There's no shame in admitting that our Televisions are an essential element of our living room, perfect for movie nights with friends or catching up on the latest Netflix series during the week. However, the large, black screens pose a major challenge when it comes to interior design. Despite TVs becoming sleeker over the years, screens are getting larger and larger making them even more dominant and imposing in our spaces. Fortunately, there are lots of clever and stylish ways to minimise the impact your TV has on the overall aesthetic of your living space – in this blog, we will discuss some of our favourites.
1. Think about the placement of your furniture
Rule number one of hiding your TV is to avoid placing it right in the middle of the space or above the mantelpiece, as this elevates the TV too high in your living room hierarchy. Instead, slot it into a corner or position it to the side in an alcove. This placement naturally reduces the TV's dominance and allows other elements of your room to take centre stage.
Similarly, how you arrange your furniture can influence how prominent your TV feels. Instead of angling everything towards the TV, which makes it the focal point, position your sofa and chairs to create a more convivial setup. Arrange seating to encourage conversation and social interaction, making the TV feel like a secondary feature rather than the main attraction.
2. Paint the wall behind in a dark colour
A quick yet incredibly effective solution is to paint the wall behind your TV in a dark colour. The idea is to camouflage your TV within the wall, preventing it from standing out quite as much. Black is the obvious choice, but any dark hue works. This could be a feature wall, a painted alcove, or a painted panel set within a larger wall.
Dark navy is a popular colour in interior design at the moment, making it an ideal option. Its rich tone provides a sophisticated backdrop that complements the sleek, modern look of most televisions. Additionally, dark colours like deep charcoal, forest green, or even a dark maroon can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere in your living room, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Pair the dark wall with lighter furniture and accessories to create a balanced contrast, ensuring the space feels cohesive and well-designed.
3. Distract with artwork
Another quick and easy tip is to distract the focus from the TV with artwork. Hang up lots of artwork and photographs near the TV to divert the eye. Gallery walls will make a statement and bring colour, pattern, and personality to the space, making the TV less of a focal point. We recommend clustering artwork in a relaxed, uneven arrangement with varying spacing between pieces. By incorporating different sizes, styles, and frames, you can create an eclectic and visually engaging display. Consider mixing in some mirrors or decorative objects to add dimension and reflect light, further enhancing the room's aesthetic.
When selecting artwork, think about the colours and themes that complement your existing decor. You can also include family photos or prints that have personal significance, making the gallery wall a reflection of you.
4. Mix your screen with shelving
The final technique to incorporate when styling your living room, and undoubtedly our favourite (no bias here, I promise!), is to install a TV unit with shelving. You can buy off-the-shelf modular units or design your own bespoke configuration. Installing a TV unit with shelving will work similarly to the previous technique, blurring the lines between the TV and your décor.
Disguise your TV by surrounding it with a thoughtfully curated display of décor pieces, ranging from vases and ornaments to lamps and books. Incorporate metallic, glass, and ceramic items to create a visually rich environment that diverts attention from the TV. By integrating the TV into a larger wall unit, you create a multifunctional focal point that blends technology with style, making the screen feel like a natural part of the overall design.
Consider mixing closed cabinets with open shelving for added visual interest and practicality. This allows you to store unsightly items out of view while displaying your favourite pieces.
Final thoughts
A common mistake when purchasing a television is opting for a screen that's too large for the room. Oversized TVs can dominate the space and be challenging to integrate into the room's decor. To avoid this issue, carefully measure your viewing area and choose a screen size that fits comfortably within it.
When positioning your TV, aim to have the centre of the screen slightly below eye level. This ensures a more comfortable and natural viewing angle. Our heads naturally tilt downward when we relax, so mounting the TV too high can lead to neck strain.
For most people, the TV is a central part of the living room. However, integrating a TV into your living room design can be challenging. You can choose to make the television the focal point of the room or try to hide it within your decor. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal style and how you want your living space to feel.
