10 Smart Small Living Room with TV Ideas: Creative and practical ways to design a small living room with a TV without feeling cramped

As a designer with over a decade in residential projects, I’ve noticed that current interior design trends lean towards multi-functional, cozy spaces. The great thing about small living rooms is that they often spark the most creative solutions. In this post, I’ll share 10 small living room with TV ideas — each tested through my own projects and backed by expert insights.

Minimalist wall-mounted TV setup

My Take: In one of my earliest apartment remodels, wall-mounting the TV instantly freed up precious surface space. It also streamlined the visual flow, making the room feel bigger.

Pros: Excellent for maximizing floor area in a compact layout. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, keeping the floor clear in multipurpose rooms improves perceived size by up to 15%.

Cons: Requires drilling and proper wall reinforcement — not ideal for renters.

Tip: Use concealed cable management for a clean, modern look.

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Floating storage with integrated TV

My Take: I once designed a custom floating console beneath a TV that doubled as both media unit and display shelf. It kept everything tidy without overwhelming the wall.

Pros: Adds storage without eating into floor space; great for showcasing curated décor items alongside your screen. Works beautifully in minimalist or Scandinavian interiors.

Cons: Built-ins can be costly upfront, especially if you opt for premium finishes.

Tip: Measure beforehand to ensure the unit complements both TV size and wall width.

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Corner TV placement

My Take: In a narrow rectangular living room, shifting the TV into a corner surprisingly opened up the central area for conversation and movement.

Pros: Makes use of underutilized space; helps in avoiding glare from windows if positioned well. Integrates naturally with sectional sofas.

Cons: May limit seating arrangement flexibility.

Pair this with glass panel accents for better light flow to balance corner shadows.

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TV over a fireplace

My Take: In one renovation, placing a TV above a sleek electric fireplace created an instant focal point. The client loved how it turned the wall into a piece of art.

Pros: Saves wall space and unifies visual points; particularly impactful in small, open-plan living rooms.

Cons: Not great for ergonomics; extended viewing angles can strain the neck.

Tip: Opt for a tilting wall mount to adjust screen height when needed.

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Multi-functional TV wall with shelves

My Take: I designed a floor-to-ceiling shelving unit with the TV framed at the center — it turned the entertainment zone into a stylish library and display area.

Pros: Offers abundant storage; visually integrates the TV into the interior scheme, making it less of a stand-alone object.

Cons: Can feel busy if overfilled with items.

Consider how L-shaped sofa layouts free more wall area for shelving integration.

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Sliding panel TV concealment

My Take: A favorite trick for clients who don’t want the TV as the main focus — sliding panels hide the screen behind art or textured surfaces.

Pros: Perfect for multi-use living rooms; allows the space to transform depending on activity.

Cons: Adds mechanical complexity; requires precise installation to glide smoothly.

Tip: Use lightweight MDF or rattan weave panels for easy handling.

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Under-window TV placement

My Take: In one compact loft, we placed the TV under a high window on a low stand — it made use of otherwise awkward wall space.

Pros: Clever for rooms with few tall solid walls; keeps sightlines open.

Cons: May have glare issues at certain times of day.

Tip: Combine with blackout roller shades for flexible light control.

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TV integrated into partition wall

My Take: In a micro-apartment, a slim partition wall between the living and sleeping areas housed the TV — serving double duty as a subtle divider.

Pros: Adds privacy in open-plan spaces; doubles available wall space for displays.

Cons: Limits future furniture rearrangements.

For a warm, inviting look, explore wood texture finishes that add softness to partition designs.

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Rotating TV stand

My Take: I placed a rotating TV unit in a loft so it could face either the living area or the dining nook — brilliant for entertaining in small spaces.

Pros: Optimizes versatility; reduces the need for multiple devices or bigger space.

Cons: More moving parts mean higher maintenance.

Tip: Choose stable, lockable mechanisms to avoid wobble.

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Hidden ceiling drop-down TV

My Take: In one high-tech remodel, the TV was concealed in the ceiling and dropped down at the click of a button — it fully disappeared when not in use.

Pros: Completely removes visual clutter; ideal for ultra-minimalist interiors.

Cons: Expensive to install; requires sufficient ceiling cavity.

Tip: Consider professional installation to ensure smooth operation and safety.

Conclusion: Designing a small living room with a TV is about smart choices, not compromises. Even with limited square footage, clever integrations, creative storage, and thoughtful layouts can turn a tiny room into a stylish and comfortable retreat. According to Houzz’s interior trend report, multi-functional furniture remains a top choice for small-space living. Which of these small living room with TV ideas would you love to try in your home?

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FAQ

1. What’s the best layout for a small living room with a TV? A layout that keeps foot traffic flow clear and uses wall space efficiently — corner or wall-mounted setups work well.
2. Can I put a TV in front of a window in a small room? Yes, but be mindful of glare. Use shades or curtains to control natural light.
3. What size TV works best for small living rooms? Typically, 32–50 inches depending on viewing distance. The goal is balance, not overwhelm.
4. How can I make my TV zone look stylish? Integrate it into built-ins, use art frames, or sliding panels for concealment.
5. Is a wall-mounted TV better for a small space? Yes — it frees surface space and improves visual flow. The NKBA notes wall-mounting enhances room perception.
6. Can I still have surround sound in a small living room? Absolutely; opt for compact soundbars or wireless speakers to avoid clutter.
7. How do I hide TV cables elegantly? Use in-wall cable kits or cable-concealing channels to maintain a clean look.
8. Where can I see examples of integrated storage with TVs? You can find inspiration with glass panel accents for better light flow in small rooms that blend style and function.