What Should You Put Under Your Wall-Mounted TV?
What Should You Put Under Your Wall-Mounted TV?
Mounting your TV on the wall frees up floor space, but the blank wall underneath often feels… unfinished. In this guide, learn how to choose the right piece of furniture for under a wall‑mounted TV and design the perfect TV room for time with friends and family.
Media consoles and cabinets
A media console is probably the most popular choice, because it anchors the TV visually and provides storage for remotes and boxes. When selecting a console, aim for one that is at least as wide as your TV so the arrangement looks balanced. If you prefer a built‑in look, choose a console with closed cabinets on either side and open shelves in the middle to hide clutter.
🔥 Some consoles incorporate electric fireplaces — you can even customize the flame colors, adjust brightness and add heat.
Floating shelves and cabinets
For a minimalist feel, floating shelves or floating cabinets can replace a traditional console. Consider painting the wall behind them a dark hue or adding a slatted panel so the TV and shelves recede visually.
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Shelving: Mount two or three shelves beneath the TV to display books and decorative objects.
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Cabinets: These add hidden storage while maintaining a sleek profile.
Be sure to reinforce them with proper wall anchors and run cables through paintable cord covers or raceways for a tidy appearance.
Benches, credenzas and fireplace stands
If your living room is more casual, try a bench or low credenza. These offer both seating and storage. Choose a piece with drawers or baskets to conceal remotes and gaming controllers. A low wooden bench styled with pillows and a folded throw adds warmth.
Alternatively, a fireplace TV stand combines a console with an electric fireplace, delivering ambiance along with storage.
Cable management and safety
Nothing ruins a stylish setup faster than dangling wires. Hide cables by installing an in‑wall power kit (be sure to use UL‑listed components) or use surface‑mounted raceways that can be painted to match the wall. Loop excess cord length inside the console or use velcro ties to keep everything tidy. If you choose floating shelves, mount an outlet behind the TV so the power cord disappears into the wall.
🧠 MantelMount Pro Tip
Want to put something under your wall-mounted TV, but still be able to watch TV at eye-level? MantelMount has the solution — our mounts come forward off the wall 15-20 inches and then down another 24-29 inches to eye-level. Now you can have both.
Styling and décor tips
Once your furniture is in place, add decorative elements to make the TV area feel intentional. Tips here include:
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Surround the screen with bookshelves to prevent it from dominating the room, or balance the black rectangle of the TV with other dark accents such as vases or lamps.
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Install soft backlighting behind built‑ins to ensure the TV isn’t the only light source on the wall.
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Create a niche with closed cabinetry below and open shelves on either side, using a patterned backdrop to draw the eye when the TV is off.
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Style consoles with books, plants, art and baskets to conceal accessories and add texture.
Frequently asked questions
How wide should a console be compared with my TV? Ideally, choose a console equal to or slightly wider than your TV for a proportional look. For example, a 55‑inch TV (which measures roughly 48 inches wide) pairs well with a 60‑inch console.
Are fireplace TV stands safe for electronics? Modern electric fireplaces are designed for media use. Make sure to choose one with adjustable heat and built‑in ventilation, so you can enjoy the ambiance without overheating your devices.
Can floating shelves hold heavy equipment? Floating shelves must be anchored to studs or use heavy‑duty brackets rated for the load. For heavier receivers or game consoles, a floating cabinet with internal support is safer.
How do I hide cords under a wall‑mounted TV? Use UL‑listed in‑wall cable kits for power and HDMI. Surface‑mounted cord channels are a non‑invasive alternative; they adhere to the wall and can be painted to match.
Create the perfect space for family and friends
Filling the space under a wall‑mounted TV can help make your entertainment room into a cozy, welcoming space. Remember to always measure carefully and hide your cables for a clean look.
