Integrating a Flat-Screen Television in Your Living Room

The average person watches three to four hours of TV per day. That’s a fact of American life that I, as an architect, have to incorporate into the design of any home I’m working on. When planning a family room, one of the first things we do at my firm is ask about the client’s lifestyle and viewing habits, because that tells us how much prominence to give the TV.

But, fitting these large displays into your living space can be challenging. Many American families gather around the TV to enjoy their favorite show, catch the big game, or entertain their guests. The key to successfully integrating your flat screen in your space without taking over the room is to design a flexible seating arrangement (see illustration below).

In this example, a sectional sofa offers ample seating for TV watching or gathering around the coffee table for a good game of Scrabble, and the easy chair can be turned around for quiet reading by the fire. What we want to avoid is turning the family room into a home theater, where everyone just stares at the television without interacting. Here, we’ll explore different ways to make your flat screen an accent, rather than the focus, of your living room.

1. A Multipurpose Floor Plan

The family room’s idea is to bring everyone together in one multifunctional space, so we’ve highlighted a few tricks for setting up a television without disrupting the environment. Pay special attention during the planning and design phases so that each section is balanced and works for watching TV, socializing, and relaxing.

Placement

Hang your TV at a 90-degree angle to the main windows to prevent glare on the screen during the day and keep your view outside clear. Keep the TV at a comfortable height and arrange the seats so everyone can see clearly.

Screen Size

The ideal screen size depends on the size of your room and how far away the TV is. A general rule of thumb is to leave a viewing distance of about two to three times the screen’s diagonal measurement. For instance, a 40-inch, 1080p screen is best viewed from approximately 7–10 feet away. However, many families today want larger screens, and 75-inch and larger TVs are increasingly common in living rooms. Fortunately, today’s higher resolution TVs (such as 4K UHD or even 8K) mean that you can sit closer to the TV without causing eye strain. Popular TV manufacturer Samsung recommends multiplying the TV screen size by 1.2 to get the optimal viewing distance. For example:

75-inch TV x 1.2 = 90 inches, or 7.5 feet away

Acoustics

Carpeting and drapes can help absorb extra noise, especially those deep rumbles from action movies. However, take care not to overdo it and try to find balance with these pieces. A well-placed bookshelf or a cool-looking acoustic panel can work wonders for controlling sound without making your room feel like a recording studio. Get creative with how you arrange your furniture for more options.

Lighting

Install dimmable recessed lights for more control of your lighting, which can be adjusted for movie watching or entertaining. Make sure there’s enough task lighting near the seats for reading or homework. Add accent lighting fixtures such as lamps or ceiling lights that complement your decor around the room’s perimeter to improve the atmosphere.

2. Hang It or Hide It?

When it comes to your flat-screen TV, you’ve got two main options: showcase it or hide it when not in use. Your decision should depend on your family’s viewing habits and your overall home design vision.

Open Display

Modern flat-screen TVs are sleek enough to complement your decor, even when they’re off. If you’re leaning towards an open display, consider these practical tips:

• Mount the TV at seated eye level for comfortable viewing
• Use a low-profile mount to keep the TV close to the wall
• Match the TV’s frame or bezel with your room’s color scheme
• Create a gallery wall effect with artwork or floating shelves around the TV
• Hang the TV so that it doesn’t obstruct walkways or other areas in the room.

Concealed Options

If you prefer to hide your TV when not in use, or if you’re concerned about it dominating the room, here are some ways to conceal it and keep your room from becoming a TV-centric space:

• Install the TV in a customized entertainment center with closing doors
• Use a motorized lift to raise and lower the TV from a piece of furniture
• Opt for a TV that doubles as artwork when not in use
• Buy a sliding panel or artwork that covers the TV 

Component Storage

Whether you display or conceal your TV, you’ll need storage for gadgets and entertainment items like cable boxes, gaming consoles, and sound systems. A cabinet below the TV or within an entertainment center keeps everything easy to reach yet out of sight when not in use. Manage cables and wires neatly using clips or tubing to avoid a tangled mess.

3. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

For families who don’t watch television a lot or are trying to reduce screen time, carving out a special space for the TV lets you create a family-focused living room while still having a dedicated area for occasional viewing.

Creating a Separate Viewing Area

If you’ve got a spare room or some extra space in your basement, why not turn it into a cozy den that’s perfect for both watching TV and getting some work done? Here’s how to make it happen:

• Build some bookshelves around the TV for a library-like feel
• Use inviting colors and comfortable seating to make the space cozy
• Install a solid wood door to keep the noise in and get some privacy from the rest of the house
• Set up a small desk or work area for studying or home office use
• Find soft lighting to create a warm atmosphere

Balancing Technology and Design

Flat-screen TVs are getting smarter and sleeker, and that means more ways to make them fit right into your home’s style. Check out these cool ideas:

• Floating TV Consoles: Give your room a modern look while providing more storage and display space.

• Frame TVs: Some brands now offer TVs that look like framed artwork when they’re off. They display high-quality images of paintings or photos, so your TV can double as decor.
• Projector Screens: A retractable projector screen disappears into the ceiling when it’s off for a futuristic feel.
• Smart Mirrors: Some TVs have new technology that turns your TV into a mirror when it’s off.

Warren Freyer is the principal of Freyer Collaborative Architects, a firm in New York City specializing in residential design and technology.