The debate over open-concept vs. closed floor plans and open shelving vs. kitchen cabinets is just one of many controversial topics in the interior design world. However, one home feature that consistently sparks heated discussions is the television. A large, black rectangle simply doesn’t blend seamlessly with a bohemian or wabi-sabi living room aesthetic. And if you’re not a frequent TV watcher, it can become an unsightly eyesore. If you prefer a TV-free space, we’ve got you covered. Read on for 8 ingenious ways to hide your TV from designers while still enjoying all your favorite streaming services at your fingertips.
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Store It in a Credenza
Design maestro John Wooden transformed a cramped cottage into a spacious haven by cleverly concealing items, including the television within a stunning credenza. One of the easiest ways to disguise a TV is to integrate it into existing furniture that complements the room’s aesthetic. This wooden credenza, a perfect match for the cottage’s ambiance, provides a discreet spot to conceal the television.
Disguise It as Abstract Art
Kristin Fine’s ingenious design concealed the television behind a modern paneling above the fireplace, mimicking abstract artwork. The neutral tones of the paneling seamlessly blend with the room’s aesthetic, preserving a sophisticated and mature atmosphere while also accommodating family-friendly needs.
Put It in a Painting
A bi-fold panel painting by Stuart Coleman Budd disguises a television, yet its purpose is to remain transparent. As architect Ken Pursley of Pursley Dixon Architecture explains, “The bronze hinges openly reveal its movable nature, showcasing the piece as genuine kinetic art.”
Install a Hidden Pop-Up Function
Mark Cunningham’s elegant living room serves as both a formal gathering space and a casual retreat. To balance these functions, Cunningham incorporated a concealed television into the back wall shelf. This innovative feature extends from the wall when the occupants desire a relaxing movie night.
Customize Paneled Cabinets
Studio McGee’s bedroom lounge zone features a custom-paneled fireplace that subtly conceals the television. The paneling, flush with the fireplace facade and mirrored for added disguise, ensures that the television does not detract from the room’s chic aesthetic.
Use a Texture-Rich Panel
A sliding panel offers a sleek, minimalist solution to conceal a television. “We sought a more flexible approach and decided on a sliding panel,” explains New York design firm Pappas Miron. “When the family is together, the Venetian plastered and steel-trimmed panel can remain closed in front of the adjacent bookshelf. However, when it’s time to entertain guests at a cocktail party, the clients can effortlessly slide the panel to reveal the bookshelf and bar area.”
Put It Behind Barn Doors
If you’re a farmhouse enthusiast, barn cabinet doors are a must-have addition. “The house had this wonderful alcove with barn doors that we knew would be the ideal spot to conceal the television. It’s so refreshing to have the option of not looking at it, and this was a unique and stylish alternative to a traditional TV stand,” explains Amber Lewis, founder of Amber Interiors Design Studio.
Go for an Antique Look
Designer CeCe Barfield Thompson elevated the glamour quotient by concealing a television behind a retractable antique mirror. “In an oak-paneled Manhattan library, I designed an antique mirror to disguise the wall-mounted television,” Thompson explains. “The mirror’s lower panels retract like a garage door, unveiling an entertainment system behind. This ingenious mechanism allowed us to create a space that was both highly functional and incredibly beautiful.”
READ MORE: 19 Console Table Decorating Ideas That Tie The Whole Room Together
We hope you liked our picks for 8 Clever Ways to Hide Your TV and Rid Your Space of the “Black Hole” Effect. Feel free to pin all the images to your favorite Pinterest board or to print it and use in your mood board. Don’t forget to explore our Pinterest boards for more Living Room Ideas. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive the best tips in your email box.
