A curated list of decorating ideas to conceal, blend, and style your television so it complements any room.
Less really can be more—especially when it comes to styling a living room around a TV. A clean, intentional approach helps the space feel calm and collected while still letting the television be part of the design.
Ever since Robert and I brought in our new sofa, refreshed the gallery wall with a minimalist look, and repurposed our DIY ottoman into a new back-door bench, our mantel and TV were ready for a simpler, more cohesive update.
This was the look last summer…
And now…
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It feels so good to clear away excess decor and let the living room breathe. Part of that shift came from practical babyproofing—an old fireplace screen that kept collapsing was replaced with a non-collapsible option. We also swapped industrial farmhouse sconces for a more traditional style and even refreshed brass finishes to harmonize with other lighting in the house.
All those small changes got me thinking: a simple approach around a TV is often the best approach, but there are countless creative ways to integrate a television into a room. Below are 12 practical, stylish ideas to hide, disguise, or highlight a TV so it works with your decor.
12 Ideas to Decorate Around a TV
1. Add Sconces on a Mantel
Keep the mantel minimal and balance the TV with just a pair of wall sconces on either side. Sconces add soft ambient light when the TV is off and create symmetry that helps the screen feel intentional.
2. Paint the Wall Dark Behind the TV
Painting the wall behind your television a deep, dark color helps the screen blend in, reducing contrast and making the TV less visually prominent when it’s turned off.
Source: Kate Marker Interiors
3. Hide a TV With a Curtain
Install a curtain rod across the wall and use simple panels or even bleached drop cloths to slide over the TV when you want it out of sight. This is an affordable, flexible solution for living rooms and multipurpose spaces.
Source: Style by Emily Henderson
4. Blend It With a Gallery Wall
Incorporate the TV into a gallery wall. Go eclectic with mixed frames and artwork, or create a precise grid to make the TV feel like a deliberate visual element among the art.
Sources: Design Sponge, Driven By Decor
5. Hide It Behind Mirrors
Mount vertical mirrors on hinged tracks or connect them accordion-style so they can swing open to reveal the TV. When closed, the mirrors reflect light and decor, masking the screen elegantly.
Source: Castro Design Studio
6. Flank It With Cabinets
Balance the TV with built-in or freestanding cabinets on either side. Cabinets add storage for electronics and media while grounding the TV visually within a larger furniture composition.
Source: Amber Interiors
7. Hide Your TV Behind a Painting
Create a custom art panel or folding screen that conceals the television. Mount printed artwork to lightweight panels connected with accordion hinges so the piece can open and close as needed.
Source: House Beautiful
8. Incorporate It Into Built-Ins
Install built-in shelving or media cabinets and tuck the TV into a dedicated niche. Built-ins provide organized storage and make the television feel effortless and integrated.
Source: Amber Interiors
9. Add Floating Shelves Above It
Install a couple of floating shelves above the television and style them with curated accents. Shelves frame the TV and create a built-in look without costly construction.
Source: Natasha Habermann
10. Place It in a Piece of Furniture
Enclose the TV inside a cabinet, antique secretary, or armoire. When closed, the furniture hides the screen; when open, it reveals a dedicated media space—perfect for eclectic or traditional rooms.
Source: Domaine Home
11. Add Visual Height Beside a TV to Distract From It
Place a tall plant, floor lamp, or sculptural object beside the TV. Vertical elements draw the eye up and away from the screen, softening its dominance in the room.
Source: Z Design At Home
12. Put Up Pretty Wallpaper Behind It
A patterned wallpaper or accent wall can turn the TV into a styled focal point. The right pattern adds personality and makes the screen feel like part of the room’s overall design.
Source: Home Stories A to Z
Which idea is your favorite? I’m tempted to build a custom TV cover or save for a sleek “art-frame” TV to further blur the line between screen and decor. If you’ve found a TV styling solution that works in your home, share the details—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.
You can find more living room decorating ideas on the blog under the Living Room category.
