A television is one of the most-used pieces in any home, but when it comes to decorating, it often feels like a design dilemma. On one hand, it’s essential for movie nights, binge-watching, and even casual background noise. On the other, its boxy frame, dark screen, and dangling cords can easily disrupt the flow of a beautifully curated living space.
Luckily, your TV doesn’t have to be a design eyesore. With a little planning and creativity, it can either disappear into your wall décor or become a stylish feature that complements the room. Interior designers have long been experimenting with ways to seamlessly integrate TVs into living spaces — and you don’t need a massive budget to do the same.
From recessed walls and gallery arrangements to floating shelves and custom framing, here are 20 designer-approved ways to make your TV wall look polished, practical, and undeniably chic.
1. Create a Recessed Shelving Unit
Instead of letting your TV protrude awkwardly from the wall, tuck it into a recessed shelving unit. This creates a built-in look that feels intentional and cohesive, as if your living room was designed around the TV from the start.
Recessed shelving offers the added bonus of storage. Cabinets below can hold electronics, remotes, or board games, while open shelving above can display books, art, or plants. The balance between function and aesthetics makes this one of the most versatile TV wall solutions.
To elevate the look, match the shelving materials with other finishes in your home. For example, if you have natural wood floors, consider wooden shelves. If your home leans modern, sleek white or black shelving can emphasize clean lines.
2. Place It Above the Fireplace
Mounting a TV above the fireplace is sometimes considered a design faux pas, but it can work beautifully when done with intention. In many homes, the fireplace is already the focal point of the room, and adding the TV above it centralizes both form and function.
To avoid a clunky look, frame the TV or surround it with a mantel that ties everything together. A wood or stone border can create a natural transition between the fireplace and the screen.
Just be mindful of comfort. Mount the TV at a height that doesn’t strain your neck, and ensure proper heat shielding so your electronics stay safe from fireplace warmth.
3. Opt for Black on Black
One of the simplest tricks to minimize your TV’s presence is to paint the wall behind it black or another deep, dark shade. When turned off, the TV blends seamlessly into the background, almost disappearing into the décor.
This approach works especially well in modern and minimalist homes. Instead of fighting the TV’s dark surface, you embrace it and turn it into part of the design. The result is sleek and sophisticated without feeling heavy.
You can keep the rest of the room lighter to avoid a cave-like atmosphere. Soft furniture, light rugs, and metallic accents will contrast beautifully against the dark backdrop.
4. Hide It Behind a Sliding Art Panel
If you love the idea of your TV vanishing when not in use, consider installing a sliding art panel. This clever design disguises your television behind a piece of artwork, giving you flexibility depending on whether you’re watching a show or entertaining guests.
The panel can slide horizontally or vertically, depending on your wall design. When closed, it looks like a decorative art piece, and when open, it reveals the screen.
You can even personalize the artwork to fit your style — a modern abstract, a vintage sketch, or a family photo enlarged and framed. The key is to make sure the panel’s style blends seamlessly with the rest of your décor.
5. Frame It Against a Stone Wall
Using a textured or stone accent wall as a backdrop for your TV instantly upgrades the space. The contrast between sleek technology and natural stone creates a striking balance of modern and rustic.
Stone walls work beautifully in living rooms with fireplaces or open-concept designs. They draw attention while grounding the space with warmth and texture.
If stone feels too heavy, you can achieve a similar look with brick, tile, or even wallpaper that mimics natural finishes. Pair it with simple furniture to let the wall speak for itself.
6. Install a Wall-to-Wall String Unit
For a design that maximizes both style and storage, consider a wall-to-wall string shelving unit. This system allows your TV to sit comfortably within a larger arrangement of shelves and cabinets.
The open shelving above the TV can display books, art, or decorative objects, while the cabinets below keep cords, electronics, and clutter hidden away. This creates a highly functional wall that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics.
Because string units are customizable, you can design them to perfectly fit your wall size and needs. They’re ideal for families who want their living room to serve multiple purposes without sacrificing design.
7. Spring for Custom Framing
If you want your TV to feel like art, surround it with a custom frame. This trick instantly upgrades your screen from “big black box” to “intentional design element.”
Frames can be tailored to match your interior style — whether that’s ornate wood for a traditional home, sleek metal for a modern loft, or woven materials for a boho vibe.
Consider pairing the framed TV with artwork nearby to blur the line between tech and décor. It’s a great way to integrate the television into your gallery wall or mantel display.
8. Place It Above a Simple Credenza
Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. Mount your TV above a clean, minimalist credenza, and you’ll create a balanced wall that feels deliberate without being fussy.
The credenza doubles as storage for electronics, remotes, and everyday items. Choose one that complements your overall aesthetic — mid-century modern wood, sleek lacquer, or even a rustic farmhouse style.
For added charm, style the top of the credenza with a few decorative accents, like candles, books, or vases, being careful not to overcrowd the space.
9. Mount It Against a Rustic Stone Feature
If your home already has a rustic stone feature — perhaps part of a fireplace or an accent wall — it’s the perfect spot to mount your TV. The rugged texture makes the screen feel less stark and more at home.
This pairing works particularly well in mountain cabins, countryside retreats, or homes that embrace natural finishes. It creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Balance the roughness of the stone with smooth furniture, soft textiles, and warm lighting to prevent the space from feeling overly heavy.
10. Use Wallpaper to Create Symmetry and Contrast
Wallpaper is an excellent way to frame your TV wall and add character. By placing wallpaper in built-in shelves or as an accent wall, you create visual interest without overwhelming the television.
Opt for subtle textures or bold patterns depending on your taste. A soft blue, geometric print, or even a nature-inspired motif can make the area feel designed rather than accidental.
To tie everything together, repeat the wallpaper’s colors in nearby furniture or accessories, ensuring continuity throughout the room.
11. Create a Recessed Spot
Instead of building an entire shelving unit, you can recess just the TV. This creates a streamlined look where the screen sits flush with the wall rather than sticking out.
Pair this with dark paint or paneling around the recessed area for a dramatic effect. It not only looks cleaner but also gives your living room a more custom-built feel.
It’s a particularly good option for smaller spaces where every inch counts and bulky furniture isn’t practical.
12. Flank It with Matching Artwork
Artwork is an easy way to frame your TV and make the wall feel more curated. By placing matching pieces on either side, you create symmetry and balance.
Choose artwork that complements your existing décor, whether that’s neutral watercolor prints, bold abstracts, or black-and-white photography.
This approach works especially well if your TV is mounted above a credenza, as the artwork draws the eye outward and keeps the TV from dominating the wall.
13. Surround It with Floating Shelves and Console
Floating shelves bring a modern, airy vibe to any space. By placing a floating console below your TV and shelves on either side, you create a functional yet minimal TV wall.
The console can store electronics and clutter, while the shelves provide room for decorative items like books, plants, and framed photos.
Because everything is mounted, the design feels light and spacious compared to bulky furniture pieces. It’s ideal for smaller living rooms or modern apartments.
14. Install a Sliding Art Feature
Similar to sliding panels, a sliding art feature allows you to literally hide your TV behind a favorite piece of art. The mechanism is sleek and unobtrusive, making it a stylish addition to contemporary homes.
This design works well if you frequently entertain and don’t want the TV to dominate the room. When not in use, the wall becomes a chic art display.
Choose artwork that matches your personality — a landscape for a calming vibe, abstract for a modern edge, or a family photo for warmth.
15. Embrace Built-In Storage and Shelving
Built-ins are the ultimate in functional design. By incorporating your TV into a wall of shelves and cabinets, it becomes part of a larger, organized structure.
This design eliminates clutter by providing ample storage for books, décor, and electronics. It’s a practical choice for families or anyone who loves a clean, streamlined space.
Built-ins also allow you to play with symmetry, balance, and lighting, ensuring your TV feels like a natural part of the room rather than an afterthought.
16. Blend It Into a Gallery Wall
For a playful, eclectic vibe, incorporate your TV into a gallery wall. By surrounding it with art in various sizes and frames, the screen becomes just one piece of the overall arrangement.
This approach works well for maximalists who love layered, personal spaces. It also keeps the TV from standing out since it’s visually camouflaged among the art.
For balance, consider using frames that share a color palette so the wall feels intentional rather than chaotic.
17. Go for an Ornate, Dark Academia Vibe
If you’re drawn to rich colors, dark wood, and antique details, consider styling your TV wall with a dark academia aesthetic. Ornate frames, heavy drapes, and moody tones can make the TV feel like part of an old-world study.
Pair the screen with surrounding bookshelves, candle sconces, or vintage art for a dramatic effect.
The TV blends into the darker atmosphere, becoming less of a distraction and more of a modern twist within a traditional setting.
18. Place Floating Shelves on Either Side
Adding floating shelves on both sides of the TV creates instant symmetry and balance. This approach works for both modern and classic interiors.
You can style the shelves with books, plants, sculptures, or even baskets for storage. The key is to avoid clutter — aim for a mix of decorative and functional items.
Floating shelves also draw the eye away from the TV, making the wall feel more complete and intentional.
19. Hang Multiple TVs Against One Wall
Sometimes one screen isn’t enough. If your household loves gaming, sports, or multi-tasking, consider creating a wall with more than one TV.
For example, a large central TV can serve as the main screen, while smaller ones on the sides handle different needs. This setup ensures everyone gets what they want without arguments.
To avoid chaos, keep the design clean with consistent frames, mounts, or cabinetry. It should look purposeful, not cluttered.
20. Create Custom Cutout Shelving
Custom cutout shelving is a playful and stylish way to integrate your TV into the wall. By creating compartments of different sizes, you add visual interest while giving space for books, art, or collectibles.
This approach is perfect for tall walls or high-ceilinged living rooms, as it fills the vertical space while keeping the TV grounded in the design.
You can paint the cutouts in contrasting colors or keep them neutral for a subtle, modern vibe. Either way, it transforms your wall into a functional yet decorative feature.
Conclusion
Your TV doesn’t have to be the sore spot in your living room. With a little creativity, it can either vanish into your décor or become part of a stunning focal wall. From recessed shelving to gallery walls and floating consoles, these ideas prove that style and practicality can coexist.
The key is to match the TV integration with your home’s overall personality. Whether you lean toward modern minimalism, rustic charm, or eclectic vibrancy, there’s a TV wall solution that will fit seamlessly into your space.