5 TV Wall Ideas for Small Living Rooms: Creative, space-saving TV wall decoration ideas I’ve used in real small living roomsRiley ArborFeb 16, 2026Table of Contents1. Built-in Shelving with Recessed TV2. Floating Console and Slim Frame TV3. Gallery Wall Surround4. Wood Slat Accent Wall with Integrated Lighting5. TV Cabinet Nook with Sliding DoorsTips 1FAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI once tried to hide a TV behind a sliding artwork panel for a client who insisted on a ‘TV-free’ aesthetic — until they binge-watched a whole season in one weekend. That taught me a simple lesson: small spaces force smart choices, not sacrifices. In this post I’ll share 5 TV wall decoration ideas that make your living room look polished and roomy, based on my 10+ years designing compact homes.1. Built-in Shelving with Recessed TVRecessed TVs framed by built-in shelving create a clean, museum-like wall that hides cables and gives you display space. I love this for small living rooms because the depth is managed and the eye reads the wall as one calm plane. The downside: carpentry costs and planning for ventilation — but it’s worth it if you want a long-lasting, clutter-free look.save pin2. Floating Console and Slim Frame TVA floating console under a slim TV keeps floor area visible, making the room feel larger. I often pair with open shelves or a single statement art piece to avoid visual noise. It’s budget-friendly and simple to install, though you’ll need a stud-finding plan for secure wall mounts.save pin3. Gallery Wall SurroundCreate a gallery wall around the TV with a mix of art, mirrors and small shelves — the TV becomes part of the composition rather than the focal point. I tried this during a rental renovation and it transformed the space into a cozy, curated corner. The challenge is balancing scale so the TV doesn’t get lost or dominate the arrangement.save pin4. Wood Slat Accent Wall with Integrated LightingVertical wood slats add warmth and texture while subtly directing the eye upward, which lengthens the perceived height of the room. Adding hidden LED strips behind the slats gives cinematic backlight without glare. It costs more than paint, but the tactile warmth is a game-changer if you want a boutique-hotel feel.save pin5. TV Cabinet Nook with Sliding DoorsFor multi-use living rooms, a shallow TV cabinet nook with sliding doors lets you close the TV when you want a calm living area. I installed this for a family who needed the living room for both playtime and evenings; sliding doors kept things tidy. It takes some custom work and reduces access speed, but it’s unbeatable for control over when the TV is visible.save pinTips 1:Practical tips I always share: measure twice, plan cable runs before finishing walls, and choose matte screen finishes or anti-glare film for bright rooms. If you want to mock up layouts quickly, try the 3D floor planner to visualize proportions and circulation. Also, remember lighting: layered light (ambient + task + accent) will keep the TV area comfortable and stylish.save pinFAQQ: What size TV is right for a small living room?A: Measure your viewing distance and use the screen-size guide (distance in inches ÷ 1.5 = recommended screen size). Keep the TV proportionate to the wall to avoid overwhelming the room.Q: How can I hide TV cables neatly?A: Run cables inside the wall with a power relocation kit or use surface raceways painted to match the wall. Concealed routing behind built-ins is the cleanest long-term solution.Q: Are recessed TVs a fire hazard?A: Not if you follow manufacturer ventilation specs and allow clearance for heat dissipation. Always consult the TV manual and a qualified installer.Q: Can I mount a TV on a plasterboard wall?A: Yes, but anchor into studs or use certified heavy-duty toggle anchors. For heavy TVs, wall plates spanning multiple studs provide secure support.Q: What paint color works best behind a TV?A: Neutral matte tones or a slightly darker accent color reduce glare and help the screen blend into the wall when off. Avoid high-gloss finishes behind screens.Q: How do I balance art and TV on a gallery wall?A: Keep consistent framing or a unified color palette, and allow a clear margin around the TV so it reads as part of the composition rather than competing with every piece.Q: Is backlighting necessary for eye comfort?A: Bias lighting behind the TV reduces eye strain in dark rooms and improves perceived contrast. Use neutral white LEDs around 3000–4000K for best results (source: American Academy of Ophthalmology).Q: Where can I try layout ideas digitally?A: I often use a floor planner to test furniture placements and proportions before committing to carpentry or finishes.save pinStart for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE