Mounting your TV on the wall is a smart, space-saving trend that’s become a favorite in modern home design. Yet once the TV is up, the question arises: what do you do with the space underneath? Leaving the space empty can feel unfinished, while overfilling can create clutter. The good news is there are plenty of stylish and functional ways to fill the space under a mounted TV.
In fact, most homeowners with a mounted TVs add complementary décor or furniture under their mounted TVs to balance the design. In this guide, you’ll find ten creative ideas (plus expert tips) to make the most of the area beneath your screen. Whether you’re looking for practicality, style, or both, there’s something here for everyone!
1. Add a Stylish Console Under Your Mounted TV
A TV console or media stand is a classic choice. It blends storage and style while anchoring your entertainment area. According to design trends, most homeowners choose a console or media stand to provide balance and extra storage.
Modern consoles come in many styles, low-profile consoles keep a minimalist look, while larger ones make a bold statement. For a neat appearance, look for consoles with built-in cable management. This keeps cords hidden and organized. With the right console, you can also decide what to put in TV stand shelves, like remotes, speakers, or decorative pieces.
Fun fact: In a 2022 UK survey, 42% of people said a perfect TV setup is vital to a stylish living room, showing many value how their TV area is organized and styled.
2. Install Floating Shelves Around a Mounted TV
Floating shelves are not only functional but also affordable. They’re easy to install and can be customized to fit the dimensions of your space. This flexibility makes them a great option for renters and homeowners alike.
Interestingly, IKEA’s 2024 Life at Home Report found that 63% of people who believe their home enables them to live sustainably also say it’s their favorite place to be. This suggests that combining functionality, comfort, and style makes a living space much more cherished.
Choose wood for a warm, natural feel or metal for a contemporary edge. Moreover, when arranging your shelves, follow the “rule of thirds” for visually pleasing spacing. Group items in odd numbers and vary their heights to create interest. Shelves can also hold practical items, like speakers or small soundbars, for a seamless entertainment setup. This makes floating shelves one of the most flexible wall mount TV décor ideas.
Read More: How High Should a TV Be Mounted? A Guide to Optimal TV Viewing Heights
3. Create a Built-In Cabinet Under the Mounted TV
For a more permanent and luxurious look, consider adding a built-in cabinet under your TV. According to design experts, built-ins can increase home resale value by as much as 10%, making them a worthwhile investment.
Built-ins are perfect for concealing electronics and providing ample storage for DVDs, remotes, and even board games. You can also include open shelving in the design for displaying art pieces or family photos. This option works especially well in larger living rooms where the TV wall can become a statement feature.
4. Use a Stylish Bench Under the Mounted TV
A bench under your mounted TV adds a clean, flexible look. It can double as seating and storage. Choose a bench with compartments or baskets underneath to store blankets, magazines, or toys.
Choose a bench with a cushion or even a wooden style as an idea on decorating a console table under your TV. This solution works well in apartments or smaller spaces, where flexibility is key. You can enhance the bench with baskets underneath for storing blankets, magazines, or toys if you have kids.
Benches are a particularly good choice for renters or those who want flexibility in their design. They’re easy to move and can be repurposed elsewhere in your home if your living room layout changes. You can even use a bench to showcase plants or décor. With a bench, you’ll never have to wonder what to put under a TV again.
5. Add A Gallery Wall to the Sides of Your TV
Who says the area under your TV has to be purely functional? A gallery wall transforms the space into a work of art. Fill the wall with framed prints, photographs, or even a mix of mirrors and sculptural pieces.
According to a study of global residential ornamentation, about 62% of home listings include wall art; showing it’s a common way people personalize and warm up their spaces. Adding art below your TV can soften the technology’s appearance and make the room feel more balanced.
When creating your gallery wall, be sure to plan the layout before hanging anything. Use painter’s tape to map out the arrangement and ensure the pieces complement one another. You can also use this section to think about what to hang next to a TV or what to put on sides of TV to create symmetry. This tip works in living rooms and bedrooms alike for a more inviting atmosphere.
6. Include a Sound System or Soundbar
If you’re an audiophile or movie enthusiast, make the space under your TV functional by incorporating a sound system or soundbar. This setup not only enhances your viewing experience but also keeps your living room looking sleek and modern. A soundbar offers a compact and effective upgrade, while a full surround-sound setup delivers an immersive feel
To keep the area tidy, use cable management solutions or opt for wireless systems. Many modern soundbars are designed with aesthetics in mind, blending seamlessly into contemporary interiors. Pairing a sound system with a decorative element, like a low console or floating shelf, can enhance the visual appeal while prioritizing functionality. This setup also works as inspiration for TV wall mount ideas in bedrooms, where you may prefer a streamlined, clutter-free space.
7. Add a Fireplace to Your TV Area
Combining a fireplace with your mounted TV creates a cozy, inviting focal point in your living room. Electric fireplaces are particularly popular as they’re easy to install and don’t require ventilation. According to Redfin, homes with fireplaces are listed for about 13% more than the national median sale price. Fireplaces still show strong appeal to buyers and can help elevate perceived home value, plus… it makes your home looks like a classic home in a comfort 90s movie.
However, if you’re not too into the looks of a traditional fireplace; you can opt for more modern-looking fireplaces. Modern fireplaces come in sleek, minimalist designs that pair perfectly with mounted TVs. Many even include built-in shelving or cabinets for added functionality.
Read More: Transform an Awkward Living Room With a Fireplace
8. Incorporate Greenery To Your Living Room
Bringing plants into your living room adds life and vibrancy to the space. Use the area under your TV to showcase potted plants, hanging planters, or even a small indoor garden. Choose plants that thrive indoors, such as pothos, ferns, or snake plants. For a modern look, use minimalist planters in neutral tones or metallic finishes. Caring for plants not only enhances your decor but also promotes a sense of well-being. It’s a win-win for both aesthetics and health.
9. Add Life Forms, Like Fish Tanks, To Your Entertainment Area
You might be wondering… why stop at greenery for the nature feel? Can you put, say, a fish tank under a mounted TV? You can, but it comes with some important considerations.
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
- Water & Electronics: Spills, splashes, or humidity from the tank can damage nearby electronics. Keep all TV cables elevated and protected.
- Vibration & Noise: Some TVs and sound systems create vibrations. While fish tolerate some movement, loud sound or bass could stress them out over time.
- Access for Maintenance: Ensure you have room to feed fish, clean the tank, and perform water changes without bumping the TV or cables.
- Heat: TV heat output is generally minor compared to aquarium heaters, but still make sure air can circulate so you don’t create a hot spot above the tank.
💡 Pro Tips
- Use a sturdy aquarium stand specifically rated for your tank’s size.
- Leave at least a few inches between the TV’s lowest edge and the aquarium to reduce heat transfer and splashing risk.
- Consider a lid or cover for the aquarium to minimize evaporation and splashes.
10. Keep It Minimal
Sometimes, less is more. Leaving the space under your TV empty can create a clean, open look that emphasizes the minimalist design of a modern home. By focusing on simplicity, you can maintain a sophisticated and uncluttered aesthetic that lets your mounted TV become the focal point of the room.
For instance, consider the Haller Sideboard H2 Replica. Its sleek, modular design complements minimalist decor, offering a stylish yet unobtrusive solution for under-TV storage. It can house small essentials like remotes and streaming devices while keeping the overall look streamlined and elegant.
Alternatively, the Haller Media B218 Replica is another excellent choice for minimalistic spaces. Designed with functionality in mind, this media console provides ample storage while maintaining a low-profile design that doesn’t distract from your TV setup. Both options are perfect for creating a serene and contemporary living room that embodies the essence of minimalism.
The Perfect Pairings for Your Mounted TV
The space under your mounted TV is more than just an empty area, it’s an opportunity to enhance the functionality and style of your living room. From practical storage solutions like consoles and baskets to bold design statements with gallery walls or fireplaces, there are countless ways to make the space work for your needs.
A well-designed entertainment area can increase your home’s perceived value! The right choice depends on your personal style, room size, and lifestyle. Take these ideas as inspiration, mix and match them, and create a living room that’s both functional and visually stunning. It’s time to transform that blank space into a feature that ties your entire room together.
