When it comes to designing the perfect entertainment area in your home, one of the most eye-catching elements is often the TV itself. Hanging your TV on the wall not only saves space but also creates a modern aesthetic. However, the question remains: what to put underneath a hanging TV to enhance both functionality and style? This comprehensive guide explores various options, from furniture choices to decorative elements, allowing you to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere in your living space.
Choosing the Right Furniture
The area beneath your hanging TV can be a significant focal point in your room. Choosing the right furniture is essential for achieving a balanced and well-organized look. Let’s discuss some popular options.
Entertainment Centers
An entertainment center is a classic choice for placing under your hanging TV. These units typically offer several benefits:
- Storage: Most entertainment centers provide ample space to store electronic devices like DVD players, gaming consoles, and streaming boxes, all while keeping your living area clutter-free.
- Stylistic Cohesion: An entertainment center can help unify the design of your room. With various styles available, you can choose one that complements your existing decor.
When selecting an entertainment center, consider size and style. The unit should be proportionate to your TV and not overpower the space. Look for designs that match your overall theme, whether it be contemporary, rustic, or minimalist.
TV Stands
In addition to entertainment centers, TV stands are another great option. Unlike bulky entertainment centers, TV stands can be more streamlined and easier to fit into smaller spaces.
Benefits of TV Stands
- Versatility: Many TV stands come with adjustable shelves or modular designs, allowing you to customize the setup to suit your needs.
- Mobility: If you anticipate rearranging your space frequently, a TV stand provides the flexibility to do so without hassle.
When purchasing a TV stand, ensure that it is sturdy enough to support your TV while offering adequate storage space for peripherals.
Incorporating Media Consoles
If you’re looking for a blend of elegance and utility, media consoles could be the ideal fit for your room. These pieces of furniture serve the dual purpose of providing storage while enhancing comfort and style.
The Style Factor
Media consoles come in various styles, including mid-century modern, industrial, and traditional designs. Choose a media console that resonates with your aesthetic preferences:
- Mid-Century Modern: Characterized by clean lines and functional design, this style can elevate a modern decor theme.
- Industrial: Often made from metal and reclaimed wood, industrial consoles can add a rustic charm to your space.
Make sure your console matches the height of your mounted TV for a better viewing experience. Additionally, it should not feel cramped in your living area; aim for a balance between functionality and open space.
Open vs. Closed Storage
Another key consideration when selecting a media console is whether to opt for open or closed storage:
- Open Storage: This design allows you to showcase gadgets like gaming consoles or decorative items, making them easily accessible while also serving as decor.
- Closed Storage: For a neater appearance, closed cabinets can hide away devices and reduce visual clutter. Choose cabinets with glass doors if you want a blended approach that still shows off some items.
Designing a Functional Workspace
If your living room doubles as a workspace, consider configuring an area under the TV to serve that purpose. This is particularly useful in today’s remote-working culture, where divisions between home and work are increasingly blurred.
Desk Options
Placing a compact desk or shelf under the hanging TV can contribute to a multi-functional space. Here are some considerations:
- Height: Ensure that the desk height complements the television’s height for comfortable viewing and working.
- Style: Choose a desk that aligns with your home decor, whether it’s sleek and modern or more traditional.
Additionally, you can use shelves built into the desk for storage or display items like books and decor.
Creating a Cozy Reading Nook
If you’re a book lover, why not turn the area under your hanging TV into a cozy reading nook? A comfortable chair or a small chaise lounge paired with a side table can create an inviting space for relaxing.
Essential Elements for a Reading Nook
- Lighting: Good lighting is crucial. Consider a stylish floor lamp or table lamp that adds character while ensuring enough light for reading.
- Accessories: Throw pillows and a soft blanket can make the space more inviting.
Incorporating a small bookshelf or a floating shelf to display your favorite reads can also enhance the reading nook’s charm.
Decorative Elements
Beyond functional furniture, don’t forget about decorative elements that can elevate the space under your hanging TV.
Art and Wall Decor
Art can significantly influence the ambiance of your living space. Consider hanging framed artwork or a gallery wall beneath your TV for added visual interest:
- Gallery Wall: Create a gallery wall with a mix of framed art, photos, and decor items.
- Floating Shelves: Install floating shelves to display decorative items or small plants, adding depth to your space.
Make sure the art complements the colors and themes in the room, making it feel cohesive and well-thought-out.
Lighting Choices
Lighting can make all the difference in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Here’s how to incorporate lighting effectively under your TV:
- Accent Lighting: Use LED strips along shelves or behind the TV to add a modern touch and highlight specific areas.
- Table Lamps: A stylish table lamp can not only fulfill a functional role but also serve as an accent piece.
Lighting should be adjustable to allow for a range of moods, from bright and lively during the day to soft and relaxing at night.
Smart Technology Integration
As technology advances, incorporating smart devices into your living room can add even more functionality. Consider a smart hub, soundbar, or wireless charging station under your hanging TV.
Smart Hubs and Streaming Devices
With the growing popularity of smart TVs and streaming services, integrating a smart hub or streaming device into your setup can enhance your viewing experience:
- Smart Hubs: Devices like Amazon Echo or Google Nest can serve multiple functions, from controlling your TV to playing music or serving as a home assistant.
- Soundbars: A soundbar can provide a cinematic sound experience without taking up much space, freeing up more room for other functionalities.
Wireless Charging Stations
If mobile devices are frequently used in your space, consider installing a wireless charging station under your TV unit. Not only does this eliminate cord clutter, but it also makes your setup more seamless and user-friendly.
Conclusion: Personalizing Your Space
Choosing what to put under your hanging TV involves more than mere decoration; it’s about creating a space that enhances your lifestyle, reflects your personality, and accommodates your needs. Whether you decide on practical furniture solutions, decorative elements, or modern technology, ensure that all elements work together to form a harmonized and enjoyable living environment.
Take your time exploring different styles and functional options. The right setup can transform your living space into an entertainment haven or a cozy retreat, proving that a little creativity goes a long way.
What are some popular options for what to put under a hanging TV?
One popular option for space under a hanging TV is a TV stand or media console. These come in various styles, finishes, and sizes to complement your décor while providing ample storage for devices like gaming consoles, DVD players, and streaming boxes. Some media consoles even feature additional drawers or shelves for storing remotes, games, and DVDs, keeping your living space organized.
Another great choice can be a floating shelf. Floating shelves provide a modern, sleek look and can be installed directly underneath your hanging TV. This not only maximizes wall space but also offers a stylish spot to display decorative items, books, or your favorite media devices without taking up any floor space, creating a clean, streamlined feel in the room.
How can I effectively use wall space under my TV?
Make the most of the wall space under your TV by incorporating functional and decorative elements. You can install floating shelves to hold decorative items, books, or personal mementos. This approach not only enhances the aesthetics of the room but also keep the area organized and clutter-free. A well-placed shelf can create a focal point while complementing the positioning of the TV.
Another technique involves using a multimedia cabinet or console that harmonizes with your existing décor. This allows you to store media equipment, DVDs, and gaming supplies neatly. Adding tasteful design elements like framed photos or plants on top of the cabinet can further enhance the visual appeal of the area below the TV, making it an integral part of your living space.
What are the advantages of mounting a TV instead of using a stand?
Mounting a TV offers numerous advantages, including maximizing floor space. This is especially useful in smaller rooms where every square foot counts. By eliminating the need for a bulky stand, you create an open and airy feel in the space, making it seem larger and more inviting. Additionally, mounting allows for flexibility in viewing height, enabling you to optimize the angle and visibility according to your seating arrangement.
Another significant advantage is the overall aesthetic appeal and modern look that a wall-mounted TV provides. A mounted TV often looks cleaner and more contemporary than a traditional stand. Additionally, wall mounting can simplify cable management, helping you keep unsightly cords and cables hidden, contributing to a neat and organized look for your living area.
Can I use an entertainment unit instead of a wall-mounted TV?
Absolutely! An entertainment unit can be an excellent alternative to a wall-mounted TV. These units come with built-in storage solutions like shelves and cabinets, making it easier to organize your media devices, games, and accessories. They can also add a stylish focal point to your living room, serving as a piece of furniture that anchors your space and pulls your décor together.
Moreover, entertainment units come in various designs, including traditional, modern, and everything in between, allowing you to choose one that matches your style. This versatility ensures that you can accommodate larger devices while also providing a surface for additional decorative items like plants, books, or photo frames, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in your living space.
How do I choose the right height for mounting my TV?
Choosing the right height for mounting your TV is crucial for comfort and visual enjoyment. Generally, the ideal height is where the center of the screen is roughly at eye level when you’re seated. For most people, this means mounting the television about 42 to 60 inches from the floor, depending on your seating arrangement and personal preferences. Take into account the size of your TV and the height of your couch to find the perfect fit.
It’s also important to consider the viewing distance when mounting your TV. A larger screen may require a higher mount to ensure a comfortable visual experience. When testing height, you can use painter’s tape to outline the dimensions of the TV on the wall, helping you visualize how it will look and how it aligns with your preferred viewing angle. Adjust as needed until you find the height that offers optimal comfort and enjoyment.
What are some budget-friendly ideas for under a mounted TV?
If you’re looking for budget-friendly solutions for under a mounted TV, consider repurposing furniture you already own. An old dresser can be transformed into a media console with a coat of paint, creating both a unique and practical storage solution. Alternatively, crates or pallets can be stacked to create a rustic stand or shelving unit, providing an attractive and cost-effective method to display media equipment or decorative items.
Another economical option is to use inexpensive floating shelves. Many stores offer a range of affordable floating shelf designs that can add character and functionality to your space without breaking the bank. You can personalize them by painting or decorating them according to your style, making it easy to change the look of your living room affordably and creatively.