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Your living room is likely the heart of your home — where you relax, binge your favourite shows, host friends, and unwind after a long day. But when it comes to styling the TV area, many people end up settling for “functional” instead of “intentional.” The result? A space that works, but doesn’t quite wow.
The good news is, you don’t need a professional stylist to create a living room that looks pulled-together and elevated. With the right furniture and a few strategic design tips, your TV area can become a centrepiece — not just a screen on a wall. In fact, curated pieces like TV units from Lifely offer a practical way to bring both form and function into your space without blowing the budget.
Here’s how to achieve that designer-finished look — no renovation required.
Start by Anchoring the Space
Every great living room has a focal point — and for most homes, that’s the TV. But instead of letting it float on a plain wall or sit awkwardly on a small stand, think of your TV setup as a design opportunity.
A proper TV unit doesn’t just support the screen — it visually anchors the space and sets the tone for the entire room. Choose a piece that’s wide enough to balance the wall and low enough to keep sightlines open. A timber finish adds warmth, while a minimalist unit keeps things sleek and modern.
Bonus tip: If your TV is wall-mounted, don’t skip the unit underneath — it helps ground the screen and provides much-needed storage.
Keep the Styling Simple, But Intentional
It’s tempting to fill every shelf with books, candles, or knick-knacks — but less is often more. A few well-placed objects go further than a cluttered display. Think symmetry, balance, and negative space.
Here’s a simple formula that always works:
- One large item (like a vase or sculpture)
- One medium-sized stack (books, a tray, or folded textiles)
- One small item (a candle or decorative bowl)
Stick to a cohesive colour palette or material theme — such as natural tones, metallic accents, or muted colours — to tie everything together.
Hide the Eyesores (Without Losing Access)
Cords, remotes, gaming consoles, streaming devices — they’re a necessary part of modern entertainment, but they don’t need to be on display. Look for TV units with concealed compartments, cable management holes, or sliding doors that let you hide what you don’t want to see, while still keeping everything accessible.
Try this: Use a small storage box or decorative basket inside a drawer or shelf to group items like remotes, chargers, and spare batteries.
Add Softness Around the Screen
TVs are flat, dark, and angular — which can make the area feel cold or stark. You can balance that by adding softer elements around it. Try leaning framed prints or art against the wall (instead of hanging them), placing a potted plant off to one side, or layering a throw blanket across the edge of your unit.
These small touches soften the look and make the space feel more relaxed and lived-in — just like a stylist would.
Think Beyond the Front View
Designers know that rooms should look great from every angle — not just head-on. Step back and look at how your TV area works from different parts of the room. Is there too much going on visually? Does something feel off-centre? Sometimes a simple shift in placement or reducing the number of objects is all it takes to improve flow and balance.
Pro tip: Try filming a short video of your space as you walk through it. It helps highlight awkward spots that photos or static views can miss.
Final Touches That Pull It All Together
Even the best layout and furniture can fall flat without a few finishing touches. A rug beneath your seating area, soft lighting (like a floor lamp or a warm-glow bulb), and some texture (think woven baskets or fabric poufs) will all work together to create a layered, professional look.
Styling your TV area like a designer isn’t about copying what you see in a magazine — it’s about choosing the right foundation pieces, minimising visual clutter, and adding your personal touch. When done right, your living room won’t just look better — it’ll feel better too. With just a few smart styling decisions, your TV zone can go from ordinary to effortlessly impressive.