Your holiday lights sparkle and your ornaments gleam, but those dangling cords on the wall? They can make even the most beautiful Christmas setup look unfinished, and they can be a tripping hazard. No one wants guests stepping over extension cords or seeing messy wires in the background of family holiday photos. Those stray cords can ruin the polished look you’ve worked so hard to create. These 15 smart ideas to hide a cord on the wall when Christmas decorations are up combine style and safety, ensuring your space looks festive and Instagram-worthy without sacrificing function.
Sometimes you need solutions that work fast, leave no permanent marks, and still look good. These quick tricks are perfect for renters or anyone who wants to keep post-holiday clean-up simple while still maintaining a polished look. (For more décor inspiration, see 15 Creative Christmas Decoration Ideas for a Blank Wall Space).
Removable hooks and cable clips are lifesavers during the holidays because they secure cords to walls without causing damage. Choose clear or white hooks so they blend into painted walls or trim. Space them every 12–18 inches to keep cords straight and tight against the surface, eliminating droop. This simple method allows you to run cords vertically or horizontally, then easily remove them in January without leaving a trace. (See more décor inspiration in our Christmas Collection.)
What I’ve learned: Clear hooks look best on painted walls, while white ones blend into trim. Don’t overload hooks—one cord per hook keeps everything tidy and safe. Warm up adhesive strips with your hand before sticking; they hold better on cold walls.
Instead of letting cords hang in plain sight, tuck them neatly along your baseboards. The horizontal lines naturally draw the eye, so cords virtually disappear into the trim. Use painter’s tape or temporary mounting strips to secure cords in place without damaging your walls. This technique is perfect for rooms where outlets are low and your Christmas tree or light displays sit a few feet away.
Here’s what worked for me: Using painter’s tape lets you remove cords without peeling paint. Match the cord color to the baseboard (white-on-white or dark-on-dark) for extra camouflage. Running cords along corners also reduces tripping risks for kids and pets.
Your furniture and tree skirt can work double duty as both decorative elements and cord concealment. Slide cords behind your sofa or console table to keep them out of high-traffic areas. At the base of your Christmas tree, wrap cords under a thick, layered tree skirt to keep them hidden while also protecting them from pets and curious toddlers. It’s a quick solution that doesn’t require tools and blends seamlessly into your décor.
My go-to move: A thick, pleated tree skirt hides even bulky extension cord plugs. Angling your tree slightly toward the outlet can reduce visible cord length. Use felt pads under furniture when shifting it for cord hiding—no scratched floors.
Why fight with your cords when you can make them part of the festive display? These ideas turn unsightly wires into decorative features that actually enhance your holiday theme. (For additional ideas, explore 25 Christmas Wall Decor Ideas for a Festive Holiday Home).
Instead of trying to make cords invisible, turn them into part of the décor by wrapping them with a lush garland or metallic tinsel. This transforms an ordinary extension cord into a design feature that feels intentional. Use greenery to coordinate with your wreaths or a glittery strand for a pop of holiday shimmer. Guests will notice your creativity, not the cord itself.
Quick tip: Choose flame-retardant garland for safety near electrical cords. Wrapping in the same color scheme (like gold tinsel on gold décor) looks seamless. Lightweight faux greenery works better than heavy real pine.
If your Christmas décor follows a color palette—say, red and gold or silver and blue—wrap cords in coordinating ribbon. The fabric texture softens the industrial look of the cord and helps it blend with surrounding ornaments and wall accents. You can even create small bows every few feet for an extra decorative touch. It’s an inexpensive way to hide wires and add a designer look to your setup.
Tip I love: Wired ribbons hold their shape and stay put better than fabric strips. Double-stick tape at the start and end of the ribbon keeps it secure. Match ribbon width to cord thickness so it doesn’t look bulky.
Outlets often stick out visually, especially when filled with bulky plugs. Cover them with wall art or a festive frame, strategically positioned so cords peek out discreetly from underneath. For example, a botanical print or holiday canvas can draw the eye up while hiding what’s plugged in. Consider our Botanical Wall Art to add an elegant, nature-inspired touch while solving the outlet problem.
What I’ve learned: Lightweight frames work best; heavier ones may stress hooks. Use a stand-off mount so plugs don’t push the art out unevenly. Small canvases or plaques are easier to reposition after the holidays.
When you want something more permanent—or at least longer-lasting—DIY solutions can deliver that professional, built-in look. These approaches require a little more time but pay off with an organized and polished result. (For more inspiration, check 27 Christmas Wall Decoration Ideas for Living Room).
Cord raceways create a permanent-looking solution without actual remodeling. These slim plastic channels attach directly to your wall and can be painted to match your wall color for a seamless finish. They’re perfect for vertical runs from outlet to decoration and keep cords tightly enclosed for safety. A quick coat of paint and your holiday setup looks like it was professionally wired.
Tip: Sand the raceway lightly before painting for better adhesion. Mounting tape works better than nails for temporary holiday installs. Once painted, guests won’t even realize there’s a cord inside.
Fabric cord sleeves act like a costume for your cords, transforming them from an eyesore to a design accent. Choose festive patterns—plaid, knit, or even velvet—for a cozy Christmas vibe. They slip right over cords and can be removed once the holidays are over, making them reusable year after year. This simple DIY upgrade can turn a functional necessity into part of your decorative story.
What works best: Use stretchy fabric sleeves for bulkier cords. Red and green patterns blend naturally into Christmas scenes. Machine-wash sleeves after use so they’re ready for next year.
If you’re handy, consider building a slim wooden cover that doubles as wall trim. Stain or paint it to complement your décor so it looks like it’s always been there. This solution hides cords year-round, not just at Christmas, and elevates your space to feel custom-designed. Pair the look with nature-inspired elements from our Nature Lovers Collection to keep the theme warm and organic.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Pine is light and easy to cut for DIY trim covers. Pre-drill screw holes to prevent splitting thin wood pieces. Matching the stain to existing baseboards keeps it looking intentional.
Sometimes, hiding cords isn’t necessary when you can make them part of your creative design. These ideas transform basic electrical setups into decorative features that spark conversation. (You may also enjoy 14 Easy Christmas Wall Decor Ideas for a Warm and Festive Home).
Instead of fighting with cord placement, embrace it by shaping them into holiday designs like stars, Christmas trees, or snowflakes using adhesive hooks. Wrap lights along the pattern to create a glowing wall feature. This not only hides the cord but turns it into a conversation starter. Guests will think it’s intentional holiday wall art rather than a cord workaround.
My tip: Sketch the design on paper first to avoid wasted hooks. Use flexible light cords; stiff ones are harder to shape neatly. Choose symmetrical designs—they’re easier to balance visually.
Suspend ornaments along the length of the cord so it feels like a decorative display rather than an exposed wire. Use lightweight baubles or keepsake ornaments to make it special and personal. Consider our First Christmas Together Ornaments for a sentimental touch that doubles as a clever cord cover. This idea adds layers of holiday meaning while solving a practical problem.
What I love: Clear fishing line keeps ornaments from looking “attached” to cords. Use uniform ornament sizes for a balanced look. Lightweight plastic ornaments are safer than glass for this technique.
Rather than hide cords completely, accentuate them with mini LED clips to create a glowing border along your wall. This turns your cords into a light feature—almost like framing your Christmas display with a subtle halo. Choose warm white or multicolor LEDs to match your theme. The end result feels intentional and festive, not messy or improvised.
Pro tip: Space LEDs evenly for a professional look. Battery-powered LEDs reduce visible extra wires. Use warm tones for cozy rooms and cool tones for modern themes.
A beautifully decorated room is only as good as its safety practices. These simple tips ensure your cord-hiding efforts keep your holiday both stylish and safe.
While it might be tempting to tuck cords under rugs, doing so can create fire hazards and wear out your cords. Instead, route them along safe edges of the wall or behind furniture where they won’t be stepped on. Keeping cords visible enough to inspect but out of major pathways strikes the perfect balance between safety and style.
Tip: If you must cross a walkway, use a rubber cord cover made for floor use. Rugs shift more than you think—keep cords out from under them. Always check local safety codes if decorating in shared spaces.
Check cords for frays, cracks, or loose connections before you even think about hanging them. Old or damaged cords are more likely to overheat and pose a fire risk. Replacing worn cords ensures your holiday décor is as safe as it is beautiful, so you can relax and enjoy your celebrations.
What I do every year: Label new cords with the purchase year—it’s easier to track age. Cheap cords wear out faster; investing in quality pays off. Store cords neatly coiled to prevent damage when not in use.
When multiple decorations are plugged in, use UL-certified power strips to manage power distribution. These strips offer surge protection and reduce the risk of electrical overloads. Make sure to choose one with an easy-to-reach switch so you can turn everything off at night with a single touch.
From experience: Mount power strips on walls to keep them off the floor. Use strips with built-in circuit breakers for extra safety. Check wattage ratings—holiday lights add up quickly.
You don’t need a total holiday décor overhaul to make an impact. Start small—try wrapping your extension cords in festive ribbon or tucking them neatly along your baseboards. Just one thoughtful change can make your space feel more polished, safer, and full of seasonal charm.
Pin this guide to come back to later, or share it with a friend who’s decorating too, because small details do make a big difference.
Have a question or need a little help picking the perfect piece? We’re here for you! Call us at +1 (815) 576‑6618 or email sales@familywalldecor.com—we’d love to help you create a wall full of holiday cheer.
