Ever stand in front of a blank living room wall wondering how to make that newly mounted screen feel like part of the room — not just a big black rectangle? If you’ve spent an afternoon wrestling with a floating shelf, concealing wires, or debating whether to center a gallery wall around the TV, you’re not alone. In this post I’ll walk you through practical, creative, and budget-friendly wall mounted tv decor ideas that turn your screen into a cohesive design element.
Why Design Around a Mounted TV Matters
TVs are the centerpiece of modern living rooms, dens, and even bedrooms. Without a plan, they can make the space look unfinished or overly techy. Thoughtful wall mounted TV decor helps blend form and function — improving sightlines, hiding cables, and enhancing the room’s aesthetic so the TV complements your style instead of dominating it.
Easy Prep: Tools, Safety, and Measurements
Before styling, make sure your TV is positioned and secured correctly. A few quick preparation tips:
- Check wall studs and use the right mount for the TV size and weight.
- Measure viewing height: the center of the screen should be roughly at eye level when seated (about 42–48 inches from the floor for most rooms).
- Plan power and cable routing. Decide on in-wall cable kits, cord covers, or a media console to hide wires.
- Gather tools: stud finder, level, drill, cable ties, and a helper — mounting is a two-person job for safety.
Wall Mounted TV Decor: 10 Stylish Ideas to Try
Below are realistic design solutions and DIY tips to integrate your mounted TV seamlessly into your room’s décor.
1. Build a Cozy Media Wall with Floating Shelves
Install staggered floating shelves around the TV to create balance and storage. Use a mix of books, plants, and art. Tip: keep décor asymmetrical to avoid drawing attention away from the screen during viewing.
2. Frame the TV with Trim or Molding
Custom trim or a faux frame turns the TV into a framed piece of art. Cut and paint molding to match existing trim for a built-in look. This project is weekend-friendly for DIYers comfortable with a miter saw and paint.
3. Create a Gallery Wall with a Purpose
Arrange photos and artwork around — not behind — the TV. Leave a 2–3″ breathing space so the screen reads as intentionally placed. Use cohesive frames and a repeating color palette for a polished feel.
4. Install a Floating Media Console
A floating console houses media players and hides cables with a clean silhouette. For a DIY version, mount a sturdy floating cabinet that lines up with the TV’s width; drill a discreet hole for power and HDMI cable routing.
5. Use Paint or Wallpaper to Create a Feature Wall
Paint the wall behind the TV in a darker, matte color to reduce glare and visually anchor the screen. Alternatively, choose a subtle textured wallpaper to add depth while keeping the TV as the focal point.
6. Add Accent Lighting
LED backlighting or picture lights create ambient glow and reduce eye strain when watching at night. Install dimmable LED strips behind the TV for a professional, cinema-like effect.
7. Conceal with Sliding Panels or Shutters
For a multipurpose room, sliding barn doors or louvered shutters let you close off the TV when not in use. This is a larger project but provides a dramatic, functional result.
8. Incorporate Built-Ins or Niche Shelving
If you’re renovating, consider a recessed niche for the TV with surrounding built-in shelves. This creates a seamless, integrated look and maximizes storage without increasing the room footprint.
9. Use Plants and Textiles to Soften the Tech
Large potted plants, a textured rug, and layered throws help balance the technological feel of a screen. Place greenery on a shelf or console to add life and diffuse the sharp lines of electronics.
10. Consider a Moveable Mount for Flexibility
An articulating mount lets you swivel and tilt the TV for different seating arrangements or to reduce glare during the day — perfect for open-plan living rooms.
Step-by-Step: A Simple DIY Floating Frame for Your TV
- Measure the TV and decide frame width (2–4″ is common).
- Cut 1×3 or 1×4 wood boards to frame dimensions on a miter saw.
- Assemble the frame with wood glue and brad nails, leaving the center open.
- Prime and paint to match room trim. Let dry completely.
- Mount the TV using your chosen bracket. With the help of a friend, lift the frame over the TV and secure it to the wall studs using spacers so the TV sits recessed within the frame.
- Caulk seams and touch up paint for a built-in finish.
Practical Tips for Hiding Wires and Devices
- Use in-wall cable kits if local code allows; otherwise run cables behind a cord cover painted to match the wall.
- Label cables with tags to make future changes easier.
- Place streaming devices in a vented console or use low-profile HDMI extenders to keep the setup tidy.
- Consider a power strip with surge protection mounted inside a cabinet for a clean look.
Design Inspiration by Room
Living room: opt for a gallery or framed-TV approach to make the area feel curated. Bedroom: go minimal with a slim floating console and soft lighting. Kitchen or open plan: use an articulating mount and compact shelving so the TV remains functional without crowding the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How high should I mount a wall-mounted TV?
Aim to position the center of the screen at eye level when seated — typically 42–48 inches from the floor. For bedrooms or rooms where you’ll often lie down, lower the screen accordingly. Always consider viewing angle and neck comfort.
2. What’s the best way to hide cables for a wall-mounted TV?
Options include in-wall cable kits (check local electrical codes), adhesive cable raceways painted to match the wall, running cables through a floating console, or using wire moulding. Choose the method that balances aesthetics, safety, and code compliance.
3. Can I mount my TV on a brick or plaster wall?
Yes, but you’ll need the right anchors and possibly masonry bits. Use heavy-duty masonry anchors or toggle bolts, and consider professional help if you’re unsure. Always ensure the mount is rated for your TV’s size and weight.
Bringing It All Together
Whether you choose a framed look, gallery wall, or simple floating shelves, wall mounted tv decor is all about blending utility with style. Start with proper placement and cable management, then layer in lighting, shelving, and texture to make your television feel intentionally integrated into the room. Small DIY projects — like a floating frame or custom shelves — can dramatically elevate the space in a weekend.
Want more hands-on inspiration? Check out our DIY projects and home design ideas for step-by-step tutorials, or explore kitchen upgrades if you’re sprucing up an open-plan living area. Ready to transform your wall mounted tv decor? Grab your tools and pick one idea to try this weekend — then share a before-and-after to inspire others!
