Ever stare at the living room and think, “Why does the TV always boss the room around?” In my experience, a TV wall works when it blends viewing comfort, clean cable management, and a layout that still feels like a home, not a showroom. Here’s the promise: by the end of this guide, there’ll be ten clear directions each with steps, measurements, materials, costs, and alternatives so the TV becomes a natural part of the room, not an eyesore or afterthought. I’ve found that when viewers get the height right, hide the wires smartly, and add texture around the screen, the room instantly feels calmer, more intentional, and way easier to style day to day.
Start with sweet-spot viewing height
I’ve found that mounting too high is the number one mistake—neck strain and harsh glare follow. What works best is aiming for the center of the screen at about 100–110 cm (39–43 in) from the floor when seated distance is 2.4–3 m (8–10 ft). This keeps viewing relaxed while still leaving space for a console if needed.
- Materials:
- Stud finder, level, lag screws
- Tilt or full-motion mount rated for TV weight
- Cable concealer or in-wall rated kit
- Steps:
- Mark eye level from the primary sofa seat, then set screen center around that mark.
- Find studs and mount per bracket spec—don’t rely on anchors for heavy sets.
- Use a tilt mount if the TV must go higher over a console or fireplace.
- Avoid this:
- Mounting over the fireplace if the mantle pushes the TV too high and causes glare. If forced, choose a pull-down mount and anti-glare screen.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €120–€280 ($130–$300) including mount and concealment, 2–3 hours, intermediate.
Build a slim floating shelf system
A floating setup feels light but hides the mess. In my experience, a 20–25 cm (8–10 in) deep floating shelf under the TV is enough for remotes and a soundbar without sticking out visually.
- Materials:
- Pre-made floating shelves or 18–25 mm (3/4–1 in) plywood
- Heavy-duty hidden brackets
- Cable grommets and ledge raceway
- Satin paint or wood oil
- Steps:
- Keep the bottom of the TV 10–15 cm (4–6 in) above the top shelf to fit a soundbar.
- Drill discreet grommets at the back of shelves to feed power and HDMI.
- Space two shelves 18–25 cm (7–10 in) apart for balance.
- Pro tip:
- Match the shelf finish to other wood tones in the room to tie everything together.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €150–€450 ($160–$480), 3–4 hours, intermediate.
Create a textured backdrop that steals the glare
A textured wall makes the black rectangle feel intentional. I’ve used 1×3 or 1×2 battens to make slat walls and the result is warm, modern, and great for hiding tiny cable channels.
- Material options:
- Vertical wood slats at 20–30 mm (3/4–1 1/4 in) thickness
- MDF wall paneling with beadboard or square grid
- Limewash paint for soft depth if avoiding carpentry
- Steps:
- Paint the wall first in a mid-tone (charcoal, clay, olive).
- Fix slats at 15–30 mm (5/8–1 1/4 in) gaps—consistent spacing matters.
- Mount TV over battens by anchoring to studs through the slat field.
- Avoid this:
- Slats too deep or too many competing textures around the TV—pick one hero texture.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €180–€700 ($190–$740), 1 day, intermediate.
Design a low console that actually fits components
What works best is a low, long cabinet that’s just deep enough for gear and doesn’t overwhelm the room. I aim for 35–40 cm (14–16 in) depth and 45–55 cm (18–22 in) height, running at least 1.6–2.4 m (63–95 in) long for balance on medium to large walls.
- Materials:
- Pre-made sideboards or IKEA frames with custom doors
- Vent grilles or perforated doors for airflow
- Cable passthroughs and adhesive LED strip (optional)
- Steps:
- Drill a central cable port at the back; use a brush grommet for neatness.
- Maintain 5 cm (2 in) airflow behind heat-generating devices.
- Add stick-on LED behind the console for gentle bias lighting.
- Budget option:
- Two sturdy benches side by side with baskets beneath for hidden storage.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €200–€1,200 ($210–$1,260), 2–5 hours, beginner to intermediate.
Build a simple media niche (no demolition required)
A pseudo-niche tricks the eye. I frame a shallow box around the TV area with 70–90 mm (2 3/4–3 1/2 in) deep battens and drywall or MDF, painted slightly darker than the adjacent wall.
- Materials:
- Timber battens, MDF or drywall, joint compound
- Flush outlet and brush plates
- Paint, caulk
- Steps:
- Create a rectangle 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wider and taller than the TV.
- Run cable in the cavity; add a top vent slot if housing devices.
- Finish edges with crisp caulk lines and a satin paint for durability.
- Pro tip:
- Add a micro-ledge at the bottom inside edge to rest a soundbar invisibly.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €250–€600 ($260–$630), weekend project, intermediate.
Try an asymmetrical gallery layout
If a giant TV feels cold, soften it with asymmetry. In my experience, placing the TV slightly off-center and balancing with art or a plant column makes the wall feel curated, not TV-first.
- Layout guide:
- Keep 8–12 cm (3–5 in) gaps between frames for breathing room.
- Align the bottom edges of frames with the lower third of the TV for cohesion.
- Use 2–3 larger pieces instead of many tiny ones to avoid visual noise.
- Materials:
- Mixed frames, one sculptural sconce, one tall plant
- Picture rail hooks if avoiding many holes
- Avoid this:
- Mirroring TV proportions with frames—aim for varied shapes and one organic element.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €120–€400 ($130–$420), 2–3 hours, beginner.
Add built-in feeling with bookcases and a bridge shelf
I’ve built “faux built-ins” using two bookcases and a bridge shelf above the TV so the wall looks custom without a full renovation.
- Measurements:
- Bookcases: 30–35 cm (12–14 in) depth, 200–230 cm (79–91 in) height.
- Bridge shelf depth 25–30 cm (10–12 in), mounted 8–12 cm (3–5 in) above the TV.
- Materials:
- Ready-made bookcases, 18 mm (3/4 in) plywood for bridge
- L-brackets, trim, paint
- Crown or cove molding for a finished look
- Steps:
- Secure cases to studs; scribe small filler strips to close wall gaps.
- Run a cable raceway behind cases; cut a discrete notch for HDMI pass-through.
- Paint cases, bridge, and wall one color for a built-in illusion.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €350–€1,000 ($370–$1,050), 1–2 days, intermediate.
Make the TV disappear with dark paint and bias lighting
Dark backdrops reduce the black rectangle effect. A deep charcoal or earthy green behind the TV paired with bias lighting at 6500K reduces eye strain during night viewing.
- Materials:
- Matte or eggshell dark paint
- LED bias strip (CRI 90+, 6500K), remote dimmer
- Cable clips
- Steps:
- Paint a rectangle slightly larger than the TV if not doing the full wall.
- Mount LED strip 2–3 cm (3/4–1 1/4 in) from the TV’s back edge for even glow.
- Keep the rest of the room on dim layers: table lamps, wall sconces.
- Avoid this:
- Super glossy paint—it shows reflections during daytime.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €50–€180 ($55–$190), 1–2 hours, beginner.
Hide wires the safe way
Nothing ruins a good setup like dangling cables. What works best is planning the cable path before holes go in the wall.
- Options:
- In-wall rated power relocation kit with recessed plates
- External paintable raceways if renting
- Floor-grommet solution for floating consoles
- Steps:
- Use only in-wall rated cables and follow local electrical codes.
- Keep power and low-voltage lines separate where required.
- Label both ends of HDMI and Ethernet—future self will be grateful.
- Safety:
- If unfamiliar with electrical work, hire a licensed electrician for the power relocation.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €40–€250 ($45–$265), 1–2 hours, beginner to pro (if electrician).
Style it like a living room, not a showroom
In my experience, three styling zones make the wall feel warm: under-TV surface, TV-side verticals, and soft lighting.
- Under-TV:
- Low bowl or stack of two books, small planter, and a candle holder.
- Keep items below 12–15 cm (5–6 in) tall to avoid screen interference.
- Side verticals:
- One tall plant 120–160 cm (47–63 in) on the lighter side of the wall.
- One sconce or sculptural wall hook on the heavier side for balance.
- Soft lighting:
- A table lamp with fabric shade and the bias light create depth without glare.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €60–€250 ($65–$265), 1 hour, beginner.
When the fireplace is non-negotiable
I’ve had projects where the TV had to go over a mantle. The key is heat and height management.
- Steps:
- Test with a thermometer: keep TV area below 32°C (90°F) after a 2-hour fire.
- Use a pull-down mount so the screen sits at 100–110 cm (39–43 in) during viewing.
- Add a mantle at least 20 cm (8 in) deep to deflect heat.
- Materials:
- Pull-down mount, heat-resistant cable jackets, IR repeater if devices are hidden
- Alternatives:
- Side-wall TV with a digital art display above the mantle to keep the fireplace as decor.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €250–€800 ($265–$840), 2–4 hours, intermediate.
Small living room solutions that actually fit
For compact rooms, depth and cable bulk are the enemy. I’ve found ultra-slim mounts and narrow consoles make all the difference.
- Setup:
- Ultra-slim mount with 15–25 mm (5/8–1 in) off-wall profile.
- Console no deeper than 30–32 cm (12–12.5 in).
- Use a combined soundbar/sub that fits under or behind the sofa.
- Pro tip:
- Choose a TV size that sits at about 30–40° field of view from the main seat. Rough guide: viewing distance (m) × 25 ≈ TV size (in). So at 2.4 m, around 60 in feels right.
- Cost/time/difficulty:
- €150–€600 ($160–$630), 1–2 hours, beginner.
Cable map and checklist (quick win)
Before drilling, sketch this on paper. In my experience, five minutes here saves two hours later.
- Map:
- TV power outlet location.
- Media device storage spot.
- Cable path: power vs low-voltage lines.
- Wall studs and blocking.
- Venting for closed cabinets.
- Quick checklist:
- Center-of-screen height set.
- Mount rated for TV weight.
- In-wall rated cables chosen.
- IR or Bluetooth control confirmed.
- Glare checked at morning and afternoon light.
Materials cheat sheet
- Mounting:
- Stud finder, 600–1,200 mm (24–48 in) level, lag screws, sockets
- Cable management:
- In-wall kit, raceways, brush plates, grommets, labels
- Carpentry/finish:
- 18–25 mm (3/4–1 in) plywood/MDF, slats, nails/screws, filler, caulk
- Paint/lighting:
- Matte/eggshell paint, primer, LED bias light 6500K, dimmers
- Styling:
- Low console baskets, planters, framed art, sconces
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mounting too high “because the wall is big.” Stick to eye-level metrics, not wall size.
- Running standard power cords in-wall without the proper kit or permits.
- Overcrowding the wall with tiny frames—choose fewer, larger pieces.
- Ignoring glare from opposite windows—test with a blank screen midday.
- No airflow for devices—leave at least 5 cm (2 in) clearance.
Budget tiers at a glance
- Starter (€80–€250 / $85–$265):
- Correct-height wall mount, paintable raceway, dark paint rectangle, bias light.
- Mid (€300–€900 / $315–$945):
- Floating shelves or narrow console, in-wall cable kit, one feature texture (slats or paneling).
- Custom feel (€1,000–€2,500 / $1,050–$2,625):
- Faux built-ins, asymmetrical art with sconces, pull-down mount over fireplace where needed.
Safety and code notes
- Use in-wall rated power solutions; don’t run standard cords inside walls.
- Anchor heavy items to studs; verify load ratings.
- Maintain ventilation for electronics to prevent overheating.
- If cutting into walls, check for plumbing/electrical with a detector and turn off circuits as needed.
FAQs
- What height should the TV be?
Center of screen around 100–110 cm (39–43 in) from the floor in most living rooms. If mounting over a mantle, use a pull-down mount to bring the viewing position down during use. - How do I hide cables in a rental?
Use surface raceways painted to match the wall, plus adhesive cable clips along furniture edges. Keep holes to a minimum and route behind a console. - What’s the best wall color behind a TV?
Mid-to-dark matte tones like charcoal, olive, or clay reduce the contrast halo around the screen. Matte or eggshell finishes help control reflections. - Can I put a TV over a fireplace?
Yes, but confirm heat stays under 32°C (90°F) at the install point and use a pull-down mount. A deeper mantle can deflect heat away from the TV. - How big should the TV be for my room?
A quick rule: viewing distance in meters × 25 ≈ TV size in inches. For 2.4 m, about 60 in feels balanced. - Do I need a soundbar?
Built-in TV speakers struggle in open rooms. A compact soundbar with eARC gives clear dialogue and a cleaner setup than multiple speakers.
If this were my living room, I’d choose the textured backdrop with a narrow console, bias lighting, and a tidy cable plan quick wins that make daily viewing better and keep the room calm. And if there’s only time for one change this weekend, fix the height and add bias lighting. It’s simple, it’s affordable, and it genuinely changes how the room feels at night.