5 tv unit design ideas for hall 2019: Smart small-space strategies I used in real homes, backed by expert data and SEO-friendly tipsMara Lin, Senior Interior DesignerJan 21, 2026Table of ContentsMinimalist floating console with hidden storageBuilt-in media wall with niche shelvingWarm wood slat backdrop with concealed wiringLow, long bench console with movable modulesMixed-material media shelf metal, glass, and woodSummaryFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEAs an interior designer who’s spent over a decade transforming compact living rooms, I’ve watched tv unit design for hall evolve from bulky wall cabinets to sleek, multi-functional focal points. Small spaces truly spark big creativity—especially in 2019’s wave of minimalist lines, hidden storage, and warm materials. In this guide, I’ll share 5 design inspirations for TV units, blending my hands-on experience with expert insights you can trust.Before we dive in, here’s my quick promise: these ideas balance style and function, work for small apartments, and respect budgets. You’ll see what I love, where the trade-offs live, and how to make choices that fit your hall’s layout and lifestyle.Minimalist floating console with hidden storageMy Take: I first installed a minimalist floating console in a 28 m² city apartment—white matte fronts, soft-close doors, and a thin oak top. It instantly made the hall feel lighter while swallowing routers, remotes, and the inevitable tangle of cables.Pros: A floating unit frees floor space, improving visual flow and cleaning ease; it’s ideal as a “tv unit design for hall” when every centimeter counts. Hidden storage keeps a clean TV wall aesthetic, and a cable management channel reduces tech clutter—classic minimalist tv cabinet design for small hall living. Data-wise, open floor area and clear sightlines correlate with lower perceived crowding in compact rooms (I’ve seen this repeatedly in client surveys).Cons: Wall-mounting demands solid backing—plasterboard alone won’t cut it. If you love displaying books or décor, fully concealed fronts can feel too clinical. Also, floating units don’t hide soundbars as neatly unless you plan recesses up front.Tips / Cost: Reinforce the mount area with plywood behind the drywall or use metal studs. Budget-wise, mid-range laminate with birch ply runs cheaper than solid wood, and you’ll avoid warping near heat sources. For planning inspiration, I often reference glass backsplash makes the kitchen feel airier concepts to bring that same lightness to living walls.save pinsave pinBuilt-in media wall with niche shelvingMy Take: A built-in media wall saved a narrow hall in a townhouse I redesigned—TV recessed, flanked by asymmetric niches for plants and books. It looked custom without the full custom price because we used modular cabinet boxes and MDF face frames.Pros: A recess minimizes screen glare and reduces visual bulk, a frequent win for hall TV unit designs. Niche shelving creates curated zones for décor and speakers, and you can integrate ambient LED strips for a soft, 2019-inspired glow. Long-tail note: niche shelving for tv unit design in living hall improves organization and reduces surface clutter, making small rooms feel planned rather than improvised. The Well Building Standard emphasizes balanced lighting layers for comfort—task, ambient, accent—which this approach enables.Cons: Built-ins are less flexible if you upgrade to a much larger TV later. Construction dust and timeline can be annoying in occupied homes—I’ve had clients camp out in the bedroom for two evenings during sanding. If your rental restrictions are strict, a full recess might be off-limits.Tips / Case: Keep the central niche 5–8 cm wider than your TV’s frame for easy cable access. For renters, consider modular shelving with a faux frame and stick-on LED channels. Around the halfway point of a project, I’ll map circulation and work triangle flow similar to L-shaped layouts create more counter space—the logic applies to movement around the media wall too.save pinsave pinWarm wood slat backdrop with concealed wiringMy Take: The most transformative upgrade I did in 2019 was a walnut slat wall behind a 55-inch TV—paired with a low-profile console. Clients loved the warmth; it balanced modern tech with a tactile, human feel.Pros: Wood slats add texture and depth, a long-tail favorite for tv unit design in small hall interiors that need character. Vertical rhythm subtly increases perceived ceiling height, helping small rooms feel taller. A wiring chase behind the slats hides cables and power strips, keeping the tv unit design minimalist without sacrificing function. The Biophilic design principle—bringing natural materials indoors—has measurable mood benefits (design studies consistently link wood finishes with perceived comfort).Cons: Real hardwood raises costs; veneer or engineered options help, but watch for sun fade. Slats demand careful spacing—uneven gaps scream DIY gone wrong. Sound can be slightly more reflective unless you add rugs or soft furnishings.Tips / Cost: Use pre-finished slat panels for a cleaner install and consistent lines. If budget is tight, mix oak veneer with solid edges where hands touch. About 80% into a hall TV project, I often refine balance using inspirations like warm wood tones for a cozy atmosphere to ensure the backdrop doesn’t overpower the seating area.save pinsave pinLow, long bench console with movable modulesMy Take: In small halls, I love a low bench that runs wall-to-wall, with movable cubes or drawers underneath. It doubles as extra seating for movie nights and hides all the gadgets—without feeling tightly packed.Pros: A long, low profile grounds the room and visually widens narrow halls—a timeless tv unit design for hall solution. Movable modules adapt to evolving tech—game consoles, streaming boxes, or a subwoofer. When paired with soft-close drawers, it offers family-friendly storage lanes; as a long-tail benefit, modular tv cabinet designs reduce retrofit costs over time.Cons: If you prefer eye-level viewing, a low bench might place the screen too low unless wall-mounted. Dust bunnies love long runs—invest in a robot vacuum. Overfilling modules can make the unit feel busy; set a cap on what lives inside.Tips / Case: Keep the console height around 350–450 mm for comfortable seating and stable display. Choose durable laminates or oiled finishes that resist scratches from baskets sliding in and out. I also add felt pads under modules to protect floors.save pinsave pinMixed-material media shelf: metal, glass, and woodMy Take: When clients crave a 2019 modern-industrial vibe, I combine matte black frames with oak shelves and smoked glass doors. It’s airy but substantial, and it sparks conversation—without overpowering the hall.Pros: Mixed materials break monotony and let you tune the vibe—light and airy with glass, cozy with wood, edgy with metal. Smoked glass hides components while keeping remote signals functional, a subtle advantage in tv unit design for hall living. Wire-through grommets and cable trays keep everything clean; the long-tail value is in easy serviceability for multi-device setups.Cons: Fingerprints on glass are real—keep a microfiber cloth nearby. Metal frames need felt bumpers to avoid wall scuffs. If kids are around, choose tempered glass and avoid sharp corner profiles.Tips / Budget: Mix premium touches sparingly—solid oak fronts with powder-coated steel, and use standard glass for side panels to save. Layer warm LED strips behind the frame for a soft halo at night. This palette plays nicely with light gray walls and textured rugs for balance.save pinsave pinSummarySmall kitchens taught me a big lesson that applies to tv unit design for hall: constraints drive smarter design, not compromise. Whether you float a console or build a niche wall, the best results blend storage, cable management, and balanced lighting to calm the visual field. If you’re curious about long-term ergonomics, the WELL Standard’s focus on comfort and lighting has influenced many of my residential projects.Which of these five ideas would you try first in your hall, and what’s your biggest challenge—storage, cables, or style coordination?save pinFAQ1) What is the best tv unit design for hall in a small apartment?Go for a floating console with hidden storage and proper cable management. It visually lightens the wall and keeps clutter out of sight, ideal for compact halls.2) How high should I mount a TV above a low bench console?Center the screen roughly at seated eye level, about 95–110 cm from the floor depending on your sofa. Test with painter’s tape before drilling.3) Are wood slat backdrops practical near electronics?Yes, if you plan ventilation and a wiring chase. Use engineered wood or veneer to control warping and mind heat sources like set-top boxes.4) How do I reduce glare on the TV in a bright hall?Recess the TV slightly in a niche and add dimmable ambient lighting. Choose matte screen finishes and consider side curtains to soften daylight.5) What materials are most durable for a family-friendly tv unit?Powder-coated metal frames, tempered glass, and high-pressure laminates hold up well. Rounded corners and soft-close hardware help with safety and longevity.6) Can I integrate a soundbar cleanly without exposing cables?Yes—create a dedicated recess with a fabric-covered acoustic panel. Route cables through grommets and a hidden tray behind the unit.7) Any standards or guidelines to follow for comfort and lighting?The WELL Building Standard highlights layered lighting and visual comfort. Using task, ambient, and accent lighting around the media wall often improves perceived comfort.8) What’s an affordable way to get a custom look?Combine modular cabinets with a MDF face frame and add LED strips for glow. If you need planning references mid-project, browse ideas like warm wood elements for a cozy vibe to guide palette choices.save pinStart for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE