5 TV Room Wall Design Ideas: Creative ways to style your TV room walls without making it feel crowded

In recent years, interior design trends have shifted towards multifunctional spaces, and the TV room has evolved into a hub for relaxation, entertainment, and family time. As someone who has redesigned dozens of small living areas, I believe small walls can spark big creativity. Today, I'll share 5 wall design inspirations for TV rooms, blending my own hands-on experience with expert-backed insights.

Minimalist Floating Shelves

My Take: I once worked on a compact apartment where the TV wall became the home’s focal point. Installing minimalist floating shelves lightened the visual load and added airy storage without cluttering the floor. I paired them with soft LED strips for a warm ambience.

Pros: Floating shelves create visual space, provide functional storage, and fit seamlessly into a modern TV room design. They are versatile enough to hold decorative items and sound systems, enhancing the viewing experience.

Cons: The downside is that improper installation can damage walls, especially in rented homes. Also, dusting open shelves can become a regular chore.

Tip: Choose sturdy brackets and even spacing to avoid a lopsided look. For example, in one project, integrating minimalist floating shelves in a modern TV wall design balanced function and style effortlessly.

save pin

Textured Accent Wall

My Take: In one client’s home, we transformed a plain wall behind the TV with reclaimed wood panels. The transformation was instant—the room felt richer, warmer, and more inviting.

Pros: Textured walls bring depth and personality, which is especially valuable when the TV room doubles as a family gathering space. They also help muffle sound, a small bonus for better audio clarity.

Cons: Certain textures, like stone or brick veneer, can be costly and may require professional installation. In smaller rooms, overly bold textures can overwhelm the space.

Case Insight: According to Houzz’s 2023 Living Room Trends report, 42% of homeowners prefer textured materials for focal walls. It’s worth exploring before settling on paint.

save pin

Built-In Media Wall

My Take: I adore built-ins for compact spaces. In one urban condo, we developed a sleek cabinetry system that housed the TV, books, and art in one streamlined piece. The wall became both storage and statement.

Pros: Built-ins maximize vertical space, hide cables, and give a custom, luxury feel. They’re perfect for integrating various media components without the mess of loose wires.

Cons: They require an upfront investment and precise measurement. Once built, they’re not easily reconfigured if your needs change.

Tip: Use modular components within built-ins for flexibility. In my last project, adding adjustable shelving ensured the layout could adapt over time. One client loved how integrating built-in media walls created an organized yet inviting TV space.

save pin

Framed Gallery Around TV

My Take: I have a soft spot for turning the TV into part of a broader art display. A curated gallery of frames around the screen shifts focus from tech to personality.

Pros: It personalizes your space, making the wall equally about stories and entertainment. It also softens the visual dominance of the TV in small rooms.

Cons: Too many frames can feel busy or distract from viewing. Careful balance in size and spacing is key.

Budget Tip: Mix high-quality statement frames with affordable ones from flea markets. This keeps costs down while maintaining variety.

save pin

LED Backlighting

My Take: Backlighting the TV with LED strips was a game changer in my own home. It’s subtle, but adds a cinematic feel while reducing eye strain during night viewing.

Pros: LED backlighting is inexpensive, energy-efficient, and easy to install. It enhances contrast during viewing and adds mood lighting for the whole wall.

Cons: Bad placement can create uneven glow or glare. Adjustable color and brightness help avoid this.

Case Inspiration: When we applied LED backlighting to a multipurpose entertainment wall, it became the family’s favorite evening hangout.

save pin

Conclusion

A small TV room wall doesn’t mean you’re short on possibilities—it means you need smarter design choices. Whether you lean toward textures, built-ins, or creative lighting, thoughtful planning transforms limitations into statements. As the American Society of Interior Designers points out, focusing on vertical and layered design can magnify spatial impact. Which of these design ideas would you most like to try in your own TV room?

FAQ

1. What’s the best wall design for a small TV room? For tight spaces, built-in media walls or minimalist shelves keep things organized without feeling cramped.

2. How can I hide TV cables stylishly? Built-in cabinetry or cable covers painted to match the wall offer simple solutions without disrupting the design flow.

3. Do textured accent walls work in modern spaces? Yes, pairing subtle textures like matte panels with clean lines can match modern aesthetics, as noted by Houzz’s trend reports.

4. Are LED strips safe for TVs? Quality LED strips with proper installation are safe and can even extend viewing comfort by reducing eye strain.

5. How do I choose art for a gallery wall around a TV? Select pieces that complement room colors and vary sizes for visual interest while keeping the TV central.

6. Is wallpaper still popular for TV walls? Yes, especially textured or patterned varieties that act as a focal point without clashing with the screen.

7. What’s a budget-friendly way to redesign a TV wall? DIY floating shelves, peel-and-stick wallpapers, and thrifted frames can transform a space on a budget.

8. Can I combine multiple wall design ideas in one TV room? Absolutely—just keep a consistent color palette to ensure harmony between elements.