A television is often a must-have in modern living rooms, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t always look great. Left alone, a big black screen can dominate a room and disrupt your design aesthetic. The good news? With a few smart design tricks, you can decorate around your TV so it blends into your space instead of becoming the main attraction.
Here’s how to make your TV work with your decor, not against it.
Choose the Right Wall for Your TV
Before decorating around the TV, it’s important to choose the ideal wall or spot in the room.
Tips:
- Avoid placing it opposite large windows to reduce glare.
- Place it at eye level when seated (around 42 inches from the floor to the center of the screen).
- Consider centering it on a wall where it can be balanced with decor, shelving, or furniture.
Once your placement is settled, you can start building a design plan around it.
Create a Gallery Wall Around the TV
A gallery wall is a great way to help the TV visually disappear into a collection of beautiful artwork.
How to do it:
- Use frames in similar tones (black, gold, wood) to match or complement the TV.
- Mix in photography, prints, line drawings, and even typography.
- Keep the spacing between frames consistent.
- Arrange art in an asymmetrical but balanced layout to feel curated—not crowded.
The TV becomes just one element in a stylish wall display rather than the center of attention.
Frame the TV or Use a Stylish TV Frame
Make the TV look like part of the decor with a custom or store-bought frame.
Ideas:
- Use wood or metal to create a border around the screen.
- Buy a TV frame kit or DIY your own.
- Consider The Frame TV by Samsung, which displays artwork when not in use—perfect for design-conscious homes.
Framing the TV gives it a polished, intentional look and helps it blend in with framed wall art.
Mount the TV Above a Console with Styled Decor
A beautifully styled console table beneath your TV can shift attention away from the screen.
Tips for styling:
- Add books, candles, vases, or sculptures.
- Use trays to group smaller items.
- Add one or two taller pieces on the ends to create balance.
- Include a plant or two to soften the look.
The more visually interesting your console setup, the less dominant the TV feels.
Flank the TV with Shelving or Built-Ins
Shelves on either side of the TV help to integrate it into a larger feature wall.
Options include:
- Floating shelves with books, art, and decor.
- Built-in cabinets or bookcases for a custom, high-end look.
- Symmetrical open shelving to add function and beauty.
Decorate shelves with a mix of vertical and horizontal elements to add rhythm and reduce the hard lines around the TV.
Use a Dark Wall Color to Camouflage the TV
TVs are black—so placing them on dark-colored walls can make them disappear when turned off.
Best color choices:
- Charcoal gray
- Matte black
- Deep navy or forest green
Add contrasting decor, like brass frames or light-colored accessories, to keep the space from feeling too heavy.
Incorporate Natural Elements to Soften the Space
TVs are tech—and tech can feel cold. Add organic materials to soften the area and warm up the space.
Try:
- A large potted plant near the console
- Woven baskets under or beside the TV stand
- Wooden frames or decor accents
- A textured throw or pillow on nearby furniture
The natural elements balance the tech presence of the TV and make the area feel cozier.
Lean Art or Objects on the TV Stand
If you don’t want to hang art around the TV, you can lean pieces directly on the console or shelf below it.
Suggestions:
- A large framed print slightly overlapping the corner of the TV
- Layered frames or books for a casual, modern vibe
- Small sculptural objects or candles off to the sides
This technique feels effortless and helps distract from the screen.
Hang Curtains or Drapes Strategically
If your TV shares a wall with windows, you can use full-length curtains to help integrate the entire wall.
Tips:
- Use curtains that extend wall-to-wall, even if they don’t cover windows completely.
- Choose drapes in a texture or pattern to add interest.
- Allow curtain rods to run higher and wider to visually expand the space.
The flowing fabric creates softness that offsets the hard edges of the TV.
Keep Cables Hidden and Clean
Nothing ruins a stylish TV setup like messy cords. Use smart cable management:
- Cord covers painted to match the wall
- Cable organizers that clip to furniture or shelves
- In-wall cable kits for a seamless look
A clean, cable-free view instantly elevates the space.
Treat the TV Wall Like Art
Shift your mindset—your TV doesn’t have to be an eyesore. When styled correctly, it can be part of your artistic vision.
Ideas:
- Surround it with symmetrical art for balance.
- Use mood lighting or LED strips behind the TV.
- Turn your TV off-screen into a digital art display using smart features.
The goal isn’t to hide the TV completely, but to create harmony so it feels at home in your decor.
Design Around, Not Just With, the TV
When decorating a room, many people start with the TV and forget everything else. Flip the script—design the room for comfort, beauty, and function, and let the TV fall into place naturally.
A well-styled space allows the TV to be useful without stealing the spotlight.