In order to run ethernet cable along a wall, it’s best to use a low-profile cover for ethernet cable. There are several products that encase and protect your ethernet cable, keep it out of view, and can be run seamlessly along baseboards. You can even use covers designed to allow you to run ethernet cable along wall corners to TV’s or wall-mounted monitors. Alternatively, you can protect a cable run that crosses the middle of the room. If you wish, you can secure ethernet along a wall with nail-in clips. Just be sure to avoid pinching or damaging your cable, since this can negatively affect your signal strength.
Table of Contents
5 Best Ways to Run an Ethernet Cable in a Finished House
If you already have network connectivity in your home and want to bring ethernet cable into additional rooms, you can get the job done without drilling any holes in your wall. Here are the best ways to run an ethernet cable along the wall in your home:
Baseboard Cable Covers
Quarter-round cable covers are our favorite way to run ethernet to additional rooms easily. This system is self-adhesive so it installs in minutes. You can run in on the wall just above your baseboard. Alternatively, you can install it where your baseboard meets the floor, for the same appearance as shoe molding.
- Installs quickly due to adhesive backing.
- Can be installed along baseboards, corners, and crown molding.
- Completely conceals ethernet cables.
- Paintable to match walls or trim.
Once this system is installed, the cable can be laid in the channel and the cover can be closed, completely concealing your cable. Because this cable cover is paintable, you can also paint it to match your baseboard. This way, you can bring a wired connection to additional rooms without unsightly visible ethernet lines.
Adhesive-Backed Cable Raceways
Square cross-section cable raceways have an even smaller profile than quarter-round cable covers and provide similar results. These cable covers are self-adhesive, so they can be pressed into place along a wall or baseboard. Because they are just large enough to fit an ethernet cable, they are as small as can be. This makes them unobtrusive in a room.
- Even smaller than quarter-round cable covers.
- Self-adhesive backing for quick installation.
- Fits all types of ethernet cable, from flat wire to Cat5, Cat6, Cat7, and coaxial cable.
If you need to bring your ethernet connection from one room to another, this cable cover is a great choice. They install quickly and can be painted to match walls or trim. Plus, they protect the cable inside. This means your ethernet cable won’t be damaged by pets, foot traffic, or chores like vacuuming.
Cable Clips
To secure ethernet connection or coaxial cable securely and cheaply, use these nail-in cable clips. U-shaped clips can be nailed along an ethernet cord run to keep it secured to a baseboard or wall. A secured wire is much harder to damage, making this a great choice. U-shaped clips are best for round ethernet and coax, while square clips are the best choice if you’re using a flat cable.
- Low-cost option for running low-voltage cable from room-to-room.
- Use U-shaped clips for round ethernet and coaxial cables.
- Use square clips for flat ethernet cable.
- Avoid damaging your cable with the nail to preserve your internet speeds.
- You can avoid nail-in clips by using these adhesive cable clips as an alternative.
When using nail-in cable clips to secure a cable along a wall, make sure that the cable is not damaged by the nail or pinched by the clip. Any damage to the cable itself can reduce the reliability of your internet connection. If you want to avoid this possibility, you can use adhesive cable clips instead.
Corner Duct Ethernet Covers
If you need to run power cables, HDMI cords, or ethernet cables vertically in a corner of a room, this corner duct is the best option. This is ideal for delivering internet connectivity to a wall-mounted smart TV without unsightly wires. Or, if you followed our guide for running ethernet cable in your attic, you may want to run an ethernet line down from the ceiling to floor level.
- Perfect for running one or more cables vertically in room corners.
- Large enough to accommodate power cables, ethernet, and HDMI cables.
- Screws in place for increased durability.
The quarter-round design of this cable protector means it fits seamlessly in corners. It anchors securely with screws, making for a sturdy installation, and the cover can be opened at any time to service wires or remove them.
Floor Ethernet Cable Protectors
If you have to run ethernet cable across the floor for any distance—such as from the wall to a modem or computer—a heavy-duty cable cover, like this one, is essential. Not only will it eliminate the tripping hazard of unprotected cables snaking across the floor, but it also protects your cables from damage.
- Protect cords that must be run along the floor to prevent tripping and cord damage.
- Perfect for all cable types.
- Allows you to run ethernet cables from your wall to network devices safely.
Whether you’re finishing your home office or media room, a floor cable cover keeps cables out of sight and protected. This way, even when you can’t run cables along a wall, you can still keep your space neat and safe.
Can You Staple Ethernet Cable to a Wall?
It is not a good idea to use staples to secure your ethernet cable to the wall. Most staplers and staple guns are simply too strong. The staple runs the risk of pinching, crushing, or breaking the protective casing of your ethernet cable. This results in reduced internet speeds and connectivity disruptions.
- Staples can easily damage or crush your ethernet cable.
- Pinched, crushed, or pierced ethernet cables can reduce connection speeds or cause connection disruption.
- Instead of staples, use cable clips for a secure, safe installation.
Instead of staples, use nail-in or adhesive cable clips. They install quickly, keep your cord in place along the wall, and won’t damage the cable. So, you’ll get all the benefits of staples without any of the drawbacks.
How Far Does Ethernet have to be from Power Cables?
You can run ethernet cable alongside power cables for your computer and other devices. The best way to do this is inside a quarter-round cable protector that can be used in room corners or along baseboards. The relatively low voltage of an insulated power cord won’t cause signal disruption.
- Ethernet cable can be safely run alongside device power cords in a cable protector.
- Keep all ethernet cable runs at least 16 inches (40 cm) from home electrical wiring in walls and attic spaces.
- Ethernet cable that is run too close alongside electrical wiring will experience signal weakening that slows down your connection speed.
It’s important to note that ethernet cable should be run at least 16 inches (40 cm) from any in-home electrical wiring. The wiring in your home carries enough voltage that it can disrupt and weaken the signal carried by your ethernet cable, slowing down your internet speeds. So, if you’re running ethernet cable through an exterior wall or in your attic, keep all cable runs at a safe distance from electrical wiring.
How Do You Run Ethernet Cable in Another Room?
To run ethernet cable in a concealed manner from one room to another, you should:
- Run ethernet cable in a quarter-round protector along baseboards or in corners.
- Use small, rectangular cable covers for a low-profile solution.
- Use a paintable cable cover that can be painted to match walls or trim.
- Save money by using nail-in or adhesive clips to keep cables in place.
- Use a cable protector whenever you need to run ethernet cable across a floor.
By following these tips you can keep your ethernet cables entirely out of sight. This keeps your home tidy and helps protect your cable from damage. Because damaged cables can disrupt your internet connection, the more you protect the cable runs in your home, the more reliable your connection will be.
