Ask a Designer! - How should I style my TV?

An example of how a uniform approach for both the fireplace and TV can create uniformity and avoid the TV standing out too much. This way seating works for both TV and fireplace functionality with a modern approach to the room design.

How should I style my TV? Are there ways to make a TV look good in any room?

Surprisingly we don’t get asked this question a lot, but we think more of you should be asking it! Often times, not a lot of thought or consideration goes into how to style your TV. Our designers weigh in with ideas and inspiration for how to integrate your TV into your space for either a focal point or not, depending on your intended use.

When you have a specific room for your TV

Another example of the TV and fireplace working in design harmony to not takeover the room. 

When you have a separate media room consider how to place your TV for optimal viewing and to maximize seating for game day. Often, above the fireplace is the go-to spot because seating is already planned around the fireplace as the focal point. There are many options for a designer look when placing a TV above a fireplace. Consider housing with wood or stone to blend the TV in with the fireplace. This way the TV becomes one with the fireplace as a central unit and doesn’t stand out too much. Not every room can be a home theatre! Using a uniform material will make your TV look more built-in and purposeful. When considering a built-in placement, don’t forget the sound bar! You will require a cut-out for both the TV and sound bar. Different electrical components are required for a TV, so be sure to plan for a plug in your space planning. 

Also, for above fireplace placement vs built-in, it’s important to be able to tilt the TV in order to see it well. The more, flush a TV is to the wall, the less reflection it gets. Reflection is a key consideration when mounting televisions and is often why we recess them into cabinetry, as it will help reduce glare.

When your TV is in your main living space

Integrated storage with closed built ins and open shelf combination. The addition of the open shelves provides even more of a distraction from the TV, so the entire wall works in concert as an entertainment and storage zone.

Having the TV in the common great room area, means you can consider placing the TV off to the side as a way to remove it from the centre of attention. This way, your fireplace can take centre stage and in the case of this particular instance, the stone treatment can be appreciated and enjoyed. By balancing the TV with other built-in features, it blends into the overall wall design and doesn’t command the room. 

What if I don’t have a fireplace and I simply need to work with a TV wall?

Placing the TV alone on a wall, is challenging when it comes to the overall look, ceiling height, hiding wires and other factors to consider. One approach is to create a gallery wall. Newer models like the Samsung Frame, have opened up a realm of possibilities for how great a TV wall can look! Since the Frame TV can be art in itself, this is a fantastic way to blend the TV into any surrounding. Art can be found just about anywhere and by experimenting with the layout, anyone can create a unique and personal TV wall that will complement the TV as part of a greater collection. 

TV on one side and additional built-in shelving on the other, balances the room and leaves the fireplace and stone surround the centre of attention.

If you don’t have a Frame TV, there are applications available that will allow you to stream art direct to your TV. This is an ideal way to personalize your viewing options to match your room style. Some of the applications are free and you can select from professionally curated collections!

For viewing distance and to know how to arrange your room seating, here is a handy resource to make sure you have the right size television for the distance you sit away from it: https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-size/size-to-distance-relationship

What other creative ways can I consider for TV placement?

For optimal viewing pleasure, consider placing a TV in your bathroom! Those tub soaks will soon turn into long luxurious time outs with your favourite series.

The TV in this space also works with the art selection and functions as an entertainment zone for the cottage owner!

TV Mounts for Styling Options

So now how do you actually put the TV where you want it?! TV mounts can help you change the viewing angle. Swivel mounts allow the TV to be viewed from various angles within your room. You can also move the TV back flush against the wall for a more subtle, less centre of attention look. Consider spending a bit more on a flush return TV mount as it will allow the TV to be back against the wall as far as it can. This way the TV will feel more like a permanent fixture vs floating on the wall.

A designer layout provides a recommendation for how a living space could be styled for optimal TV integration and viewing.

You don’t have to give up style for your TV! Wall colour is another great way to blend a TV into your room. Dark paint colours will do a better job of blending with your TV and paired with dark furniture choices will downplay the TV placement entirely. If you prefer a minimal style, having the TV hang on a neutral contrasted wall colour will allow for a simple streamlined look. 

Hopefully we’ve given you come stylish inspiration for integrating your TV into your space! Be creative and thoughtful about placement, it’s not the most stylish thing to add to a room, so having an intentional approach can help keep your room looking pulled together!

If you have a design question you would like to submit for the next Town Crier issue, you can send it to the Home by Tim + Chris design team at: info@homebytc.ca

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