Big Screen, Small Space: Clever Layout Hacks for Small Living Rooms

Trying to fit a big TV into a small living room? It’s a bit of a design challenge, but others have gone before you, and we’ve learned from their experience. Here are the best design ideas for small living rooms with big screens.

Screen size and viewing distance

When selecting a TV for a small room, size and distance are crucial. A 50‑inch television may be too large if you sit less than 6 feet away, whereas a 43‑inch model usually strikes a balance between immersion and comfort.

Use a viewing‑distance calculator to find the sweet spot. When in doubt, scale down — modern displays still offer crisp images at 40 inches or less. 

Mount the TV

Mounting the TV eliminates the need for a TV stand and makes the room look cleaner and more organized. Opt for a slim mount that keeps the screen close to the wall. For TVs between 45-90 inches, consider the MAX1 full-motion TV mount with vertical travel.

Think vertically to maximize space. Consider a built-in TV niche to recess the TV, or mount it over a floating cabinet that stores electronics and cables.

In rooms with low ceilings, placing the TV slightly off‑center allows you to keep the screen at eye-level while avoiding neck strain.

Try a hidden TV solution

A frame TV transforms the screen into a piece of art when not in use. There are also mirror TVs, sliding panels, and flush and recessed mounts.

If you can’t invest in one of these specialty TVs, hang artwork or a mirror on the opposite wall to draw the eye away from the television.

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

💡 MantelMount Pro Tip

Paint the wall behind the television in a dark color, so the TV’s black screen blends into the background. This simple trick hides the TV when it’s off and makes the room feel more sophisticated.

Choose your furniture wisely

Surround the TV with built‑in shelves or bookcases to help balance its visual weight and provide storage. Some pieces can also do double-duty. For example:

• Look for an ottoman with hidden storage that can also act as extra seating.

• Nesting tables slide out when guests arrive and tuck away when you need floor space.

• A wall-mounted fold-down desk can double as a console when closed and as a workspace when open.

• In more open floorplans, use a low bookcase or console behind the sofa to delineate the living area without closing off the room.

Mirrors and lighting

Mirrors reflect light and give the illusion of depth. Consider putting one across from a window to bounce natural light into the room.

Layer lighting with a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces to create warmth without sacrificing floor space.

Backlighting built into shelves or behind the TV not only adds ambience but also reduces eye strain when watching at night.

Good cable management is essential

Small living rooms look especially cluttered when cords are everywhere. To that end: 

• Conceal wires in cord covers painted the same color as the walls or run them through baseboards.

• When mounting your TV, use a wall plate with brush openings to route cables directly into the wall cavity.

• Connect streaming devices via Wi-Fi to reduce the number of boxes.

• If you must place equipment on a shelf, choose pieces with integrated cable management channels.

Get started with a MantelMount TV mount

Are you ready to design an incredible living room, even with that big TV? MantelMount offers pull down mounts and accessories that let you lower your TV to proper eye-level and swivel left or right. Compare MantelMounts today.