5 Kitchen TV Ideas That Actually Work: Smart ways to add a TV into your kitchen without killing the vibe

A few years back, I had a client who swore she needed a 55-inch TV in her tiny galley kitchen so she could “cook along” with her favorite celebrity chef. We almost ended up with the fridge door blocked every time she tried to binge-watch. That project taught me that smart placement is everything when adding a TV into your kitchen — small spaces push you to be more creative, and that’s where the magic happens. In this post, I’ll share 5 ideas I’ve tried (and survived) in my own projects.

1. Mount It Under the Cabinets

This is one of my favorite tricks for tight kitchens. A slim, flip-down TV can be discreetly tucked under your wall cabinets. It stays out of the way when you’re prepping dinner and can be angled perfectly while you sip coffee in the morning. I’ve even used a room planner to make sure the viewing angles work without colliding with open cabinet doors.

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2. Integrate Into an Appliance Wall

If your appliances are lined up along one wall, there’s often a vertical stretch of space above the built-in oven that’s perfect for a flush-mounted screen. The right framing makes it look and feel like part of the kitchen furniture, not a random add-on. The only downside? You might find family members lingering in front of the oven long after the roast is done.

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3. Hide It Behind Sliding Panels

For those who want a super clean look, I love designing sliding panels that conceal the TV when it’s not in use. This works beautifully in open-plan homes where the kitchen blends into the living area. A free floor plan creator can help you visualize how those panels play with your cabinetry lines before committing to the build.

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4. Put It on a Swivel Arm

When you have an irregular-shaped kitchen, a swivel-arm TV mount can be a lifesaver. You can turn the screen toward the prep counter while chopping vegetables, then pivot it toward the breakfast bar for weekend brunch. Just remember to keep cords tidy — nothing ruins a well-planned setup faster than a mess of wires dangling in your soup.

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5. Go for a High Corner Mount

Sometimes the best TV spot is a tiny, otherwise useless corner near the ceiling. It’s out of splash range and easy to spot from multiple zones in the kitchen. I once used a kitchen layout planner to test heights before drilling into vintage tile — totally worth it to avoid heartbreak.

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FAQ

1. What size TV works best in a kitchen?

Usually between 19 and 32 inches, depending on your kitchen size and viewing distance.

2. Can I put a regular TV in the kitchen?

Yes, but make sure it’s in a spot less exposed to heat, steam, and splashes. Wall-mounting helps.

3. How do I protect my kitchen TV from grease?

Use a splash guard or mount it away from cooking zones. Wipe the screen frequently.

4. Do I need special wiring for a kitchen TV?

In most cases, a standard outlet works, but consider adding cable management or conduit during renovations.

5. Can I hide the TV when not in use?

Yes, sliding panels, lift mechanisms, or even an appliance-garage-style cabinet can conceal a TV.

6. Is it safe to mount a TV on a kitchen backsplash?

Possible, but ensure proper sealing against moisture and use rated mounting hardware.

7. What’s the best position for watching TV while cooking?

Somewhere in your peripheral vision near prep areas, so you can glance up without turning fully.

8. Where can I see examples of kitchen TV setups?

You can browse design showcases on sites like Coohom, which provide real-world kitchen layout inspiration.