As much joy as we get from the latest Netflix series, the television’s off-duty look is one we could do without. It’s a design conundrum that has long left us searching for ways to hide (or at the very least, disguise) our big, boxy friends, and has even spawned an entirely new type of TV (we’re looking at you “The Frame”). For those who share in the dilemma, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite styling tricks to help work the TV more seamlessly into your space. From easy half-hour hacks, to projects worth caching for your next remodel, these are the best ways to take your TV from eyesore to total design score.
Stow It Behind Closed Doors
While hanging a TV over the mantle is a crafty way to free up wall space, few of us want to have a big black box in a spot that’s such a major focal point. What to do? Consider customizing a recessed space to tuck your TV, then mounting bi-fold or sliding doors in front. If you think you’ll miss the customary above-the-mantle art moment, consider using doors with a bit of architectural interest. Beadboard or barndoors (à la the Amber Lewis Interiors above), are all fair game. Other finishing options like wallpaper or antiqued mirror are great for an extra bit of glitz.
Paint The Wall Black
For the design equivalent of an “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” solution, paint the wall your TV resides on black. While black paint can seem like a gutsy choice, you can use it as a opportunity for an accent wall moment, or if you have a bit of recessed wall, similar to above, even better. Another option would be tucking your TV inside a black bookcase and voilà, you’ve created a total chameleon moment.
Hide Inside A Hutch
Storage pieces that include a hutch can be found in all styles and sizes, think an elegant secretary desk or a sophisticated armoire, but if you’re TV is huge, this solution is probably not for you. Installing a TV inside a hutch can be as simple as adjusting your furniture’s interior shelves, or as elaborate as building a hinged pull-out arm system (via this Emily Henderson tutorial). No matter what you opt for, stage your media hub with some decorative accessories to wholly integrate it your into your room.
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Work Into A Gallery Wall
When hung among art of a similar scale in a gallery wall format, a TV can go from scene-stealer to just another face in the crowd. For the best results, map out a gallery wall that’s on the maximal side. The more action and color you pack into your artwork, the more it will detract from your TV.
Integrate Into Shelving
Part of what makes a TV such a standout, is that it usually commands an entire wall. Yet when you think about, it doesn’t really need to. The best way to make your TV less of a wall-stealer? Build in function around it with shelving. By encasing your TV in shelving (or mounting it on top of shelving), you’ll create a space for books, decor, or even a mini bar! The more items you pack in, the less noticeable your TV becomes. If it sounds like a maximalist dream, it kind of is.
