8 Best Tools for Mounting a Flat Screen Television and Hiding Cords in a Downsized Home

Transitioning to a downsized home often means rethinking how to use every square inch of living space without sacrificing style or comfort. Mounting a flat-screen television to the wall is one of the most effective ways to reclaim floor space, eliminate bulky media consoles, and create a modern, streamlined look. With the right set of tools and a clear plan, achieving a clean, cord-free entertainment setup is a highly manageable afternoon project that yields professional-grade results.

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Maximizing Small Spaces by Mounting Your Flat Screen

Downsizing presents a unique opportunity to curate a home that is highly functional and free of unnecessary clutter. Traditional television stands occupy valuable floor real estate and often dictate the entire layout of a living room or bedroom. Wall-mounting your screen frees up that footprint, allowing for a more open, flexible furniture arrangement that makes small rooms feel significantly larger.

Beyond aesthetics, elevated screens improve ergonomics and reduce neck strain when positioned correctly. However, a mounted TV with a nest of dangling black cords can quickly ruin the clean visual lines of a newly organized space. Taking the extra steps to hide those cables—either along the wall surface or behind the drywall—turns a standard home improvement chore into a high-end, custom upgrade.

The key to a successful installation lies in choosing tools that offer precision and ease of use, ensuring the television is both perfectly level and securely anchored. Having the correct gear on hand prevents accidental drywall damage, eliminates guesswork, and provides peace of mind that your valuable electronics are safely mounted.

Full Motion Wall Mount – Echogear EGLF2

A reliable TV wall mount is the literal foundation of this project, ensuring your flat screen stays securely on the wall while offering the flexibility to adjust viewing angles. In a downsized home, rooms often serve multiple purposes, meaning you might want to view the screen from the kitchen, a favorite armchair, or a desk. A full-motion mount allows you to easily pull the screen out, tilt it to reduce glare, and swivel it toward whoever is watching.

The Echogear EGLF2 stands out for its exceptionally smooth articulation and heavy-duty steel construction. It supports televisions ranging from 42 to 90 inches and weighing up to 125 pounds, providing a rock-solid hold that smaller, flimsy mounts simply cannot match. It extends up to 22 inches from the wall, allowing for dramatic swivel angles, and retracts back to a slim 2.4-inch profile for a flush, clean look when not in use.

• TV Size Compatibility: 42″ to 90″ flat and curved screens
• Weight Capacity: Up to 125 lbs
• Extension Range: Extends up to 22″ and sits 2.4″ from the wall
• Tilt/Swivel: 15 degrees of tilt and up to 130 degrees of lateral swivel

Before purchasing, confirm your wall stud spacing, as this mount is designed for 16-inch or 24-inch wood studs (though concrete anchors can be requested from the manufacturer). Its heavy build means the mount itself is quite heavy, making it essential to secure the wall plate to studs with the provided lag bolts. This mount is perfect for open-concept layouts where viewing angles change frequently, but it may be overkill for small bedrooms where a simple tilt mount would suffice.

Stud Finder – Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150

Relying on guesswork or the classic “knuckle tap” method to find wall studs is a recipe for disaster when hanging a heavy television. You must anchor the wall mount directly into the center of wooden studs to prevent the mount from tearing out of the drywall. A high-quality stud finder eliminates the anxiety of missing the stud and ensures a safe, secure installation on the first try.

The Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150 is the ideal choice for this task because it uses multi-sensor technology to show the width of the stud in real time. Unlike cheap models that beep erratically and only locate the edges, this tool features multiple LEDs that illuminate to show you the exact starting, ending, and center points of the stud. This level of clarity is incredibly helpful when you need to align heavy-duty lag bolts precisely in the center of a 1.5-inch wooden framing member.

• Sensor Count: 9 precision sensors for instant readings
• Detection Depth: Up to 1.5 inches deep through drywall
• Display Style: LED light bar indicates stud location and width
• Power Source: Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)

This tool does not require calibration before use, meaning you can place it against the wall and press the button to get an immediate, accurate reading. It is specifically designed for wood studs and drywall, so it is not suitable for plaster and lath walls commonly found in historic homes. For standard modern construction, however, this tool is an absolute necessity that saves time and prevents unnecessary holes in your walls.

Cord Raceway – D-Line Cable Raceway On-Wall Cover

Not every home allows for cutting holes in the drywall to run cables inside the wall—especially if you are renting, dealing with concrete firewalls, or residing in a condo with strict building rules. An on-wall cord raceway is the best alternative, providing a neat, organized channel that hides unsightly wires right on the surface of the wall. It keeps cables bundled securely, preventing them from dangling and catching dust or posing a tripping hazard.

The D-Line Cable Raceway On-Wall Cover features a patented half-round profile that blends seamlessly into baseboards or mimics decorative molding. It features a hinged, click-lock lid that makes it incredibly easy to add or remove cables as your entertainment setup evolves. The self-adhesive backing allows for rapid installation without drilling, and the PVC material can be easily painted to match your exact wall color for a near-invisible finish.

• Profile Style: Decorative half-round design
• Installation Method: Self-adhesive backing or screw-fix
• Material: Paintable, impact-resistant PVC
• Capacity: Accommodates up to 3 standard HDMI or power cords

While the adhesive backing is strong, it can pull off drywall paper if you try to reposition it, so careful planning is required before pressing it onto the wall. If you have textured walls, you may want to reinforce the raceway with small screws to keep it flush. This product is ideal for renters or those with solid walls who want a clean look without the mess of cutting into plaster or drywall.

In-Wall Cable Kit – Sanus In-Wall Power Cable Kit

For the ultimate floating screen look, running your cables inside the wall is the gold standard. However, you cannot simply drop standard television power cords through the drywall, as this violates standard building safety codes and poses a serious fire hazard. An in-wall cable kit solves this problem by routing code-compliant electrical wire inside the wall cavity, giving you a safe and professional power outlet directly behind your TV.

The Sanus In-Wall Power Cable Kit is a pre-wired, code-compliant solution that requires absolutely no electrical expertise to install. It features two recessed modules—one that sits behind the television to provide power and cable access, and another that installs lower on the wall near your existing electrical outlet. The two modules connect via an in-wall rated power cable, allowing you to plug your TV in safely while routing HDMI cords through the same openings.

• Compliance: National Electrical Code (NEC) compliant
• Max Wall Thickness: Fits standard 1/2″ to 3/4″ drywall
• Cable Pass-Through: Rubber grommets hold up to 4 large HDMI cables
• Pre-Wired: No direct wiring to the home’s main electrical box required

Because this kit relies on a plug-and-play design, you simply plug the lower module into a nearby standard outlet using the provided extension cord. Note that this kit is only compatible with standard wood-stud wall cavities and cannot be used in firewalls, concrete walls, or walls with horizontal blocking. It is the perfect choice for homeowners who want a completely flush, professional installation without the expense of hiring an electrician.

Laser Level – Bosch GLL30 Self-Leveling Laser

A crooked television is an eyesore that will catch your eye every time you walk into the room, making a reliable level an indispensable tool for this project. Traditional spirit levels require you to hold them against the wall while balancing a pencil and a drill, which can be awkward and lead to alignment errors. A self-leveling laser level projects a perfectly straight, hands-free reference line across your wall, allowing you to align both the mount and the cord covers with absolute precision.

The Bosch GLL30 Self-Leveling Laser is a compact, highly accurate tool that projects both horizontal and vertical lines simultaneously. It features a smart pendulum system that automatically levels itself, flashing to alert you if it is out of alignment. The included flexible mounting device allows you to clamp the laser onto a ladder, chair, or shelf, projecting a stable cross-line exactly where you need to drill.

• Accuracy: Accurate within 5/16 inch at 30 feet
• Range: Projects lines up to 30 feet
• Self-Leveling Range: Up to 4 degrees
• Mounting Thread: 1/4″-20 for tripod compatibility

This laser level is incredibly user-friendly with a simple one-switch operation, making it highly accessible for DIY enthusiasts. However, because it relies on a red laser, the line can be difficult to see in direct, bright sunlight, so it is best used with the blinds drawn or in moderate indoor lighting. It is a fantastic investment for anyone planning to hang artwork, shelves, or wall decor in their downsized home long after the TV project is complete.

Cordless Drill – Black+Decker 20V Max Drill

Mounting a heavy steel bracket into solid wood studs requires serious driving power that hand tools simply cannot provide. A cordless drill makes quick work of drilling pilot holes and driving heavy lag bolts, ensuring the mount is anchored securely without stripping the hardware. It is the workhorse of any home improvement project, providing the speed and torque needed to work through drywall, wood, and plastic raceways.

The Black+Decker 20V Max Drill offers the perfect balance of lightweight maneuverability and robust power for indoor projects. Its 11-position clutch prevents stripping screws or damaging drywall, giving you precise control over how deep you drive each fastener. The lithium-ion battery holds a charge for up to 18 months, meaning it will be ready to work even if it has been sitting in a storage closet since your move.

• Voltage: 20V Max lithium-ion battery
• Chuck Size: 3/8-inch keyless chuck
• Clutch Settings: 11 distinct positions for torque control
• Weight: 3.4 lbs (with battery installed)

While this drill is highly capable for standard household tasks, it is not an impact driver or a hammer drill, meaning it is not suited for drilling into heavy concrete or brick walls without specialized masonry bits and extra patience. It is, however, the ideal choice for everyday DIYers who need a dependable, lightweight tool that won’t cause hand fatigue during a prolonged installation process.

Hole Saw Kit – Milwaukee Recessed Light Hole Saw

If you decide to install an in-wall cable kit, you will need to cut two large, circular openings in your drywall. Using a manual drywall saw can result in jagged edges, uneven circles, and a mountain of chalky drywall dust. A dedicated hole saw attaches directly to your cordless drill, allowing you to cut a perfectly round, clean opening in seconds with minimal effort and mess.

The Milwaukee Recessed Light Hole Saw is engineered specifically for cutting plaster and drywall without tearing the paper backing. It features a carbide-grit edge that delivers incredibly smooth cuts and lasts significantly longer than standard wood-cutting hole saws. Crucially, its diameter matches the exact size required for most standard in-wall power and cable kits, ensuring a snug, flush fit for your recessed wall boxes.

• Diameter: Available in multiple sizes (ensure matching with kit specifications)
• Material Compatibility: Plaster, drywall, acoustic tile, and fiberglass
• Shank Type: Standard hex shank for quick-change drill chucks
• Construction: Heavy-duty steel backing with a carbide-grit cutting edge

Because this tool generates fine drywall dust during operation, it is highly recommended to place a drop cloth below your work area or have someone hold a vacuum hose directly beneath the drill. This hole saw is designed strictly for wall materials, so attempting to cut through wood studs or metal framing will dull the grit instantly. It is an indispensable tool for achieving a clean, professional finish on your wall openings.

Surge Protector – Belkin 12-Outlet PivotPlug

Once your television is safely mounted and your cables are neatly routed, you must protect your valuable electronics from unexpected power surges. Downsized homes often have fewer electrical outlets, meaning you need a way to expand a single wall outlet to power your TV, soundbar, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. A high-quality surge protector shields your gear from voltage spikes while keeping your power cables organized and managed.

The Belkin 12-Outlet PivotPlug is uniquely suited for tight, wall-mounted installations due to its rotating outlet design. It features eight pivoting outlets that swing out of the way, allowing you to plug in bulky power bricks without blocking adjacent outlets. This flexibility is crucial when space is limited behind a TV mount or media console, preventing bent cords and strained plugs.

• Energy Rating: 4,320 Joules of surge protection
• Outlet Count: 12 outlets (8 pivoting, 4 stationary)
• Cord Length: 8-foot heavy-duty power cord
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty with $300,000 connected equipment protection

This surge protector is quite large, so if you are routing cables inside the wall, you will want to mount this unit near the floor outlet rather than trying to hide it directly behind a flush-mounted television. It is the ultimate choice for complex home theater setups with multiple accessories, but it may be unnecessary if you only need to power a single television with no external audio or streaming devices.

How to Determine the Perfect Viewing Height

One of the most common mistakes in DIY television mounting is hanging the screen too high, a phenomenon often referred to as “TV-too-high syndrome.” Mounting a television at fireplace-mantel height might look visually appealing in photos, but it forces viewers to constantly tilt their heads backward, leading to significant neck and eye strain over time. For the most comfortable viewing experience, the center of the screen should be positioned directly at eye level when seated in your primary viewing furniture.

To calculate this perfect height, sit on your sofa or favorite armchair in your normal viewing posture and have someone measure the distance from the floor to your eyes. Generally, this measurement falls between 36 and 42 inches from the floor. Use this number as the target height for the horizontal centerline of your television screen, adjusting slightly if you plan to tilt the screen downward using a full-motion mount.

In a downsized home, you must also consider the layout of the room and potential obstructions, such as low-profile radiators, window sills, or passing foot traffic. If you must mount the television slightly higher—such as over a low console or in a bedroom where you watch while lying down—ensure you use a tilting wall mount to angle the screen downward, maintaining a direct, perpendicular line of sight to the display.

Simple Steps for a Safe One-Person Installation

While hanging a television is often described as a two-person job, it is entirely possible to complete the installation safely on your own with careful planning and the right techniques. The key is to break the process down into manageable steps and prepare your workspace thoroughly before lifting any heavy equipment. Begin by laying the television face down on a soft blanket or rug to safely install the mounting brackets onto the back of the screen.

Next, locate your wall studs with precision and use your laser level to mark the exact drilling locations for the wall plate. Once the pilot holes are drilled, secure the wall plate to the studs using your cordless drill, ensuring it is perfectly level before tightening the lag bolts completely. To lift and mount the television safely, utilize the “tilt-and-hook” method, lifting the screen by its sturdy bottom frame and resting the top hooks of the TV brackets onto the wall plate before securing the safety screws.

Never attempt to lift a television that exceeds your comfortable lifting capacity; modern flat-screen TVs under 55 inches are typically lightweight and easy to handle solo, but larger screens may require assistance. Take your time during the final alignment process, double-checking all safety locks and screws to ensure the television is completely secure before letting go.

Enjoying Your Clean Cord-Free Entertainment Space

Once the tools are packed away and the drywall dust is cleaned up, the transformation of your entertainment space will be immediately apparent. Removing the clutter of tangled black cords and bulky media furniture opens up the room, making your downsized home feel lighter, more spacious, and incredibly modern. The clean lines of a floating screen allow your interior design, rather than your electronics, to take center stage.

With a full-motion mount, you can now enjoy your favorite shows, movies, or video calls from any angle in the room, adapting the space to your daily activities on the fly. Whether you are cooking in the kitchen, relaxing on the sofa, or working on a hobby across the room, your entertainment setup is now as flexible as your lifestyle.

Investing the time to mount your television correctly and hide the cables not only enhances your daily comfort but also adds a polished, high-end touch to your home that you can enjoy for years to come. With the right tools and a systematic approach, you have successfully modernized your living space with minimal hassle and maximum satisfaction.

Conclusion

Transforming your downsized home into a clean, modern oasis is simple when you have the right tools for the job. By mounting your television and hiding the cables, you instantly reclaim valuable space and elevate your daily viewing experience. With these eight essential tools in hand, your next home improvement project is sure to be a safe, rewarding success.