Let’s be honest, most TVs don’t do much for your living room vibe. That blank black rectangle? Kind of a buzzkill. But the good news? You don’t have to ditch your screen to upgrade your aesthetic. With a few clever tricks, your living room TV can actually enhance your living room instead of hogging it.
Whether you're working with a small living room, Scandinavian style interior, or a more eclectic setup, this guide is full of simple ways to improve your home entertainment setup and boost your visual experience. Every tip is backed by real-life examples and easy-to-follow design logic that you can actually implement, no design degree needed.
@bbrill
1. Get a Sleek TV Stand
We’re loving this calm, intentional setup from @bbrill. The low-profile TV stand keeps the vibe light and airy, while a soft blush wall color turns the screen into more of an art moment than a tech statement. The real win is no cords. No bulky entertainment center. Just clean lines, a hint of greenery, and a whole lot of breathing room.
Pro tip: Look for minimal floating consoles with open shelves, they help your Flat Screen TV blend into the room instead of dominating it. Paint the wall behind the TV in a fun colour to help it visually recede. A matte wall color = less glare = better viewing angles and more comfort at eye level.
2. Hide It With Art
When your Smart TV’s off, cover it up. Mount a large botanical print or geometric pattern on a hinge or sliding track to glide over the screen. Suddenly your black box becomes a backdrop for expression. This dreamy setup by @iamlaurajackson proves how easy it is to elevate a living room interior with one smart swap.
Pro tip: Use a piece with visual weight to balance your TV mount's proportions and reduce neck strain from awkward placements.
3. Go With a Projector Instead
Want to keep things light, both visually and physically? Opt for a projection screen. No more big screen stealing the spotlight, just a clean wall you can reclaim during the day. This clever layout from @ldnloft turns a white wall into a blank canvas by day, cinema screen by night.
Pro tip: Use a short throw projector for small rooms and better picture. Bonus: No bulky Home Entertainment Center needed.
4. Build a gallery wall around it
Let your TV mount live in a gallery wall. Style it with colorful or black frames, vintage posters, or playful pieces to soften its techy vibe like in @hello_anna_b's home. The goal is to make the screen feel like just another piece in your visual story, not the star of the show.
Pro tip: Mix frame styles, decor accessories, and artwork sizes for a collected-over-time look.
5. Frame your TV like art
Many new TVs like The Frame or Frame TV by Samsung are built to look like art when off. But even if you’re rocking a standard Flat Screen TV, you can DIY a custom frame or mount it inside a sculptural surround for an art-inspired screen look like this one by @al_and_imo.
Pro tip: Choose finishes that echo other textures in your space like wood grain, brushed metal, or even matte paint.
6. Style around it so it blends in
Whether your Smart TV sits on a console or stand, the styling around it makes a huge difference. Books, vases, ceramics draw the eye and distract from the screen. Layer different heights and textures, and throw in a couple of accent chairs for balance like @eunes.home has done here.
Pro tip: Try asymmetrical styling with a visual triangle: low, medium, tall. Don’t forget an area rug to ground the space.
9. Build it into your shelving
When everything shares the same color palette and structure, the screen becomes just another rectangle in the composition. We love this setup by @tonnfurniture.
8. Add Texture + Softness
A tech-heavy corner can feel a bit sterile. Counterbalance it with tactile layers: throws, throw pillows, rugs, fabric-covered ottomans, or even a woven wall hanging nearby. Add depth with built-in shelving or a sectional sofa for a more grounded viewing environment. Add mood lighting around the TV like soft lamps, glowing candles, and a warm overhead light to create a warm environment and soften the edges a bit. We love this setup by @homedecofrida
Pro tip: Soft edges go a long way in softening sharp corners especially in Small Living Rooms.
Turn Your Tech Into a Vibe
Your living room TV doesn't have to cramp your style. Whether you go the projector route or build a gallery wall around your screen, there’s a design solution that lets your personality shine without hitting the power button.
And if you're looking for pieces that help elevate your space, start with a few from our throw collection. Art you can nap with? Yes please.
FAQs
1. How can I make my living room TV blend into the space?
Use art, wall color, or a frame to reduce the visual dominance of the screen.
2. Is a projector better than a TV for small spaces?
Projection screens offer flexibility and take up less visual space which is perfect for minimal setups and small living Rooms.
3. What are good colours to paint behind a TV?
Any color as long as it is a matte finish will help with eye level viewing and reduce glare.
4. How do I hide cords around my TV?
Try TV mounts, cord covers, in-wall cable kits, or furniture that conceals wiring.
5. Can I decorate around my TV without it looking cluttered?
Absolutely. Use standout decor accessories in complementary tones and textures.
Want more interior design ideas for living rooms? Head over to the Slowdown Journal for fresh inspiration, design stories, and real homes we can’t stop staring at.
