How do you decorate a TV wall? Start with the right setup: mount the TV at eye level when seated, or place it on a console wider than the screen. Then frame it, with built-in shelves or bookcases on either side, art around it, or a dark accent wall that helps the black screen blend in. Hide cords, add soft lighting and keep decor low and balanced so the TV wall looks finished, not cluttered.
A well-designed media wall can be the focal point of a beautiful living room. The TV is usually the biggest object in the living room, and a black rectangle is hard to make beautiful. These TV wall ideas show how to make the screen part of a well-designed wall, whatever your space or budget.
Get the Basics Right
| Rule | Guide |
|---|---|
| TV height | Center of the screen roughly at seated eye level |
| Console width | Wider than the TV, ideally by several inches each side |
| Viewing angle | Avoid placing the TV opposite a bright window |
| Cables | Hidden in the wall with a rated kit, or in a cord cover |
See how high to mount a TV and what size TV stand you need for exact numbers.
12 TV Wall Ideas
1. A long, low console
A console much wider than the TV gives you room for decor at each end. The Orbis Streamline Edge TV Console above is 86.6 inches wide, with art hung on either side of the screen.
2. Built-in bookcases
Shelves on either side turn the TV into part of a library wall. The Walnut Entertainment Center with 5-Tier Bookcases creates that built-in look, with lighting in the shelves. See built-in entertainment center ideas.
3. A dark accent wall
Paint the wall behind the TV charcoal, navy or deep green. A black screen almost disappears against a dark color.
4. Wood slat panels
Vertical slats add warmth and texture, and the gaps can hide cables.
5. A gallery wall around the TV
Arrange frames around the screen, keeping an even gap. Black frames help the TV blend in.
6. A frame-style TV
TVs that display art when off look like a framed picture. Hang them among other frames.
7. Wallpaper
A textured or patterned wallpaper behind the TV makes the wall a feature.
8. Floating shelves
Shelves beside or below the TV hold books, plants and speakers.
9. Wall sconces
Sconces on either side add soft light for evening viewing and reduce eye strain.
10. A TV above a fireplace
A wall mounted TV on a fireplace wall is common, but keep the height comfortable and check the heat. See our living room layout with fireplace and TV.
11. Paneling or molding
Picture-frame molding or wainscoting gives a traditional room architecture. See wainscoting ideas.
12. A statement media unit
Let the furniture be the decor. The Nacre TV Stand has mother-of-pearl inlay fronts and a marble-style top, so it needs very little styling.
How to Hide TV Cords
- In-wall kits: Use a kit rated for running power behind the wall, or hire an electrician. Ordinary extension cords shouldn't be run inside walls.
- Cord covers: Paintable raceways run along the wall and can be painted to match.
- Console cutouts: Run cables down behind the console and through its back panel.
- Cable boxes: Hide power strips in a box or a closed cabinet with ventilation.
TV Wall Ideas for a Small Living Room
- Wall-mount the TV to free floor space.
- Use a slim floating console or shelf below it.
- Paint the wall the same color as the others for a calm look, or dark to make the screen recede.
- Choose open shelving over bulky cabinets.
TV Wall Ideas by Style
| Style | TV wall idea |
|---|---|
| Modern | Dark accent wall, floating console, minimal decor |
| Traditional | Built-in bookcases, molding, brass sconces |
| Scandinavian | Light wood console, white walls, plants |
| Industrial | Brick or concrete-look wall, metal shelving |
| Japandi | Wood slats, low console, a single ceramic vase |
How to Hang Art Around a TV
- Keep 3 to 6 inches between the TV and nearby frames.
- Line up the tops or centers of frames with the TV.
- Balance both sides, either symmetrically or with similar visual weight.
- Avoid hanging art directly above a mounted TV, which crowds it.
How to Decorate a TV Console
Keep decor low near the screen and taller at the ends. Use three to five objects: a lamp or vase of branches, a book stack, a bowl and a plant. Our full guide on how to decorate a TV stand goes deeper.
Where Not to Put Your TV
- Opposite a bright window, which causes glare.
- Too high above a fireplace, which strains the neck.
- In a walkway or where people pass in front of the screen.
- Where the main seating can only see it at a sharp angle.
Are Accent Walls Still in Style?
Yes, especially behind a TV, where a dark or textured wall has a clear purpose. Choose the wall your eye goes to first, and use a color that already appears in the room.
Related: see our home theater ideas, TV stand alternatives, ideas for hiding a TV, guide to how high to mount a TV, guide to hiding TV cords, and guide to creating a focal point.
FAQ
What looks good on a wall behind a TV?
A dark paint color, wood slats, wallpaper, or shelves and art arranged around the screen.
What color accent wall works behind a TV?
Charcoal, navy, deep green or a dark wood tone. Dark colors make the screen less noticeable.
Is it a good idea to hang a TV on the wall?
Yes, if you mount it at the right height into studs or with a mount rated for its weight. It frees up the console for decor.
Which wall should the TV be on?
The wall facing the main seating, away from bright windows.
How do you make a TV look nice?
Frame it with furniture, art or shelves, hide the cords and add soft lighting around it.
Related: How to decorate a TV stand · How high to mount a TV · Accent wall ideas · What to put above a couch