TV stand ideas – 19 designs to elevate your TV with style and functionality

I think we can all agree that the TV is not the prettiest piece of interior décor, and finding the perfect TV stand to fit in with your scheme is no easy feat, however, we are on hand with a collection of inspiring TV stand ideas to help you transform the media set-up in your home.

For most of us, a TV is an essential tool for helping us relax and unwind, keeping the kids entertained, and facilitating movie nights. The problem is, when switched off, a TV is essentially a large black rectangle, which can often disrupt the flow of a design scheme. 

Here, we will show you how you can create a stand-out entertainment center in your space through a selection of creative display solutions; from stand-out sliding screens to innovative wall storage, paint ideas, and more.

Explore our round-up of the best TV stand ideas

Whether you need help with your living room TV ideas, or are looking into ways you can stylishly hide your TV, our TV stand ideas will no doubt provide you with some beautiful inspiration.

1. Unite the old with the new

We love this modern living room designed by Brad Ramsey. The designer has not only established a cozy media zone in the large, open-plan space through the use of a rug and the placement of the furniture but has established a unique union of the old and the new through the use of both modern and traditional furniture pieces and accessories.

The TV has been mounted on a dark wooden console, creating a unique juxtaposition with the modern silhouette of the TV. Styled with books and decorative ornaments, both the TV and console table feel united with the color palette and eclectic style of the rest of the room.

2. Disguise your TV as a beautiful work of art

Instead of trying to hide away your TV, why not celebrate it instead, and choose to make it one of the main focal points in a room? Studio McGee explains below how they style a TV in a design scheme.

'We love designing with TVs that have an art setting, allowing them to blend into the rest of the room effortlessly. In some of our most recent projects and even in The McGee Home, we chose The Samsung Frame TV, we love how you can rotate the art and change it with the seasons. Plus, it looks good when you’re not watching it!'

Allowing you to enjoy your favorite movies, shows, artworks, and photo memories all in one place, an art TV can make for a great addition to a gallery wall, or, as shown above, mounted like a painting on a wall above a fireplace.

3. Incorporate a sliding screen

A sliding screen can not only create a playful element of surprise, but it can also hide away your TV and unsightly electronics and accessories when not in use – a great option for bedroom TV ideas.

A screen can also provide a canvas for a unique, decorative design – disguising your TV as artwork but in a slightly different way.

In this joyous pink movie room, designed by Laura Butler Madden, the sliding screen has been decorated with a stunning Gucci Heron wallpaper, working just like an eye-catching piece of art in the space.

4. Hide unsightly wire with a bespoke design

One of the main challenges in a family room is how to deal with the tech. This is where built-in cabinet ideas for family rooms come into focus. A bespoke option hides all the wires and gives you super storage below, and shelves for keepsakes on each side of the living room TV.

‘In this sitting room, we wanted to maximize the storage without overwhelming the space. By removing the sides of the TV unit we managed to keep it light but retained the shelves and lower cabinets to maximize the storage,’ says Sara Cosgrove, co-founder of Sara Cosgrove Studio. 

5. Invest in a modular design

A free-standing unit doubles as a room divider idea, creating a discreet office in this apartment's living room – its open design allows light to flow freely through the space. The beauty of this type of living room storage idea is that it offers a tailor-made solution without the price tag of a bespoke design. Not only can it be put together to fit any size of the room, but a statement piece can also act as a work of art.

‘The modular concept means that the furniture can be adjusted to suit all circumstances and combined in a variety of ways,’ says Ian Weddell, chief executive officer of USM Modular Furniture. Make sure your room dividers are positioned in an area where they are not likely to get knocked, particularly with children around, and look for ones that can be connected to the ceiling to provide more support.

6. Provide a central storage area

To keep things simple, why not integrate your TV into one central storage and display area, great for small living room storage ideas. 

In this inviting and cozy living room, the wooden shelving and cabinet design act as the main storage and media unit in the space. Even though the design is a large piece, by having one central storage and display area in the room, you can create a lot more space for seating, other furniture pieces, lighting, and accessory designs.

7. Design your TV stand around you scheme

Technology is an important factor in most family living room ideas, from Wi-Fi access to background music, and the trend is towards totally concealed solutions. Although many modern systems claim to be wireless, there’s no getting away from charging docks, routers, and aerials, all of which require cables.

To keep these hidden, incorporate dedicated spaces for all the media you use within your space, specifying small insets in the backs of shelves and cupboards to allow cables to run behind fittings.

If you are fitting a wall of storage that incorporates space for your living room TV, allow sufficient room should you decide to invest in a larger model. Try not to create too big a gap, as your television will look awkwardly small.

8. Go entirely bespoke

Historical archives inspired Melissa Bolivar of the design firm House of Sui Sui when creating this cosseting space. 

'The room was designed to be an immersive experience with the walls, cabinetry, sofa, and rug all in tones of teal and aquamarine; the result is incredibly impactful,' says Melissa. 'Here, a clever combination of hidden and open storage works beautifully around a TV, which has been built into the space.'

9. Blend it into the background

Don't let a TV stand spoil your living room aesthetic. Here, the TV blends beautifully into the bespoke wood wall paneling of this white and brown living room without interrupting the earthy aesthetic.

‘We will often do built-in cabinetry and TV stands to frame the TV, or an enclosed sideboard with shelf options,’ says interior designer Claudia Afshar. ‘This allows you to keep playthings nearby, without compromising aesthetic.’ 

10. Opt for a freestanding unit

Modern life requires that the family room of the home fulfills a multitude of functions – from offering somewhere to relax and dine to working as an office space, so well-planned TV stand ideas are the key to a practical scheme. 

If space is at a premium, opt for a striking free-standing TV stand to help ensure this room meets your every need. If there’s one thing that’s going to create the illusion of more space in a small living room, it’s investing in the right, slimline furniture – it can actually make a room feel wider in seconds. 

Not only is a freestanding TV stand more affordable than a bespoke fitted one, but it's also an easy and cost-effective way to update an existing one. 

11. Put it on full display

While the TV stand is the main focus in this room, it doesn't distract from the rest of the space. In fact, the TV looks like a piece of art.

'In this relaxed family room, the slimline TV has been beautifully framed by a collection of objects,' says Jessica Bennett of Alice Lane Interior Design. 'We wanted to create a large TV stand which also plenty of storage that plays host to favorite decorative room pieces.'

12. Build a storage wall

If you don't want to completely hide away your TV but also don't want it to be the central focus in a room, positioning it in an area surrounded by decorative objects and display pieces will take the attention away from the item.

In this bright and colorful living room, the wall-to-ceiling storage and display unit is a stand-out feature in the space. Painted in bright colors and filled with an eclectic mix of objects and design pieces, the smaller TV is simply part of this beautiful collection of items, rather than being the central focus.

13. Paint your TV stand the same color as the wall

A carefully considered color-clashing combination can create a TV stand that truly sings with joy. This is a space for both socializing and retreat, so you want shades that both enliven and comfort you. ‘Pink and green is one of my favorite color combinations in rooms – they play really well off each other and it’s a great way to cheer up a room,’ says Lucy Barlow, founder, Barlow & Barlow. 

A TV stand surrounded by storage is a practical solution and can be softened with the addition of books and favorite pieces. Paint your living room shelving in a statement color to stand out rather than hide it away.

Remember, the best TV and TV stand options for your home, are the ones that suit your individual needs, so don't be swayed by anyone else.

Shop our picks of the best TV stands below

What can I use instead of a TV stand?

There are many options to use if you don't want to invest in a traditional TV stand. While a glass media stand is a cost-effective and easy option, it certainly won't enhance the style of a space. 

There are a plethora of beautiful options that are worth investing in instead. We love the idea of using an antique chest of drawers as a TV stand for your bedroom TV ideas, or if your space is on the smaller side, a slimline console table will work wonders. A bookcase, shelf, or sturdy bench are all other space-savvy options. 

Is it better to put the TV on the wall or a TV stand? 

This completely depends on your chosen room layout, the overall design scheme for your space, and how you feel most comfortable watching TV.

A wall-mounted TV is great for a small living room or bedroom, as you will save on space in the room by not having a TV stand. However, as we have explored, there are so many beautiful consoles and media units to choose from that can work as stylish design features in a space, as well as serve as practical stands and display units. From bespoke shelving to slim sideboards, there are a variety of different shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from. 

Before investing in a TV stand, ensure to carefully plan your living room layout ideas, as this will give you a better idea of what you have space for, both on the walls and on the floor.