We’ve curated a selection of creative solutions to center a scheme around your TV stand that you can be proud of, whether that be alongside statement artwork, disguised within a wall storage, or blending into a dark background.
TV stand ideas
For most families, a TV is an essential tool for helping adults unwind, keeping the kids entertained, and facilitating movie nights. The problem is, it’s not the prettiest piece of interior décor – when switched off, it’s essentially a large black rectangle. Here, we showcase our favorite TV stand ideas to inspire your next entertainment center remodel.
1. Hide unsightly wire with a bespoke design
One of the main challenges in a family room is how to deal with the tech. This is where built-in cabinet ideas for family rooms come into focus. A bespoke option hides all the wires, gives you super storage below and shelves for keepsakes on each side of the living room TV. ‘In this sitting room we wanted to maximize the storage without overwhelming the space. By removing the sides of the TV unit we managed to keep it light but retained the shelves and lower cabinets to maximize the storage,’ says Sara Cosgrove, co-founder of Sara Cosgrove Studio (opens in new tab).
2. Invest in a modular design
A free-standing unit doubles as a room divider idea, creating a discreet office in this apartment living room – its open design allows light to flow freely through the space. The beauty of this type of living room storage idea is that it offers a tailor-made solution without the price tag of a bespoke design. Not only can it be put together to fit any size of room, but a statement piece can also act as a work of art. ‘The modular concept means that the furniture can be adjusted to suit all circumstances and combined in a variety of ways,’ says Ian Weddell, chief executive officer of USM Modular Furniture (opens in new tab). Make sure your room dividers are positioned in an area where they are not likely to get knocked, particularly with children around, and look for ones that can be connected to the ceiling to provide more support.
3. Provide a central storage area
To keep things simple, why not create one central storage and display area for your small living rooms storage ideas. In this cozy and inviting living room, the wooden shelving and cabinet design act as the main storage and media unit in the space. Even though the design is a large piece, by having one central storage and display area in the room, you can create a lot more space for seating, other furniture pieces, lighting and accessory designs.
4. Design your TV stand around you scheme
Technology is an important factor in most family living room ideas, from Wi-Fi access to background music, and the trend is towards totally concealed solutions. Although many modern systems claim to be wireless, there’s no getting away from charging docks, routers and aerials, all of which require cables. To keep these hidden, incorporate dedicated spaces for all the media you use within your small living room storage ideas, specifying small insets in the backs of shelves and cupboards to allow cables to run behind fittings. If you are fitting a wall of storage that incorporates a space for your living room TV, allow sufficient room should you decide to invest in a larger model. Try not to create too big a gap, as your television will look awkwardly small.
5. Go entirely bespoke
Historical archives inspired Melissa Bolivar of design firm House of Sui Sui when creating this cosseting space. ‘The room was designed to be an immersive experience with the walls, cabinetry, sofa and rug all in tones of teal and aquamarine; the result is incredibly impactful,’ says Melissa. ‘Here, a clever combination of hidden and open storage works beautifully around a TV, which has been built-into the space.’
6. Blend it into the background
Don’t let a TV stand spoil your living room aesthetic. Here, the TV blends beautifully into the bespoke wood wall paneling of this white and brown living room without interrupting the earthy aesthetic. ‘We will often do built-in cabinetry and TV stands to frame the TV, or an enclosed sideboard with shelf options,’ says interior designer Claudia Afshar (opens in new tab). ‘This allows you to keep playthings nearby, without compromising aesthetic.’
7. Opt for a freestanding unit
Modern life requires that the family room of the home fulfil a multitude or functions – from offering somewhere to relax and dine to office space, so well-planned living room TV ideas are the key to a practical scheme. If space is at a premium, opt for a striking free-standing TV stand to help ensure this room meets your every need. If there’s one thing that’s going to create the illusion of more space in a small living room, it’s investing in the right, slimline furniture – it can actually make a room feel wider in seconds. Not only is a freestanding TV stand more affordable than a bespoke fitted one, it’s an easy and cost-effective way to update an existing.
8. Put it on full display
While the TV stand is the main focus in this room, it doesn’t distract from the rest of the space. In fact, the TV looks like a piece of art. ‘In this relaxed family room, the slimline TV has been beautifully framed by a collection of objects,’ says Jessica Bennett of Alice Lane Interior Design (opens in new tab). ‘We wanted to create a large TV stand which also plenty of storage that plays host to favorite decorative room pieces.’
9. Build a storage wall
If you don’t want to completely hide away your TV but also don’t want it to be the central focus in a room, positioning it in an area surrounded by other decorative objects and display pieces will take the attention away from the item. In this bright and colorful family room, the wall to ceiling storage and display unit is a stand out feature in the space. Painted in bright colors and filled with an eclectic mix of objects and design pieces, the smaller TV is simply part of this beautiful collection of items, rather than being the central focus.
10. Paint your TV stand the same color as the wall
A carefully considered color clashing combination can create a TV stand that truly sings with joy. This is a space for both socializing and retreat, so you want shades that both enliven and comfort you. ‘Pink and green is one of my favorite color combination in rooms – they play really well off each other and it’s a great way to cheer up a room,’ says Lucy Barlow, founder, Barlow & Barlow (opens in new tab). A TV stand surrounded by storage is a practical solution and can be softened with the addition of books and favorite pieces. Paint your living room shelving in a statement color to standout rather than hide it away. Remember, the best TV and TV stand options for your home, are the ones that suit your individual needs, so don’t be swayed by any one else.
What can I use instead of a TV stand?
There are many options to use if you don’t want to invest in a traditional TV stand. While a glass media stand is a cost-effective and easy option, it certainly won’t enhance the style of a space. There are a plethora of beautiful options that are worth investing in instead. We love the idea of using an antique chest of drawers as a TV stand for your bedroom TV ideas, or if your space is on the smaller side, a slimline console table will work wonders. A bookcase, shelf or sturdy bench are all other space-savvy options.
