That empty space next to your TV stand can feel frustrating. You know something should go there, but what exactly?
The right pieces don't just fill space – they make your living room feel complete and welcoming. Whether it's a tall plant, a sleek shelf, or a cozy chair, a well-chosen accent can turn that awkward gap into a spot you love.
This guide helps you find the perfect additions for your TV area, solving those tricky decorating puzzles once and for all.
Add Plants for Freshness
Plants bring life to that empty space next to your TV stand. They soften the look of electronics and add height that draws your eye up. This creates a better balance, especially if you have a large TV or tall ceilings.
Some great choices for beside your TV stand:
- Fiddle leaf fig with its big, dramatic leaves
- Snake plant that grows straight up and barely needs water
- Rubber tree for a full, leafy corner
- Pothos or ivy, if you want leaves that trail down from a shelf
Your planter matters too. Pick one that matches your TV stand's style. White ceramic looks clean and modern. Natural baskets work with wood furniture.
Don't worry if you forget to water plants or your room doesn't get much light. Today's artificial plants look surprisingly real. You can find silk fiddle leaf figs or plastic snake plants that fool most people. They give you that fresh, green look without any care at all.
Floor Lamps for Ambient Light
Good lighting changes everything about your TV watching experience. A floor lamp next to your TV stand sets the mood without the harshness of overhead lights.
The best floor lamps for TV areas:
- Arc lamps that reach over furniture and save floor space
- Three-legged tripod styles that look modern and stay stable
- Narrow tower lamps are perfect for squeezing into corners
The type of light matters as much as the lamp itself. Warm, soft bulbs create a cozy feel for movie nights. They're easier on your eyes than bright white light, especially when the rest of the room is dark.
Where you put the lamp makes a big difference. Test different spots to avoid screen glare. Usually, placing it behind your couch or off to one side works best. You'll know you've found the right spot when you can see the screen clearly without any annoying reflections.
Floating Shelves or Gallery Wall
The wall space next to your TV stand offers great decorating potential. You can use it for storage, display, or to create visual interest. Two popular options work especially well: floating shelves and gallery walls. Both add style without taking up floor space.
Floating Shelves
When floor space is tight, think vertically. Floating shelves next to your TV stand give you storage without crowding the room. They look clean and modern, too.
Use them for small speakers, books, picture frames, or decorative pieces. The trick is mixing different items. Put books next to a small vase. Add a framed photo beside a candle. Groups of three or five items look best. Play with different heights to keep things interesting.
Gallery Wall
A gallery wall works differently. It turns the space around your TV into an art display. Mix family photos with artwork and maybe a small mirror. Use different frame sizes and colors for more character.
The gallery wall helps your TV blend in instead of dominating the room. It makes the whole area feel planned and pulled together. Your TV becomes part of the decor rather than just a black rectangle on the wall.
Accent Chairs or Ottomans
Adding a chair or ottoman next to your TV stand creates a more inviting space. It also makes the area more functional for everyday use.
Choose accent chairs that work with your TV stand's style. Boucle fabric pairs beautifully with natural wood. Leather seating complements black metal stands. When colors and materials match, your room feels more put together.
Ottomans and poufs are especially versatile. You can use them as:
- Extra seating when friends visit
- A comfortable footrest
- A makeshift coffee table
Woven poufs add nice texture to any room. Velvet ottomans bring a touch of luxury. Storage ottomans help you hide remotes and blankets. Each type serves a purpose while enhancing your space.
These accent pieces tie everything together. They give you flexibility in how you use your living room while maintaining a cohesive look.
Side Tables or Sculptural Pieces
A small side table next to your TV stand gives you a handy spot for everyday items. Set your drink down during movies or keep remotes within easy reach. Narrow console tables work especially well in tight spaces where you can't fit anything wider.
If you don't need extra surface space, consider something purely decorative instead. A tall floor vase or modern sculpture adds height and draws the eye up. This creates visual balance without adding clutter.
Choose pieces that match your room's style. Sleek metal sculptures work in modern spaces. Rough concrete pieces fit industrial looks. Even a large ceramic vase with dried branches can make a statement.
Storage Baskets or Slim Cabinets
Living rooms get messy fast. Between remotes, throw blankets, and magazines, stuff piles up next to the TV. A stylish storage solution keeps everything tidy without looking cluttered.
Woven baskets offer the easiest fix. Just drop in whatever needs hiding – kids' toys, extra cables, or cozy blankets for movie nights. The natural texture adds warmth and breaks up all the hard edges of your electronics. Keep one close to your favorite seat for quick cleanups.
When you need more serious storage, a slim cabinet makes sense. These narrow units tuck perfectly beside your TV stand and hide the real mess – tangled cables, game systems, and all those streaming devices. Look for one with ventilation holes to keep electronics cool and soft-closed doors that won't slam during quiet moments.
Vinyl Record Stand
A record stand next to your TV brings music into your entertainment setup. It shows off your vinyl collection while keeping albums organized and easy to grab.
The vintage look adds character that streaming devices can't match. Your favorite album covers become art pieces, and the whole setup feels more personal. Plus, everything stays at the perfect height for browsing through your collection during commercial breaks.
Magazine Rack
A magazine rack keeps your current reads close to your favorite TV spot. No more hunting for that article you wanted to finish or stacking magazines on the floor.
It also stops magazines from becoming coasters or getting buried under remotes. The slim profile fits perfectly beside most TV stands without taking up much room. It makes your space look put-together and intentional.
Decorative Mirror
A mirror next to your TV stand does more than look pretty. It bounces light around, making your whole viewing area feel bigger and brighter. Dark corners suddenly open up.
You can lean a large floor mirror against the wall for instant impact. Or work a smaller one into a gallery wall arrangement. Either way, the reflection breaks up the solid block of your TV and adds depth to the space.
LED Strip Lighting
LED strips turn your basic TV setup into something special. Stick them behind your TV or under nearby shelves for a soft glow that changes the whole mood.
The gentle backlighting eases the harsh contrast between your bright screen and dark room. Your eyes will thank you after long movie marathons. Plus, many strips now sync with what you're watching for an immersive experience.
Mini Bar Cart
A small bar cart beside your TV stand means no more pausing the game to grab drinks. Everything stays within reach – glasses, bottles, and mixers right where you need them.
Pick a cart on wheels so you can roll it closer during parties or tuck it away for family movie time. Stock the top shelf with nice bottles or even snacks and sodas. Use the bottom for extra supplies and glasses.
Pet Bed or Cushion
Your dog or cat probably already camps out on the TV when you watch it. Give them their own spot with a pet bed beside your TV stand.
This keeps them close without having fur all over your couch. They get their cozy corner while you get an unblocked view of the screen. Choose a washable bed that matches your living room colors. Your pet stays happy, and your space stays neat.
Conclusion
The space next to your TV stand shapes how your whole living room feels. By mixing practical items with personal touches, you create more than just a viewing area. You build a space that works for your life.
Whether you choose plants, storage, or artwork, each piece should serve a purpose. The best setups balance function with style. They make watching TV more comfortable while keeping your room looking pulled together.
Take time to try different arrangements. The perfect TV area reflects your needs and taste.
Related Reading:
Farmhouse TV Stand Decor Ideas
TV Stand Design Trends for 2025
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