Did I choose wrong side of living room to mount TV / add A.V hookups

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi, yesterday this community really helped me out with my potential cabinet mistake! Hoping I can get some help with another issue regarding living room design before my contractor installs TV mount and isn't available to remove/patch up outlets we might not need. Context and pictures below but the short story is, I have to choose between these options:

Keep TV on Originally Planned Wall

Pros:

Created TV-height power outlet and HDMI receptable so no wires are shown between TV and media console (distance will be about 10")
Ethernet ports and cable coaxial port are on this wall where entertainment center would go, to place router.
Path of least resistance!

Cons:

To center TV and media console on where couch would be on opposite wall, the TV/console will be really close to our dining table....unless we move dining table to window!
Even with swivel TV point, sub-optimal viewing angle if cooking at island or at max seating with people at dining table and on swivel chairs

Move TV to Opposite Wall

Pros:

Better viewing angles, all seating is in a "U" shape from dining table to couch to extra chairs
Can use bigger media console for more storage
Now that we're using a soundbar instead of standing speakers

Cons:

What to do about our TV-height outlets (which are @ 40" high)? Remove and patch up? Keep for flexibility and hide with art?

Below is a diagram of our living/dining/kitchen which is a long but not very wide space. When we started our renovation I had told the contractors to put outlets and the AV hookups on the west wall to mount the tv there. I assumed the tv would look weird on the other wall and wouldn’t have enough room for speakers on either side. We also planned around some furniture we had a year ago and now are getting new stuff.

Long story short: I now am not sure I am making the best use of the space. Problem is I have tv height power outlets and hdmi/speaker hook ups on my east wall. I am willing to lose out on being able to hide wires to maximize space. Should tv be flipped to the other wall or ok as is?

photo of TV height outlets on the West Wall

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Comments (5)

PRO
RL Relocation LLC
6 years ago
My first question is do you really need a dining table with the island? And does it need to be that big? And it would be better to pull the sofa off that wall so it could be walked behind, limiting the flow of traffic in the middle of the social/tv area. Also storage can be vertical and use a library ladder to add interest.
Brian Hendricks
Original Author
6 years ago
Interesting. Thank you. A head's up: the island is actually just counter, it's not for seating. It's more like an extension of kitchen counter space. Your concept is interesting. I'd like to the couch to be facing the TV directly so the one on the right is more appealing.
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PRO
Flo Mangan
6 years ago
You can hide wires, or probably snake cables through to get them where you want them, or get wireless system in total. If I am reading the drawing correctly, this room is only 11'-5" wide? So, I don't think that is sufficient space for putting walkway behind the sofa. Sofas are typically at least 36" deep and consoles are 16-18" deep. You need at least 7' from TV for viewing probably further is better depending on size of TV and you need 3' for a walkway. 3+3+4+1.5, means tight. I would put the TV on the opposite wall. You will have some traffic, but I wouldn't let that be my limiting factor. The lines of sight to the TV would be much better with the TV on the opposite wall. So, think about it. You could put boxes up in the configurations (i.e. simulate sofa and tv console in each configuration) and see how it feels from a volume and traffic point of view. I would definitely go for TV on the opposite wall. More room for coffee table and a couple of extra chairs. That might help you decide.
Brian Hendricks
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks Flo. You are right that the couch placement to create a walkway wouldn't work given the 11.5'. The traffic would be ok. It's just a guest bedroom / nursery on the other side.
PRO
Flo Mangan
6 years ago
Perfect. Then, proceed with moving TV To opposite wall. Pretend you are sitting on sofa (use chair with 18” high seat-std sofa height) then look straight ahead and put piece of blue painter tape on wall. That is where center of screen will be placed for ideal watching. If you recline to watch, raise a inch or too. Most hang too high. Personally, I prefer setting TV on console. That makes it easy because most TV consoles are built for good viewing. Get a console that nicely houses sound bar. Your set!