Software
Houzz Logo Print
caroljones87

Floating shelf or no floating shelf over TV??

11 years ago
I'm updating our living room, and debating on if I still want to put a floating shelf above our new TV. The blue tape above the TV indicates where we are thinking of hanging the floating shelf that is leaning against the wall to the right. (We are readjusting the TV which is off slightly too, for those of you like that picked up on that). Note, we have a slanted cedar ceiling above this wall which further shapes this wall.

My thoughts were to put some pictures or a small vase or two on the shelf that I can swap out as I wish, maybe decorate for different seasons.

But in rethinking and looking at other pictures....are floating shelves passé? Would it be too crowded or linear? Should I just be happy with the simplicity of the TV? Maybe focus on a variety of photos on the wall around the TV instead?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Comments (18)

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    It actually looks pretty neat without top shelving. How about using the empty spaces on the sides of the tv? Maybe something matching may work. Feel free to check out our wall shelves. We will be more than happy yo assist you.
  • 11 years ago
    I agree that it looks good without the shelf.
  • 11 years ago
    I'd go with side shelves - personally two or three on each side about a 1' 1-1/2' wide offset with say three each side two even with the center shelve about 1/4th or 1/3rd of it closer to the TV on each side for a balanced look. On top, I can only imagine being used with a sound bar and even then just a few inches above the TV.
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    You are actually boxing it in - with the tall unit to the right of it and then a shelf across - it would look odd - even assymetrically. Perhaps consider three floating shelves to the left of the TV.

    A novel idea I have come across is to paint the area behind the TV black so the TV doesn't stand out so much.


  • 11 years ago
    Re painting the area behind the TV black, so it won't stand out, if you plan to display art or books or anything else along the same wall, they won't stand out either, without extra lighting. We did this recently, everything along that wall disappeared!
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I was thinking of something more like this - rather than an entire wall. Also frames in contrast such as black and white and white frames can look stunning. But leave it to OP

  • 11 years ago
    You all have some great comments and pictures, thank you! Lots to think about. I did a poll on my FB page too and it also was unanimous - so ixnay on the shelf! I like the design ideas everyone had. Thanks.
  • 11 years ago
    No shelf
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    No shelf on top.
    Move it to the sides.
  • 11 years ago

    I never hang anything on a shelf above TV unless it is part of a cabinet. I would be concern about knocking something over while cleaning shelf. I also don't like to hang anything really heavy above bed . I like light canvas artwork.

  • 11 years ago
    No top shelf
  • 11 years ago
    No shelf. Your tv is the thing decorating that wall. Live with it.
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I love the idea of a floating shelf but not really crazy about it

    above the TV. Possibly move the TV up and the shelf below.

  • 11 years ago

    I would say no floating shelf. I have the similar set up and at one time thought to put something on the wall above the flat screen tv, but I said I rather look at the tv and not get distracted by whatever is above the tv. Plus, it is too much going on around that space, especially when you the tv is on.

  • 11 years ago

    Just leave it as is or paint that section of the wall charcoal & watch the TV disappear.

  • 11 years ago
    No floating shelf
  • 11 years ago
    No shelf. Too one dimensional. Try putting metal decoration above Tv with elongated shape.