Ways to Disguise Lamp Wiring at Home
Decor magazines frequently retouch images to erase visible cables, since loose lamp cords can break up a tidy room's look. Rather than paying a lighting professional to swap in nicer cords, you can simply cover the existing ones for less money and effort. With pre-made covers, the job takes about an afternoon: gathered fabric sleeves give table and floor lamps a sleeker appearance, while wall channels conceal wiring hanging from sconces.
By Charlie Watson
One fabric cord cover will typically fit up to three lamp cords.
Home decor publications often retouch their images to erase visible cables and wires for a cleaner look. A lamp cord that hangs loosely draws the eye and makes a tidy space feel messy. While a lighting professional could rewire a lamp with a more attractive cord, covering the existing wire is a simpler and cheaper route. Using ready-made covers, you can hide cords in a single afternoon. Gathered fabric sleeves give table and floor lamps a more polished appearance, and wall raceways disguise the wiring that hangs from sconces.
Fabric Cover Method, Step 1
Use a tape measure to determine the cord's length. When a single cover will hide multiple cords, measure the longest one. Check that the cords are not fraying, since wrapping worn wires in fabric is not safe.
Fabric Cover Method, Step 2
Pick a cover that measures at least double the longest cord's length so it will look full. Fabric covers generally come in lengths from 5 to 9 feet. For an unusually long cord, just join two covers together.
Fabric Cover Method, Step 3
Choose a cover wide enough to fit the cord. A cover roughly 5 inches wide can conceal several cords. Select one that either blends into the background or coordinates with other colors in the room.
Fabric Cover Method, Step 4
Disconnect the lamp from its power source. Wrap the fabric sleeve around the cord. Should the cover be longer than the cord, gather the extra material into folds. With very short cords, you may need to trim away leftover fabric.
Fabric Cover Method, Step 5
Secure the closures at intervals along the cover's length to hold it in position.
Raceway Method, Step 1
Measure how long the cord is. Choose an adhesive raceway that is long enough to conceal it. Raceways commonly measure 4 feet, though two can be combined when you need more coverage.
Raceway Method, Step 2
Coat the raceway's front and sides with paint that matches the wall. Check that the manufacturer has stated the product is safe to paint. Let the surface dry for four hours before you handle it.
Raceway Method, Step 3
Unplug the lamp and shift the cord out of the way. Place the raceway vertically beneath the lamp. Using a level and pencil, draw a horizontal line directly below the lamp's bottom edge. That marks where the raceway should start.
Raceway Method, Step 4
Peel off the adhesive backing and press the back of the raceway onto the wall, making sure its top lines up exactly with the level mark you made.
Raceway Method, Step 5
Press the cord into the raceway. Depending on the model, you will either open a hinged door and snap the front cover closed, or tuck the cord into a flap running down the raceway's front. Then plug the cord into the outlet.
