10 Very Small Living Room Ideas with TV: Creative Space-Saving TV Layouts for Very Small Living Rooms

As a designer with more than a decade in small space interiors, I've learned that a very small living room is never a limitation—it’s an invitation to be more creative. Lately, trends point toward multi-functional layouts, hidden storage, and design tricks that make the space feel open without sacrificing comfort. In this article, I’m sharing 10 real-life inspired ideas for very small living rooms with TVs, blending my personal project experiences with expert insights.

Floating TV Unit with Hidden Storage

My Take: In one urban apartment I redesigned, we suspended the TV on a floating cabinet that doubled as storage. It freed the floor for a light, airy look.

Pros: Maximizes vertical space and keeps clutter out of sight—perfect for a minimalist small living room with TV. Hiding cables improves visual appeal (see more about minimalist storage design ideas).

Cons: Requires secure wall mounting, which may not suit all rental units.

Tip: Choose a cabinet depth of 12–14 inches to allow full remote sensor function while keeping a slim profile.

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Corner TV Placement

My Take: I once worked with a client whose tiny lounge felt crowded until we moved the TV to a corner. Suddenly, the sofa could face a window and still watch comfortably.

Pros: Opens up more wall space for art or shelving; helps balance traffic flow in very small living rooms with TV setups.

Cons: Can limit the size of TV you can use without overpowering the corner visually.

Tip: Use a swivel mount for flexible viewing angles.

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Wall-Mounted TV with Gallery Wall

My Take: Combining a wall-mounted TV with framed art creates a design focal point. I’ve used this trick in open-plan apartments to blur the tech and decor.

Pros: Integrates entertainment into decor seamlessly; maximizes floor space.

Cons: Frames can distract from the screen during movies if not arranged thoughtfully.

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Slimline Media Console

My Take: In many compact homes, a low, slim console supports the TV while providing just enough storage for essentials like remotes, routers, and a soundbar.

Pros: Keeps the room feeling open; offers extra surface for decorative touches; aligns with modern small living room TV stand ideas.

Cons: Limited storage capacity—might need additional hidden storage elsewhere.

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Under-Window TV Setup

My Take: This was unconventional, but in one loft, placing the TV beneath a low window maximized the main wall for bookshelves and art (explore how layout planning can help).

Pros: Clever use of low-space areas; maintains sight lines to main walls.

Cons: Glare could be an issue—needs blackout blinds or an anti-glare screen.

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Built-in TV Niche

My Take: On a recent reno, we carved a niche into existing wall depth to host the TV flush with the surface—clean and custom.

Pros: Space-saving; prevents TV from protruding into the room; feels bespoke.

Cons: Permanent alteration—not suitable if you like changing furniture layouts often.

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Above-Fireplace Mount

My Take: In a narrow townhouse, mounting above the fireplace helped centralize the seating plan.

Pros: Dual focal points; frees up side walls for storage or decor.

Cons: Viewing angle can be too high; consider a tilt mount to reduce neck strain.

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Movable TV Stand with Wheels

My Take: I used this in a tiny studio—rolling the TV out of the way during yoga sessions was game-changing (even kitchen layouts benefit from flexible elements).

Pros: Adapts to different uses of the space; great for multi-functional rooms.

Cons: Stability may be lower; needs lockable wheels for safety.

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Room Divider with Integrated TV

My Take: In one project, we used a thin shelving unit as a divider and mounted the TV on one side—zonING a space without building a wall.

Pros: Adds storage and function; defines zones in open plan small apartments.

Cons: Both sides need to look good—adds to styling effort.

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Drop-Down Ceiling TV

My Take: For a mini loft, a ceiling-mounted drop-down TV meant the device was invisible when not in use, preserving a clean aesthetic.

Pros: Ultimate space-saver; wow factor for guests.

Cons: Mechanism adds cost; needs professional installation.

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Conclusion

Designing a very small living room with a TV isn’t about compromise—it’s about clever, tailored solutions. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, functional zoning and vertical storage are among the top small-space strategies for 2024. Which one of these ideas would you love to try in your home?

FAQ

1. What is the best TV size for a very small living room?

A 32–50 inch screen works best depending on your seating distance. The general guideline is 1.5–2.5 times the screen diagonal for comfortable viewing.

2. How can I hide TV cables in a small living room?

Use wall chases, cord covers, or opt for a floating unit with built-in cable management channels.

3. Is a wall-mounted TV better for small spaces?

Yes, wall mounting frees floor space and creates a cleaner look, as noted by the National Association of Home Builders.

4. Can I put a TV against a window?

You can, but manage glare with blinds or anti-glare screens.

5. How do I make my small living room feel bigger with a TV?

Choose slim furniture, use mirrors opposite windows, and integrate the TV into the overall wall decor.

6. What’s the ideal viewing height for a small room TV?

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

7. Can a TV be part of a room divider?

Yes, mounting a TV on a double-sided shelving unit can zone spaces effectively.

8. How do I plan a multifunctional small living room?

Use modular furniture and movable elements so the room adapts easily to different activities, similar to this flexible planning example.