So, How do I make my Flat Screen TV fit into my decor?

Welcome to the biggest decorating debacle in recent years! Today I am attempting to answer the question on the minds of all style conscious consumers –  “How do I make my Flat Screen TV fit into my decor?”

For years we all bought TV Armoires that either closed (to hide the TV) or had a wall unit attached that took up an entire wall. Both solutions worked, in living spaces everywhere, to keep the TV from being the focal point of the room. Ahhh, those were the days!  Now the TV is no longer anything close to a  size that will fit into our Armoires and wall units … and forget hiding the TV! Today the sheer imposing size of the Flat Screen TV screams, “LOOK AT ME“!  It is amazing, that in the past few years, the TV industry has had more influence on living room décor across the country than any Interior Designer or Architect ever could.  The rectangular shape of the Flat Screen TV has replaced the square, and the sheer size can be overwhelming. It seems every year the flat screen grows bigger and eventually may rival theatre screens at the local cinema! So how do we manage this monster from a decorating standpoint?

Your First option is to hang the TV on the wall. Caution here- you need a plan for hiding the wires in the wall! This is often a construction  (or destruction) nightmare depending on what your wall is made of and what is behind it! Research this carefully and have a plan before you hang anything! Be ready for your installer to tell you that the wires cannot be placed in the wall. Remember anything is possible with enough time and money… but pick your battles carefully! In lieu of spending a bundle of cash on wall repair and a possible divorce, you may find yourself in search of a well placed plant to hide the wires.  You are not alone!

Another option is to place the flat screen, with a stand, on a piece of furniture. No wire issues here, but you will still need a console or furniture piece. Really in just about every case, TV hung on the wall or sitting on a piece of furniture, the console is necessary for symmetry. Very rarely does a Flat Screen TV hanging on the wall stand alone without something placed below it. So now you are furniture shopping!

First let me say, there are a plethora of console and entertainment centers specifically made for Flat Screen TV’s on the market today. They are available in about every style, shape, size and price range imaginable. If you are looking for a stock piece you can find them in almost every furniture store and even some big box stores. Below are a couple that we have today at Interiors By Consign. Who knows what we will have tomorrow?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, as a decorator myself, I like to see people think outside the box. In my opinion, a Flat Screen TV almost always looks better hung on the wall. The minute you hang it on the wall (at the correct height – not at the ceiling!) your room arrangement looks more intentional and planned.

What you place under your TV is up to you. This is where you need to think outside the box!  There are lots of options that can really add some punch and style to your room. A stylish furniture piece, if well chosen, can take a little of the focal point away from your monster TV.

For balance, consider any console size furniture pieces that are a little longer (wider) than your TV. It is important to achieve a visual balance between the size and weight of the furniture piece and the size and scale of the TV. Know the size of your TV before you even think about looking at furniture!

Now that you are ready to shop, look at everything! This is a chance to repurpose pieces meant for other rooms. Buffets, chests, servers,and sofa tables all make great statements when used in an unexpected place. The right piece will add unexpected flare where it counts!

Happy shopping! Stop by and see us at Interiors By Consign! We get new pieces all the time and you never know what treasure you might find!