In interior design, the wall behind the TV plays a significant role, as it greatly enhances the overall beauty and appeal of the living space. There are various ways and materials you can use to decorate this area, including stone, MDF, drywall (gypsum board), and more.
The choice of material and method depends on personal taste, budget, and the overall style of your living room. If you're thinking about using stone or ceramic for your TV wall, keep reading.
How to Decorate the Wall Behind the TV
The TV wall is often a focal point in the living room, which means its design strongly influences the overall interior. Here are some important features your design should include:
- Visual Appeal: The design should be creative and engaging to break up the monotony of the space.
- Balanced Composition: The right textures and colors are key. They help create visual harmony and enhance the room’s ambiance.
- Functionality: This wall can also serve a practical purpose—displaying decorative objects or providing storage space.
Key Considerations Before You Start
Before you start decorating the TV wall, consider the following factors:
Scale and Proportion
Your TV and the wall it’s mounted on should be proportionate. For example, if the wall is large and your TV is small, you can use wooden panels, wall posters, or shelves to fill in the space. A minimalist background is best for small TVs, as too many details can distract viewers.
Interior Style
Your TV background should match the overall decor style—whether it’s modern, classic, or minimalist.
Modern styles typically use neutral tones, clean lines, and materials like MDF.
Classic styles might include carved wood, wall moldings, or patterned wallpaper.
Minimalist styles emphasize simplicity, with soft colors and no visual clutter.
Choose materials that align with your home's style for a cohesive look.
Lighting
Lighting is crucial—not just for aesthetics but also for comfortable viewing. Hidden LED lighting around shelves or behind the TV can add warmth and eliminate harsh glare. It also helps highlight the wall’s textures and add depth.
Viewing Angle & Distance
Ensure the TV is positioned at a comfortable height and angle so that viewers don’t need to constantly move or strain their necks. It should be easily visible from a seated position.
Budget
Before buying porcelain tiles, MDF panels, stickers, or any other decorative material, plan your budget. Porcelain tiles, for example, offer a luxurious look that can really elevate your design.
Trending TV Wall Designs
Because the TV wall is a key visual element, especially when watching content, designers are always coming up with new ways to enhance it. Some of the latest ideas include:
1. Mirror Panels
Decorating the TV background with mirrors creates a modern and sophisticated feel. Mirrors reflect light and images, making the room appear larger and more open. They come in various shapes—rectangular, circular, triangular—and can be combined creatively for a custom design.
2. Simple Accessories
If you’re on a budget, decorate the wall with low-cost, simple items:
- Arrange a series of matching photo frames to create a personal gallery.
- Use wall posters with striking or artistic images. Choose black-and-white for a modern/classic look, or colorful, fun designs for a more energetic vibe.
- If you’re a book lover, you can build a small bookshelf behind or beside the TV to combine style and function. Add in wall clocks, picture frames, or small ornaments for extra charm.
3. Stone Slabs (Slab Stone)
For a luxurious, modern look, go with large-format slab stones. These can be natural or engineered stones with striking veins and patterns. Benefits include:
- High durability and strength against wear and tear.
- Seamless appearance thanks to their large size, which visually enlarges the space.
- Wide variety of colors and textures, allowing you to match the stone with other elements in your decor.
Tips when using slab stone:
- Due to their weight, the wall must be structurally sound.
- These stones are costly and require professional installation.
- Proper lighting can highlight the unique veining and texture of the stone.
4. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic is a practical, stylish, and budget-friendly choice for TV walls. Its benefits include:
- A wide range of styles in terms of color, texture, and size.
- Durability—resistant to heat, moisture, and scratches.
- Easy installation, often with tile adhesive.
- Cost-effective compared to other decorative materials.
Tips for using ceramic tiles:
- Choose tile styles that match your overall home decor.
- Match tile size to TV size—small tiles for small TVs, large tiles for larger screens.
- Coordinate tile colors with furniture and walls: use light colors to open up small spaces, and darker tones to create a warm, cozy vibe.
- Textured tiles add depth and warmth, while smooth, glossy tiles give a sleek, modern look.
5. MDF Panels
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is another popular material for TV walls. It’s strong, stylish, and available in a wide range of colors and designs. You can even combine MDF with other materials like glass, metal, or natural wood to elevate the aesthetic.
6. Drywall (Gypsum/Knaff)
Drywall is a trendy and versatile option, especially in modern and minimalist interiors. It creates a clean, seamless look and is ideal for customized lighting setups. Since it adds shape and volume to the wall, it enhances the perceived size of the space.
7. Wall Stickers
For a budget-friendly and creative option, try wall stickers. Available in both flat and 3D styles, they’re easy to apply, remove, and reposition. Choose contrasting colors to make them pop against the wall, and consider adding LED strip lights to highlight them for extra flair.
Final Thoughts
The wall behind your TV plays a vital role in elevating your living room's style. To get the best results, consider key factors like your TV’s size, the room’s design style, lighting, viewing angles, and—most importantly—your budget. You have a wide range of options to choose from: slab stone, reclaimed items, wall stickers, MDF, and more. With the right choice, your TV wall can become a stunning centerpiece in your home.