10 Living Room Setup Ideas with TV: Creative and Functional Ways to Design Your Living Room Around a TV

I’ve been designing small and large living rooms for over a decade, and one thing I’ve learned is that small spaces can spark the biggest creativity. With TVs being the focal point for many families, the challenge is to make them look intentional and stylish rather than intrusive. In this guide, I’ll share 10 living room setup ideas with a TV, blending my own design experiences with insights from industry research.

1. Minimalist Floating TV Unit

My Take: I once designed a floating unit for a narrow apartment, which made the whole space feel lighter and more open. Without bulky furniture, cleaning was a breeze.

Pros: Saves floor space, makes the living room look sleek, and works well with integrated cable management for a clutter-free look. Great for small living room TV layouts.

Cons: Limited storage compared to traditional TV cabinets. Installation requires strong wall support.

Tip: Use the same wall color for the unit to make it visually seamless — check out this minimalist living room storage design I worked on.

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2. TV Above a Fireplace

My Take: When I combined a TV with a fireplace for a client in a small urban loft, it became the ultimate cozy corner.

Pros: Combines two focal points in one spot, freeing up other walls for art or shelving. Works well in open-plan layouts.

Cons: Viewing angle may be slightly high; prolonged neck craning can be uncomfortable. Heat protection is necessary.

Cost Tips: Opt for an electric fireplace to reduce installation costs and heat concerns.

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3. Gallery Wall Around the TV

My Take: I love disguising the TV within a collection of art frames and prints — a trick I used in my own home.

Pros: Blends the black screen into a stylish wall, avoiding a tech-dominant look. Flexible for any style.

Cons: Can feel busy if not balanced properly. Requires planning of frame sizes and spacing.

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4. Corner TV Layout

My Take: In odd-shaped rooms, placing the TV in the corner opened up more usable wall space for storage or seating.

Pros: Maximizes floor plan in small living rooms; reduces glare from windows. Ideal for casual setups.

Cons: Furniture placement can be tricky; sound dispersion may be uneven.

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5. Built-in Wall Cabinet for TV

My Take: I designed a full-wall unit for a client that integrated a TV, bookshelves, and display lighting — it transformed the room.

Pros: Offers plentiful storage and a clean, organized look; perfect for custom small living room TV furniture ideas.

Cons: Higher upfront cost; less flexible if you want to rearrange later.

Tip: Work with modular shelving for easier updates; I did this in a project that felt like a cozy library.

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6. Sliding Panel TV Cover

My Take: A chic option I used in a Scandinavian-inspired home — sliding panels hide the TV when not in use, revealing art or shelves.

Pros: Keeps the room’s aesthetic intact; adds an element of surprise. Enhances multifunctional living room setups.

Cons: Requires precise carpentry; track systems can be costly.

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7. TV in a Recessed Niche

My Take: For a modern apartment, I recessed the TV into the wall, flush with the surface for a totally fitted look.

Pros: Saves space, eliminates protrusion; very clean, contemporary feel.

Cons: Permanent alteration to walls; not suitable for rental spaces.

Design Note: LED strip lighting along the niche edges adds depth and luxury.

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8. Open Shelf Under the TV

My Take: This is my go-to for a casual vibe — an open wood shelf under the TV to hold plants, books, or speakers.

Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to rearrange; pairs beautifully with industrial or rustic styles.

Cons: Dust tends to collect faster; items may need frequent tidying.

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9. Wall-Mounted TV with Hidden Wires

My Take: In a modern bachelor pad, hiding the cables made all the difference — sleek and hotel-like.

Pros: Cleaner visuals, safer for kids and pets; works for both large and small living room TV designs.

Cons: Requires planning cable routing; could be tricky in concrete walls.

Reference: According to Houzz, hidden wiring can make a room appear up to 20% tidier in perception studies — I’ve seen this psychological effect firsthand. Explore ideas like an L-shaped layout freeing more counter space but applied for furniture placement.

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10. TV on a Rotating Stand

My Take: This works wonders in open-plan living-dining rooms. A rotating stand lets you watch TV from different angles.

Pros: Flexible viewing positions; perfect for multi-zone spaces in small homes.

Cons: Base requires stability; may not suit minimalist aesthetics.

Case Insight: I saw a client combine this with wood textures for a warm atmosphere, making the feature both functional and stylish.

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Summary

In the end, a small living room with a TV isn’t a limit — it’s an invitation to design more intelligently. As Elle Decor notes, constraints lead to the most creative solutions. Which of these living room setup ideas would you try in your own home?

FAQ

Q1: What’s the best living room setup with a TV for small spaces?

A wall-mounted TV with hidden wires and a floating shelf maximizes space and keeps the area tidy.

Q2: Is it okay to place the TV above a fireplace?

Yes, if the height is comfortable and heat protection is in place. Electric fireplaces are a safer choice.

Q3: How to hide a TV in the living room?

Sliding panels, recessed niches, or cabinet doors can stylishly hide the screen.

Q4: What’s a budget-friendly living room TV idea?

An open shelf with decorative items under a wall-mounted TV offers style on a budget.

Q5: Do TV stands take up too much space?

Traditional stands can be bulky, so opt for floating units or corner placements to free up floor space.

Q6: How to improve cable management?

Use concealed conduits or in-wall routing; Houzz research (2023) shows hidden cables improve perceived neatness by 20%.

Q7: Can I have a TV and art on the same wall?

Yes, a gallery wall can blend the TV with artwork for a cohesive look.

Q8: How to choose the right TV size for my living room?

Measure seating distance; the ideal TV size is roughly the viewing distance (in inches) multiplied by 0.55. You can explore setups like 3D floor visualizations for better planning.