How to Tame PC Wires

Our main computer sits in our combination home office/mudroom. Yep, you get the picture, and it's often messy. But the biggest thing that bothers me is all the wires I see beneath the desk when I walk in the door.

In need of a more expansive surge protector to handle all of the plugs we have in our mini media center, I bought Belkin's Conceal Surge Protector. It has 11 outlets to handle plugs and bricks of all sizes. But the best thing about it is after you connect those ugly black plugs and wires, a door swings over to hide them. 

So, $40 later, it's looking better around here. But there are some other ways to tame the wild wire look that comes with connected living. 

• CableOrganizer.com has some good, affordable cable-hiding options, including a $10 cable tunnel organizer and a $20 cord caddy, which you can wrap long cables around.

•  Under-the-desk basket -- This $13 one from Ikea attaches to open computer desks in the back so you can snake wires through it unseen.

• A simple basket. When all else fails, routing your wires to a surge protector hidden in a strategically placed basket can help soften the wired look at bit. eHow has a step-by-step guide to hide your tangle of cords on the cheap with some twist ties, Velcro, cup hooks, and a basket.

Lifehacker has some more tips, though I can't back them up on using paper towel holders to corral wires. Not sure that would add to the decor in a good way.

Got a better homegrown answer to untangling the web of wires around your home computer? Post away.