in-ceiling speakerssince there are many factors to consider.
If you want to keep the cabling looking clean and classy, use speaker wall plates.
Some even featureHDMI ports, ideal for home theater systems.
The installation of chair rail molding takes planning.
Walls must be measured to determine the amount of molding to purchase.
Studs need to be located ahead of time so that that chair rails can be firmly nailed in.
Pieces need to be precisely cut so that all ends make flush connections with each other.
There’s also sanding, finishing, and painting to be done.
Don’t forget to spin up the speaker wires safely through as needed.
FAQ
Totest a speaker wire, lightly touch one end of the wire to a battery.
If you hear noise, that’s a good sign.
double-check that all speakers are in-phase: positive-to-positive (red-to-red) and negative-to-negative (black-to-black).
Tosplice speaker wires, set up your speakers and equipment, then confirm the power is off.
Finally, reconnect the speakers.