Modern TV units are the heart of an active living room, and are often the main focal point. The TV console is more than just a stand for the screen. When styled thoughtfully, modern TV units can transform the entertainment area into a fun, engaging and cohesive space that encourages relaxed socialising and radiates comfort. British designer Kelly Hooper makes the point, “Good design is about making spaces functional, beautiful, and uniquely reflective of the people who live in them.” This philosophy perfectly applies to styling a TV console to combine practicality with personal touches that set the theme for how you like to entertain.
There are several options for how to style a TV console, ranging from vibrant and varied designs to elegant, minimalist arrangements. It's not only about packing the room; it's also about creating a style that complements the character of the house and keeps the space neat and appealing.
This guide will walk you through some styling tips from our team of expert interior designers, and is sure to inspire the type of inventive thinking that FCI has become known for over the past several decades.
Combining form and function is the most essential aspect of styling your TV console like a pro. Interior designers emphasise incorporating practicality with decor elements that reflect the owner’s personal style. Below are some expert designers’ tips to transform the area into a designer piece:
Lights are a game changer when it comes to establishing a welcoming environment around the TV console. Options like LED strips, table lamps or sconces can be used to add warmth and diffuse light. These enhancements improve the comfort of the viewing experience by adding depth and lowering screen glare. For a soft glow to highlight the setup without overpowering the room, lights behind the TV or on each side of the console are ideal.
Combining form and function is the most essential aspect of styling your TV console like a pro. Interior designers emphasise incorporating practicality with decor elements that reflect the owner’s personal style. Below are some expert designers’ tips to transform the area into a designer piece:
Varying the height of decorative objects on the TV console adds visual variety and maintains a sense of vibrancy. Towering vases with candles or shorter ornamental bowls can be paired together. This kind of layering not only attracts the eye but also keeps the space from seeming crowded or flat. Metallic finishes or geometric forms are also a good addition to connect the decor pieces for a more contemporary look.
Adding natural materials or small houseplants to the console can bring a little touch of nature to an already relaxing space. A dried flower arrangement, terrarium or potted plant will offer natural warmth and soften rigid lines. A natural atmosphere may be further emphasized with wooden trays, rattan baskets or stone coasters which keep the space seem welcoming and fresh.
To ensure the console area stays organised, decorative trays may be a chic way to group a number of items in an organised way. To improve the area’s overall appearance while maintaining its functionality use trays made of luxurious materials like marble, solid wood or mirrored glass.
A monochromatic aesthetic is a great choice for a very simple, elegant appearance. Layer objects like vases, candles and small sculptures in different textures, and stick to a single color scheme, such as all white, black or neutral hues.
A classic approach to add personality and refinement to the console area is with the addition of books.
Photo or coffee table books that show personal hobbies or interests are an excellent way to start .
They can either be displayed in tidy piles or used as pedestals to raise smaller decor pieces.
Bonus points for choosing books with covers that complement or contrast with the console’s finish.
Modern TV units often incorporate tech and appliances. You don’t need to build everything in though, you can still keep things neat by integrating smart home devices like speakers or hubs into the design aesthetic of your console.. Placing these gadgets in a grouping with decor items or within compartments and implementing cable management features will help boost functionality without sacrificing style.
For depth and dimension, add a range of textures to the console’s configuration. Combine soft textiles like a woven table runner or velvet accents with metal, glass and ceramic components. This combination of textures produces a pleasing, well-balanced look that is far from seeming one-dimensional.
Decor can symmetrically be arranged on either side of the TV to create an organised look. For example, placing the TV in the center of the display and framing the area of the console with candlesticks or vases that match the aura of the TV displays symmetry. This area appears readily put together thanks to symmetry, which also gives it a feeling of refinement and order.
A mirror above or utilised as a backdrop for your console can make the room feel larger. A mirror with a decorative frame or unique shape can serve as a bold centerpiece for the room, and works well with minimalist decor.
Stylish baskets and bins can be used to keep clutter out of sight, and can provide a practical solution to keep the essentials organised. Baskets made of leather or wooden rattan can be integrated without looking like after-thoughts.
An asymmetrical layout lends itself to a more contemporary and creatively free look. Taller pieces and shorter pieces can be grouped and off-set on either side of the console for an edgy modern layout.
Small decorative pieces like bright flowers, books, or artwork may provide vibrant flashes of colour to a room to stamp your personality and energy into the space. Bold colors offer a striking contrast that lifts up the overall appeal of a TV unit with a neutral or monochromatic colour scheme. While keeping the design in harmony, well-placed vibrant accents may produce dynamic and captivating focal points. A collection of brightly colored books or colourful ceramic vases are two good examples of pieces in striking colors that offer visual interest without overriding a neat, coordinated appearance.
A layered backdrop that improves the overall appearance can be used to provide depth to a TV console arrangement. Floating frames, wall-mounted shelving, or an accent wall with wallpaper may all help achieve this. Together, these components give depth and give the space a dynamic, unified appearance. A polished and well-balanced entertainment area is produced by including these aspects, which make the TV blend in with the décor rather than stand out as a singular object.
Whether you’re considering buying a TV console or are looking for ways to spruce up your home, FCI’s design team are always available for private consultation, where your individual needs will be accounted for, and the end result will more thoroughly reflect your design vision and personal style ethos.
FCI London has more than 40 years in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted name creator of luxury interiors in London, both large and small.
Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress free and convenient..
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft.showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary TV units, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
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