Xigman TV Mounting offers professional TV mounting, home theater installation, and wiring services throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Trusted since 2018 for clean, safe, and reliable installations.
Should You Hide TV Cables or Leave Them Exposed? Full Comparison Guide for DFW Homeowners (2025)
By Majid – Owner & Lead Installer at DFWTVMount
One of the biggest questions homeowners ask when mounting a TV is whether they should hide the cables inside the wall or leave them visible on the outside. In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, especially in cities like Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, and Dallas itself, homeowners are upgrading their living rooms, fireplaces, and bedrooms with clean modern setups. The truth is that cable hiding is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your installation — not just for looks, but also for safety, home value, and long-term durability.
This guide breaks down the differences between exposed cables and in-wall cable management, including real examples from our DFW installations, pricing comparisons, and what most homeowners choose.
What It Means to Hide TV Cables
Hiding TV cables means running all wires inside the wall behind your TV using a proper in-wall rated kit. This creates a clean, hotel-quality look with zero visible wiring.
At DFWTVMount, we use:
- In-wall power relocation kits
- UL-rated cable pass-through systems
- Safety-approved insulation-friendly pathways
- Wall-plate covers for a clean finish
This is the same method used by professionals and required in many upscale homes and apartment complexes.
What It Looks Like When Cables Are Left Exposed
Exposed cables run down the outside of the wall, either hanging loosely or placed inside a plastic cover (raceway). While this is cheaper and faster, it doesn’t offer the same clean finish — and can affect safety around kids and pets.
Many handyman services and cheap installers in Dallas do this because it’s quick, but it rarely looks professional.
Hidden Cables vs. Exposed Cables: Full Comparison
Below is a clear breakdown based on what we see in Dallas, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, and surrounding DFW cities.
1. Appearance (Winner: Hidden Cables)
If you want a modern, luxury, magazine-style look, you should definitely hide your cables.
Exposed wires make even a high-end TV look cluttered. Hidden cables give you:
- A clean, floating TV look
- No hanging wires
- Perfect alignment for fireplace or bedroom installs
- A more professional finish that matches upscale DFW homes
Most homeowners searching for tv installers near me or professional tv mounters want hidden wiring.
2. Safety (Winner: Hidden Cables)
In DFW, we install many TVs for families with kids and pets. Exposed cables are a safety risk because:
- Kids can pull on them
- Pets can chew them
- They create tripping hazards
- They collect dust
In-wall cable hiding keeps everything protected and secure.
3. Home Value & Design (Winner: Hidden Cables)
Hidden cables make your home look newer and more expensive. Appraisers, buyers, and renters notice clean installations.
This is especially true in:
- Dallas luxury homes
- New builds in Frisco & Prosper
- Modern apartments in Plano & McKinney
- Airbnb / rental properties
If you plan to sell, rent, or upgrade your home, hidden cables pay off.
4. Cost (Winner: Exposed Cables — but only for short term)
Exposed cable installs are cheaper because they don’t require opening the wall. But the downside is long-term appearance and safety.
Typical DFW Pricing:
- Exposed cable mount: $0 additional
- Raceway cover: $10–$20
- In-wall cable hiding: $49–$89
In-wall is a small upgrade that dramatically changes the final result.
5. Durability & Maintenance (Winner: Hidden Cables)
Exposed cables can loosen, sag, and pull over time. Raceways can discolor or detach from textured walls. Hidden cables, on the other hand:
- Never move
- Never sag
- Stay dust-free
- Are completely protected
This is why nearly every tv mounting Dallas project we complete includes cable hiding.
When You SHOULD Hide Cables (DFW Pro Recommendation)
We strongly recommend hiding cables if:
- Your TV is 55” or larger
- You are mounting above a fireplace
- You want a modern, clean look
- You live in a newer home in Frisco, Plano, Prosper, or Allen
- You have kids or pets
- You want safer wiring
- You want to increase home value
This creates the premium look people expect from professional tv mounters.
When It’s OK to Leave Cables Exposed
Leaving cables visible is acceptable if:
- You’re renting and cannot open walls
- The TV is temporary
- It’s a budget install for a garage or spare room
- You don’t mind the wires
- The wall is concrete or stone where in-wall routing isn’t possible
In these cases, we usually use a slim white raceway to keep things tidy.
Real Example: Cable Hiding in a McKinney Home
We recently helped a family in Stonebridge Ranch (McKinney) who had a beautiful 75-inch Samsung mounted above a fireplace, but all the cables were hanging down the wall. They thought the wires couldn’t be hidden because the fireplace was stone. We installed a proper in-wall power kit, ran the cables through a safe pathway, and completely transformed the look of their living room in under 45 minutes.
They said: “We should have done this from day one. It looks like a new house.”
So, Should You Hide TV Cables or Leave Them Exposed?
If you want the cleanest, safest, and most modern setup — hide the cables. It’s one of the most affordable upgrades with the biggest visual impact. If you’re renting or mounting in a temporary space, exposed wiring with a raceway is acceptable, but it doesn’t compare to a professional finish. Most DFW homeowners choose hidden cables because it significantly improves the look and safety of the space.
Ready for a Clean TV Installation in DFW?
Call/Text: 214-998-3144
Email: dfwtvmount68@gmail.com
Website: www.dfwtvmount.com
Serving Dallas, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Irving, Arlington, Carrollton, Fort Worth, and all DFW cities.