10 Living Room Ideas with TV: Smart, Stylish, and Functional TV Living Room Design Tips

As someone who has redesigned more than a few living rooms in my career, I can tell you that fitting a TV into your space without compromising aesthetics is an exciting challenge. This year’s top interior design trends are all about blending technology seamlessly into the home. And for small living rooms? They invite even more creative solutions. In this article, I’ll share 10 living room ideas with TV setups that I’ve used myself or seen in successful client projects—mixing personal insights with expert-sourced techniques.

1. Minimalist Floating TV Unit

My Take: I love a floating TV cabinet—it gives such an airy feel. In one small apartment I designed, lifting the unit off the floor visually doubled the space and simplified cleaning.

Pros: The minimalist floating unit keeps cables hidden, supports clean lines, and works perfectly with a Scandinavian style. According to Houzz's 2023 survey, hidden storage solutions remain among the most requested features for small living rooms.

Cons: Wall mounting requires strong support; renters may need landlord approval. Also, not ideal for storing bulky media equipment.

Tip: Choose a wall color slightly darker than the cabinet to make it pop. See how a minimalist TV wall design can elevate the entire room.

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2. Gallery Wall with Integrated TV

My Take: Blending the TV into a gallery wall is one of my favorite tricks—it confuses the eye so the screen doesn’t dominate. I tried this in my own home, mixing black frames and art prints around the TV.

Pros: Creates a stylish focal point; hides the big black rectangle when turned off; lets you vary frame styles for personality.

Cons: Regularly rotating artwork can be a hassle; spacing must be precise to avoid visual chaos.

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3. Sliding Panel Concealment

My Take: On a client's request, I built a modern shoji-style sliding panel to hide the TV. The reveal always impresses guests.

Pros: Keeps the TV out of sight when not in use; adds texture with materials like wood or rattan; matches well with Japandi interiors.

Cons: Requires precision carpentry and space to slide the panels; can be pricey if custom-made.

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4. TV Above a Linear Fireplace

My Take: Combining a wall-mounted TV with an electric fireplace beneath creates a cozy, streamlined look. I’ve done this in urban condos where floor space was tight.

Pros: Maximizes vertical space; creates a single focal wall; hides wiring in the chimney breast.

Cons: Requires professional installation for safety; heat management must be considered for the TV’s longevity.

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5. Corner-Mounted TV for Small Rooms

My Take: When a rectangular room offers no clear focal wall, tucking the TV into a corner works wonders. I once used a swivel mount so my client could watch from both the sofa and kitchen counter.

Pros: Efficient for awkward layouts; reduces glare from windows; frees up wall space for storage or art.

Cons: May limit seating arrangement; corner mounts need careful cable management.

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6. Built-In Media Wall

My Take: Designing a full wall with shelving, storage, and a niche for the TV feels luxurious yet practical. One of my clients even incorporated a reading nook within the same wall.

Pros: Custom-fitted; maximizes storage; hides tech easily. According to Elle Decor, built-ins can increase perceived property value by 7–10%.

Cons: Not easy to relocate; higher initial cost; must be designed with future tech upgrades in mind.

Check out how an L-shaped shelving design around a TV makes the most of vertical and horizontal space.

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7. Frame-Style TV

My Take: I’ve recommended Samsung’s Frame TV to several clients—when off, it displays art and blends in seamlessly. It’s a neat solution for those who dislike a blank screen.

Pros: Doubles as decorative artwork; customizable bezels match your décor; easy to update the display content.

Cons: Higher price tag than standard TVs; still needs correct wall mounting to avoid glare.

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8. Rotating Panel for Open-Plan Rooms

My Take: In an open-plan loft, I designed a rotating wall panel that could turn the TV towards the living area or dining space. Guests loved it.

Pros: Serves multiple areas; adds an interactive, fun element; can be combined with storage on the reverse side.

Cons: Requires structural stability; more complex mechanical setup; dust can collect in rotation joints.

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9. TV Integrated into a Bookshelf

My Take: Bookshelves flanking the TV soften its presence and invite a cozier feel. I’ve used warm LED strip lighting in the shelving to make the space glow.

Pros: Blends media and reading zones; extra storage for books and décor; great for transitional styles.

Cons: Can feel cluttered if overfilled; heavier shelves need strong wall anchoring.

See an example of wood tones adding warmth around a media wall for inspiration even outside the kitchen.

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10. Pop-Up TV Lift Cabinet

My Take: In a lake house project, we hid the TV in a console at the foot of the sofa—it rose silently at movie time. Perfect for keeping views unobstructed.

Pros: Keeps the TV fully hidden; protects from dust; ideal for rooms where a screen would distract from a window view.

Cons: Mechanical lifts can malfunction; furniture must be built to accommodate the lift system; higher investment cost.

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Summary

Small or large, the best living room ideas with TV are about smart integration rather than compromise. As reported by Architectural Digest, thoughtful space-planning can make technology almost invisible until needed. Which of these ideas would you try first?

FAQ

1. How do I make my TV living room look stylish?

Blend your TV into the design with built-ins, gallery walls, or frame-style TVs. Keep cables hidden for a cleaner look.

2. What is the ideal viewing distance in a living room?

It depends on TV size. As per the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size is optimal.

3. Can a TV be the focal point of a small living room?

Yes, if styled well with symmetrical furniture, accent walls, or storage units to balance the look.

4. Is it okay to put the TV above a fireplace?

Yes, but consider heat management. Maintain recommended clearance to protect electronics.

5. What’s the best way to hide a TV in plain sight?

Options include sliding panels, pop-up lifts, art screens, or integrating into furniture.

6. How do I avoid glare on my TV screen?

Position it perpendicular to windows, use non-reflective screens, or add curtains/blinds to control light.

7. What styles work best for TV walls?

Scandinavian, modern, industrial, and Japandi all offer clean lines and functional integration.

8. Can I mount a TV without drilling?

You can use a floor stand or no-drill mounting system. However, wall-mounting offers more flexibility in placement.