Let’s be honest – your TV doesn’t have to be the awkward black rectangle that ruins your carefully curated living room aesthetic. I’ve spent years helping clients transform their entertainment areas from eyesores into stylish focal points, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you.
The trend of integrating TVs seamlessly into home decor has completely revolutionized how we approach living room design. Gone are the days when your television had to dominate the room or hide behind closed cabinet doors. Today’s savvy decorators understand that your TV can actually enhance your space when you know the right tricks.
Why should you care about decorating around your TV? Well, your entertainment area is likely one of the most-used spaces in your home. Whether you’re hosting movie nights, binge-watching your favorite series, or simply unwinding after a long day, this area deserves to feel as beautiful and intentional as the rest of your home. Plus, a well-decorated TV area can actually make your entire room feel more cohesive and polished.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through 15 creative and practical ideas that will transform your TV area from functional to fabulous. From budget-friendly styling tricks to more ambitious built-in solutions, you’ll discover approaches that work for every space, style, and budget. Each idea includes specific design elements, color suggestions, and practical implementation tips based on real projects I’ve completed.
1. Create a Gallery Wall Framework
One of my absolute favorite ways to elevate a TV area is by treating your television as the centerpiece of a curated gallery wall. Instead of letting your TV float awkwardly on a blank wall, I love surrounding it with a carefully planned collection of artwork, family photos, and decorative objects. The key is maintaining visual balance – think of your TV as the anchor piece, then build outward with complementary frames and art.
When planning your gallery wall, stick to a cohesive color palette that complements your room’s existing scheme. I typically recommend using frames in 2-3 coordinating finishes, such as matte black, warm brass, and natural wood. Space your pieces 2-3 inches apart from the TV screen to avoid visual clutter, and vary your frame sizes to create dynamic visual interest without overwhelming the space.
2. Install Floating Shelves for Layered Styling
Floating shelves are absolutely game-changing when it comes to TV area styling, and they’re one of the most budget-friendly upgrades you can make. I love installing them at varying heights around the TV to create opportunities for layered decorating. The beauty of floating shelves lies in their versatility – you can easily switch out seasonal decor, books, plants, and personal treasures.
For optimal visual impact, I recommend installing shelves in odd numbers and varying their lengths. Choose shelf materials that complement your existing furniture – warm wood tones work beautifully with mid-century modern pieces, while sleek white or black shelves pair perfectly with contemporary decor. Keep your styling balanced by mixing different heights, textures, and shapes, but avoid overcrowding each shelf.
3. Design a Built-In Entertainment Center
If you’re ready to make a significant investment in your space, a custom built-in entertainment center is the ultimate solution for seamless TV integration. I’ve designed countless built-ins for clients, and they never fail to make the TV feel like an intentional part of the room’s architecture rather than an afterthought.
The beauty of built-ins lies in their customization potential. You can incorporate closed storage for hiding unsightly electronics and cables, open shelving for displaying decorative objects, and even integrated lighting for ambiance. Choose paint colors that either match your walls for a subtle look or create contrast for drama. My go-to approach is painting the interior back panels in a deeper shade than the exterior for added depth and sophistication.
4. Add a Console Table for Grounded Elegance
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective, and a well-chosen console table beneath your wall-mounted TV can completely transform your space. I love this approach because it provides both practical storage and styling opportunities while helping to visually ground your TV on the wall.
When selecting a console, consider the scale carefully – it should be roughly 2/3 the width of your TV for proper proportion. I’m particularly drawn to pieces with interesting textures and finishes, like live-edge wood, woven rattan, or sleek lacquered surfaces. Style your console with a mix of functional and decorative items: a sleek tray for remotes, a table lamp for ambient lighting, and a few carefully chosen decorative objects that reflect your personal style.
5. Incorporate Dramatic Accent Lighting
Lighting can completely transform how your TV area feels, especially during evening hours when you’re actually watching television. I always recommend incorporating multiple light sources around your entertainment area to create depth and ambiance that makes the space feel intentional rather than utilitarian.
Consider installing LED strip lighting behind your TV for a modern floating effect, or add picture lights above artwork in your gallery wall. Table lamps on your console provide warm task lighting, while floor lamps in corners create overall ambient illumination. The key is layering different types of lighting at various heights to eliminate harsh shadows and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for both entertaining and relaxing.
6. Create Symmetrical Balance with Tall Plants
Plants are my secret weapon for softening the hard lines of televisions and electronics while adding life and color to entertainment areas. I particularly love using tall, architectural plants to create symmetrical balance on either side of a TV console or built-in unit.
Snake plants, fiddle leaf figs, and bird of paradise plants work beautifully for this purpose, as they provide height and structure without requiring intense maintenance. Choose planters that complement your existing decor – I’m obsessed with oversized ceramic pots in neutral tones or sleek fiberglass planters for modern spaces. The vertical lines of tall plants help draw the eye upward, making your ceiling feel higher while creating a more sophisticated overall composition.
7. Design a Cozy Reading Nook Integration
One of my favorite multi-functional approaches is designing your TV area to seamlessly flow into a cozy reading nook. This works particularly well in smaller spaces where every square foot needs to work overtime, but it’s also a lovely way to create intimate gathering spaces in larger rooms.
Position a comfortable armchair at an angle that works for both TV viewing and reading, then add a small side table for books, drinks, and lighting. A floor lamp with adjustable positioning serves both activities perfectly. Choose furniture pieces that complement each other in style and color palette – a leather armchair pairs beautifully with warm wood media furniture, while a sleek upholstered chair works perfectly with contemporary TV stands.
8. Install a Statement Accent Wall
Sometimes your TV deserves to be the star of its own dramatic backdrop, and a statement accent wall is the perfect way to achieve this look. I love using this approach when clients want their entertainment area to feel intentional and designed rather than simply functional.
Consider materials like reclaimed wood planks, textured wallpaper, painted geometric designs, or even natural stone for your accent wall. The key is choosing something that complements your TV’s sleek lines while adding visual interest and depth to the space. Dark colors work particularly well because they help your TV screen disappear when it’s turned off, while lighter textures can make smaller rooms feel more spacious and bright.
9. Hide Cables with Stylish Cord Management
Nothing ruins a beautifully styled TV area quite like a tangle of visible cables, and I’ve perfected several elegant solutions for this common problem. The key is planning your cord management strategy from the beginning rather than trying to fix it as an afterthought.
For wall-mounted TVs, I always recommend running cables through the wall using an in-wall cable management kit – it’s easier than you might think and creates the cleanest possible look. If that’s not feasible, decorative cord covers that match your wall color can work wonders. For console setups, choose furniture with built-in cable management features, or use stylish cord organizers and cable boxes that complement your decor rather than detract from it.
10. Create Zones with Strategic Furniture Placement
I love using furniture placement to create distinct zones within larger living spaces, and your TV area is perfect for this approach. By strategically positioning seating and accent pieces, you can define your entertainment zone while maintaining good flow throughout the room.
Consider floating your sofa away from the wall to create a more intimate seating arrangement, then use a console table behind it to define the space boundary. Area rugs are incredibly effective for zone definition – choose one large enough to anchor your main seating pieces while leaving some exposed floor around the edges. Side tables and floor lamps help reinforce these boundaries while providing functional benefits for your daily routines.
11. Incorporate Vintage and Antique Elements
Mixing vintage pieces with modern technology creates such beautiful contrast and prevents your TV area from feeling too sterile or contemporary. I love incorporating antique furniture pieces, vintage artwork, or retro decorative objects that add character and tell a story about your personal style.
An antique wooden console beneath a modern TV creates wonderful juxtaposition, while vintage brass accessories and old books add warmth and personality. The key is balancing these older elements with cleaner, more contemporary pieces so the space feels curated rather than cluttered. Choose vintage pieces in similar tones or materials to maintain cohesion throughout your entertainment area.
12. Design a Multi-Functional Entertainment Bar
For those who love entertaining, incorporating a small bar area into your TV space creates the ultimate hosting setup. I’ve designed numerous entertainment bars that serve double duty as both stylish storage and functional serving areas for movie nights and game day gatherings.
Choose a console or credenza with both open and closed storage, then style the top surface with beautiful barware, a small wine fridge if space allows, and decorative accessories. Keep cocktail napkins, coasters, and serving pieces easily accessible but beautifully organized. This approach works particularly well in basement entertainment rooms or open-concept spaces where the TV area flows into dining or kitchen areas.
13. Add Textural Elements for Warmth
Texture is absolutely crucial for making TV areas feel cozy and inviting rather than cold and electronic. I always incorporate multiple textural elements to soften the hard lines of televisions and media equipment while adding visual interest and tactile appeal.
Consider adding a textured area rug beneath your seating arrangement, throw pillows in different fabrics like velvet, linen, and wool, and perhaps a chunky knit throw draped over your sofa. Wall textures like grasscloth wallpaper, wood paneling, or even textured paint can add incredible depth behind your TV. The goal is creating a space that feels as good as it looks and invites people to relax and stay awhile.
14. Integrate Smart Storage Solutions
Clever storage is essential for maintaining a beautiful TV area, and I’ve discovered numerous ways to hide all the necessary electronics, remotes, and media accessories without sacrificing style. The key is choosing storage solutions that work with your aesthetic rather than against it.
Ottoman storage benches provide extra seating while hiding blankets and games, while decorative baskets on shelves can conceal remotes and charging cables. Media consoles with doors and drawers keep equipment organized but accessible, and built-in storage maximizes every available inch. I always recommend designating specific homes for everything – from gaming controllers to streaming device remotes – to maintain that polished, clutter-free look.
15. Create Seasonal Flexibility for Year-Round Appeal
One of my favorite design strategies is creating TV areas that can easily adapt to different seasons and occasions throughout the year. This approach keeps your space feeling fresh and allows you to express different moods and styles as your preferences evolve.
Choose a neutral foundation for your major pieces – console, seating, and any built-ins – then add seasonal elements through easily changeable accessories. Swap out throw pillows, artwork, plants, and decorative objects to reflect different seasons or holidays. This strategy also works wonderfully for testing new color palettes or design trends before committing to larger investments in furniture or permanent fixtures.
Conclusion
Decorating around your TV doesn’t have to be a compromise between style and function – with the right approach, your entertainment area can become one of the most beautiful and inviting spaces in your home. Whether you’re drawn to minimalist floating shelves, dramatic built-in entertainment centers, or cozy reading nook integrations, the key is choosing solutions that reflect your personal style while meeting your practical needs.
Remember, the best TV areas are those that feel intentional and cohesive with the rest of your home’s design. Start with one or two ideas that resonate most with you, then build from there as your confidence and budget allow. Your entertainment area should be a space where you genuinely love spending time, whether you’re hosting friends for the big game or enjoying a quiet evening with your family.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make changes as your needs evolve – that’s part of the fun of creating a home that truly works for your lifestyle. With these 15 creative ideas as your foundation, you’re well-equipped to transform your TV area from functional necessity to stylish focal point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for decorating around my TV?
The cost can vary dramatically depending on your chosen approach and existing furniture. Simple styling updates like adding plants, artwork, and decorative accessories can be accomplished for $200-500. Mid-range projects involving new console furniture, floating shelves, and lighting typically run $800-2000. Custom built-in entertainment centers represent the largest investment, usually ranging from $3000-8000 depending on size and complexity. I always recommend starting with smaller changes to test your preferences before making larger investments.
What’s the ideal height for mounting a TV on the wall?
The center of your TV screen should be at eye level when you’re seated in your primary viewing position. For most people, this means the center of the screen should be 42-48 inches from the floor. However, this can vary based on your seating height and room layout. I always recommend doing a test run with painter’s tape on the wall before mounting to ensure the height feels comfortable for extended viewing.
How do I choose artwork that won’t compete with my TV screen?
Select artwork with colors and tones that complement rather than clash with your TV when it’s on. Avoid pieces with very bright whites or high contrast elements that might be distracting during viewing. I prefer artwork with muted tones, natural subjects, or abstract designs that provide visual interest without demanding attention. The key is creating a cohesive gallery wall where your TV feels like part of the collection rather than an interruption.
Can these ideas work in small apartments or spaces?
Absolutely! Many of these concepts work beautifully in smaller spaces and can actually make them feel larger and more organized. Focus on vertical storage solutions like floating shelves, choose furniture with built-in storage, and use mirrors to create the illusion of more space. Multi-functional pieces like storage ottomans and console tables that serve multiple purposes are particularly valuable in compact areas.