Creating a visually appealing and functional entertainment area in your home can significantly enhance your living space. The placement and decoration around your television can transform a simple viewing area into an inviting and stylish focal point. In this article, we will explore a variety of ideas for what to put either side of your TV, ensuring that it complements your décor and creates a harmonious atmosphere in your home.
Understanding Your Space and Personal Style
Before diving into specific décor items, it is crucial to assess the characteristics of your living area. The width of your TV wall, the style of decorations you prefer—whether modern, traditional, or eclectic—will all influence your choices. Here are some guiding factors to consider:
Dimension and Proportion
The size of your TV should dictate the scale of items you place beside it. Below are some considerations:
- Balance: Ensure the items do not overshadow the TV. A large piece of furniture next to a small TV may seem disproportionate.
- Spacing: Leave enough room for circulation and avoid clutter to maintain an elegant look.
Style and Aesthetic
Your personal style should shine through in the décor surrounding your television. Consider the following design trends:
- Minimalist: Clean lines and understated décor create a sleek appearance.
- Bohemian: An eclectic mix of textures and colors offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Functional Decor Ideas for Either Side of Your TV
To elevate your TV area, incorporating functional items can maximize your space while adding charm. Here are several great ideas for what to place on either side of your television.
Bookshelves
Bookshelves provide a fantastic opportunity to display books, plants, and decorative items.
Benefits of Bookshelves
- Storage Solutions: They can store not only books but also DVDs, game consoles, or other electronics.
- Personal Touch: Use decorative items like framed photos, art pieces, or unique collectibles to showcase your personality.
Media Consoles
A media console or entertainment center is an excellent addition to your setup. It can serve as a practical base for your TV while providing extra storage.
Types of Media Consoles
- Open Shelving: For easy access to devices or decorative displays.
- Closed Storage: To hide away clutter and keep your area looking neat and organized.
Artwork and Wall Decor
Incorporating artwork on either side of your television can create a visually balanced composition.
Ideas for Artwork
- Framed Art: Choose pieces that resonate with you and reflect your style.
- Gallery Wall: Create a wall display with various framed photos or art pieces for a dynamic look.
Plants and Greenery
Bringing plants into your décor enhances the ambiance and quality of your living space.
Plant Options for Minimal Maintenance
- Succulents: Minimal watering and care make them perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Ferns: Add lush greenery without the need for direct sunlight.
DIY and Creative Projects for Your TV Area
If you enjoy crafting or DIY projects, there are many creative ways to adorn your TV space uniquely.
Custom Shelving Units
Consider building your own shelving that matches the dimensions of your TV. This ensures a perfect fit and allows personalization of size and style.
Benefits of Custom Shelving
- Tailored Designs: Create spaces for specific items that you want to display.
- Unique Aesthetics: Choose materials and finishes that complement the rest of your room.
Accent Lighting
Lighting plays a vital role in enhancing the viewing experience.
Types of Accent Lighting
- Floor Lamps: Position them adjacent to your TV for both task and ambient lighting.
- LED Strips or Backlighting: Install behind your TV for a modern glow that enhances the viewing experience.
Final Thoughts: Creating Your Ideal Space
In conclusion, the items you choose to place either side of your television should reflect your personal style while enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetics of your living area. Consider incorporating a mix of practical and decorative elements, whether through furniture, artwork, live plants, or creative DIY solutions.
Remember to always emphasize balance and harmony in your design choices, aiming for a beautiful composition that brings you joy and suits your lifestyle. With careful selection and thoughtful placement, your TV area can become not just an entertainment space but a true representation of your home and taste. Whether you opt for minimalistic chic or maximalist elegance, the possibilities are endless, making your TV a centerpiece that you love to showcase.
What are some popular options for decorative items to place beside my TV?
One popular option for decorative items is to use statement art pieces. This can include framed artwork, photographs, or a gallery wall that complements your living space’s color scheme and style. Choose pieces that resonate with you personally or enhance the overall ambiance, such as abstracts for a modern look or vintage frames for a more classic approach. This will not only draw the eye but also create a focal point that balances the TV’s presence.
Another great choice is adding plants or greenery. Indoor plants, such as snake plants or pothos, can soften the lines of a TV and add a fresh, vibrant element to the room. They improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Make sure to choose pots and planters that coordinate with your overall décor style, whether it be sleek and modern or rustic and cozy, to maintain a cohesive look in your living area.
How can lighting enhance the area around my TV?
Lighting is crucial in enhancing the area around your TV and can set the mood of your living space. Consider using accent lighting, such as floor lamps or table lamps, to create a warm glow that enhances the viewing experience without causing glare on the screen. Selecting lamps with adjustable brightness can allow you to easily transition from bright light when entertaining to a dimmer atmosphere for movie nights.
In addition, integrating LED strip lights behind the TV can add an attractive ambient light that creates depth and softness. These lights can often be customized with different colors and brightness levels and can even sync with your TV for a more immersive experience. Strategic lighting not only highlights décor items or plants beside the television but also reduces eye strain, making your space more inviting for long periods of viewing.
Should I match the items on both sides of the TV?
While symmetry can create a sense of order and balance, it isn’t always necessary to match items on both sides of your TV. You can opt for two different items that complement each other in color or style, creating visual interest while allowing for personal expression. This can make your living space feel more dynamic and less staged, showcasing your unique tastes.
If you prefer a symmetrical look, consider using similar shapes or colors that vary in texture or height. For instance, two different vases—one shorter and wider and the other taller and slimmer—can create a balanced, yet interesting display. The key is to ensure that while items are not identical, they should still feel cohesive through shared design elements or color palettes.
What should I avoid placing next to my TV?
When decorating around your TV, it’s essential to avoid clutter. Having too many items crammed into the space can be distracting and take away from both the TV and the décor itself. Large items can also make the area feel cramped, which can reduce the overall aesthetic appeal of your living room. Instead, select a few thoughtfully chosen pieces that complement one another and the TV.
Another consideration is to avoid highly reflective items next to your television screen. Items like mirrors or glass can create unwanted glare, making it difficult to enjoy your viewing experience. Instead, focus on materials that absorb light, such as fabrics or matte finishes, to ensure that your entertainment area remains comfortable and visually pleasing during various times of the day.
How do I choose the right size and scale for items beside my TV?
Choosing the right size and scale for items next to your TV is crucial to achieving a balanced look. Start by taking measurements of the height and width of your TV to ensure that any items placed beside it are proportionate. As a general rule, taller items should not be so tall that they overwhelm the TV, and wider pieces should not exceed the width of the TV stand to maintain harmony in the arrangement.
You also want to consider the visual weight of your pieces. A balanced display often includes a mix of tall and short items, as well as a combination of light and heavy-looking objects. Using this approach creates a flowing visual transition and ensures that the television doesn’t feel isolated within the room. Create groupings with varying heights and textures to keep the space engaging while allowing the TV to remain the central focus.
Can I use shelves or cabinets beside my TV?
Yes, incorporating shelves or cabinets beside your TV can be a fantastic way to enhance both functionality and aesthetics in your living space. Shelves can provide an opportunity to showcase books, decorative items, or collectibles, while keeping the area organized. Floating shelves can give a sleek and modern look, allowing you to create a layered and personalized display that complements your entertainment area.
Cabinets can also be a practical addition, offering storage for media equipment and other essentials. You can use them to house electronics, gaming consoles, and DVD collections, keeping everything cohesive and tidy. When choosing cabinets, consider their color and style to match or contrast with your TV stand, enhancing your overall design theme while ensuring that your space looks polished and inviting.