12 Clever Small Living Room Ideas with TV

Clever forces us to choose between style and functionality, especially when it comes to TV placement. However, with clever design choices, your screen can blend seamlessly into your decor rather than dominating the space. 

From space-saving mounts to smart storage solutions, these ideas will help you create a comfortable and functional space where your TV feels like an intentional part of the room rather than an afterthought.

Wall-Mounted TV

Ditch that bulky TV stand! Mounting your TV on the wall instantly frees up floor space and makes your room feel more open and spacious.

Pair it with floating shelves or an ultra-slim media console to store your devices while maintaining a clean look. For minimalism enthusiasts, let the screen float against a solid-colored wall without any furniture beneath it.

Pro tip: Slightly tilting the TV downward makes for more comfortable viewing when you're lounging on your couch or in your favorite recliner.

Corner TV Placement

Make your small room smarter, not more cramped, by utilizing corner space for your TV! Mount your television on a corner bracket with a swivel base to adjust viewing angles easily. 

Install floating shelves above to display plants or photos, or opt for a corner media unit to store gaming consoles or throw blankets. The freed-up main wall space can be used for artwork, making the room feel more spacious.

Incorporate Alcoves

Do you have a wall niche or recess? Put it to work! Installing your TV in there instantly creates that custom, built-in look. Add floating shelves around it for books and decorative pieces, and install LED strip lighting inside the alcove to highlight your decor. 

No alcove? Create a similar effect by flanking your TV with matching tall bookshelves and painting the wall behind in a darker shade.

Multi-Purpose Furniture

In small spaces, clever multi-functional furniture is incredibly practical. An ottoman with hidden storage compartments can hold gaming controllers and blankets while providing extra seating for guests. 

A coffee table with an adjustable top transforms into a dining table or work desk, while built-in side tables on the sofa offer convenient spots for snacks during binge-watching sessions. Opt for slim, tall designs to maximize every inch of space.

Hide the TV

Sometimes, you don't want to stare at a black screen. Sliding panels, folding doors, or tapestries can elegantly conceal your TV. Or choose a TV stand with motorized sliding doors that magically tuck your television away into the furniture, like a disappearing act.

Dividing Areas in an Open Plan Layout

Even in a compact living room, smart zoning can create a comfortable and functional space. Position the sofa in the middle to naturally divide the room - one side for relaxing and watching TV, the other for a quiet workspace. 

Add a contrasting area rug in the TV zone to make it feel more cozy and inviting. Complete the setup with a few compact ottomans - they take up minimal space while providing extra seating when friends drop by, instantly making your space more versatile.

Play with Accent Walls

Creating an accent wall behind your TV can transform the entire viewing area into a stylish focal point rather than just a black screen on a plain wall.

Try painting simple wood panels boldly or using peel-and-stick wallpaper with geometric patterns. Flank the wall with a few black-and-white photos or decorative sconces. Keep it simple: simple—black-and-white photography paired with brass lamp shades can look chic.

Clever use of rugs and throw pillows can extend the accent wall's color scheme throughout the room. For example, a rust-colored wall with cream-patterned cushions and a warm-toned woven rug? That's a look that's hard to beat.

Surrounded by Bookshelves

Transform your TV wall into a cozy library sanctuary, where the imposing screen blends seamlessly into a world of books. Opt for built-in floor-to-ceiling bookcases, or use modular shelving units painted in soft, subtle colors that naturally complement your wall. 

Then comes the fun part - styling your shelves! Create an eclectic mix of vintage poetry collections, travel souvenirs, and lush staghorn ferns to showcase your personality.

Compact Furniture Arrangements

A space-saving L-shaped sofa with narrow armrests and a low back fits perfectly in the corner of the room. The stackable side tables can be easily tucked away when not in use and quickly pulled out when friends come over for drinks. Installing a swivel TV mount means everyone can comfortably watch TV from the sofa without craning their necks.

When you need extra seating, versatile ottomans are the smart choice - they work as footrests, occasional seats, and even snack tray holders. Add some colorful throw pillows and a soft blanket, and your living room instantly becomes cozy and inviting.

Lighting Around the TV

Installing LED light strips behind your TV helps reduce eye strain and makes the picture appear more dynamic. Create layers of lighting in your living room by combining different fixtures - place a floor lamp in the corner, mount wall sconces on either side of the TV, and add a small table lamp on the coffee table. 

You can adjust the brightness to match your mood: brighter lighting for gaming sessions and dimmed lights for movie nights. When warm golden light fills the room, even your snacks seem more appetizing.

Incorporating Natural Elements

The metallic look of modern TVs can make small rooms feel cold and sterile. Try balancing this with natural materials.

Place the screen on a TV stand with prominent wood grain patterns, and add a potted pothos plant beside it with its cascading leaves - this creates the perfect visual warmth. 

Below the stand, use a woven rattan basket to hide cables while adding texture, and complete the look with a jute rug to maintain a cohesive style.

Keep It Simple

A cozy living room doesn't need to be complicated. Start with cream or light gray walls paired with a solid-color sofa - this instantly makes the space feel brighter. Don't feel pressured to cover every wall with decor. Sometimes, space can create a sense of calm. 

An elegant floor lamp or a minimalist wall clock is enough to add just the right touch of style. Sometimes, that blank wall might be the most soothing element in your room.

Conclusion

The charm of designing a small living room with a TV lies in getting every detail just right. Rather than trying to hide the TV, thoughtful furniture choices and creative layouts help weave it naturally into a story of comfort alongside sofas, lighting, and decorative elements.

Start with simple changes, like adding a swivel mount or floating shelves, and watch how space transforms. The best designs evolve with your lifestyle - don't be afraid to experiment until you find an arrangement that feels perfectly "you".