How to Decorate Around a TV Without Losing Style
Televisions are often the focal point of a living room, but they don’t have to dominate your design. With the right styling and layout, you can incorporate your TV into the room in a way that feels intentional, stylish, and harmonious with your overall decor. Here’s how to decorate around your TV without sacrificing style.
Step 1: Choose the Right TV Placement
Before decorating, make sure your TV is placed in a spot that works with your room’s layout and lighting. Consider:
- Mounting it on the wall to free up surface space
- Centering it above a low console
- Avoiding windows behind or across from the screen to reduce glare
- Leaving room for wires and ventilation
Once the placement feels functional, you can focus on making it beautiful.
Step 2: Use a Stylish Media Console
The furniture under your TV can set the tone for the whole room. Choose a console that:
- Matches your style (mid-century, farmhouse, modern, etc.)
- Has closed storage for remotes, wires, and devices
- Includes open shelves for decorative styling
- Is slightly wider than your TV for visual balance
Wood, rattan, or painted finishes can soften the techy look of the screen.
Step 3: Frame It with Art or Decor
Surrounding your TV with framed art, prints, or photos helps it blend in with the wall. Try:
- A gallery wall around the screen
- Symmetrical art pairs on either side
- Floating shelves with books, plants, and frames
- Wall sconces or vertical mirrors for balance
When the TV is off, it becomes part of the decor instead of a blank box.
Step 4: Use a Frame TV or Gallery Mode
If you’re open to upgrading, a Frame TV or smart TV with “Art Mode” displays artwork or photography when not in use. It turns your television into a piece of art and adds elegance to the space.
Choose classic paintings, personal photos, or custom digital art for a personalized look.
Step 5: Balance the Visual Weight
TVs are naturally dark and heavy-looking. Counterbalance them with lighter or textured elements nearby, such as:
- A large plant beside the console
- A stack of books or candles
- A ceramic vase or sculpture
- Wall panels or paint to frame the area
This helps distribute visual interest so the TV doesn’t dominate the scene.
Step 6: Add Soft Surroundings
Incorporate soft textures to contrast the hard, sleek surface of the TV:
- Layer a woven rug below the area
- Add a throw blanket over a nearby chair
- Use textured planters or baskets around the console
- Place linen or cotton curtains on the wall behind for depth
These touches warm up the space and soften the tech aesthetic.
Step 7: Keep Cables Hidden
Nothing kills the look faster than messy wires. Tidy them up with:
- Cord covers painted to match the wall
- Cable management boxes behind the console
- Cord clips that attach to furniture legs
- In-wall cable kits if you’re comfortable with DIY
A clean setup helps your decor shine.
Step 8: Style the Console Top
The surface below the TV can still be stylish. Use:
- Layered books with a decorative object
- A tray with candles or remotes
- A low plant or bowl for texture
- Symmetrical lamps on either side, if space allows
Keep it simple and avoid anything too tall that could block the screen.
Step 9: Paint or Panel the Wall
To further integrate the TV, consider a feature wall:
- Dark paint (like charcoal or navy) to make the screen disappear
- Wood slat panels for warmth and texture
- Stone or tile backsplashes for drama
- Wallpaper for personality and contrast
This creates a stylish focal point that enhances — rather than hides — the TV.
Final Thought: From Functional to Beautiful
Your TV doesn’t have to clash with your aesthetic. With thoughtful styling, clever layout choices, and a few creative details, you can design a space where your television feels like a seamless part of your home’s style — not a distraction from it.