Q: Since I’m an avid reader/adorer of all things YHL, I’ve seen pretty much all the pictures of your home that you’ve managed to cram into the blog. And every time I see these pics, I swoon over how organized and neat your house is—so very unlike my own. One thing in particular annoys me: office clutter! Cords, cables & wires. Letting it all hang out is NOT my idea of organization or attractiveness. How do you guys make your cords/wires/cables more organized and neat? Must I resort to actually having to tie each wire and cord individually? There must be another way! Right? Please? – Erin
A: I’m a little obsessive about cords. I’ll just get that out before I answer. But honestly, keeping cords under control is a mix of practical tricks, a few clever hiding spots, and some simple purchases that make a big visual difference.
I genuinely dislike cord clutter. One solution we use that might sound odd: two white cardboard Ikea storage boxes on our desk actually house our cable modem and an external hard drive. We punched holes around the top, back, and sides of the boxes for ventilation and cut notches in the back so cords can escape and be plugged in under the desk. This keeps the devices accessible while hiding most of the visual mess. We’ve used this approach for several years without any issues, but we do check the boxes occasionally and lift the lids to air things out and make sure nothing is overheating.
A very simple, low-cost tactic is to place a piece of furniture in front of the wall outlet area. For example, we slide a leather ottoman under the left side of our desk and put the printer on it. The ottoman hides the cords running from the storage boxes to the outlet and doubles as extra concealed storage for office supplies. If your desk has room, an ottoman or small cabinet in front of the plug area is one of the easiest ways to hide cords without extensive work.
For more structured solutions, storage and home-goods retailers offer cord-management kits and accessories designed specifically for organizing cables. These products let you route cords neatly down desk legs, bundle multiple cables with velcro wraps, or conceal power strips in slim channels. They’re especially helpful if your desk footprint is too small for an ottoman or if you prefer a more minimal, professional look.
On the desktop itself, small storage containers make a surprising difference. We keep two shallow tins on the desk that store dog treats, and a simple cup holds pens and chargers—these small items reduce loose cables and accessories scattered across the surface. Adding a potted plant and a piece of simple DIY art softens the workspace visually and creates a more pleasant environment for long stretches of work.
Choosing a desk with drawers is another practical move. Our West Elm Parsons desk has two shallow drawers that are perfect for hiding bills, notes, and miscellaneous papers so the desktop stays uncluttered. A tidy surface makes it easier to focus and feels more calming; I personally find I’m more productive when my workspace is organized.
To recap our approach: conceal larger devices in ventilated boxes, block visible cords with furniture like an ottoman, use cord-management accessories to route and bundle wires, and keep small items in designated containers so the desktop remains tidy. This combination of creative hiding and practical products keeps our compact corner office looking neat without constant fiddling with each individual cable.
We’d love to hear what tricks you use. Have you found a favorite cord-hiding product, a clever DIY solution, or a furniture placement hack that makes a big difference? Share your tips so everyone can learn new ways to tame the cable chaos.
Update: We’re glad readers like the ventilated box idea. While it has worked for us, it’s important to take safety precautions if you try this: punch or cut plenty of vents in the top, bottom, and sides of the box and leave a wide opening in the back for cords to exit. Regularly open the box to check for heat buildup, especially during the first few weeks, to make sure ventilation is adequate. Safety comes first—avoid creating a fire hazard by monitoring temperature and allowing proper airflow around electronic components.