Let's face it, a widescreen TV can often become the focal point of a living room, whether we like it or not. But that doesn't mean your living room has to look like an electronics store. With a bit of creativity and design savvy, you can transform the wall around your TV into a stylish and cohesive part of your home. So, how do you decorate a living room wall around a widescreen TV without making it feel like a neglected afterthought? Here’s a fresh take on making that wall work for you, not against you.
1. Create a Gallery Wall
Picture this: you're lounging on your couch, and instead of staring at a blank wall with just a TV, you’re surrounded by a collection of your favorite art pieces, family photos, and maybe even a quirky clock. A gallery wall is an excellent way to add personality and warmth to your living room. Here's how to do it:
- Start by laying out your artwork on the floor to plan your arrangement. This saves you from making unnecessary holes in the wall.
- Mix and match frame sizes and styles for an eclectic look, or stick to a uniform style for a more cohesive appearance.
- Include a variety of art types—think paintings, prints, and even sculptures or shadow boxes to add depth.
And don't worry about the TV being the centerpiece. Instead, let it blend into the art. You might find that Rove Lab's M1 Three Seater Sofa complements a gallery wall perfectly, offering a minimalist base that lets your art collection shine.
2. Use Built-In Shelving
Built-in shelves around a TV aren’t just practical—they’re a designer’s dream. They provide space for books, decorative objects, and even plants. Here's how you can make the most out of them:
- Choose shelves that match or complement the color of your walls to create a seamless look.
- Alternate between horizontal and vertical storage to keep things visually interesting.
- Incorporate closed cabinets to hide any clutter, like DVDs or gaming consoles.
Built-ins make it easy to blend your TV into the overall decor, making it feel less like a black hole on the wall. Plus, they offer ample opportunities to display your favorite items, making the space feel lived-in and inviting.
3. Frame It with Millwork
If you're into a more classic or sophisticated feel, consider framing your TV with millwork. This architectural detail can elevate the entire room and create a sense of intentional design. Here’s how:
- Choose a style that matches the rest of your home, whether it’s modern, traditional, or somewhere in between.
- Paint the millwork the same color as your walls for a subtle effect, or choose a contrasting color to make it stand out.
- Use built-in lighting in the millwork to highlight the TV and the surrounding decor.
Millwork framing can transform your TV wall from mundane to magnificent, giving it a tailored look that’s sure to impress.
4. Add Floating Shelves
If built-ins are out of your budget or just not your style, floating shelves offer a more flexible alternative. They can be placed anywhere around your TV, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your wall:
- Use different lengths and depths of shelves for a dynamic arrangement.
- Mix in plants, books, and decorative items to break up the monotony of electronics.
- Consider integrating a soundbar on one of the shelves to boost your audio experience without sacrificing style.
Floating shelves let you change up your decor as often as you like, making them a versatile option for the ever-evolving living room.
5. Incorporate Textured Panels
Textured wall panels can add depth and interest to a TV wall, making it feel more like a feature wall than just a place to hang your screen. Here’s how to get it right:
- Choose panels that complement the color scheme of your living room.
- Consider materials like wood, fabric, or even metal for a contemporary twist.
- Use panels with built-in lighting to create a cozy ambiance.
Textured panels can be a game-changer, transforming your TV wall into a design statement in its own right.
6. Use Paint or Wallpaper
Sometimes, all you need is a splash of color or a bold pattern to make a TV wall come alive. Paint and wallpaper can be the perfect tools for this:
- Choose a color that complements your existing decor, or go bold with a contrasting shade for a pop of color.
- Wallpaper can add pattern and texture, transforming a plain wall into a focal point.
- Consider a feature wall behind the TV to draw the eye and create a sense of depth.
A fresh coat of paint or a strip of wallpaper can breathe new life into a tired space, making your TV wall something to talk about.
7. Use a Console Table
A console table beneath your TV offers both style and function, providing a place to display decorative items while also hiding unsightly cables and electronics. Consider these tips:
- Choose a console that complements the style of your living room furniture.
- Use baskets or boxes to keep remote controls and other small items neatly stored.
- Decorate the top of the console with vases, books, or other decorative items.
A console table can help ground your TV, making it feel like a part of a larger design scheme rather than just a lone piece on a wall.
8. Integrate Smart Technology
Incorporating smart technology into your TV wall can add a modern edge and make life a little easier. Here’s how you can do it:
- Use smart lighting to create different moods and highlight your TV and decor.
- Install a smart speaker or sound system for quality audio that’s easy to control.
- Consider a smart TV mount that allows you to adjust the angle for optimal viewing.
Smart technology not only enhances your viewing experience but also adds a touch of modern sophistication to your living room.
9. Keep It Minimalist
Sometimes less is more. A minimalist approach can make your TV wall feel clean and uncluttered, allowing the technology to take center stage:
- Opt for a sleek, wall-mounted TV with minimal cords visible.
- Use a simple color palette to maintain a consistent look.
- Stick to a few carefully chosen decorative elements to avoid clutter.
A minimalist TV wall can be a breath of fresh air, offering a calm and serene space to relax and enjoy your favorite shows.
Final Thoughts
Decorating around a widescreen TV doesn’t have to be a design dilemma. With a bit of creativity and thoughtful planning, you can turn that space into a stylish and functional part of your home. Whether you go for a gallery wall or a minimalist design, the possibilities are endless. And if you're looking for a piece to complement your newly decorated space, consider the M1 Three Seater Sofa from Rove Lab. Its minimalist design perfectly complements any style, offering comfort and elegance without stealing the spotlight.