There is something missing around my desk.
Look a little closer – can you see what is missing?
I did a little cord management yesterday. All the needed, but pesky cords and wires that go to my lamps, computer, and chargers – GONE!
I have been meaning to corral and manage all the cords since moving my desk to the middle of the room over a year ago. I finally had enough of the unsightly mess and took control.
I gathered up the needed supplies – most of it is from the dollar store – so it is not an expensive system – nor is it perfect, but it does help keep the cords organized, electrical outlet easily accessed, and the wires out of sight as much as possible. *Check out another way I have hidden unsightly cords.
supplies needed:
- Wire basket – I found mine at The Dollar Store
- Outlet strip
- Extension cord
- Cable ties
- 4 – 6 cup hooks
- Clear cord organizing clips – 4 flat damage-free cord clips and 2 organizer clips from Command Brand
- Wire cutters
- Wire Mold cord protector – home improvement store
The wire basket is going to hold the power strip and be hung upside down under the desk using cup hooks. It could also be hung on a wall.
1. Using wire cutters, cut one of the corner pieces of wire off the basket. This will allow you to thread the plugs into the side of the basket.
2. Once the outlet strip is in, tie it down on both ends to the bottom wire on the basket using cable ties.
3. If needed, attach the power strip to an extension cord. I have an outlet on the floor under my desk that Ed put in for my many years ago. Best invention ever – floor outlets! To keep the cord from getting damaged under the rug, cut a piece of rubber cord protector to the size needed and thread the cord into it. Make sure it is flat.
4. Cover the protected cord with the rug.
5. Attach the basket with the power strip under the desk using a cup hook at each corner. The power strip outlets should be facing down.
6. Attach clear cord organizers to the side leg of the desk. They open and close like a barrette.
7. Run the floor power cord up through the clips. I used two on the leg.
8. For the lamps on top of my desk, I used 4 flat cord clips.
9. I attached them along the front lip of my desk and then ran the cords through.
10. Once I had all the cords clipped, I brought the excess under the desk and wove each through the basket and then used another cable tie to secure. I left enough cord excess to plug in each item into the power strip. For my large laptop cord with the bulky box, I screwed in 2 cup hooks about 6-inches apart on the under side of the desk to hold it out of sight. When I take my laptop away from my desk, which I do a lot. I can simply grab the tied up cord and unplug it.
It may not be perfect cord management, but it sure does look neat and tidy. No more dangling cords and cords on the floor.
Trax the cat is not too happy with the new arrangement. The cords were like his own private amusement park. I will have to buy him something a little safer to keep him occupied.
I am working on a big project this weekend. I hope I can get it finished, so that I can show you on Monday. I think you are going to like it! *Update: Here is the big Rolling Door Reveal.
Happy Weekend!
*For more cord hiding techniques check out my post on How to Hide Cords on a Wall Mounted TV here and here. You can also see how I hid the cord for a chandelier.
Amanda says
Totally awesome ………you have some seriously killer ideas and I hope I can make em work! Thx a bunch
Kathryn Corio says
Just to be sure: Is it alright to use the rubber cord protector on TOP of carpet?
Diane Henkler says
Yes – but it could become a tripping hazard. When I worked in retail display, we used colored duct tape that matched the carpet to hold it in place so no one would trip over it.
Madelaine says
Diane,
I am catching up on some of the blogs I try to follow and am just seeing this post. I have to chime in with the safety concerns that Janice has raised. I have to add that the extension cord used with the power strip is almost postively a lower wattage rated cord than the power strip. Please look into getting a power strip with a longer cord and not using the extension cord altogether. And definitely on top of the rug!
I, too, really enjoy your posts and all you have done around your home. Please keep the creative solutions coming!
Denise says
Janice is correct. While this solution is makes the tangled cord problem go away, is it safe? My husband would never allow me to do this and I have to agree. I would rather see you with tangled cords than have your house burn down Diane. You are so creative, I know you can come up with another, safer solution!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Denise – I believe the only thing that may not be safe is the cord running under the rug. I could move my desk or like you said – just have them on the floor :) Maybe I just need to put a small hole in the rug so the cords wont run under the rug, but on top. Will look into it.
Janice says
Diane, as a retired fire inspector and investigator, I have seen the result of cords run under rugs time after time. It is a common problem in many households. The point I was trying to make about the extension cord is that whether it is plugged into a power bar or not, it should not be used as a permanent source of electricity. I agree with Denise that with your ingenuity, you will come up with safer solutions!
Kim says
ME too! Hiding cords has been a priority for me and when you live with an Electrical Engineer he takes it a bit personal when you want to hide part of the “toys”. I’ve got plans to make some fabric covers for some of my issues and I am considering a request for a floor outlet in the middle of the room like your hubby made for you. Why should I let all his skills go to waste! Thanks Diane, as always you are Genius Diva.
JP says
You are a freakin’ genius! Many people would have thought of the clips, but the basket for the power strip is where your innovative brain really shows through. I see someone commented that your solution was unsafe, but the cautions about extension cords do not apply to power strips, so your additions of the power strip and the rubber cord cover under the rug (I believe) make this a safe application.
Patricia says
Genius! :)
GinaE says
Diane, your idea had me slapping my forehead like “I could of had a V-8”. Genius to use the basket. I’m doing this!!!! Thanks for sharing.
Angie says
What a difference! Thanks for the tip. Never knew about the flat cord clips. Will have to give them a try.
Lisa says
This is a very clever idea! I’ve enclosed cords in boxes, baskets etc. but I never thought to attach them to the desk itself. Thanks Diane! Love your Blog!
Sunny says
Thank you for being the first designer to be honest about this problem. ALL of us live with tangled cords, and yet this is the first time I have seen someone share what she has learned to the benefit of us all. I have seen the basket-under-the-desk solution, but your close-ups and explanations of “what materials to use where” was greatly appreciated because those little details are what make this solution work… it’s not JUST the basket under the desk, is it? I am so grateful for your generosity in sharing your ideas and many creations on your blog.
Shelly S says
Cords are the bane of my exsistance! Fab post – thank you!
Janice says
Although it does look much neater, it’s important to keep fire safety in mind. Extension cords should only be used as a temporary source of electricity, eg. when using a power tool, and should not be used as a permanent source of electricity. They should be used for the required job and then unplugged. If a permanent source of electricity is required, a better and safer solution is to have an electrician install an additional outlet closer to the item requiring electricity. Also remember, when purchasing any electrical item, to look for the UL symbol. This means that a representative sample of this product has been tested and found safe by Underwriters Laboratories. Sometimes untested, off-shore-produced items can find their way into our Dollar Stores. The other concern I have is with the electrical cord being run under the carpet. It is important that electrical cords not be covered with rugs, carpets, cardboard, etc. as this does not allow the heat produced by the cord to dissipate, and could result in a possible fire starting through the build-up of heat. I have seen this first-hand. I enjoy your blog very much and hope you will consider utilizing this safety information in your home, and pass it along to your readers. Be safe!
Pam says
What a neat idea..all your ideas are so unique…I always look forward to your post….
[email protected] says
Ok your just to smart!!!!!! ;-)
Jann Newton says
Genius!
Debbie says
This is a great idea, Diane, and it does look so much better. If only I could work out something like that for our office, we have 2 desks and jumbles of cords. I’ve pinned to hopefully figure something out. Thanks!
Debbie :)
Krista @thehappyhousie says
Great tips! I am always distracted by the look of cords interfering with our décor… you’ve given some great ideas to problem solve this:) Thanks!
Krista
Natalie says
I swear Diane, you must be reading my mind. This is no joke, I literally was looking at my Livingroom wall with all the surround sound and high tech gadets my hubby has and was questioning how I could hide these hideous cords… You must be reading my mind… Again, I love those flowers, how do you get them to look so beautiful???
Emilia says
Wow…so neat and tidy. I love your idea. Will try it. There is nothing else that would annoy me more than multiple cables around tables or cabinets. Thank you so much for sharing:)
Rebecca - HomeSeasons says
Great idea! Cords can get so cluttered looking, but this neatly stows them away!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
What a beautiful study! It is sooooo my style! Thanks for the very useful post on hiding cords. LOVE this! It really makes your pretty room even more organized and lovely.
Jo @ Let's Face the Music says
Perfect solution. I live in a power cord jungle and have not yet got the right machete to hack my way out. This kinder, gentler approach might be worth a try. Maybe I can get my dear husband to focus on it. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music