The 4 Clever Layout Tricks Designers Use to Make a TV Less Dominant in Your Living Room
Money Saving

The 4 Clever Layout Tricks Designers Use to Make a TV Less Dominant in Your Living Room

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verifiedSnaggyCodes Editorial Team

Money Saving • Jul 01, 2026 • 7 min read

While movie-watching is a large part of what we apply our living rooms for, gone are the days when they require to act as the focal point that the whole

There is a smarter way to approach clever layout tricks designers, and it starts with knowing a few key details. This guide covers them, along with tips you can apply immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • TVs are key, don't get us wrong, but no one wants an ugly black box bang in the center of their space.
  • TVs disguised as paintings, 'wall mirrors', or ones that appear from behind hidden cabinetry are all inspired concepts, but what about an easier, more instant fix?
  • Worth noting: how can you apply the rest of the furniture, the layout of the room to make the TV less dominant?
  • A straightforward trick to keep the TV out of sight is to position it low, either tucked on a shelf or standing on a low console.

A Closer Look at Clever Layout Tricks Designers

While movie-watching is a large part of what we apply our living rooms for, gone are the days when they require to act as the focal point that the whole living room layout is based near. It's all well and solid, stylishly hiding your TV, but most of these concepts require a hefty budget, an interior designer who knows a aspect or two about bespoke solutions, and a fair amount of patience.

Place It Low Leanne's TV is nestled in the built-in shelves, tucked away in a low corner that keeps it from dominating the living room. (Image credit: Leanne Kilroy / Solid Bones)While media wall alternatives can disguise a TV entirely, focusing on positioning your TV, and the layout near it, rather than installing a bespoke solution, is an straightforward fix. This keeps it out of the center of your scheme and encourages the eye to take in other areas of the living room first, such as a fireplace or seating area.

What to Know About Clever Layout Tricks Designers

More importantly, 'To make a TV less dominant in a room, my number one piece of advice is to place it low,' explains Leanne Kilroy, founder of Solid Bones London. 'Yes, there are clever methods to hide TVs behind doors or within cupboards, but the simplest method to keep it out of the line of sight is to place it low to the ground with more visually interesting aspects, such as artwork or books, above and near it.' 2.

A foolproof method to command a room, the striking canvas above the fireplace attracts attention, making the TV feel far less obvious. This layout, focusing on the fireplace, ensures the TV isn't the star of the reveal.

How Clever Layout Tricks Designers Really Works

Remember that 'We put the TV on a bracket so that it can be neatly tucked against the wall, and then straightforward to pull out when it is needed,' explains Olivia White-Hamilton, founder of Olpol & Co. 'We used a subtle wallpaper, Galaxy Clover by Robert Kime, in the back of the joinery to distract from the TV and also filled the shelves near with books and objects.' 3.

By keeping the TV in a cabinet, you have the freedom to create a more sociable layout, with the furniture facing each other rather than the TV. In this room, the couches mirror each other, a far more elegant layout than them sitting parallel to the TV, which would feel like the go-to choice if the TV was consistently on reveal.

Getting the Most From Clever Layout Tricks Designers

As a rule, 'Hiding the TV is a bit of an unspoken rule at our studio,' explains Phoebe Hollond. 'Though sometimes nothing’s better than a solid movie night, a large black TV is consistently an eyesore.

When designing a space with a TV, we seek to hide it as much as possible. In this project, we created a bespoke tambour cabinet that hides the screen.' Ballard Designs Hughes TV Cabinet A classic furniture style, this white wooden TV cabinet will blend into any scheme, of any style.

Tips That Make a Difference

In short, 1st Dibs Beautiful Veneered, Ebonized and Parcel Gilt Television Cabinet Transform your TV into a stylish statement that draws the eye in with this veneered antique cabinet that's steeped in history. Wayfair Motorized TV Lift Cabinet For 32-60 Inch TV A neutral but stylish choice, this fluted wooden cabinet will work hard to keep your TV hidden without compromising your scheme.

Position It to the Side of Your Scheme The fireplace (not the TV) is the star of the reveal in this Regency living room designed by Fable Interiors. (Image credit: Fable Interiors)By not making your layout too symmetrical, your TV instantly becomes less obvious. Avoid placing it above the rooms natural focal point, like a fireplace or an accent wall, and instead place it off center, taking a side spot rather than the crowning one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Worth noting: 'This classicl living room retains all of its original highlights, including a marble fireplace, bay window, and cornicing,' explains designer Harriet Sinclair-Wilson, of Fable Interiors. 'By keeping the TV to the right-hand side of the fireplace, rather than above the mantel, none of the original highlights is lost, and the room's layout stays firmly on the focal point.' 'The seating isn't rigidly pointed at the screen,' she adds.

1st Dibs Danish Vintage Teak Side Chest / Cabinet by Kai Kristiansen Designed to hold a TV and hide unsightly tech essentials, this true vintage side chest couldn't be cooler in shape or design. Lulu & Georgia Hannah Media Console Featuring rattan-covered doors and plenty of inside storage, the Hannah media console blends practicality with style in the best method.

Is Clever Layout Tricks Designers Worth It?

More importantly, while hiding your TV is one method to make it feel less dominant, straightforward yet effective layout tricks can do just as solid a job of taking the attention away from your TV. guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on clever layout tricks designers?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. It's all well and solid, stylishly hiding your TV, but most of these concepts require a hefty budget, an interior designer who knows a aspect or two about bespoke solutions, and a fair amount of patience.

Is it worth shopping around for clever layout tricks designers?

Usually yes. Place It Low Leanne's TV is nestled in the built-in shelves, tucked away in a low corner that keeps it from dominating the living room. (Image credit: Leanne Kilroy / Solid Bones)While media wall alternatives can disguis....

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. This keeps it out of the center of your scheme and encourages the eye to take in other areas of the living room first, such as a fireplace or seating area.

Smart Ways to Save More on Clever Layout Tricks Designers

  • 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

The bottom line on clever layout tricks designers: a little research goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is a click away.

Originally published at savingswitch.com.

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