16 Ideas for Decorating Around a TV That Don’t Look Awkward

Most living rooms center around the television. That large black rectangle often clashes with your decor. It creates a visual void on the wall. Designing around tech feels challenging for many people.

You want a stylish home rather than a media center. Smart styling choices help blend the screen into the room. Paintings, shelves, or dark colors hide the contrast well.

These 16 examples show how to decorate that space. Transform your entertainment area today.

Seamless Integration of Technology in Modern Living Spaces

The dominance of large television screens often disrupts the aesthetic flow of a sophisticated living area, creating a stark visual contrast against carefully curated interiors.

Rather than allowing a media device to dictate the room’s atmosphere, homeowners can employ strategic design techniques to camouflage or complement the technology.

  • Camouflage with Color: Utilize dark accent walls or charcoal paint behind the screen to minimize the visual impact of the black rectangle when it is turned off.
  • Curated Gallery Walls: Surround the television with a structured arrangement of artwork and photographs to balance the focal point and distract the eye.
  • Built-in Architectural Elements: Install custom cabinetry or floating shelves to anchor the device within the room’s structure, making it feel intentional rather than intrusive.
  • Concealment Solutions: Consider sliding panels, armoires, or artwork that physically covers the screen when not in use to maintain a formal atmosphere.
TV Decor Component
The Media Wall
Camouflage Color
Use dark accent walls or charcoal paint to minimize the visual impact of the black screen.
🎨
Concealment
Consider sliding panels or artwork to physically cover the screen when not in use.
Built-In Architecture
Install cabinetry or shelves to anchor the device, making it feel intentional.

1. Eclectic Gallery Wall

Surround your television with a mix of art and texture. Woven baskets and framed prints create visual interest on the white wall. This arrangement distracts the eye from the large black screen.

A floating shelf sits above the display to hold extra decor pieces. Black frames help the dark electronics blend into the overall design. Different shapes make the setup look dynamic and collected.

2. Cascading Greenery Shelf

Source: @flowbylara

This design uses nature to soften the look of technology. A rustic wooden beam sits high above the mounted screen. Trailing vines hang down from the top to frame the television. It brings life into the entertainment area.

Woven baskets provide storage in the low console unit below. Warm wood tones tie the upper shelf to the bottom stand. The lush leaves distract the eye from the dark electronics.

3. Balanced Industrial Shelving

Matching shelves flank the television to create symmetry. Dark pipe brackets mount the wood to the wall. This hardware mimics the black screen for a cohesive look.

Tall white vases and small statues fill the vertical space. A long wooden console anchors the arrangement below. Green moss balls and pampas grass add texture to the clean lines.

4. Modern Floating Wall Panel

A smooth beige panel frames the television to create a focal point. Floating shelves above and below the screen add clean horizontal lines. Books and decorative boxes fill the upper ledge. This structure separates the media center from the rest of the wall.

Two round leather ottomans sit tucked under the bottom console. A large vase with dried branches balances the height on the left. Clear glass vessels keep the lower surface looking uncluttered. The neutral color palette feels calm and sophisticated.

5. Recessed Alcove Shelving

White shelves fill the wall niche next to the fireplace. This storage unit balances the television mounted above the tiled hearth. Open ledges display a curated collection of books and blue ceramics. A pair of cabinet doors hides items at the bottom.

Light blue tiles on the fireplace surround match the decor pieces. Brass accents on the picture light and hardware add warmth to the white paint. The detailed styling draws attention away from the black screen nearby.

6. Structured Gold Gallery

Source: @kekicannon

Matching gold frames create a strict grid around the screen. Monochromatic art prints blend well with the dark glass. The precise layout makes the television look intentional within the display.

A brass light fixture hangs from the white ceiling to match the artwork. Warm wood tones in the console table ground the design. This setup turns a blank wall into a stylish focal point.

7. Indoor Garden Display

Source: @flowbylara

Plants surround the television in this bright room. A high shelf holds trailing greenery that hangs down near the screen. Large leaves in woven baskets stand on the floor to fill the corner space.

Pink flowers add a pop of color on the coffee table nearby. Natural light floods in from the big glass windows. The wooden console table keeps the electronics grounded among the nature elements.

8. Elegant Symmetrical Display

Source: @sallylynnhome

Tall dried branches frame the television in this recessed wall niche. Clear glass vases hold the twigs high to fill the vertical space. This height draws the eye up and away from the screen.

White ceramic jars sit on the console to anchor the arrangement. The dark gray paint behind the electronics helps camouflage the black rectangle. A white cabinet provides contrast and brightens the lower section.

9. Rustic Farmhouse Shutters

Tall wooden shutters stand on each side of the television. These reclaimed panels add texture to the plain gray wall. A simple sign hangs above the screen to define the room’s style. The wood tones warm up the cool paint color.

A dark console table anchors the setup below. Green leaves and small white pumpkins decorate the surface. Woven baskets on the floor hold magazines for easy access. This layout makes the TV feel like part of the decor.

10. Whitewashed Farmhouse Brick

Source: @thejessstyle

A large wooden sign hangs above the television to declare the room’s purpose. The text “Gathering Room” centers the design on the faux brick wall. White shutter panels flank the screen to add texture without overwhelming the space.

The media console features a dark wood top that contrasts with its painted white base. Open shelves hold fabric baskets and potted plants to keep clutter organized. Rustic decor items like a vintage clock and wire crate complete the cozy style.

11. Traditional Plate Collection

Blue and white decorative plates form an arch above the screen. This curved arrangement draws attention upward on the beige wall. Two white vertical panels flank the television to create a defined border. The display feels classic and curated.

A large dark wood dresser acts as a substantial media console. Pink flowers in a white basket brighten the open middle shelf. The patterned armchair nearby matches the colors of the china on the wall.

12. Moody Accent Wall

A deep teal wall creates a dramatic backdrop for the television. This dark paint color helps the black screen fade into the background. A single shelf sits high above to hold pink flowers and trailing plants. Small gold decor pieces add shine to the moody corner.

Light wood furniture provides a bright contrast against the dark paint. The glass coffee table keeps the small room feeling open. A patterned rug ties the pink and green accents together on the floor.

13. Chunky Floating Mantel

Source: @my_7th_home

A thick white shelf sits directly above the mounted television. It looks like a mantelpiece without a fireplace below. Small frames and wooden accents decorate the high ledge. This horizontal beam breaks up the tall grey wall.

A matching white cabinet stands below the screen to balance the weight. Glass doors protect items inside the storage unit. Personal photos and small bird statues sit on the surface. The neutral colors keep the entertainment center looking clean and bright.

14. Backlit Floating Shelves

Warm LED strips glow beneath the wooden shelves to create ambiance. This soft lighting highlights the clean lines of the floating unit. Small framed art and pottery sit on the side ledges to frame the television. The symmetrical layout looks balanced and calm.

A long console hangs below the screen to keep the floor open. Rich wood tones stand out against the beige wall paint. Minimalist decor ensures the focus stays on the sleek architecture.

15. Stone Fireplace Archway

A stone fireplace serves as the main focal point with a television mounted on the shiplap. Tall arched built-ins flank the hearth to provide symmetrical storage. A large vintage clock hangs high above the screen to fill the wall space. The white paint brightens the room and contrasts with the textured rock.

Rustic wooden candlesticks and small plants decorate the open shelves. A dark mantel creates a clear line between the firebox and the electronics. Grey armchairs sit facing the center to create a cozy gathering spot. The design blends modern media needs with classic farmhouse details.

16. Maximalist Curated Shelves

Source: @boazinyo

Floor to ceiling grey shelves surround the television with a bold collection of decor. Gold frames and statues add shine against the matte painted wood. Bright yellow ginger jars flank the screen to create symmetry. This busy display reflects a unique personality.

Art prints lean on the ledges behind the screen to add depth. Personal items like hats and books fill the upper cubbies. A blue floral armchair sits nearby to match the colorful ceramics. The dark grey unit grounds the vibrant room.