From the days of bulky retro televisions to sleek flat screens, TVs have been a staple in UK living rooms for decades. As television technology advances, so do screen sizes, which means your TV can often dominate your living room, throwing off the balance of your décor. Fortunately, there are creative ways to seamlessly integrate your TV into your living space, ensuring it complements rather than detracts from your overall design.
In this article, we’ll explore various living room TV wall ideas that will help you make your television blend beautifully into your home. Whether you prefer subtle integration or a bold focal point, these ideas will inspire you to design a TV wall that enhances your space.
Table of Contents
Paint a Design Around the TV
One simple yet effective way to incorporate your TV into your living room décor is by painting a design around it. You can choose a contrasting stripe or color block that highlights the area without making the TV the central focus. If you’re feeling artistic, you can paint an intricate pattern that adds personality to your wall while softening the dominance of the TV.
Why it works:
- Breaks up the wall, making the TV less prominent.
- Adds a unique, personal touch to the room’s design.
Tip: Choose a color that contrasts with the rest of the wall to create a visual break around the TV.
Light the Area
Watching TV in the dark can strain your eyes, potentially leading to headaches, blurred vision, and even dry eye syndrome. To avoid these issues, consider adding task lighting around your TV. Installing LED lights, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting, is a great solution. LED light strips, especially those that can change color, add both functionality and style. For instance, soft pink lighting creates a romantic atmosphere, while dark blue enhances the experience of watching thrillers or horror movies.
Why it works:
- Reduces eye strain and creates ambient lighting for an enjoyable viewing experience.
- Adjustable LED lights can set the mood for different occasions.
Suggested Lighting Options:
| Lighting Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| LED Strips (remote-controlled) | Changeable colors for mood setting |
| Recessed LED lights | Clean, modern aesthetic |
Surround It with Wall Tiles
Wall tiles aren’t just for kitchens or bathrooms—they can make a stunning statement in living rooms too. Decorative tiles, available in a variety of textures, colors, and patterns, can frame your TV and integrate it seamlessly into your design scheme. For a more cohesive look, mount your TV so it aligns with the tile pattern, creating a sense of balance.
Why it works:
- Adds texture and visual interest to your TV wall.
- Provides a durable and low-maintenance backdrop.
Install a Bespoke Entertainment Unit
Bulky entertainment units can date your living room, making it feel cluttered and old-fashioned. A slimline, custom-built entertainment unit made by a carpenter is a much more modern and space-saving solution. A custom-made unit can fit your space perfectly, provide storage for devices like game consoles and set-top boxes, and incorporate unique design elements such as carved patterns or tailored finishes.
Why it works:
- Offers storage without overwhelming the space.
- Blends style with practicality, ensuring all your tech is neatly organized.
Recess the TV into the Wall
For a sleek, minimalist look, consider recessing your TV into the wall. This allows the TV to sit flush with the wall, creating a clean, streamlined appearance that’s both modern and unobtrusive. Recessing the TV also keeps it discreet when not in use, almost making it look like part of the architecture.
Why it works:
- Creates a seamless, modern aesthetic.
- Helps the TV blend into the wall, reducing its visual impact.
Feature Wood Panels
Wood panels can add warmth and character to a room, and they’re a great way to make a TV wall stand out. When the TV is mounted on a wooden feature wall, it naturally draws attention, turning the TV area into a design focal point even when the TV is off. Board and batten panels, which are a popular trend in the UK, offer a contemporary twist to traditional wall designs.
Why it works:
- Adds warmth and texture to the room.
- Turns the TV wall into a beautiful focal point.
Mount Your TV on Exposed Brick
If you’re lucky enough to have an exposed brick wall, you can use it as a stunning backdrop for your TV. The rugged texture and rich color of brick contrast beautifully with the sleekness of modern flat screens. However, mounting a TV on brick requires careful installation with the right tools, such as a hammer drill and masonry anchors, to avoid damaging the brickwork or ending up with a crooked TV.
Why it works:
- Creates a striking, industrial look.
- Compliments modern and rustic design schemes.
Use Wall Stickers
Wall stickers are an affordable, temporary, and creative way to decorate around your TV. You can choose from a variety of designs to fit your décor style, from whimsical patterns to geometric shapes. The best part is that wall stickers are easy to apply and remove, making them perfect for people who like to switch up their decor frequently.
Why it works:
- Provides a quick, budget-friendly decor solution.
- Easy to remove or replace for seasonal updates.
Hang Shelves Around the TV
To add more functionality to your TV wall, consider installing floating shelves around it. You can use the shelves to display decorative items, plants, or family photos, turning the area into a personalized display rather than just a space for your TV. When installing shelves on plasterboard walls, make sure to anchor the brackets properly to avoid accidents.
Why it works:
- Adds personality and charm to the room.
- Provides storage and display options while integrating the TV into the decor.
| Shelving Material | Best For |
|---|---|
| Floating Wood Shelves | Rustic, minimalist, and natural looks |
| Glass Shelves | Modern, sleek, and elegant designs |
Where Should You Place Your TV?
Deciding where to place your TV is crucial to achieving both a functional and aesthetically pleasing layout. Ideally, the TV should be positioned away from high-traffic areas to avoid interruptions or accidental knocks. Additionally, take into account light exposure—sunlight can affect the picture quality by washing out colors or causing glare. If your room receives a lot of natural light, consider installing blinds or curtains to control the light during TV time.
Finally, don’t forget to manage your cables effectively. Modern TVs require fewer cords, but for any remaining wires, use recessed boxes or cable trunking to keep them out of sight.
Conclusion
Decorating around a TV doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right approach, you can make your TV blend seamlessly into your living room, or even turn it into a stylish focal point. From painting designs around your TV to installing bespoke entertainment units, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer a minimalist setup or a more decorative approach, these ideas will help you transform your TV wall into a visually appealing and functional feature in your home.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can ensure your TV complements your living room design rather than detracting from it. From wood panels to wall stickers, there’s a solution for every style and budget. So, go ahead and get creative with your TV wall and enjoy a space that’s as stylish as it is functional!
