Media walls give me the ick - so I asked interior designers what I could do instead to elevate and hide my TV

Saving money on media walls give ick does not need to be complicated. Here is a clear, no nonsense rundown of what works and how to make the most of it.

Key Takeaways

• I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with my TV.
• Sure, I spend most evenings sitting in front of it but I don't love having it as part of my room scheme, you know?
• The obvious answer you might think is to create a media wall.
• Worth noting: but unfortunately, they provide me the ick.

Where the Real Savings Hide

So while I'm in the middle of renovating a family room slash sunroom at the back of my house, I've been trying to come up with some unique and aesthetically pleasing methods to elevate, conceal, and decorate near my TV. So I've asked the experts to assist me debate some clever media wall alternatives to assist me in my TV wall concepts search - with the aim that it also assists you too, if you suffer from the same media-wall-hating affliction.

• Here's what I've uncovered.
• Media Wall Alternatives That Saved Me From Getting The Ick (Image credit: The Misfit House)Of course, media rooms, walls, and units have their merits.
• More importantly, especially if your home is large enough to have a room dedicated to entertainment, they create an enormous amount of storage and work to make the most of your TV, consoles, and gadgets.

A Closer Look at Media Walls Give Ick

But I wish my space to feel warm and inviting, much like this living room above designed by The Misfit House - not like I’ve stepped into a showroom. I think there are two main pain points for me.

• They feel just too modern for my Victorian-era home, with overly glossy finishes and bulky shelves.
• Remember that and they also highly prominently display and celebrate the TV, which when it is switched off, just feels like a large black box that dominates the space instead of complementing it. (Image credit: Carley Summers)The goal is to design with intention, so the TV feels integrated rather than an afterthought.
• 'In my own home, we have a small 'bonus' room that is designated as our TV room,' Kathy explains.

What to Know About Media Walls Give Ick

Samsung (2021) Modern Brown Frame Customizable Bezel, 55-Inch You can snap up these snap-on frames from Samsung to frame your TV. Just pick from White, Teak, Brown, Beige or Brick Red. (Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photography Julie Soefer)Marie Flanigan, suggests a clever, custom approach that thinks totally outside the box.

• As a rule, 'Disguising a TV is all about seamlessly blending function with beauty,' says Marie.
• 'Consider applying a specially designed two-method mirror [see above] that can be placed in front of the TV, transforming it into a reflective surface when not in apply,' she explains.
• 'Then, surround the area with thoughtful decor, such as artwork, built-in shelving, or a gallery wall, to shift the focus away from the screen,' she continues. (Image credit: Alice Grace Interiors)One of the simplest yet most elegant (and potentially pricey) methods I've found to improve the look of a TV is by incorporating it into custom cabinetry.

How Media Walls Give Ick Really Works

'Alternatively, pick a media cabinet with sliding panels or doors that can conceal the TV entirely when it’s not in apply,' continues Marie. In short, 'These solutions allow your living room to remain both stylish and versatile, with the technology hidden but still simply accessible.' Alice Gaskell of Alice Grace Interiors has created numerous different media cabinets and hidden TVs in her home, including this faux chimney breast living room TV concept with bi-fold doors [seen above] that opens up to reveal her television.

• A post shared by Alice Gaskell (@alicegrace_england) A photo posted by on In the video, above, Alice demonstrates how she has created a secret door in her shelving unit to conceal a TV thanks to a highly handy television bracket that can be pulled out, swiveled, and put away again so you can consistently get the perfect angle.
• Personally, I think this is genius since it not only hides your TV but also provides you the opportunity to introduce a design statement into your room with custom shelving.
• I love the alternative placement too, adding the bookcase design near a doorway as opposed to a flat wall.

Getting the Most From Media Walls Give Ick

Worth noting: cabinetry also offers the upside of additional storage. You can apply the surrounding shelves for books, boxes, trinkets, picture frames, or media components like consoles to keep everything organized and design-led.

• Woven Storage Boxes Set of 2 Taupe Open shelving makes it hard to hide aspects away so decorative storage boxes are your best friend.
• The little faux-leather tab makes them feel added luxurious.
• More importantly, andre Bookends (Set of 2) Elevate a row of books with these red levanto marble bookends from McGee & Co.

Tips That Make a Difference

Rich in color, they bring a lovely pop of burgundy red. 'You require to comfortably be able to watch it while you’re seated, so there are clever brackets available that you can pivot and angle to bring your telly to a face-on position even if it’s concealed in a cabinet that you’re not directly facing,' Benji advises.

• One of the best pointers that I found when searching Pinterest for inspo was to paint the surrounding area - be that a wall, cabinet, or shelving system - in a darker color so that the TV doesn't seem quite so stand-out.
• Remember that benji is also a fan of this approach.
• Your TV should work with your room, not against it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are countless methods to make your screen feel less intrusive and more integrated into your decor. If you are also looking to step away from the traditional media wall, these concepts are certainly giving me some food for thought.

• As a rule, so, if media walls provide you the ick like they do me, the solid news is that there are so numerous creative and stylish solutions to try.
• Personally I'm reaching for my notepad to sketch out some clever custom shelving concepts with secret hidden compartments.
• Since there's nothing more fun than a secret door. guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on media walls give ick?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. So I've asked the experts to assist me debate some clever media wall alternatives to assist me in my TV wall concepts search - with the aim that it also assists you too, if you suffer from the same media-wall-hating affl....

Is it worth shopping around for media walls give ick?

Usually yes. Here's what I've uncovered.

Smart Ways to Save More on Media Walls Give Ick

• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.
• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.

Final Thoughts

Before you check out, line up media walls give ick against current promotions and any codes you can stack. Small habits like these add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at savingswitch.com.