25 Tips & Ideas to Decorate a Living Room TV Wall

Yes, you want to hide the wires — but designing a beautiful TV wall requires a little bit more than that. This guide offers 25 TV wall design ideas and considerations to get the look you want.

Core design principles

Make sure you have these design basics figured out:

1. Scale and proportion: A TV should occupy no more than one-sixth of the wall’s width and height so it doesn’t overwhelm the space. For instance, a 65-inch TV (about 57 inches wide) fits nicely on a 10‑foot wall. If your wall is smaller, choose a smaller screen or balance it with shelving or art.

2. Eye-level placement: Mount the TV so the center is at eye-level when seated, usually 40–42 inches from the floor. In large rooms or rooms with bar seating, you could raise it slightly. Tilting mounts can angle the screen downward if it needs to be higher.

Read >> Find the Perfect TV Mounting Height to Avoid Neck Strain

3. Lighting: Avoid placing the TV opposite a window — this usually leads to glare and eye strain. Use dimmable overhead lights and add LED strips behind the TV for bias lighting, which reduces contrast and softens viewing in dark rooms.

4. Flow and symmetry: The accent wall behind the TV should feel connected to adjacent spaces. Consider aligning shelves or picture ledges with other architectural lines like window frames and mantle pieces. Odd numbers of objects (like three shelves or five picture frames) are pleasing to the eye.

5. Storage integration: Cabinets and floating shelves hide clutter and provide a place for decorations and the family “stuff.” They also ground the TV visually, making it part of a larger unit.

6. Budget: Determine how much you want to spend: You could stick with a few easy DIY solutions and keep the cost around $75; go with a mid‑range panel or shelf system around $300; or go full custom millwork, which can bring you over $1,000. Allocate funds for paint, hardware, lighting and décor items.

Color palette strategies

Color has a powerful effect on mood and perceived size. A dark accent wall behind your TV can make a large room feel cozy, while light tones open up a small space. Some popular palettes to try:

7. Modern minimalist: Pair light gray walls with white trim and matte black accessories. The subdued colors feel clean and help your TV and furniture stand out. Add texture with a concrete-effect wallpaper or a large monochrome canvas.

8. Cozy traditional: Use warm taupe or camel for the TV wall, complemented by sage green accents and cream textiles. These earthy hues pair well with wood furniture and vintage-inspired patterns.

9. Bold contrast: Paint the wall behind the TV a deep navy or charcoal. Dark walls reduce reflections and make the TV frame disappear. Balance the darkness with lighter furniture and metallic or glass accessories.

10. Neutral with pops of color: Paint the wall a soft beige or greige and let art, plants and a bright throw rug provide color. You can change accents seasonally without repainting.

11. Tonal layering: Choose one hue and use several shades of it. For example, layers of green from olive to mint create depth while remaining cohesive. A tone-on-tone palette is sophisticated and calming.

Creative TV wall design ideas

Go beyond paint! Make a statement with:

12. Slatted wood panels: Vertical or horizontal slats in oak, walnut or pine add warmth and hide wires. For a Scandinavian look, space slats evenly; for a modern feel, vary the spacing. Apply a clear coat for protection.

13. Wallpapered niche: Build a shallow recess around the TV and line it with patterned wallpaper, beadboard or textured grasscloth. This draws attention to the screen and provides a frame. Use moulding to finish the edges.

14. Floating cabinets and shelves: Combine low cabinets with floating shelves above them. Choose cabinets with push-to-open doors for a sleek look, and paint them to match the wall or contrast intentionally.

15. LED backlighting: Install LED strips behind the TV to create a halo effect. Bias lighting reduces eye fatigue and adds an ambient glow. You can even get a smart LED kit that lets you change colors with an app.

16. Gallery wall: Surround the TV with framed art, photos and prints. Use coordinating frames in different sizes and hang them symmetrically or asymmetrically. This approach makes the TV part of a larger curated collection.

Read >> Interior Designers’ Takes: How to Balance Your TV With Your Décor

17. Textured panels: Upholstered fabric panels or padded leather tiles soften sound reflections and add a luxurious feeling to the room. Neutral fabrics keep the look calm, while bold colors make a statement.

18. Built‑in bookcases: Flank the TV with built‑in shelves that stretch from floor to ceiling. Store books, plants and collectibles to draw the eye outward. Paint the shelves the same color as the wall for a cohesive feel.

19. Stone or brick veneer: Apply lightweight faux stone panels around the TV to mimic the surrounding area of a fireplace. The rough texture contrasts well with the smooth screen.

20. Mirror frames: Surround the TV with a custom mirror frame to reflect light and make the room feel larger. Mirrors also disguise the black rectangle when the TV is off.

Read More >> Ultimate Guide to Mirror TVs & Hidden Television Solutions

21. Art rails and picture ledges: Install a horizontal ledge above or below the TV to hold framed art or décor items. Swap pieces seasonally without new holes.

Technical considerations

Finally, there are practicalities to consider:

22. Ventilation: TVs and media boxes produce heat. Leave space around electronics and avoid sealing them in airtight cabinets.

23. Power and cable management: Plan outlets and cable paths early. In-wall power kits and cable raceways keep cords hidden. Avoid running power cords through the same channels as low-voltage cables.

24. Acoustics: Hard surfaces can cause echoes. Add rugs, drapery or acoustic panels to dampen sound. For built-in speakers, consult an audio specialist to position them correctly.

25. Furniture placement: Everyone needs a clear line of sight to the TV. Sofas should face the screen at a comfortable angle — no one should be twisting their neck.

Read >> Find the Perfect TV Mounting Height to Avoid Neck Strain

Design a modern TV wall 

A stylish TV wall enhances your living space and showcases your personality. Take your time planning, and don’t be afraid to mix paint, wood, fabric and lighting for a custom look. 

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