How to Decorate Around a Wall-Mounted TV

Create a balanced look by adding floating shelves, artwork, or a gallery wall around your TV, while keeping cables hidden and maintaining proper viewing height.

  1. Sketch Your Vision First. Start by measuring your TV and the wall space around it. Mark the center point of your TV on paper and sketch different arrangement ideas. Consider the TV as the focal point and plan symmetrical or asymmetrical designs around it. Leave at least 6-8 inches of space between the TV and any decorative elements to avoid a cluttered look.
  2. Banish Visible Wires. Install a cable management system before adding decorations. Use a cord cover kit that runs from behind the TV down to your media console, or run cables through the wall if you're comfortable with basic electrical work. Clean cable management makes any decorative arrangement look more polished and intentional.
  3. Build Asymmetrical Shelving. Install floating shelves on either side of the TV at different heights to create visual interest. Place them 12-18 inches away from the TV edges. Use these shelves for books, small plants, picture frames, or decorative objects. Keep items low-profile so they don't compete with the screen or block ventilation.
  4. Frame Your Focal Point. Arrange artwork, family photos, or decorative mirrors around the TV in a gallery wall style. Start by cutting paper templates the same size as your frames and tape them to the wall to test arrangements. Mix different frame sizes and shapes, but keep a consistent color scheme or theme. Maintain 2-3 inches between frames and the TV.
  5. Illuminate Strategic Layers. Install LED strip lighting behind the TV for ambient backlighting, or add wall sconces on either side for functional and decorative lighting. Battery-powered picture lights can highlight artwork around the TV. Proper lighting reduces eye strain and makes the entire wall arrangement feel more cohesive.
  6. Soften with Living Plants. Add tall floor plants in corners near the TV wall or place small potted plants on floating shelves. Trailing plants like pothos work well on higher shelves. Natural elements soften the hard lines of electronics and add life to the space. Choose low-light plants if your TV area doesn't get much natural light.
  7. Ground Your Setup Below. If you have a media console below the TV, style it with a mix of functional and decorative items. Use a tray to corral remotes, add a small lamp for ambient lighting, and include 1-2 decorative objects or books. Keep the styling simple since this area needs to remain functional for daily use.