Go Ahead, Eat in Front of the TV
But at least do it stylishly. A favorite guilty pleasure turns sophisticated with seats, tables and screens designed for a mealtime show
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 »
When I was growing up, TV was taboo during family meals. The only exception was on nights when I had friends over — my parents often would let us order pizza, pop in a movie and sprawl on a blanket while we chowed down and watched the show. I remember clearly how much fun it was to feel like we were getting away with something that went against house rules.
Now, my husband and I follow much the same pattern with our son, including the occasional pizza picnic on the carpet. While I'd never advocate making a habit of eating with the TV on, it can be a welcome treat to bend your standards once in a while. However, there are much more sophisticated ways to recapture that childish thrill without having to crank stiff adult knees into "crisscross applesauce" position.
Take a look at how these homeowners have redefined eating in front of the tube. Which one would you go for? Share your thoughts in the Comments!
Now, my husband and I follow much the same pattern with our son, including the occasional pizza picnic on the carpet. While I'd never advocate making a habit of eating with the TV on, it can be a welcome treat to bend your standards once in a while. However, there are much more sophisticated ways to recapture that childish thrill without having to crank stiff adult knees into "crisscross applesauce" position.
Take a look at how these homeowners have redefined eating in front of the tube. Which one would you go for? Share your thoughts in the Comments!
by FORMA Design
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Remember those old-school folding TV trays? Here's the 21st-century take: A generous tray on top of an even more generous ottoman provides a spot for drinks and dishes so that they don't tip or slide. Best of all, it's easy to whisk the whole tray away to the kitchen when it's time to stretch out and catch the end of the film.
by Cristi Holcombe
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Somewhere between a tray and a side table, this clever little piece slides under the sofa and over your lap. What a great way to maximize space in a small living area!
One of the biggest drawbacks to eating around the TV is that it can be hard to make eye contact with everyone else in the room. This breakfast nook offers a solution (for shorter periods of TV viewing, at least): The telly is tucked into a wall cubby and is easy to see from any spot on the facing banquettes.
by Coveted Home
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Nesting tables work beautifully for mealtime viewing. Because of their different heights, they're well suited for taller or shorter family members, and they tuck away when the dishes are cleared.
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| Now here's my idea of a floor picnic: Low-slung armrests and back pillows are ready for serious loungers, who can hold a beverage in one hand and nosh from a plate of nibbles nearby. If you can't tolerate a reclining position on such a hard surface, no matter — just climb up to the sofa on the raised platform. And off to the side? A bar with stools from which you have a clear view of the screen. |
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by b+g design inc.
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| A movie theater–style setup makes the dining bar at the back of this media room feel like the best seat in the house. You could even set up a buffet here for Oscar or Super Bowl parties and invite guests to graze. |
Put the parents on the sofa and the kids on puffy floor cushions. With a coffee table in the middle on which to rest plates and glasses, everyone can dine in comfort.
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| I love this inventive solution: four modular tables that can be pulled together into a single unit, then slid apart so that each member of the family can have a separate surface from which to eat. Next, some products to elevate your dining-while-viewing experience. |
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| With storage for remotes and other gear, plus retractable trays that lift to a comfortable height for snacking, this table is tailor made for the occasional TV meal. |
by House 8810
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Perhaps you'd prefer something a little more classic. This Wild West–themed TV tray has a retro charm that would go well in a cottage or eclectic space — or with a good spaghetti western.
by YLiving.com
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Frustrated with plates skidding off your lap while you're eating on a sofa or chair? Slip this charger underneath to stabilize them.
by Grandin Road
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Scatter these colorful nesting tables around the room at showtime, then whisk them back into place after the credits roll.
No matter how careful you are, eventually you'll knock over a glass of soda or drop hot fudge sauce on the floor. Take care of spills with this handy portable steamer, and it'll be like they never happened.
More:
How to Arrange Your Room for TV and People, Too
More:
How to Arrange Your Room for TV and People, Too
Ideabook updated on Oct. 29, 2012.
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These pictures (like most on the website) are so lovely, but typically not family friendly, which is fine, except when the article is about spending time with family! Ideas and pictures about how to make it kid-friendly would be great!