Creating a living space that exudes comfort and style often revolves around strategically highlighting central features of the room, such as fireplaces, artwork but for most people it’s usually the TV. Unique features and focal points of a room can define its character, so these should be emphasised to enhance it, draw attention and set the tone for the overall space. 

Integrating modern features such as wall-mounted TVs, speakers and sound systems without detracting from the aesthetic appeal can be challenging. Here’s a guide to styling your living space around these central features while also seamlessly incorporating a TV into your design.

Disclaimer; This post is a collaboration

Emphasise the Central Features of the Room

Central features of a room include a variety of things, usually fireplaces, statement decor pieces, mirrors, bay windows, and natural light. 

Fireplaces & Styling

A fireplace is a classic focal point often in the centre of a room, adding warmth and charm. Whether it’s an old style fireplace or a new modern log burner, arrange your furniture symmetrically around the fireplace to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. The symmetry is pleasing to the eye and takes attention straight to it.

Fireplace décor adds to this, if you use the mantel to display curated items like candles, vases, books or a statement mirror, but avoid clutter. The main technique here is to experiment with different heights, and complement with decor features on the floor space as well as the mantel. Experiment with the different textures such as stone, brick, or wood to enhance its visual impact. Plants always look great too, as well as exposed fire log storage.

Artwork

Artwork can be a striking focal point of any room, offering a splash of colour and personality depending on your tastes. Consider your placement, and position the artwork at eye level for the best visual impact or in natural bare wall spaces. If it’s a large piece, it could stand alone; smaller pieces can be arranged in a gallery style. 

Choose artwork that is specific to the location of the room, whether it’s a quirky print above a styled bar or drinks cart, or destination paintings that mean something on a big empty wall. Use accent lighting to highlight the artwork, creating a dramatic effect and drawing the eye.

Integrating the TV

Incorporating a wall-mounted TV without disrupting the room’s aesthetic can be achieved in a few different ways, and really depends on personal preference. Comfort, style, space and sizing can all play a part in determining where it fits bets. Ensuring you have a solid, and the correct TV wall mount is crucial for this, for both safety purposes to avoid accidents, or fitting problems when hanging your TV on the wall.

Above the Fireplace

If the fireplace and TV need to be in the same direction, consider framing the TV in a decorative frame that matches the style of the fireplace to make it appear as part of the mantelpiece. 

Recessed mounting can be used to create a recessed niche above the fireplace for the TV to sit in with the wall, minimising its presence. Hidden TVs are becoming increasingly popular.

Built-In Units

Installing custom cabinets or shelving around the fireplace and TV offers ways to hide the TV if you don’t always want it visible, or it could be positioned at an angle alongside and facing inwards. Built- in units not only provide storage if you have other related technology, but also makes the TV part of a cohesive built-in unit. You could even choose to have options that hide it entirely. 

Sliding Panels

Using sliding panels is an option to cover the TV when it’s not in use. These panels can be designed to match the room’s decor and appear like panelling, very popular at the moment. 

Other ways to hide a TV amongst the decor is to feature it as part of a gallery wall. Integrate the TV into a gallery wall by mixing it with framed photos and art to camouflage its presence.

Feature walls are also a common way to draw attention away from wall TV’s, by painting the wall where the TV is mounted in a dark or similar colour to the TV frame, making it less conspicuous.

Additional Style Tips for a Wall Mounted TV

Achieving a harmonious look involves ensuring that the central features of a room, especially one with character you don’t want to detract from, and your TV do not compete for attention but rather complement each other. 

Keep a consistent style in terms of the colour palette, materials, and decorative accents throughout the room, so that the room feels like an experience rather than a function room for whichever feature is the most prominent. 

Balanced lighting through the use of ambient and accent lights will help to highlight the room’s features without overshadowing any element. The same goes for furniture arrangement. Rather than arranging furniture to directly focus on the TV, instead position it naturally towards the central feature while keeping the TV within easy viewing range.

Keep in mind the practicalities, as although aesthetics are important, functionality is also important for comfortable viewing. Ensure that the TV is placed at a comfortable viewing height and angle from the seating area so nobody gets a strained neck and can see it clearly.

Use cable management features and solutions to keep cords hidden and maintain a clean look and if you use it frequently, ensure it’s easily accessible and the remote control and other devices are within reach. Small storage elements are great for this especially on a coffee table.

By thoughtfully styling your living space around central features like a fireplace or artwork, and cleverly integrating a wall-mounted TV, you can create a room that is both beautiful and functional. The key is to find a balance that highlights the room’s natural focal points while making modern technology an unobtrusive part of the overall design. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures a cosy and welcoming environment for you and your guests – it is your home after all you need to enjoy it.