A thoughtfully designed TV wall can dramatically enhance your living room, transforming it into a cozy, functional space for movie nights or gatherings. Whether you want to hide unsightly wires, blend your TV into your home decor, or make it a focal point, there are numerous ways to display your television in style. As technology continues to evolve, modern TVs now double as art pieces, making it even easier to incorporate them seamlessly into any room. A prime example is the Samsung Frame, which turns your television into a framed artwork when not in use.
From custom cabinetry to clever wall mounts, these TV wall ideas will help you create an aesthetic that works for your lifestyle, all while maximizing space and functionality.
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How Can I Make My TV Wall Look Good?
There are several approaches to creating an attractive TV wall, ranging from simple mounts to more elaborate media walls that serve multiple purposes. Media walls, for example, allow you to not only mount your TV but also display and store other entertainment devices like speakers, gaming consoles, and record players. These are often installed above fireplaces or as standalone units and serve as a storage solution by organizing all your media in one place. However, keep in mind that installing a media wall can be expensive, with costs ranging from £2,000 to £4,000, according to Checkatrade.
A more common alternative is to recess your TV within built-in cabinetry. This approach allows the television to blend into the overall design of your room, especially useful in smaller spaces where you want to streamline the look. Additionally, built-in cabinets provide vertical storage, making the most of your wall space.
If you’re not ready for a custom-built unit or a full media wall, you can opt for a simple wall mount and use creative backdrops like wallpaper or paint to enhance the overall look. Hiding unsightly wires with cable trunking or tidy boxes can also make a significant difference in keeping the room neat.
1. Make it Match
Matching your TV wall to the color scheme of the room is a smart way to create a cohesive look. A bespoke media wall that complements the gray tones of a formal living room, for example, can be both functional and visually appealing.
However, mounting a TV on a chimney breast presents unique challenges. According to Jaki Willson, a marketing consultant at Falchi Interiors, you need to ensure there’s enough space between the flue and the TV (about 15cm) and use fire-rated materials for the housing and framework. Incorporating vents for airflow is also essential to avoid overheating.
| TV Wall Setup | Details |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Mounted on chimney breast |
| Space Needed | 15 cm between TV and flue |
| Materials | Fire-rated |
| Ventilation | Necessary for airflow |
2. Fit It in an Alcove
If your living room has alcoves, use them to your advantage by recessing your TV within a storage unit. This strategy works particularly well for families who want the fireplace to be the room’s focal point while keeping the TV tucked away in the corner. Alcove storage is a practical solution, helping maximize vertical space while keeping the TV from dominating the room.
3. Opt for a Simple Wall Mount
For those who prefer a minimalist approach, mounting your TV directly onto the wall is the simplest option. Not only does this save floor space, but it also helps to keep your room clutter-free. As Alan Whyte, managing director of Loewe UK suggests, wall-mounted TVs can be tilted or turned for optimal viewing from various angles, ensuring you always have the perfect view.
| Advantages of Simple Wall Mounts |
|---|
| Space-saving |
| Minimizes floor clutter |
| Adjustable for optimal viewing angles |
4. Embrace Awkward Corners
Awkward corners don’t have to be wasted space. Bespoke storage units, like those crafted by Bespoke Carpentry London, can turn these areas into practical TV walls. For example, a unit painted in Boringdon Green integrates the TV seamlessly with bookshelves, creating both a functional and attractive setup.
5. Keep It Out of Sight
If you’d rather keep your TV out of sight when not in use, consider a unit with shutter-style doors. These doors can be closed to hide the TV, making it a great option for rustic or cozy living rooms. This type of unit not only stores your television but also provides additional storage space for other media or decor.
6. Style Up a TV Stand
A well-chosen TV stand can do more than just hold your television. With a minimalist design, it can also offer additional storage or display space. For instance, a TV stand with colorful baskets or decorative vases can complement the overall aesthetic of the room, making it both functional and stylish.
7. Install a Modern Fireplace Media Wall
Placing a TV above a fireplace remains a popular design choice, and a modern media wall can elevate this concept even further. A recessed electric fireplace with a mounted TV above creates a sleek, contemporary look. Customizing the setup with bold colors, like steel blue, can make a strong visual statement in your living room.
8. Make It the Center of Attention
While some homeowners prefer to hide their TVs, others make it the focal point of the room. A bold media unit, like the rich brown cabinetry by Bespoke Carpentry London, can draw attention to your TV while providing ample storage for books and decorative items. Incorporating wall lights around the unit can also enhance the room’s ambiance, particularly in the evening.
9. Choose Warm Woods
If you prefer a natural look, wood paneling can add warmth and character to your TV wall. Light oak panels, for example, can serve as an attractive backdrop that draws attention away from the TV itself. Additionally, some wood panels have sound-absorbing qualities, making them a practical choice for home theaters or living rooms.
| Benefits of Wooden Feature Walls |
|---|
| Adds warmth and texture |
| Sound-absorbing qualities |
| Ideal for Scandi-inspired interiors |
10. Look to Nature
Wooden slats, like walnut panels, are a great way to incorporate nature into your living room. This design works especially well in modern homes where the focus is on creating harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces. Walnut panels can be integrated into a media unit, creating a cohesive look with surrounding cabinetry in soft, earthy tones.
11. Let It Blend In
Your TV doesn’t have to dominate the room’s design. By placing it within an existing unit and surrounding it with decorative elements like photo frames and ornaments, you can make the TV feel like just another part of the room’s decor. This approach works particularly well in rooms filled with bold colors and patterns, where the TV becomes a subtle feature rather than the focal point.
12. Mirror It
One clever way to disguise your TV is by framing it with a mirror. This is particularly useful if the TV is mounted above a sideboard or mantel. A mirrored frame not only hides the TV when not in use but also reflects light around the room, enhancing the overall ambiance.
13. Frame with Floating Furniture
Floating furniture is an excellent option for compact spaces. A design that incorporates strategically placed floating storage above and below the TV can create a quirky, modern look. It also helps keep the room uncluttered and organized.
14. Create a Gallery Wall
If you love art, consider creating a gallery wall around your TV. This design, featuring framed pictures and built-in shelving, allows your television to blend in with the room’s decor. Surrounding the TV with personal memorabilia or artwork can add a touch of elegance to what might otherwise feel like a utilitarian space.
15. Play on Negative Space
Creating a built-in media unit that utilizes negative space can make your TV appear as though it’s floating within the design. A white unit, for example, can frame the TV while providing additional storage and functionality. This approach is perfect for creating a clean, modern look.
16. Embrace Texture
For a touch of luxury, consider using textured wallpaper or fabric to frame your TV. Suede backdrops, for example, can add a glamorous feel to the room. Just be sure to ensure proper ventilation if the TV is encased in a unit to prevent overheating.
17. Make It Modular
Modular TV units, like the grid-style shelving offered by Shelved, bring a modern industrial edge to your living room. Open shelves provide storage for books, photographs, and decor, while keeping clutter out of sight in the cupboards below. The modular design also allows the TV to blend into the room’s overall design seamlessly.
18. Disguise Behind a Fabric Roller Blind
If you want your TV to be completely hidden when not in use, a fabric roller blind is a creative solution. Designed by Decibel Designs, this blind can roll up to reveal the TV and roll down to conceal it when not needed. You can even customize the fabric with hand-dyed patterns for a unique and elegant touch.
Where’s the Best Place to Put a TV?
When deciding where to place your TV, consider the layout of your room. Ideally, the screen should be out of the way of high-traffic areas to avoid being knocked or obstructed. Also, think about light exposure, as sunlight can affect the TV’s brightness and clarity during the day.
Hiding cables is another important consideration. Modern TVs often require minimal wiring, but recessed boxes or in-wall cable trunking can help keep things tidy and organized.
By thoughtfully integrating your TV into your room’s design, you can create a space that is not only
functional but also visually appealing. Whether you choose a simple wall mount or an elaborate media wall, the key is to balance aesthetics with practicality.
