10 TV Dining Room Ideas: Creative Ways to Combine TV and Dining in Small HomesMarina ChenSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Wall-Mounted TV with Slim Shelving2. Swivel Mount for Multi-Angle Viewing3. Sliding Panel Concealment4. Statement Wall as TV Backdrop5. Combine Buffet and Media Storage6. Corner TV Placement7. Drop-Down Ceiling TV8. Integrated Lighting Above TV9. Matching TV Frame with Dining Furniture10. Art Display Mode TVsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne of my funniest projects started when a client insisted on putting a 75-inch TV right above the dining table — I thought they were joking. But they were dead serious, and that challenge taught me that small spaces often push us into the most creative solutions. In fact, blending a TV and dining area can work beautifully if planned well. Today, I’m sharing 10 TV dining room ideas drawn from my own projects, perfect for anyone looking to make the most of limited space.1. Wall-Mounted TV with Slim ShelvingI once saved a cramped condo dining area by mounting the TV flush to the wall and pairing it with floating shelves. It kept the floor clear and gave space for both storage and decor. Just make sure to use proper cable management — messy wires can ruin the whole vibe. In one project, I used a compact wall layout plan to test furniture positions before drilling holes.save pin2. Swivel Mount for Multi-Angle ViewingA swivel mount is my go-to trick when the dining area shares space with the living area. You can rotate the screen toward the table during dinner and back toward the sofa later. The only challenge is to make sure the mount is sturdy enough for your TV size.save pin3. Sliding Panel ConcealmentOne couple I worked with didn’t want the TV dominating the dining vibe, so we installed a sliding wooden panel that hid the screen when not in use. It also doubled as a piece of wall art. The hard part? Finding rails smooth enough for daily use without squeaks.save pin4. Statement Wall as TV BackdropI sometimes turn the TV wall into an accent feature with bold wallpaper or textured panels. That way, even when the TV is off, the wall feels intentional and designed. This approach works well if you pair it with subtle furniture tones.save pin5. Combine Buffet and Media StorageMerging a buffet with low media shelves is a space saver I often suggest. You get storage for dinnerware and hide electronics in the same unit. I once developed a multi-use furniture setup that looked custom but was actually modular pieces fitted together.save pin6. Corner TV PlacementPutting the TV at a 45-degree corner can open up the main wall for artwork or shelving. It’s especially useful in odd-shaped rooms where a flat wall just isn’t available. The benefit is better sightlines for everyone at the table.save pin7. Drop-Down Ceiling TVIt sounds extreme, but a ceiling-mounted drop-down TV was the solution for a client who hated wall clutter. We hid the mechanism in a bulkhead, and it only lowered the screen at mealtimes. The budget for this is a bit higher, though, so it’s not for everyone.save pin8. Integrated Lighting Above TVI love using lighting to blend the TV into the dining scheme. LED strips behind the TV cast a warm glow that doubles as ambient dining lighting. Just avoid cold white light unless you want a cafeteria feel. I even demoed this in a dining-adjacent open kitchen redesign and it really set the mood.save pin9. Matching TV Frame with Dining FurnitureIf the TV bezel matches your dining set, it feels intentional rather than an afterthought. In one small apartment, I used a wood veneer TV frame that matched the dining table legs — guests noticed the harmony instantly.save pin10. Art Display Mode TVsSome TVs now double as digital art displays when not in use, which is a game changer for open dining spaces. My tip: pick art that complements your dining room palette so the transition feels seamless.save pinFAQQ: Will a TV in the dining room ruin the atmosphere?A: Not necessarily. With thoughtful design — like concealment, matching finishes, and good lighting — it can actually add versatility and invite casual gatherings.Q: How close should a TV be to the dining table?A: It depends on your TV size, but generally keep at least 5–6 feet of distance to avoid neck strain, especially if the screen is large.Q: Is it worth getting a high-end TV for a dining room?A: Only if you use it often. Otherwise, a mid-range model with good viewing angles is more budget-friendly and practical.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE