New This Week: 8 Ways to Place a TV in a Living Room
Different heights, angles and materials can deliver a personalized viewing experience in a space that looks good
The subject of TV is always controversial, and we’re not even talking about what’s on the TV or how often it should be watched. Just the placement of the TV gets people going. The height of the TV, its optimal viewing angle, how it acts as a focal point or takes away from another focal point, and especially whether it’s OK to hang it above a fireplace — these are all topics that split homeowners and designers.
The truth is, a lot of factors go into the decision on where to place a TV, as you’ll see in the following living rooms. Glare from windows, lack of wall options and whether you want to view your TV from a sofa or while standing in the nearby kitchen all play a role. And these days, TV hardware makes it pretty easy to tilt, turn and angle a TV, so you can get a variety of viewing options no matter how high you hang it. Read about how these designers handled one of the most discussed design decisions.
The truth is, a lot of factors go into the decision on where to place a TV, as you’ll see in the following living rooms. Glare from windows, lack of wall options and whether you want to view your TV from a sofa or while standing in the nearby kitchen all play a role. And these days, TV hardware makes it pretty easy to tilt, turn and angle a TV, so you can get a variety of viewing options no matter how high you hang it. Read about how these designers handled one of the most discussed design decisions.
2. Split the Difference
Designer: Jenifer Wiley (interior design)
Builder: Zachary Luterman and Brian Donovan of Zachary Custom Homes
Location: Plano, Texas
Size: 483 square feet (45 square meters); 23 by 21 feet
Homeowners’ request. A larger, more open living room with warm, sophisticated style that’s welcoming and functional.
TV placement. The challenge was to ensure that the TV area was a focal point but also a refined architectural element in the room. Walnut wood panels cover the wall behind the TV and are lit from above by LED cove lights. Soundbars with chrome accents help frame the TV. “The clients wanted to be able to see the TV from the kitchen and dining area, so the height had to be optimal to allow for a clear view from those spaces but not too high for those seated in the living area,” design-builder Zachary Luterman says. “After careful measurements and viewing from different vantage points, the perfect placement was found.”
Other special features. A split-face stacked-stone fireplace surround plays against the smooth walnut paneling. Interior designer Jenifer Wiley chose a palette of browns, greens and creams layered with hits of teal, rust and orange to create a warm, comfortable design.
Designer tip. “Layering color, pattern and texture in your finishes and furnishings is what allows your house to be truly customized,” Luterman says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “For the design team, the challenge was always how to allow the TV to take center stage — but in a refined way,” Luterman says. “Placing a TV next to a fireplace can lead to competing focal points, and this was the problem to solve. The solution was a split treatment along the entertainment wall. Instead of having one wall surface and a minimal surround for the fireplace, the wall was divided into two floor-to-ceiling applications. The fireplace was lowered to allow for the TV to catch the eye first.
“This section of the wall was then covered with stacked stone in a cool palette so the area receded visually,” Luterman says. “Further framing the TV, the walnut paneling in a warm tone comes to the foreground. Carrying the same wood accents above the entry to the hallway gave the TV area a bit more weight visually and was a little touch the design team added to ensure this area was prominent.”
Shop for sofas on Houzz
Designer: Jenifer Wiley (interior design)
Builder: Zachary Luterman and Brian Donovan of Zachary Custom Homes
Location: Plano, Texas
Size: 483 square feet (45 square meters); 23 by 21 feet
Homeowners’ request. A larger, more open living room with warm, sophisticated style that’s welcoming and functional.
TV placement. The challenge was to ensure that the TV area was a focal point but also a refined architectural element in the room. Walnut wood panels cover the wall behind the TV and are lit from above by LED cove lights. Soundbars with chrome accents help frame the TV. “The clients wanted to be able to see the TV from the kitchen and dining area, so the height had to be optimal to allow for a clear view from those spaces but not too high for those seated in the living area,” design-builder Zachary Luterman says. “After careful measurements and viewing from different vantage points, the perfect placement was found.”
Other special features. A split-face stacked-stone fireplace surround plays against the smooth walnut paneling. Interior designer Jenifer Wiley chose a palette of browns, greens and creams layered with hits of teal, rust and orange to create a warm, comfortable design.
Designer tip. “Layering color, pattern and texture in your finishes and furnishings is what allows your house to be truly customized,” Luterman says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “For the design team, the challenge was always how to allow the TV to take center stage — but in a refined way,” Luterman says. “Placing a TV next to a fireplace can lead to competing focal points, and this was the problem to solve. The solution was a split treatment along the entertainment wall. Instead of having one wall surface and a minimal surround for the fireplace, the wall was divided into two floor-to-ceiling applications. The fireplace was lowered to allow for the TV to catch the eye first.
“This section of the wall was then covered with stacked stone in a cool palette so the area receded visually,” Luterman says. “Further framing the TV, the walnut paneling in a warm tone comes to the foreground. Carrying the same wood accents above the entry to the hallway gave the TV area a bit more weight visually and was a little touch the design team added to ensure this area was prominent.”
Shop for sofas on Houzz
3. Create Calm
Designer: Jenny Baines
Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Size: 437 square feet (41 square meters); 19 by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. A comfortable, not-too-precious living room with a timeless, quiet color palette that alludes to the water that surrounds the home.
TV placement. “The most important part of the process was establishing the height,” designer Jenny Baines says. “The goal was to keep the TV comfortable to view from the sofa. We were constrained by the specifications of the linear fireplace, along with the desire to have a mantle to allow for holiday decorating and styling. We essentially laid out the wall with blue tape to confirm that the TV was in the right location.”
Other special features. The fireplace is clad in rustic silver quartzite. Open shelves help balance the area. White tongue-and-groove paneling in a chevron pattern covers the right wall in the dining area.
Designer tip. “The success of the space is based on the unified color and material palette,” says Baines, who used Houzz ideabooks with her clients as a jumping-off point in establishing the design. “It is based on texture and light rather than overwhelming pattern and color. The simplicity of the space allows the beautiful view to be the star of the show.”
Designer: Jenny Baines
Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Size: 437 square feet (41 square meters); 19 by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. A comfortable, not-too-precious living room with a timeless, quiet color palette that alludes to the water that surrounds the home.
TV placement. “The most important part of the process was establishing the height,” designer Jenny Baines says. “The goal was to keep the TV comfortable to view from the sofa. We were constrained by the specifications of the linear fireplace, along with the desire to have a mantle to allow for holiday decorating and styling. We essentially laid out the wall with blue tape to confirm that the TV was in the right location.”
Other special features. The fireplace is clad in rustic silver quartzite. Open shelves help balance the area. White tongue-and-groove paneling in a chevron pattern covers the right wall in the dining area.
Designer tip. “The success of the space is based on the unified color and material palette,” says Baines, who used Houzz ideabooks with her clients as a jumping-off point in establishing the design. “It is based on texture and light rather than overwhelming pattern and color. The simplicity of the space allows the beautiful view to be the star of the show.”
4. Right Angles
Designer: Farnaz Harouni
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 333 square feet (31 square meters); 18 by 18½ feet
Homeowners’ request. A light, bright sanctuary in which they could relax and spend time with their two young boys.
TV placement. “The placement of the TV was an obvious choice as it had to face the living room and the adjacent open kitchen to allow TV viewing from both rooms,” designer Farnaz Harouni says. “Whenever possible, I try to avoid placing a TV on a wall that faces a window, because the glare makes it difficult to watch TV. The challenge here was to keep the audiovisual instruments out of the kids’ reach. We tucked the DVD player and cable box in the cabinet next to the TV and placed a child safety lock on the doors. With the TV high on top of the fireplace and angled down, it was both out of kids’ reach and perfect for viewing while reclining on the sofa.”
Other special features. “Using a light color palette of predominantly white and dove gray, you run the risk of a cold and sterile environment,” Harouni says. “In order to create a warm and inviting space, we added tonal textures with accessories. The warm color of the wood floors gave us an opportunity to bring that hue up into the bookcase by adding touches of gold accents. I decided to use only pieces that could function as much for the kids as for the adults. Most pieces in the room are soft and round so the kids can tussle and play on them safely, making the parents feel comfortable. The sofas are modern leather recliners that are easy to clean and super comfortable.”
Designer tip. “When one client loves color but the other prefers a predominantly white and neutral palette, you can make both happy by keeping the major pieces of furniture neutral and then adding accent color in the accessories like pillows and decorative elements in the bookcase,” Harouni says. “Here I used a subtle color accent of dusty blue brought in through Mongolian fur pillows, elements in the bookcase and color of the adjacent kitchen island.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When I first sat down with the owners to understand their needs and style, it was clear that they had two very different styles between them,” Harouni says. “One loved modern, while the other loved Shabby Chic. It took a lot of research and idea development to be able to find common ground they both loved.” Harouni used Houzz ideabooks to collaborate with her clients and find a middle ground. “It really helped us identify what style, color palette and items they can agree on,” she says.
Designer: Farnaz Harouni
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 333 square feet (31 square meters); 18 by 18½ feet
Homeowners’ request. A light, bright sanctuary in which they could relax and spend time with their two young boys.
TV placement. “The placement of the TV was an obvious choice as it had to face the living room and the adjacent open kitchen to allow TV viewing from both rooms,” designer Farnaz Harouni says. “Whenever possible, I try to avoid placing a TV on a wall that faces a window, because the glare makes it difficult to watch TV. The challenge here was to keep the audiovisual instruments out of the kids’ reach. We tucked the DVD player and cable box in the cabinet next to the TV and placed a child safety lock on the doors. With the TV high on top of the fireplace and angled down, it was both out of kids’ reach and perfect for viewing while reclining on the sofa.”
Other special features. “Using a light color palette of predominantly white and dove gray, you run the risk of a cold and sterile environment,” Harouni says. “In order to create a warm and inviting space, we added tonal textures with accessories. The warm color of the wood floors gave us an opportunity to bring that hue up into the bookcase by adding touches of gold accents. I decided to use only pieces that could function as much for the kids as for the adults. Most pieces in the room are soft and round so the kids can tussle and play on them safely, making the parents feel comfortable. The sofas are modern leather recliners that are easy to clean and super comfortable.”
Designer tip. “When one client loves color but the other prefers a predominantly white and neutral palette, you can make both happy by keeping the major pieces of furniture neutral and then adding accent color in the accessories like pillows and decorative elements in the bookcase,” Harouni says. “Here I used a subtle color accent of dusty blue brought in through Mongolian fur pillows, elements in the bookcase and color of the adjacent kitchen island.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When I first sat down with the owners to understand their needs and style, it was clear that they had two very different styles between them,” Harouni says. “One loved modern, while the other loved Shabby Chic. It took a lot of research and idea development to be able to find common ground they both loved.” Harouni used Houzz ideabooks to collaborate with her clients and find a middle ground. “It really helped us identify what style, color palette and items they can agree on,” she says.
5. Go Low
Designer: Shea Stewart of Intrinsik Architecture
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Size: 528 square feet (49 square meters); 22 by 24 feet
Homeowners’ request. A living room that feels large without increasing the footprint of the house. “The original design had a lower ceiling and it felt much smaller,” architect Shea Stewart says. “By increasing the height, it made the room feel much larger, but we kept the same footprint.”
TV placement. “We wanted to avoid mounting the TV above the fireplace, but we still wanted the ability to enjoy both at the same time,” Stewart says. “We also wanted it lower in the space. Although we explored several solutions, we ended on a simple built-in row of low stained walnut cabinets for the TV to sit on. Of the solutions we explored, this was the simplest and most flexible.”
Other special features. The fireplace is wrapped in steel plates. The floors are stained concrete. The ceiling is hemlock. “The views from the living room are incredible and we wanted that to be the focal point,” Stewart says. “To that end, we tried to keep the color and material palette fairly subdued.”
Designer tip. “Raising the ceiling height was the best decision we made in this space,” Stewart says. “It was a suggestion from the homeowner and I’m glad we did it. The space feels great. It’s light and open but still has a sense of intimacy.”
Designer: Shea Stewart of Intrinsik Architecture
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Size: 528 square feet (49 square meters); 22 by 24 feet
Homeowners’ request. A living room that feels large without increasing the footprint of the house. “The original design had a lower ceiling and it felt much smaller,” architect Shea Stewart says. “By increasing the height, it made the room feel much larger, but we kept the same footprint.”
TV placement. “We wanted to avoid mounting the TV above the fireplace, but we still wanted the ability to enjoy both at the same time,” Stewart says. “We also wanted it lower in the space. Although we explored several solutions, we ended on a simple built-in row of low stained walnut cabinets for the TV to sit on. Of the solutions we explored, this was the simplest and most flexible.”
Other special features. The fireplace is wrapped in steel plates. The floors are stained concrete. The ceiling is hemlock. “The views from the living room are incredible and we wanted that to be the focal point,” Stewart says. “To that end, we tried to keep the color and material palette fairly subdued.”
Designer tip. “Raising the ceiling height was the best decision we made in this space,” Stewart says. “It was a suggestion from the homeowner and I’m glad we did it. The space feels great. It’s light and open but still has a sense of intimacy.”
6. Build It In
Designer: Lorraine Levinson
Location: Greenwich, Connecticut
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. This is designer Lorraine Levinson’s own home. “When we considered buying the house, this room was the best room in the house, with a double-height wall of windows facing a tidal nature preserve,” she says. “It was then a closed-off living room with only a small entrance. There was a staircase to the master bedroom and another to the basement covering part of the windows, and not surprisingly the house had been on the market for a year. When we purchased it, the first thing we did was open this room to the kitchen and remove the staircases. This became our living room.”
TV placement. “Because most of the room was windows or open to the kitchen, the remaining wall space was what we had to work with,” Levinson says. “The existing fireplace had a raised firebox, which made for ‘above the fireplace’ placement very awkward for viewing. We decided to place artwork above the fireplace. We used the wall opposite the windows to frame a TV inside a built-in bookcase. It kept the focal points of the room — the fireplace and TV — next to each other, and the TV could be placed at optimal viewing height with the center of the TV at seated eye height.”
Other special features. Custom marble fireplace surround. Vintage leather chairs. Custom sectional. A custom rolling ladder leads to a second bookcase.
Designer tip. “The TV was also recessed in this space, although not as much as the shelves,” Levinson says. “This is a great trick for hiding the inevitable mounting, wires, outlets — all the ugly stuff that makes a wall-hung TV work. We mounted the TV and built a false back to the bookcase that allows the front of the TV to be even with the front of the bookcase for maximized viewing.”
Wall paint: Gray Mist in matte finish, Benjamin Moore
Designer: Lorraine Levinson
Location: Greenwich, Connecticut
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. This is designer Lorraine Levinson’s own home. “When we considered buying the house, this room was the best room in the house, with a double-height wall of windows facing a tidal nature preserve,” she says. “It was then a closed-off living room with only a small entrance. There was a staircase to the master bedroom and another to the basement covering part of the windows, and not surprisingly the house had been on the market for a year. When we purchased it, the first thing we did was open this room to the kitchen and remove the staircases. This became our living room.”
TV placement. “Because most of the room was windows or open to the kitchen, the remaining wall space was what we had to work with,” Levinson says. “The existing fireplace had a raised firebox, which made for ‘above the fireplace’ placement very awkward for viewing. We decided to place artwork above the fireplace. We used the wall opposite the windows to frame a TV inside a built-in bookcase. It kept the focal points of the room — the fireplace and TV — next to each other, and the TV could be placed at optimal viewing height with the center of the TV at seated eye height.”
Other special features. Custom marble fireplace surround. Vintage leather chairs. Custom sectional. A custom rolling ladder leads to a second bookcase.
Designer tip. “The TV was also recessed in this space, although not as much as the shelves,” Levinson says. “This is a great trick for hiding the inevitable mounting, wires, outlets — all the ugly stuff that makes a wall-hung TV work. We mounted the TV and built a false back to the bookcase that allows the front of the TV to be even with the front of the bookcase for maximized viewing.”
Wall paint: Gray Mist in matte finish, Benjamin Moore
7. Play With Asymmetry
Designer: Caroline Ficquette and team at Design West
Location: Naples, Florida
Size: 441 square feet (41 square meters); 21 by 21 square feet
Homeowners’ request. A contemporary aesthetic that also fits within the context of a coastal community in Florida.
TV placement. The TV is recessed into the wall above a fire feature. Gunmetal gray porcelain tile covers most of the area, while a strip of textured black quartzite with white veining runs behind a floating white quartz hearth, the fire feature and the TV.
“We were dealing with a very large wall and very high ceilings — almost 24 feet,” designer Caroline Ficquette says. “The challenge was to fill the wall and balance the detail. We also needed this wall to make a statement without compromising the budget, so once we had the asymmetrical composition solidified, we knew we had to make smart material selections.”
Other special features. “The main living space was such a large, square ‘shell’ we wanted to be sure that this space still felt warm and inviting,” Ficquette says. “We incorporated warmth through natural materials with the European white oak wood flooring and stained wood slats in the ceiling detail but achieved a contemporary feel with high-contrast materials on the fireplace.”
Designer tip. “Source a highly competent general contractor with incredibly high standards that is both able and willing to bring your vision to life,” Ficquette says. “The real magic happens when there is synergy between the builder (in this case Gulfstream Homes and ARCS Construction), the designer and the client.”
Wall paint: Pure White, Sherwin-Williams
Designer: Caroline Ficquette and team at Design West
Location: Naples, Florida
Size: 441 square feet (41 square meters); 21 by 21 square feet
Homeowners’ request. A contemporary aesthetic that also fits within the context of a coastal community in Florida.
TV placement. The TV is recessed into the wall above a fire feature. Gunmetal gray porcelain tile covers most of the area, while a strip of textured black quartzite with white veining runs behind a floating white quartz hearth, the fire feature and the TV.
“We were dealing with a very large wall and very high ceilings — almost 24 feet,” designer Caroline Ficquette says. “The challenge was to fill the wall and balance the detail. We also needed this wall to make a statement without compromising the budget, so once we had the asymmetrical composition solidified, we knew we had to make smart material selections.”
Other special features. “The main living space was such a large, square ‘shell’ we wanted to be sure that this space still felt warm and inviting,” Ficquette says. “We incorporated warmth through natural materials with the European white oak wood flooring and stained wood slats in the ceiling detail but achieved a contemporary feel with high-contrast materials on the fireplace.”
Designer tip. “Source a highly competent general contractor with incredibly high standards that is both able and willing to bring your vision to life,” Ficquette says. “The real magic happens when there is synergy between the builder (in this case Gulfstream Homes and ARCS Construction), the designer and the client.”
Wall paint: Pure White, Sherwin-Williams
8. Blend It In
Designer: Audrey Morrone
Location: Orlando, Florida
Size: 640 square feet (59 square meters); 20 by 32 square feet
Homeowners’ request. This was a new build. The owners wanted a modern home that felt family-friendly and comfortable, with good flow and great space to entertain.
TV placement. The TV is mounted on a solid oak panel over vertical oak strips, all stained in ebony. “Since the floor plan of the home is very open, we knew that the TV would be seen from every angle,” designer Audrey Morrone says. “We didn’t want the TV to be hung on the wall and stand out when it was not in use, nor did we want to hide it behind cabinetry. We wanted it to blend into the design, so we came up with the oak accent wall installed starting at the top of the floating cabinets. Not only does the feature give visual interest, it adds an organic feel to the room.”
Other special features. Large upholstered sectional. White lacquered floating cabinets with a quartz countertop. Rippled sheers soften the room and add privacy.
Designer tip. “Having a monochromatic color scheme sets the tone of the room,” Morrone says. “You can always add color with accessories.”
More on Houzz
Design Debate: Is It OK to Hang the TV Over the Fireplace?
How High Should You Mount Your TV?
Get living room design ideas
Find professionals to help with your project
Shop for living room products
Designer: Audrey Morrone
Location: Orlando, Florida
Size: 640 square feet (59 square meters); 20 by 32 square feet
Homeowners’ request. This was a new build. The owners wanted a modern home that felt family-friendly and comfortable, with good flow and great space to entertain.
TV placement. The TV is mounted on a solid oak panel over vertical oak strips, all stained in ebony. “Since the floor plan of the home is very open, we knew that the TV would be seen from every angle,” designer Audrey Morrone says. “We didn’t want the TV to be hung on the wall and stand out when it was not in use, nor did we want to hide it behind cabinetry. We wanted it to blend into the design, so we came up with the oak accent wall installed starting at the top of the floating cabinets. Not only does the feature give visual interest, it adds an organic feel to the room.”
Other special features. Large upholstered sectional. White lacquered floating cabinets with a quartz countertop. Rippled sheers soften the room and add privacy.
Designer tip. “Having a monochromatic color scheme sets the tone of the room,” Morrone says. “You can always add color with accessories.”
More on Houzz
Design Debate: Is It OK to Hang the TV Over the Fireplace?
How High Should You Mount Your TV?
Get living room design ideas
Find professionals to help with your project
Shop for living room products
Designer: Julie Bledsoe of Dwell Designed Construction
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Size: 285 square feet (26 square meters); 15 by 19 feet
Homeowners’ request. A light, airy and relaxing room that doesn’t take away from the focal-point view of the Tennessee River outside. This room is open to and connects with the dining room and kitchen, so designing spaces that felt separate but still had good flow was a challenge. “It was like designing a panoramic picture,” designer Julie Bledsoe says.
TV placement. The open-floor concept and windows meant Bledsoe had only one wall on which to place the TV. To keep clean lines running throughout the space, she felt the best place to install the TV was out in the open and above the fireplace, rather than hiding it away in the bookcases. White wood planks accentuate the clean lines behind the TV, which can be angled for optimal viewing.
Other special features. A cedar beam mantel complements white oak floors. The fireplace surround is large-format tile that mimics the look of concrete. Swivel chairs flanking the fireplace allow the homeowners to face the view or the sofa.
Designer tip. “It’s good to keep a room looking fresh, clean and simple when the focal point is outside of the house,” Bledsoe says. “It’s good to use light colors with just a few accents here and there to achieve this look, and direct attention outside of the windows.”
Wall paint: Lattice, Sherwin-Williams
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