What do I do with my TV wall is a question I hear a lot! We all wish that we didn’t have want to have the TV in our family room, but we do. What can we say, most Americans love their TV and why not make it look good? I received two questions for my “Ask a Designer Series” from my subscribers in regards to their TV wall. After looking at their pictures I thought, first I should talk about what NOT to do, mistakes that are often made on TV walls. Now I am not just pointing out the mistakes from the questions I was sent. We see these same “mistakes” over and over. But do not worry, they can EASILY be fixed!
#1- TV is hung too high.
#2- TV Console or Stand under the TV is too small.
#3- There is not enough around the TV to disguise it!
This first photo is the perfect example of MISTAKE #1 done RIGHT! How high to hang your TV above your stand. Notice the stack of simple books under the TV? You typically shouldn’t or shouldn’t have room to put a lot of accessories under the TV. (Photo Source)
Great example of MISTAKE #2– this shows a great idea of how big your TV stand should be. Basically you want your TV stand to be larger than your TV. It doesn’t have to be this much wider- but at least wider than your TV so it doesn’t look top heavy. (Photo source)
Mistake #3- You might think you need to hang a lot of art on your TV wall to distract from the TV. Not true. You just need some dramatic pieces to disguise the TV. Notice the large lamp and large glass jar with the branches. (photo source)
Another fun example of art hung on the TV wall to disguise it- if you have to stare at your TV you want the area around it to be interesting. I love how they hung the art slighting behind the TV. (image source).
Paint behind the wall your TV is on is a great distraction, especially a dark wall. You know I am going to suggest wallpaper too! (photo source).
That leads me to the two “Ask A Designer Series” questions from actual real-design-delimas! Before I address these I want to remind you that I am not all about “design rules” there are only a couple I follow. The first is Rug Size (you can find my blog post on that HERE) and where to hang your TV. The rest you do you and what works best for your family!
Ask a Designer….
“The wall that the TV is on is so boring and lacking. The sofa and recliner were my husband’s only request for our house. My question is for the wall and all the furniture butted up to the wall that the TV is on. The TV is off centered on the wall in the living room area and the ceiling is vaulted – it stumps me. I like the idea of a better media stand and coordinating shelves on each side, but the off-centered-ness leaves me confused.” From Tani
Nesting with Grace Suggestion-
You are right that you need a different TV Console. The one you have is cute, but too small (Mistake #1:)). Typically you want a TV Console to be wider than your TV, to balance it out and not feel top heavy. I am not sure of your measurements, but with the wood paneling behind (great way to overcome Mistake #3) the TV I would get a console that is just below the paneling or just above it, not the same height. Also you can see the idea of putting something on top of the console- I normally don’t like to do accessories under the TV, gets too busy. But with the inspiration photo they used plants, all the same item and it feels in that dead space if you can’t move your TV down. I would also move your photos in closer to the TV, they could even be a little larger. (At the end of the post are some of my favorite TV Stands).
Ask a Desinger-
Nesting with Grace Suggestion-
You are spot on with the plank wall behind your TV to create a “disguise” and more of a focal point. For you too I would also suggest a larger TV console. It is almost the exact size as your TV. I would lower the TV or get a TV console that is taller and get rid of the things on top of the console. Maybe look for a console that can hold the speakers. I like in the inspiration pic the idea of finding a unique piece that doesn’t have to be a typical “TV console”. I would also suggest adding another chair on the other side of the console to balance out the chair you already have. I wouldn’t add a bookcase unless you could do two on either side and I know you want to keep the chair there. I hope that helps!!
Here are some of my favorite TV Consoles (click on an image to shop it).
Hi Polly! I would definitely say buy that fourth stool so all your grandchildren are happy and comfortable!! If it feels too crowded when the kids aren’t there, do you have a corner you could push it up against or a laundry room/closet off the side of the kitchen where you could store it?
Beautiful kitchen!! and good luck!
Erin from CT
I love this- so good!
Yes, this!
I would have 4 barstools so my grandchildren could sit at the counter. They are more important than how it looks. If it really is too crowded hide the stool in the pantry or laundry room!
SO smart!!
I totally agree with Kelly.
I would buy the extra stool for the grandkids! And when the kids are not around I would place the stool in a spare room or somewhere out of sight until its needed. Problem solved! 😉
Oh you are smart! SEE these are good ideas!
Make your home work for you Polly. I would suggest getting a fourth stool or a barstool dining bench.
It definitely looks better with 3 stools, but in my book, functionality trumps looks every time! I purchased 2 2-packs of stools for our bar area, and 4 is way too crowded, but I can’t return one. since my son is an only child, we banished the 4th stool to the basement where it waits to be a backup in case one of ours breaks (or if we have a crowd over – I definitely bring it back up to have as much seating as possible!)
smart to keep it incase one breaks!
Hi Polly! Buy the stool!! I think you can find a great place to stash the extra stool if it feels too crowded to you. (I personally think I would like 4 stools better there than 3.) I would guess that Brooke is going to say 4 stools for this one. The convenience of having 4 outweighs the flip side of risking it looking too crowded.
YEP! Agree 100%!
Especially I am weird with all the same quantity of things- so notice how her table she has 3 chairs up to the side- I think it would balance better to have 4 and she needs the extra stool and totally has room so I say do it. If it feels too crowded then find a spot to put it when no grandkids.
I would definitely get the barstool Polly! I always ask myself what is most important to me in this “season” of life. It sounds like you are in a special season with your grandkids. You will never regret having all four grandkids up at the counter making memories with you but you may regret the missed memories for the sake of a too crowded look.
Ps. Your home looks lovely!
Love that helpful comment xxxx
Definitely get the 4th stool!! The design needs to work for your lifestyle. I don’t think it would be too tight. You could always put it elsewhere if you don’t like the look.
I’m going to go against the grain and suggest something different. Get a small stool that one child can stand on and can be easily stored away. Sitting is the new smoking anyway, and we should all stand more. And sometimes standing is just more comfortable. We designed our counter to a height that we can stand around, and we actually stand to eat dinner. We have stools that tuck underneath but rarely even use them.
And that small stool can be a step stool, perhaps one with steps for children of different sizes. And correction, only our island is at the higher level.
That is a new thing for me to hear! “Sitting is the new smoking”!
I have seen those at Ikea that are easy for kids to stand on and safely.
i agree with most of you–Polly should buy the fourth stool and find another place in her home to use it when the grandkids are not around. We do this with the captain’s chair to our dining room set. It is larger and takes up more space in the dining room and we don’t usually need it. Most of the time it is in our master bedroom and my husband loves it there for getting dressed in the morning. Getting a smaller stool to have when needed is a good alternate suggestion from Michele–but I am wondering if that may cause more conflict with grandchildren. For example, would there be a quarrel over who “has” to sit on the small stool?
If 4 stools is what you need for function, then that is exactly what should you have. What good is a home you aren’t able to live fully in? Beauty is important, but living in the home is essential. Make your own rules that fit your life. Enjoy your home.
Love your comment xxxxx
I think another stool would be fine. You certainly have room at the counter, and as Brooke says, you should decorate in a way that works for YOUR family!
Agree Karen!!
Wow! This is so awesome to get so much good advice. I’m grateful. To be clear, our 15th grandchild is due in Feb. They are my true treasures. It’s just always better to have more seating available, with a houseful. I will buy the 4th stool and I do have room to store in my enlarged pantry if I’m wanting a “cleaner” look at the island. Gosh this is such a great community of generous, helpful, thoughtful people! Those stationary roman shades hanging over the island got hung today and I styled that picture wall. Love it. Thank you Brooke for your generous spirit and kind heart and talent. You’re making a difference.
15! Congrats!! And you just made my night with that comment. Thank you so much Polly, so generous with your kinds words. xxxx
Can I say, I love how you did this post with so much grace! It makes me uncomfortable when bloggers use other blog photos to point out all the flaws and you took the high road by finding examples of what was done right. I love this series and am learning a lot. (P.S. I second 4 stools. Function trumps beauty, but really it looks semetrically beautiful with 4 stools.)
Thank you SO much. I agree- I get super uncomfortable and leave a blog feeling negative and like they were making fun of someone’s home. I am sure, I mean I KNOW someone could find critiques in my home so it’s just about learning. Thanks so much for your comment!
Yay!!! That’s my living room! ?? Thank you, thank you for the advice on our living room! Makes total sense. ❤Tani
yes! I hope it helps! thanks!
Barstools without a back that could be tucked in would looked less crowded with 4, but definitely use 4 if they’re needed.
A lighter color might help too.
Our homes are meant to be just that, homes. More than just a house. Ya know?
I think she already made her decision, but I’m always late to the party!
Well we appreciate your comment and a lighter stool is a good idea too!
All great comments! I believe there’s plenty of room for another stool and love her style!