10 Long Narrow Living Room Ideas with TV: Smart, Stylish, and Space-Optimized TV Setups for Narrow Living Rooms

Over my 10+ years in interior design, one thing I’ve learned is that a long and narrow living room can actually inspire some of the most creative layouts. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, I treat it like a design puzzle — and often, the results surprise even me. Today, I’m sharing 10 long narrow living room ideas with TV that mix my real project experience with data-backed tips so you can maximize comfort and style without feeling cramped.

Minimalist Media Wall

My Take: In smaller, elongated living rooms, I often design a streamlined wall unit that combines storage and the TV setup. This keeps the visual lines clean, reducing clutter and helping the space feel balanced.

Pros: A minimalist media wall makes the room look larger, and integrating closed storage hides cables and devices. According to Houzz's 2023 report, homes with integrated storage solutions see a 17% higher satisfaction rate in small rooms.

Cons: Custom installations can be costly and take longer to build; off-the-shelf options might not fit precisely in narrow dimensions.

Tip: Stick to matte finishes to reduce glare from the TV screen.

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Furniture Zoning for Flow

My Take: I like to break a long narrow room into distinct areas — TV viewing, reading nook, and maybe even a workspace. This encourages natural movement through the space.

Pros: Creates multiple functional zones without knocking down walls. Using rugs and lighting to separate areas is both cost-effective and stylish.

Cons: If zoning is too rigid, the room may feel segmented instead of cohesive.

minimalist kitchen storage design in a different context taught me that visual continuity is key, so repeat colors in each zone.

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Floating TV Cabinet

My Take: A wall-mounted cabinet under the TV keeps the floor clear, making the room look less congested. I’ve used this in urban apartments where every inch counts.

Pros: Enhances airflow and easy cleaning; creates a modern aesthetic. Works especially well with a long narrow layout where floor space is premium.

Cons: Requires strong wall support and precise installation to handle TV weight.

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Gallery Wall Around TV

My Take: Designing a gallery wall around the TV integrates it into the decor rather than making it the obvious focal point. I once did this for a client who disliked a big black rectangle dominating their cozy living room.

Pros: Adds personality, reduces the visual dominance of the TV, and can work with various art sizes.

Cons: Can look messy if not curated carefully; reflections from artwork glass may compete with the screen.

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Low-Profile Modular Sofa

My Take: For long, narrow spaces, I recommend a low, modular sofa that can be rearranged to suit the occasion. This makes TV viewing and conversations equally comfortable.

Pros: Flexible configurations adapt to guests or solo evenings. Lower backs keep sightlines open to the TV.

Cons: Modular pieces may shift with frequent use, requiring occasional adjustment.

Experimenting with glass backsplash for more openness in kitchens inspired me to use reflective textiles here to create depth.

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Built-in Shelving with Backlighting

My Take: Backlit built-ins framing the TV make the wall the main attraction while offering hidden storage for remotes and media.

Pros: Soft lighting adds ambiance; shelving keeps essentials organized. Light contrasts reduce eye strain when watching in the dark.

Cons: Built-ins require permanent alteration, which may not suit renters.

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Vertical Design Elements

My Take: Tall bookcases, floor-to-ceiling drapes, or vertical slats make the narrow room feel taller and more grounded.

Pros: Draws the eye upward, balancing the long, thin proportions. Enhances a sense of spaciousness.

Cons: Too many verticals can overwhelm; balance with horizontal forms.

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Slimline TV Stands

My Take: Choosing a narrow, elongated TV stand matches the proportions of the room, which maintains a harmonious flow.

Pros: Easier to source and replace than built-ins; offers surface space for decor.

Cons: Limited storage; might not hide all cables.

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Corner TV Placement

My Take: In one tricky remodel, tucking the TV into a corner freed up wall space for artwork and opened a central conversation zone.

Pros: Great for angled seating; can reduce glare from windows.

Cons: Some viewers may have less ideal sightlines depending on seating.

Similarly, in a dining area project, an L shaped layout creating more counter space inspired me to think diagonally for room layouts.

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Wall-Mounted Swing Arm TV

My Take: Mounting the TV on an extendable arm lets you pivot it for different seating arrangements — perfect in rooms that double as multi-purpose areas.

Pros: Maximum flexibility; can keep TV flush for a minimalist look when not in use.

Cons: Requires careful cable management; frequent adjustments may loosen brackets over time.

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Summary

In the end, a long narrow living room with TV isn’t a limitation — it’s an opportunity to design smarter. As Apartment Therapy noted in 2022, proportion-driven layouts have the biggest impact on livability in small spaces. Which of these design ideas would you be excited to try in your own home?

FAQ

1. What is the best layout for a long narrow living room with a TV? Arrange seating along the longer walls and the TV on the shorter end wall to improve sightlines and traffic flow.
2. How can I make a narrow living room feel wider? Use light colors, low-profile furniture, and large rugs that extend under key pieces.
3. Can I put the TV on the side wall? Yes, but ensure your seating aligns with it for comfortable viewing angles.
4. How high should I mount the TV? Eye level when seated — typically the center is 42 to 48 inches from the floor.
5. What type of furniture is best for a long room? Modular, low-back sofas and slimline TV units maintain openness.
6. Should I use a projector instead of a TV? Projectors can work well if you have control over ambient light, as CEDIA recommends for media rooms.
7. Is built-in shelving worth it? Built-ins add function and style, but consider permanence and budget before committing.
8. How can lighting help in a narrow living room? Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting; wall sconces save floor space.