10 Living Room Arrangement Ideas with TV: Smart & Stylish Ways to Arrange Your Living Room Around the TV

Over my 10+ years as an interior designer, I’ve seen living rooms evolve from formal sitting areas to multifunctional hubs. In 2024, open layouts and flexible furniture are trending, especially in small apartments. I genuinely believe small spaces spark the biggest creativity. In this post, I’ll share 10 living room arrangement ideas with TV that combine my own experience and expert insights to help you design a space that looks good and works even better.

1. Minimalist TV Wall Unit

My Take: In one of my first city projects, we designed a floating wall unit that blended seamlessly with the wall color. The TV almost disappeared when not in use, making the room feel bigger.

Pros: A minimalist TV wall unit keeps the space clutter-free and emphasizes clean lines. According to the National Association of Home Builders, visual simplicity can make a room feel up to 20% larger.

Cons: Minimalist units often limit storage options. You might need extra cabinets elsewhere for media accessories.

Tip: Consider a neutral tone that matches your walls for a seamless look.

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2. Corner TV Placement

My Take: In a compact loft, I placed the TV in a corner to make use of an awkward angle—and it transformed the traffic flow instantly.

Pros: This arrangement maximizes natural light access and can open up more wall space for art or shelving.

Cons: Viewing angles can be tricky, especially for larger groups.

You can explore more on compact arrangements like the minimalist kitchen storage design that applies similar efficiency tactics.

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3. TV Above a Fireplace

My Take: Though controversial among some designers, placing a TV above the fireplace can be a lifesaver in small spaces where every inch counts.

Pros: Saves floor space and centers focus on one feature wall. Works best with modern fireplaces that produce less heat at the wall.

Cons: The viewing height can strain your neck if not properly measured.

Tip: Ensure the center of the screen is no more than 15° above eye level when seated.

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4. Gallery Wall with Integrated TV

My Take: I once designed a wall where the TV was part of a larger gallery of framed art and photographs—it practically disappeared when turned off.

Pros: Creates a cozy, personalized backdrop; blends technology with decor seamlessly.

Cons: Requires careful planning to avoid visual clutter.

Tip: Use consistent frame colors for cohesion.

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5. L-Shaped Layout

My Take: For a family of four, we used an L-shaped sofa facing the TV, with a side segment opening toward the dining area—perfect for open-plan living.

Pros: L-shaped layouts release more countertop-like space and help zone the living area efficiently in open layouts.

Cons: Not ideal for very narrow rooms; furniture bulk can overwhelm the space.

See how L-shaped layouts free up more counter space in kitchen design—the zoning principle works for living rooms too.

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6. Floating Media Console

My Take: Wall-mounted consoles make cleaning a breeze and keep the floor visual area open—something my clients with tiny living rooms love.

Pros: Enhances a sense of spaciousness; hides cables easily.

Cons: Limited to lighter equipment; may need reinforcement for heavier gear.

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7. TV on a Swivel Mount

My Take: I recommended this to a client who entertains often—she can turn the TV toward the dining table during game nights.

Pros: Flexible viewing from multiple areas; perfect for multi-use spaces.

Cons: Cable management becomes more complex with movement.

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8. Built-In Shelving with TV Niche

My Take: Combining the TV with built-in shelving creates functional storage and a cohesive look. In one project, we painted the niche dark charcoal to make the TV blend in.

Pros: Efficient storage; integrates tech with decor.

Cons: Not easy to change TV size later without costly modifications.

Tip: Leave 2–3 inches ventilation gap around the TV for longevity.

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9. Partition Wall with Double Sided TV

My Take: In a studio apartment, I used a partial wall with a rotating TV mount—watching from the living area or bed without moving furniture.

Pros: Maximizes space use in open plans; adds a modern touch.

Cons: Installation is more complex and requires precise execution.

It’s a similar concept to how warm wood textures create a cozy atmosphere in AI-generated interior designs—functional yet beautiful.

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10. Hideaway TV Cabinet

My Take: For clients who dislike the constant presence of a screen, a sliding-door cabinet is the perfect compromise.

Pros: Keeps the focus on decor when TV is not used; protects screen from dust.

Cons: Can be pricey; moving parts require maintenance.

Tip: Opt for smooth-track systems to avoid the cabinet feeling clunky.

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Conclusion

A small living room doesn’t mean design limitations—it means smarter, more thoughtful arrangements. As the American Society of Interior Designers notes, integration of function and aesthetics is key to livable spaces. Which of these living room arrangement ideas with TV would you try first?

FAQ

1. What is the best layout for a living room with a TV?

Start by placing seating facing the TV at a comfortable distance—ideally 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen size—and arrange other furniture to support conversation flow.

2. Can I put my TV in front of a window?

It's possible, but glare can be an issue. Use blackout curtains or blinds to control light when watching.

3. How high should a TV be mounted in a living room?

The center of the screen should be at seated eye level, typically 42–48 inches from the floor, according to ergonomic guidelines.

4. Is putting a TV above a fireplace a good idea?

Yes if designed properly, but ensure heat is well managed and the viewing height is comfortable.

5. What is a good distance from the sofa to the TV?

For HD TVs, 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size is recommended; for 4K, you can sit closer without losing quality.

6. How do I hide TV cables neatly?

Use wall-mounted cable raceways, in-wall conduit, or choose a floating console with built-in channels.

7. What’s the best TV arrangement for an open plan?

Consider swivel mounts or partial walls to make the TV viewable from multiple zones without blocking pathways.

8. Can built-in shelving work in a small living room?

Yes—it maximizes vertical space while integrating storage and display. See examples in the 3D floor planning case study.