So You Want a Bathroom Television
Whether you want to wash with soap operas or primp with prime time, these guidelines for installing a TV in the bathroom can help
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
I'll get this out of the way first: I've always had a hard time understanding the appeal of TVs in bathrooms. Unlike the kitchen, which is usually the hub of household life, or a den where family and guests gather, a bathroom seems to me as though it should be a private retreat and a haven from the outside world (temporarily, at least).
But let's say you do want a television in your bath — perhaps you enjoy its background noise while you prepare for bed, or you like to get a jump on the day's headlines as you primp in the mornings. It's not quite as simple as mounting a flat screen on the living room wall; you'll need to factor in a few special considerations. Here's what to keep in mind.
But let's say you do want a television in your bath — perhaps you enjoy its background noise while you prepare for bed, or you like to get a jump on the day's headlines as you primp in the mornings. It's not quite as simple as mounting a flat screen on the living room wall; you'll need to factor in a few special considerations. Here's what to keep in mind.
|
by Design By Lisa
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Disguise it as an architectural element. Your TV will look less obtrusive if you create a visual parallel with another feature in the room. In this case, the thick black frame around the TV matches that of the fireplace surround. |
by Jane Kim Design
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Choose a waterproof version. In a bath, especially one used every day, your TV will be subject to moisture buildup and damage over time. Select one that's rated for bathroom or outdoor use, meaning it can withstand wet environments. Also, some models have built-in fog resistance, which comes in handy if you like really long, steamy showers.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Decide where you want it. Are you hoping to catch the nightly news while you take your makeup off, or settle in for a movie marathon with a tub of suds and a glass of wine? Your lifestyle will dictate where you position the TV for optimum use. If you want to be able to see it from multiple points, choose a wall-mounted model that swings or place the TV on a swiveling shelf.
by Sara Cukerbaum
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Tilt it at a comfy viewing angle. If you're lolling amid the bubbles, the last thing you want is to have to crane your neck skyward to see the TV screen. Either hang it low or go with a style that pivots up and down so you can position it where it's comfortable for you to watch.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Consider hiding it. TVs don't always fit as naturally into bathroom decor as they do in other spaces. If you don't want yours to draw attention, conceal it behind a cabinet door, in a recessed niche or — as this designer did — even under a movable piece of framed art.
Take advantage of technology. A number of companies now offer TV screens embedded within bathroom mirrors that completely disappear as soon as you press the off button. This is a terrific option for small bathrooms or minimalist spaces in which a TV might look awkward.
|
by BAAN design
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Incorporate transparent materials. Glass shower walls and dividers allow you to view the screen even when you're not right next to it. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Keep it portable. You may change your mind and find that having a TV in the bathroom is more of a nuisance than a boon, or you may wish to move it depending on how your bathroom habits change. Perch it on top of a freestanding shelf unit to give you maximum flexibility. Do you have a TV in your bathroom? Dish on why you love it in the Comments! More: Magic Mirrors Emerge From Fairy Tales TVs in the Bedroom: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down? |
Ideabook published on July 29, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
If the mirror fogs up you can also heat them to prevent this!
You have got to love technology.
I can not wait for the touch screen glass to come to market!!!
JW