TV Placement Ideas: 5 Smart Spots: Small living room? Here are 5 practical TV placement ideas with real-world pros, cons and tips from a senior designer

I once put a flat-screen above a fireplace for a client who insisted it would be "cinematic" — until their family dinner felt like movie night and the neck strain complaints began. That little mishap taught me a rule I use on every job: small living rooms force better decisions, and better decisions make spaces feel bigger. In this article I’ll share five TV placement ideas I’ve used in real renovations, each with practical trade-offs and tips you can try today.

1. On a focal wall at eye level

Mounting the TV on the main living-room wall is the classic choice. I recommend placing the center of the screen at roughly seated eye level (about 100–110 cm from the floor for most sofas). The advantage is a comfortable, cinema-like view and clean cable management; the downside is you lose some wall space for art or shelving. A slim floating console solves storage and hides wires — budget-friendly and tidy.

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2. Above the fireplace, with a compromise

Putting the TV above the fireplace looks elegant and anchors the room, which is why clients love it. The trade-off: the screen tends to be higher than optimal and heat can be an issue. I once built a shallow mantel and installed a recessed mount that angles the set downward to reduce neck strain. If you go this route, ensure the fireplace top stays cool and consider an articulating mount for tilt.

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3. On a swivel mount for flexible layouts

Small or multi-use rooms benefit hugely from a swivel or articulating arm. I used this in a compact apartment where the living room doubles as a guest room; the TV can face the sofa, then turn to the bed when needed. It’s great for adaptability, though the mechanism can be pricier and requires a stud for secure anchoring. Still, the flexibility often pays off in tight spaces.

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4. Built into cabinetry or a media wall

Custom cabinetry around the TV makes a living room feel polished and maximizes storage — drawers for remotes, shelves for books, and hidden compartments for devices. I designed a media wall for a young family that doubled as a toy corral and display shelf. The downside is cost and permanence: built-ins are less flexible if you want to reconfigure later. Think modular units if you expect future changes.

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5. Use furniture arrangement instead of wall mounting

If wall space is limited or you rent, place the TV on a low credenza, console table, or a rolling TV stand. I’ve rescued plenty of layouts this way — sometimes a TV on a narrow table behind the sofa visually divides zones while keeping sightlines pleasant. This approach is budget-friendly and non-permanent, but you must manage cables and choose a stable surface to avoid tipping.

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Where to test your layout

Before drilling holes, mock up the screen with cardboard at home to check viewing angles and how it fits with seating. For precise planning I often use an online room planner to map sightlines and furniture scale early in the process. That small upfront step saves time and avoids awkward repositions later.

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Tips 1:

Lighting matters: reduce glare by avoiding large windows directly opposite the screen, or add adjustable curtains. Sound matters too; if wall-mounting reduces speaker placement, consider a soundbar or compact speakers for better audio without bulky gear. Finally, always secure mounts to studs and check VESA compatibility — a small mismatch can turn a smooth installation into a costly mistake.

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FAQ

Q1: What is the best height to mount a TV in a living room? A1: Aim for the center of the screen at seated eye level — roughly 100–110 cm from the floor for most sofas. Adjust slightly for taller or lower seating.

Q2: Can I put a TV above a fireplace? A2: Yes, but watch heat and viewing angle. Use a mantel or an articulating mount to tilt the screen down and ensure the fireplace top stays cool.

Q3: How far should I sit from the TV? A3: A common guideline is 1.5–2.5 times the diagonal screen size for HD, and closer for 4K. For example, a 55-inch TV works well at 2.1–3.5 meters.

Q4: Is a swivel mount worth it? A4: For multi-purpose or awkward rooms, yes — it lets you redirect the screen to different seating zones. It costs more but increases flexibility.

Q5: How do I hide cables neatly? A5: Use in-wall cable kits where allowed, install a low-profile cable raceway, or conceal cords behind custom cabinetry. Ensure you follow local electrical codes.

Q6: What if I rent and can’t mount to a wall? A6: Use a sturdy TV stand, rolling cart, or lean the TV against the wall on a low console. Secure with anti-tip straps for safety.

Q7: Can a TV be part of a gallery wall? A7: Yes — integrate the TV as a framed element and balance with art of similar scale. Leave some breathing room so the screen doesn’t compete visually with artwork.

Q8: Where can I plan precise layouts online? A8: I often recommend reputable planning tools; for example, Coohom provides an easy-to-use room planner that helps model sightlines and furniture arrangements (source: Coohom product documentation).

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