The wall around your TV often becomes a focal point by default, but it can easily feel like a “dead zone” if left bare. The goal is to blend the black screen into a larger, intentional design so it feels like part of your home’s aesthetic rather than an eyesore.
Here are 10 creative ways to decorate around your TV wall, keeping balance, scale, and visual interest in mind.
1. The Floating Media Console
Instead of a bulky entertainment unit, mount a slim, floating media console beneath the TV. This keeps the floor clear, making the room feel larger and more modern.
- Style Tip: Add a few minimalist decor items on top—like a stack of coffee table books or a small sculpture—to bridge the gap between the screen and the unit.
2. Built-in Shelving
If you have the space, floor-to-ceiling built-ins are the gold standard. They provide both storage and a way to frame the TV.
- Style Tip: Paint the shelves and the wall behind the TV the same color (e.g., deep charcoal or navy) to make the TV screen “disappear” when it’s turned off.
3. The Gallery Wall “Mix-In”
Integrate your TV into a gallery wall. By surrounding it with art of varying sizes, the screen becomes just another “framed” element.
- Style Tip: Ensure your art pieces are spaced out enough so the wall doesn’t feel cluttered. Keep the art style consistent (e.g., all black and white photography or all abstract sketches) for a cohesive look.
4. Statement Wallpaper or Shiplap
Use texture to define the “TV zone.” A vertical shiplap wall or a subtle, textured wallpaper creates a backdrop that adds depth.
- Style Tip: For a modern look, choose a peel-and-stick wallpaper with a geometric or subtle organic pattern.
5. Floating Shelves
Installing two or three floating shelves above or around the TV creates a layered look.
- Style Tip: Don’t overstuff them. Use them to display high-quality objects—a trailing plant, a unique vase, or a framed print—and keep the items on the shelves consistent in color palette.
6. Wall Sconces
Lighting is a game-changer. Adding wall sconces on either side of the TV creates a “framed” effect that adds warmth and sophistication.
- Style Tip: Choose sconces with warm-toned bulbs to create a cozy, cinema-like glow in the evenings.
7. Large-Scale Photography
Place one large, impactful piece of art (or a large canvas print) slightly offset from the TV.
- Style Tip: Ensure the art is large enough to hold its own against the size of the TV screen, or the wall will feel lopsided.
8. Architectural Wall Panels
Wood slat panels (fluted panels) are incredibly trendy and add a high-end, architectural feel to a TV wall.
- Style Tip: Install the panels vertically to draw the eye upward, making your ceilings feel higher. This adds a sophisticated, tactile element to the room.
9. Mirror Magic
While it might seem counterintuitive to put a mirror near a TV, placing a stylish, non-reflective or decorative mirror on the adjacent wall (or using a segmented mirror design) can help break up the large black space.
- Style Tip: Make sure the mirror is positioned so it doesn’t create glare or distracting reflections on the screen while you’re watching.
10. Plants and Greenery
Natural elements soften the harsh lines of a television.
- Style Tip: Place a tall floor plant (like a Fiddle Leaf Fig) on one side and a smaller, trailing plant (like a Pothos) on a shelf on the other side to create a balanced, asymmetrical look.
Important Tips for TV Wall Success
- Cable Management: This is the most important step. Use cord covers or hide wires inside the wall to ensure your decor doesn’t look messy.
- Balance & Scale: Always step back and look at your wall as a whole. If the TV is huge, don’t use tiny, fragile decor items; they will get “lost.” Use large, bold pieces.
- Avoid Glare: Whatever decor you choose, ensure it doesn’t reflect light back onto the screen or make the wall too busy, which can be distracting during viewing.
