There’s a spot in our living room that used to drive me up the wall: the blank space under the TV. We tried the usual—stacking DVDs, random baskets, a plant or two—but nothing made it feel like, well, *us*. The TV felt like it was floating awkwardly in the room, never quite right with the rest of the space. Only later did I realize that the TV unit is one of those things you see every single day, and if it’s not styled thoughtfully, the whole living room feels unfinished. If you’ve stared at your TV setup and wished you could do something—anything—to make it a little less “big black box, random cords, and clutter,” these 13+ TV unit ideas for living room setups might just spark that inspiration you need.
1. Modern Floating Console
Styling Tip:
If you’re short on floor space or crave that light, airy look, a floating TV console is a game-changer. Mount it just below your TV and keep the lines clean—less is more. It’s a low-commitment way to modernize your living room and open up visual space.
Picture this:
A sleek, white wall-mounted floating TV unit sits perfectly centered beneath a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. The unit features push-to-open drawers with a matte finish, no visible hardware. On one end, a sculptural matte black vase holds a single bare branch. On the other, a small stack of art books is topped with a geometric ceramic bowl. The wall surrounding the TV is crisp white, and under the console, the hardwood flooring is unobstructed and polished.
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Why It Works:
Floating units give an instant sense of space and lightness. They’re perfect for small rooms or anyone wanting a clutter-free look.
Color Palette:
White, matte black, natural wood, soft grey
2. Rustic Wood & Baskets
Styling Tip:
If you want cozy and practical, a chunky wood TV stand paired with woven baskets gives you both. It’s ideal for stashing remotes, chargers, or kids’ stuff out of sight without sacrificing style.
Picture this:
Chunky reclaimed wood TV console with open shelving. In each shelf: square woven seagrass baskets, one slightly pulled out showing a folded grey cable-knit throw. The TV sits on top, framed by a tall ceramic jug lamp with a linen shade and a small trailing pothos in an earthy terracotta pot. The background wall is a warm cream.
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Budget-Friendly Tip:
Thrift the baskets and upcycle a basic wood console with wood stain.
3. Built-In Entertainment Wall
Styling Tip:
For those who love a statement, surrounding the TV with built-in shelves makes the unit blend in better—great for book-lovers or anyone wanting the TV to be part of the bigger picture.
Picture this:
White built-in shelves symmetrically frame a central TV area. The TV is center stage above a row of shaker-style closed cabinetry. Shelves are styled with a sparse mix of hardback books, a few neutral ceramic vases, and one leafy plant trailing down. Under-cabinet LED tape lights provide a soft glow.
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Why It Works:
Built-ins neutralize the TV’s visual weight, making the space feel curated instead of centered solely around screen time.
Color Palette:
Crisp white, soft beige, moss green, charcoal
4. Minimalist Monochrome
Styling Tip:
If visual quiet is your goal, choose a TV unit in the same color as your wall. Keep decor ultra simple and functional—think one ceramic accent, maybe a wireless speaker, and that’s it.
Picture this:
Matte grey wall, with matching matte grey low-profile TV console beneath a wall-mounted TV. On the console: a single white sphere-shaped vase and a minimalist black Bluetooth speaker. No clutter, no wires in sight. The rug is a flat-weave in light grey, barely visible at the edge.
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Styling Mistake to Avoid:
Be careful not to go too cold—add one plush element, like a rug or throw, to keep it welcoming.
5. Vintage Cabinet Charm
Styling Tip:
Track down a vintage credenza or midcentury sideboard—they’re sized perfectly for modern TVs and bring loads of personality. Contrast the old with just one or two modern accents.
Picture this:
Walnut midcentury credenza with tapered legs. The TV sits on top, flanked by a small globe-style brass lamp and a single framed abstract art print leaned against the wall. On one end, a low glass bowl holds a tangle of colorful beaded necklaces for a quirky touch.
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Personal Note:
We used my grandmother’s old sideboard for years—it always started conversations whenever friends visited.
6. Industrial Pipe Shelving
Styling Tip:
Go for open, utilitarian charm with a steel-pipe and wood shelf unit under or around your TV. Great for showing off vinyl, plants, or favorite books.
Picture this:
Dark-finished wood shelves and black steel pipes form a narrow, open shelving unit supporting the TV. On the shelves: a stack of vinyl records, a leafy monstera plant in a cement pot, and a vintage camera. Wall behind is exposed brick.
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Swap This With That:
Switch the monstera for a string-of-pearls for a lighter, airier plant look.
7. Scandinavian Clean Lines
Styling Tip:
Pale woods, tapered legs, and not too much clutter—Scandi style always looks fresh. Limit decor to essentials and add greenery for softness.
Picture this:
Blonde wood TV stand with slender legs and two wide drawers. TV is centered above, flanked by a matte white pot with a rubber tree and, at the other end, a stack of two pale linen boxes. On the wall—one small, round oak mirror off to the side balances the space.
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Color Palette:
Blonde wood, matte white, soft green, oatmeal linen
8. Small Space Wall Mount
Styling Tip:
When every square foot counts, wall mount both the TV and a single slim shelf underneath for one or two must-haves. Skip the console altogether for ultimate floor space.
Picture this:
TV floats above a slim, whitewashed wood shelf directly attached to the wall. On the shelf: a tiny stack of three colorblock coasters and a tapered clear glass bud vase with a single tulip. Underneath, there’s no furniture—just a round off-white floor pouf for movie nights.
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Budget-Friendly Tip:
Floating shelves and wall mounting can be a DIY weekend project if you have basic tools.
9. Moody Paint Backdrop
Styling Tip:
Paint the wall behind your TV a dramatic color—navy, forest green, deep charcoal. It grounds the TV and lets you style with contrasting light accents.
Picture this:
Large flat-screen TV mounted on a deep navy wall. Below, a matte black rectangular console with cane panels. One corner holds a large white ceramic lamp with a navy drum shade, and a chunky woven basket in sand sits on the opposite end of the console.
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Why It Works:
A dark background minimizes glare and helps the screen blend into the room rather than dominate it.
Color Palette:
Navy blue, matte black, ivory, sand
10. Gallery Wall Blend
Styling Tip:
If you don’t want the TV to be the only thing on your wall, hang framed art or family photos around and above your screen to tie it into a gallery wall.
Picture this:
TV mounted on a gallery wall with a mix of black, brass, and wood frames—mostly line art, small family snaps, and two pressed botanical prints. Below, a white gloss TV stand keeps to the background, holding only a slender taupe ceramic vase.
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(varied art/photos)
Styling Mistake to Avoid:
Avoid overlapping the screen—keep frames at least two inches from the TV for breathing room.
11. Boho Rattan Vibes
Styling Tip:
Rattan or cane TV consoles plus just a few earthy accents play up that laid-back, collected feel. Perfect if you crave comfort but want something unique.
Picture this:
Honey rattan TV console with rounded edges and sliding doors. On top: an amber glass bottle vase filled with pampas grass. One side holds a half-moon carved wood tray with three tea light candles. Wall color is dusty blush.
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Seasonal Styling Idea:
Swap pampas for eucalyptus branches in spring or faux maple leaves in fall.
Color Palette:
Honey rattan, amber, dusty blush, soft white
12. Hidden TV with Sliding Panels
Styling Tip:
Want your living room to feel less “TV-centric”? Install sliding wood panels to cover the TV when you’re not watching it.
Picture this:
Matte walnut TV console with integrated sliding vertical wood slat panels. Half the TV is visible; the other half covered by the slats. On the console, a round matte black clock and a potted string of pearls plant trail from the corner. Wall is a subtle soft taupe.
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Why It Works:
Sliding panels instantly calm the space, turning the TV wall into a flexible artful backdrop.
13. Maxed-Out Media Storage
Styling Tip:
For serious movie buffs, maximize storage with a TV unit packed with drawers, shelves, or even pull-out media trays. File everything cleanly so you can actually find that remote.
Picture this:
Large black wood TV unit with multiple drawers and open side cubbies for DVDs. TV is centered above. On one end, a white ceramic bowl holds bundled charging cords. On the side cubby, a row of DVDs in clear sleeves, with a skinny vintage brass task lamp shining on them.
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Budget-Friendly Tip:
Use stick-on labels inside drawers so everyone knows where things go.
14. Luxe Marble and Gold
Styling Tip:
Go glam with a white marble-topped TV unit, paired with gold or brass accents. Stick to one or two statement objects for a polished, not fussy, finish.
Picture this:
Slim white TV console with a real (or faux) marble top. Mounted TV above. On the console, a sculptural gold knot and a faceted clear glass box sparkle in the natural light. Wall paint is a soft dove grey.
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Color Palette:
White marble, gold, clear glass, soft grey
FAQ
How do I hide TV cords and cables for a cleaner look?
Use cord management kits that run along the wall or behind the console. For wall-mounted TVs, in-wall cable channels work wonders.
What’s the best TV unit for small living rooms?
Floating consoles or wall-mounted shelves free up floor space and make the room feel bigger. Look for narrow-profile stands and keep styling minimal.
Should the TV be wider than the TV unit?
Ideally, the TV unit should be a bit wider than the TV itself. This creates visual balance and gives space for accents on each end.
What’s a quick way to refresh my existing TV unit?
Swapping out just the decor—like adding a vase, new baskets, or a lamp—can change the look dramatically without replacing the unit.
Wrapping Up
Your TV unit doesn’t have to be an afterthought or just a catchall for remotes. A little intention goes a long way—whether that’s installing floating shelves, mixing in some vintage wood, or just corralling clutter in a pretty basket. The best part is how quickly your living room feels pulled-together and so much more inviting, even if you’re just curling up for your third rerun of the week. Start with the idea that fits your space (and your habits), then tweak until it really feels like home. You’ll be surprised how much a well-styled TV unit can transform the whole room.
