Organize Cables

Computers, enormous flat panel tv’s, Ipod docks and high end speaker systems are on the top of the wish list these days. Why go to the movies if you can order anything you want to watch online and then pump it though a home theater system that could put your grandma’s incontinence to the test.

All of this excellent technology comes at a price as the cable jungles and overloaded power strips create both unmanaged and unsightly nests of dust-covered cables. Taming the wild fury of these unwanted and messy jungles can be tricky but when done correctly they are invisible. In the end, they provide that amazing media experience and remain unseen.

Laptop docking stations are a wonderful solution to having an ultraportable laptop with a tiny screen. With them we correct the ergonomic nightmare that is the 9 inch netbook. Unfortunately, this setup can become a creative exercise in how to organize cables. It includes such wonders as a laptop charging cord, monitor power cord, monitor to laptop data cable, audio cable, desk light and possibly other things. Although, you may need all of this to reach only a few feet, each cable may be double or triple that length. Here are some suggestions to keep you from pulling your hair out.

1. Determine how much cord length you actually need and roll up the rest leaving a little play in the line. This is in case the device gets bumped or moved it won’t become unplugged. Also, its nice to be able to move it a bit yourself if you have to again without unplugging.

2. If you can see the cables under you desk, consider putting the power strip behind you monitor. All the cables will be able to be rolled shorter to minimize the mess. Also, there will only be one cord to be seen going to the outlet under the desk. Many power strips have holes in the back for mounting so if it is flipping over from cable tension or you’ve found a better place for it where the cables can’t be seen, get out the hammer and nails!!! Learning how to organize cables can turn a real mess into a classy setup to be admired.

3. All that bunched up and tied cable on your desk is going to be in a big unsightly pile. Consider looking in the cable management section of online stores or even retail. My personal favorite for this is Ikea. I use an under the desk bag with table clamps for my jungle of cables. I works great as it’s mounted right up under the back of the desk and is invisible unless you get on all fours.

The computer isn’t the only place where it is necessary to organize cables.  A friend of mine set up all his speaker, video game and tv cables through the middle of the living room right on top of the hard wood.  One day he tripped on a wire right in front of me and brought everything plugged in around the perimeter of the room crashing to the center.  There he was, tied up in cables with five hundred dollars of equipment at his big feet.  Here are some solutions to this problem.

Run the cables to a home theater system around the perimeter of the room and tie with zip ties.  This will take away anything you may trip on.  A different approach to this is to run the cables under a throw rug.  I use this one myself and they are all but invisible here.  Even if you have awesome laminent flooring like I do, you can still have a killer rug.  Mine is actually zebra striped.  I’ve never tripped over the cables once. 

Hope this article gives insight in how to make technology fit a bit easier into the décor of your home.  Its necessary, its fun, but sometimes a bit of planning goes a long way when making it fit into your design plans.  Have a good one!!