Televisions have come a long way from their early days as bulky, cabinet-like pieces of furniture designed to blend into the living room design. Large and bulky entertainment centers with dedicated spaces for TVs and stereo systems have become outdated as technological advancements have dramatically transformed TVs. Modern televisions are now sleek, flat screens, translating into giant black rectangles dominating wall space. While their functionality has vastly improved, their imposing presence can sometimes clash with the overall aesthetic of a beautifully designed room. Don’t just pretend it’s not there; remember these things and seamlessly blend your “binge-worthy” TV into your design.
A stylish console with hidden storage is the perfect solution for placing under your TV while keeping your living area clutter-free. The console’s interesting design provides a chic focal point and ample space to store media devices, remotes, and other essentials discreetly. Whether the TV is wall-mounted or standing directly on the unit is a matter of preference. A well-designed TV space can accommodate either choice.
BEFORE: The large entertainment center overwhelms the visual space, making the room feel smaller. |
AFTER: The blue console offers plenty of storage and an interesting focal point that distracts from the TV, while two etageres flank each side, offering a lovely space to display keepsakes. This living space exudes coastal sophistication and functionality. |
A deliberate visual design can create harmony in the room by having more than just the TV on your wall.
Open shelves offer an excellent opportunity to display your keepsakes with an intentional design. Well-designed shelves flanking the TV or an etagere merely in the room can highlight each keepsake beautifully while maintaining a harmonious and organized aesthetic.
Integrate the TV into a gallery wall with a mix of photos, artwork, and decorative objects. The TV becomes one of many elements that tell a story, drawing less attention.
Lighting can also provide an alternate visual interest by drawing the eye away from the TV when it’s not in use. Proper lighting also enhances the viewing experience and room ambiance.
BEFORE: The clunky entertainment center dominates the wall and limits the size of the TV. |
AFTER: This sleek console cabinet offers a modern design in this updated living space. We placed the TV off-center and surrounded it with our client’s art and decorative objects. The black accents in the picture frames, curtain rods, and bottom of curtain panels bring black accents into the design. |
Incorporating black elements into your design can create a cohesive, balanced look that complements your black TV. Consider adding black picture frames, sleek black furniture, or decorative black accents like vases or throw pillows to tie the room together. By strategically placing these elements, the black TV will seamlessly blend into the overall design rather than standing out as an eyesore.
BEFORE: The large entertainment center overwhelms the visual space, making the room feel smaller. |
AFTER: We chose this console cabinet, reminiscent of natural stone and water and offering ample storage. Black accents in the open shelving, picture frames, furniture, and coffee table create a design that incorporates a coastal feel. |
Texture or dark paint on the wall can blend the TV into another visually interesting focal point. The dark color helps the TV screen to merge with its surroundings, minimizing its presence when not in use. Paint isn’t the only option; dark slat wall panels also help with the acoustics and aid in hiding cables. Brick or stone provides an alternate texture from the sleek TV by visually distracting your focus. These alternate setups allow the TV to enhance the room’s aesthetics without dominating the space. When turned off, the TV almost disappears against the wall, maintaining a sophisticated and modern living environment.
BEFORE: The built-in cubbies limit the options for displaying keepsakes and the size of the TV. The fireplace sits among a confusing combination of wall elevations. |
AFTER: We evened out the wall, eliminating the builder cubbies, and updated the fireplace with a modern, sleek electric fireplace. The brick provides an alternate texture, and the fireplace brings another element of black to the wall. |
Much like Americans will never give up their love of cars, we love our TV. Watching TV is not only a source of entertainment and news but also part of how many of us escape the pressures and stress of our daily lives. According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than four hours of TV daily (28 hours/week, or two months of nonstop TV-watching per year). In a 65-year life, that person will have spent nine years glued to the tube. Your home is your refuge and haven, and nine years is a long time; ignoring the big black rectangle detracts from the pleasing aesthetic design you deserve. A TV can be incorporated into a thoughtful design when you consider storage, visual design, incorporating black, and the use of paint and texture.
BEFORE: The TV and console are dwarfed by the large expanse of the wall.
|
AFTER: The TV melts away into the background of the dark blue wall. Art and natural plants flank the natural-colored console to create a soothing environment in which to relax and watch TV. |
Are you having trouble knowing where to start? Do not worry; Pullman West has you covered. Our designers can help you incorporate any of the above strategies or even create a new and specific design just for you. Give us a call at 321-392-4686, or click HERE and get started today!