When it comes to home entertainment, the positioning of your television plays a crucial role in not only the viewing experience but also in the overall aesthetics of your living space. While many focus on selecting the perfect TV stand or mounting their television on the wall, the question remains: what should you actually put under your TV? This article explores various options for enhancing your TV setup, making it functional, stylish, and aligned with your personal taste.
Understanding the Purpose of What Goes Under Your TV
Before diving into specific suggestions, it’s essential to comprehend the purpose of placing items under your TV. The ideal solution should address several key functions:
- Storage Space: To keep your living area tidy by organizing remote controls, DVDs, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices.
- Aesthetic Appeal: To complement your room’s decor style and create a cohesive look.
- Functional Layout: To ensure that everything is easily accessible and doesn’t overcrowd the space.
Let’s explore varied options that can serve one or more of these purposes!
Furniture Options to Place Under Your TV
The furniture you select for placement under your TV can significantly affect the function and style of your entertainment area. Here are some popular furniture choices:
TV Stands
A classic option for placing under your television is a TV stand. This piece of furniture not only serves as a support for the TV but also offers storage solutions.
Benefits of TV Stands
- Storage Options: Many TV stands come equipped with shelves, drawers, or cabinets, making it easy to store DVDs, video games, and other accessories.
- Cable Management: Often, they provide built-in cable management systems to keep unsightly wires organized.
- Variety of Styles: You can find TV stands in various materials and designs to match your home decor, whether it be modern, traditional, or rustic.
Choosing the Right TV Stand
When selecting a TV stand, consider the size of your TV, the room’s overall decor, and the necessary storage capacity. Look for sturdy construction and ensure it has a weight capacity that can support your television.
Media Consoles
Another excellent alternative is a media console. Media consoles tend to be wider and can accommodate not only your TV but also other media devices.
Why Go for a Media Console?
- Versatile Storage: Provides ample storage space for media devices, books, and decorative items.
- Design Variety: Available in various finishes, such as wood, glass, or metal, allowing for more customization options.
- Multi-functional Use: Can serve as a place to display artwork or family photos, making it a visually appealing centerpiece in the room.
Floating Shelves
For a more contemporary look, consider floating shelves. This minimalist approach keeps your floor clear, creating an illusion of more space while maintaining functionality.
Key Benefits of Floating Shelves
- Space-saving: Ideal for small rooms with limited floor space.
- Customizable Design: You can arrange them at different heights to create a unique look.
- Display Potential: Use them to showcase decorative items, books, or plants, adding an aesthetic appeal.
Bookshelves
If you have a large collection of DVDs, books, or games, choosing a bookshelf to place under your TV might be the perfect solution.
Why Bookshelves are Great for TV Areas
- Storing Media: Ample storage for DVDs, Blu-rays, and games.
- Decoration Space: Opportunity to style the bookshelf with personal items like photos, art, or plants.
- Durability and Functionality: Bookshelves are typically designed to hold a significant amount of weight.
Decorative Ideas for the Space Under Your TV
In addition to practical furniture, you can enhance the space with decorative elements to create a visually appealing setup.
Accent Furniture
Placing a side table or accent cabinet under your TV can help add character to the room.
Incorporating Accent Pieces
- Side Tables: These can serve as a spot for media controls, drinks, or decorative items.
- Accent Cabinets: Use these for additional storage while also showcasing decorative elements like vases or picture frames.
Artistic Elements
Consider using art pieces that frame your TV area. This could be a large painting or a gallery wall.
Creating an Artistic Vibe
- Large Artwork: A large canvas piece can draw the eye and enhance the visual aesthetics of your space.
- Wall Décor: A grid of smaller frames or mirrors can create an engaging focal point above and around the TV area.
Plants for a Fresh Look
Including plant life can breathe freshness into your living room while purifying the air.
Choosing the Right Plants
- Indoor Plants: Opt for low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants that thrive in various light conditions.
- Plant Stands: If space allows, consider a stylish plant stand next to the TV for added height and interest.
Functional Accessories to Consider
Beyond furniture and decorative items, incorporating functional accessories can improve your TV setup’s usability and tidiness.
Cable Management Solutions
With the multitude of gadgets and devices requiring cables, it is essential to consider cable management.
Types of Cable Management Options
- Cable Covers: Use adhesive cable covers to keep wires neatly arranged along the wall.
- Cable Boxes: Install a cable management box that conceals power strips and excess cables underneath your TV setup.
Multimedia Storage Bins
Utilizing storage bins is an effective way to keep your living room tidy.
Choosing Storage Solutions
- Labeled Bins: Consider transparent bins or those with labels for easy identification of items.
- Material Variety: Choose from wicker, plastic, or fabric bins to suit your aesthetic.
Setting Up the Ideal Viewing Experience
The configuration of your TV and what you put underneath can significantly impact the viewing experience. Here are some essential setup tips to maximize comfort and usability:
Optimal Height** for Your TV
Position your TV screen at eye level when seated to ensure the best viewing angle.
- Measure the ideal height based on your seating arrangement.
- Utilize an adjustable TV stand or wall mount if necessary.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
It’s important to ensure that all electronic devices under the TV have adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Do not overcrowd the area beneath the TV with devices.
- Consider open shelving or units with ventilation features.
Remote Control Accessibility
Make sure to place frequently used items like remote controls in accessible spots. Consider using decorative trays or baskets to keep them organized and in one place.
Conclusion
When deciding what to put under your TV, it is essential to strike a balance between functional storage solutions and aesthetic appeal. Whether you choose a stylish TV stand, a versatile media console, or elegant decorative elements like plants, remember that the ultimate goal is to create a visually pleasing yet practical setup. Take your time to explore the options and select pieces that best reflect your style and meet your needs. With these ideas, you can enhance your TV area and transform it into a beautiful and functional entertainment hub!
What are some popular furniture options to place under my TV?
When considering furniture for under your TV, popular options include media cabinets, TV stands, and entertainment centers. Media cabinets offer practical storage for electronics and accessories while maintaining an organized appearance. TV stands come in various styles and sizes and often include shelves or drawers for added storage.
Entertainment centers provide a larger option with space for books, decor, and gaming consoles, catering to those who want a more extensive setup. Selecting the right piece hinges on your room’s design, the size of your TV, and your specific storage needs, allowing you to personalize your space effectively.
Can I use shelving units under my TV?
Yes, shelving units can be an excellent choice for under your TV. They provide an open and modern aesthetic while maximizing storage and display space. You can organize your media devices, books, and decorative items effectively, making the area around your TV both functional and visually appealing.
When choosing shelving units, consider height and width to ensure they complement your TV’s size. Modular shelving allows for customization and flexibility, so you can adapt the setup to suit your needs as they evolve over time.
What decorative items should I consider placing under my TV?
Incorporating decorative items under your TV can enhance your room’s ambiance. Options like framed photos, artwork, or decorative vases can add personality and style to your entertainment area. Use items in varying heights and textures to create visual interest without overcrowding the space.
Additionally, incorporating plants, whether real or faux, can infuse life into the area and improve air quality. Consider the overall theme of your room when selecting these decorative items to ensure a cohesive and harmonious look that complements your TV setup.
Is it advisable to place my media player and consoles under my TV?
Placing your media player and gaming consoles under your TV is a common practice, as it keeps your entertainment area organized. Most TV stands or media cabinets are designed with shelves specifically for these devices, allowing for convenient access and easy cable management.
However, ensure that there is adequate ventilation around your devices to prevent overheating. Keep an eye on cable management solutions, such as cable ties or clips, to maintain a tidy appearance and minimize clutter around your electronics.
How can I hide cables and wires under my TV?
Hiding cables and wires is essential for a clean and polished look under your TV. Many furniture options come with built-in cable management systems that allow you to route cables through hidden channels or compartments. This makes it easy to conceal wires while maintaining accessibility.
If your furniture doesn’t have built-in solutions, consider using cable covers or raceways to organize and disguise the cords. Adhesive clips can also keep cables neatly aligned along walls, transforming a tangled mess into a clean, unobtrusive setup.
Should I consider a mounted TV or a stand for my television?
Whether to mount your TV or use a stand depends on your space and aesthetic preferences. Mounting a TV can save floor space and give your room a sleek, modern finish. This option can also provide a better viewing height and angle. However, it may require wall reinforcement and professional installation, depending on your TV’s size and weight.
On the other hand, using a stand allows for more flexibility, enabling you to easily rearrange your furniture. TV stands often provide additional storage space for media devices and decorative elements. Ultimately, your choice should align with your lifestyle needs and the available configuration within your room.
What are some DIY options for creating a TV stand or media console?
DIY options for creating a TV stand or media console are diverse and can fit various styles and budgets. For a rustic look, consider repurposing old furniture, such as a dresser or bookshelf, by refinishing it to suit your aesthetic. You can create a unique piece that stands out as a focal point in the room.
Another option is to build your own simple console using wood or other materials. Tutorials can guide you in constructing a customized piece that fits your specific needs and design preferences. This approach not only saves money but also allows for creative expression throughout the building process.