When it comes to interior design, TVs can be a controversial subject. Some experts may tell you to eschew the flatscreen entirely, so as to not disrupt the overall vibe of your space, movie nights be damned. But we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to sacrifice your TV for style. In fact, we’d advise against it in the name of practical, realistic design. And when you know how to decorate a TV stand in a design-forward way, this household electronic can look surprisingly chic.
A TV stand or console is a handy piece of furniture, especially if you need a little extra storage space. But it can also be a design power player, helping to frame your TV and create an elevated focal point. It all has to do with the way you style it, according to Havenly designer Toussaint Derby.
Whether you opt for a simple TV stand that serves a mostly aesthetic function, or you choose a console with plenty of cabinets for tucking unsightly odds and ends out of view, these tips will help you to incorporate your TV into the design of your space — not leave it as an afterthought.
1. Get bookish
If you’re opting for a TV stand that’s totally decorative, consider a low open-shelf situation that doubles as a bookcase. It makes for a great spot to store a few of your favorite volumes, as well as decorative items, like framed photos, sculptural objects, or candles. Think of it as the ideal high-tech, low-tech ratio for your space.
2. Play with height
You want your TV to sit at a height that’s comfortable for you to look at, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose a console that sits directly underneath it. If you opt for a lower console while positioning your TV much higher, fill in the blank wall space with a tall decorative item: In this case, a vase with branches. It won’t distract your eye from the TV, but will add interesting asymmetry make your set-up look a lot more intentional.
3. Group similar items
When decorating a TV stand, consider styling a few pieces of aesthetically similar decor, like tonal candlesticks, vases, and small sculptures. Create little vignettes on either side of the console, being sure to play around with varying heights. The end result feels decorated, but understated.
4. Bring in baskets
Couldn’t resist a chic but somewhat impractical TV stand without drawers? Add necessary storage underneath with matching aesthetically-pleasing storage baskets for extra throw pillows and blankets. The above baskets fill up the empty space underneath the tall console table, and complement the burl wood texture. Finish off the look by arranging a few decorative objects along the table, just under your TV.
5. Keep it simple
When it comes to built-in media consoles, you don’t have to overthink your decorations — especially if you’d happily consider yourself a minimalist. The design of this built-in helps ground a large TV, but a few neutral decorative items on an adjacent shelf help make things look a bit more styled.
6. Create a gallery wall
Decorating a TV stand and the large, blank wall behind your electronics? Keep the console decor simple, and curate a gallery wall behind your TV to camouflage your tech. In the above living space, the consistent black-and-white color palette and modern design style unifies the look.
7. Offset with wall decor
If your media console and TV are nearly the same size, leaving little to no space for decorative knick-knacks, devise another focal point. Here, the neutral TV stand is very simple and commands little to no attention, thanks in part to the wall hanging and accent chair to the left (the pup doesn’t hurt either).
8. Embrace asymmetry
A TV doesn’t always have to be perfectly centered on your media console, especially if your favorite lounge spot doesn’t line up. Embrace asymmetry and put your tech slightly off-center, and balance out the look with more decor to one side. The finished look feels design-forward and unexpected in the best way.
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