Why I Love Floor Outlets: Designer Tips & Advantages

Cords are my nemesis when it comes to interior design… just when you’ve got the perfect floor lamp, a gorgeous sofa you want centered, a desk floating in the center of your office, or an open concept layout you’ve been scheming, plugging into the nearest wall outlet leaves an unsightly cord, ruining your vignette. That’s why I try to integrate floor outlets into our design plan when thinking through each renovation. I’ve had multiple messages asking for additional details on floor outlets. I wanted to cover the basics for you! In this post, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from installing floor outlets in my own home. Click through for my design tips, some advantages of floor outlets, planning, resources, and ideas for installing these handy electrical components.

Most recently, I shared a closer look at the floor outlet in my home office. I knew I wanted my desk centered in the floor plan, so we planned accordingly for a floor outlet. This is ideal for any fixture or piece of furniture that is floating in a space (not pushed against a wall).

What Are Floor Outlets & Why Consider Them

First, let’s talk about the pros to implementing floor outlets in your home. You know I’m a big fan of layered lighting and nothing ruins a good lighting plan quite like tangled cords. When floor planning, I prefer floated furniture… a centered desk, a sofa that isn’t pushed tight to a wall, freestanding swivel chairs, etc. This means cords have to find the closest outlet to be functional, which in turn can lead to an eyesore or tripping hazard. The solution for a clean, less obtrusive cord look? Floor outlets!

Floor outlets are electrical outlets installed on or in the floor (flush, pop-up, or recessed), rather than standard outlets on the wall.
They allow furniture and fixtures to be placed away from walls without ugly cords connecting them.
These are especially useful in open-concept rooms, workspaces, dining areas, living rooms, or for floor lamps and accent lighting.

Brass Hidden Floor Outlet Cut Into Woven Rug

Benefits of Floor Outlets

While floor outlets do require a bit more planning, they’re worth it! Here are the biggest upsides, from my design experience…

Clean aesthetic & less visual clutter: No more cords snaking across the floor or dangling behind furniture. A floor outlet keeps things tailored and tidy.
Flexible furniture placement: Want your sofa floating in the room? Or a desk in the middle of your office? With floor outlets, you’re not tied to floor planning around wall plugs.
Improved safety: Less tripping over cords, fewer cords tucked under rugs, or stretched across traffic paths. This is especially helpful in homes with kids or pets.
Better lighting plan: Layered lighting is always my end goal. Floor lamps become much easier to place exactly where they enhance the mood or functionality of a room, rather than trying to reach wall sockets.
Resale value & staging: Not that I’m currently designing for ROI, but a well‐thought-out electrical layout signals care in design- which buyers appreciate. Even if they don’t always see the outlet, they notice when things feel seamless.

Floor Outlet to Plug in Computer Next to Floating Desk in Home Office

Planning & Design Tips

Getting it right means doing more than just drilling into your floor. Here’s what I always think through:

Choose Style & Type
- Flush-mount vs pop-up vs recessed covers- what finish matches your flooring (wood, tile, carpet)?
Location Matters
- Consider what your furniture layout looks like now, and what it could look like in the future.
- Also consider traffic flow to avoid outlets where people walk.
Wiring & Electrical Code
- Adhere to your local permitting and building codes- this could influence the location and recessed outlet type.
- Consider moisture protection if near exterior doors or in wet rated spaces (like bathrooms).
Floor Material & Durability
- Hard floors (tile, concrete, or hardwood) require a little extra labor, and could be a bit more expensive.
- Carpeting also adds complexity (height differences, trimming, etc).
Match the Hardware Finish
- Pick outlet cover finishes that disappear into the floor- or become a feature (brass, bronze, nickel, etc) if you’d like them to match other hardware throughout your home.

Brass Floor Outlet Cut Into Hardwood Floor and Covered with a Rug

How I Use Them in My Home

My home office desk is centered in the room. Instead of battling wall plug positioning, I had a flush floor outlet installed under my desk. Rather than having a cord jungle connecting my computer and tech to one of the perimeter walls, we opted to install a sleek brass floor outlet behind the front leg of my desk.

I ended up using a few basic things we already had on hand to make my computer cord look less noticeable: black electrical tape, black zip ties, and velcro. I taped the lower portion of the computer cord black to blend more seamlessly with my barley twist desk. Monochromatic tape that matches the background is your friend in these scenarios!

Next, I used a few black zip ties to secure the cord to the back of the desk leg… along with some velcro to hold the excess cord underneath the desk top. From there, it plugs directly into the floor outlet.

We landed on this particular model floor outlet– it has two standard plugs and two USB ports, but I only cut my rug to accommodate access to one outlet. I use the charging port and my computer on the desktop to plug in additional items… like charging my phone, external hard drives, wireless mouse & keyboard, etc. It’s nice to have the option to expose more of the outlet though, should I ever need additional plugs.

Styling Ideas- Cords You Barely Notice

Because they’re out of the way, it’s easy to make floor outlets disappear in your design. I’ve got some quick cord hiding & floor outlet tips for you:

Combine with area rugs… Don’t be afraid to layer a rug over a floor outlet, cutting a clean small hole for easy access.
Tape cords… Try using electrical tape to wrap cords in a monochromatic non discreet color.
Secure cords… Use zip ties or velcro to keep cords in place, out of sight.
Consider design… Choose an aesthetically pleasing floor outlet or one that easily blends with your flooring & functional needs.
Plan ahead… Integrate floor outlets into your design & floor plan prior to starting a project (though they can also be added after the fact- it’s just more work).

Helpful Items for Hiding and Securing Unsightly Cords

What to Ask Before You Install

Emmett does all of our electrical work, but if you’re not comfortable taking the DIY approach- this is an easy project for your preferred electrician or contractor. Before you commit, ask yourself or your contractor:

What type of floor do I have, and is this outlet finish compatible?
Is the wiring route feasible and compliant with local codes?
Have I considered safety covers and GFCI protection?
How will this affect the flooring warranty (especially with hardwood or engineered wood)?

Striped Wall Leading Into Home Office with Black Barley Twist Desk

FAQ

Are floor outlets safe?

Yes, when properly installed, using covers, and correct wiring- they’re just like any other outlet. They’re actually safer in many cases because you eliminate long, exposed cords.

Can I install floor outlets in a finished floor or only new builds or renovations?

You can retrofit! It’s a bit more involved- cutting into the existing floor, matching materials, and possibly relocating wiring beneath- but it is doable… especially with hardwood.

What’s the difference between flush and pop-up floor outlets?

Flush outlets sit level with the floor (nearly invisible when not in use). This is the kind I have here at home. Pop-ups have lids/caps, sometimes pop up manually or spring and turn to open. Choose based on how often you’ll use them and aesthetics.

How much do floor outlets cost roughly?

It mostly depends on materials… floor type, wiring complexity, and labor (if you’re hiring an electrician).

Tips and Tricks for Integrating Floor Outlets to Hide Cords

If you’re looking for more ideas to update or correct everyday lighting dilemmas, check out some of these easy updates…

Whether you’re renovating, reimagining your space, or are trying to find a better solution for cords, floor outlets are one of those small design updates that make daily life feel elevated. They’re not glamorous in the obvious way, but once you’ve lived with them, you’ll wonder how you went without. If you decide to add them, plan carefully, choose quality materials, match finishes, and lean into the flexibility they give you. Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below… I’m always happy to help!

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