To prevent your TV from dominating a room's focus, strategically place it off-center and use other strong decorative elements to draw the eye.
While the television is often the central piece in a living space, many prefer their room's design to highlight something else. By intentionally planning your layout and decor, you can make the TV a functional item rather than the main event.
Strategies for Minimizing TV's Focal Point Status
Achieving a balanced room where the TV isn't the sole focus involves thoughtful placement and the introduction of other captivating elements.
Strategic TV Placement
One effective way to reduce the TV's prominence is by choosing a location that isn't immediately central or dominant upon entering the room.
- Side Wall or Corner Placement: According to the provided reference, this can be achieved by placing the TV on a side wall or in a corner. This setup keeps the TV usable for viewing but allows other areas or objects to naturally become the room's primary focal point.
- Consider Room Layout: Think about the room's traffic flow and the natural line of sight. Placing the TV where it's comfortable to watch but doesn't face the main doorway directly can help.
Drawing Attention Elsewhere
Once the TV is placed, introduce other visually interesting elements to compete for attention and soften the TV's impact.
- Incorporate Other Decorative Elements: The reference suggests incorporating other decorative elements such as bold artwork, lighting, or a statement piece of furniture to draw the eye away from the TV.
- Bold Artwork: A large, vibrant painting or a striking gallery wall can immediately capture attention.
- Statement Furniture: A uniquely designed armchair, a colorful sofa, or an impressive bookshelf can serve as a strong visual anchor elsewhere in the room.
- Accent Lighting: Strategic lighting, such as floor lamps highlighting artwork or table lamps creating cozy pools of light, can guide the eye to other areas.
- Accessorize Heavily: Clutter (in a good way!) can make the TV blend in. Surround it with bookshelves, plants, and other decorative items so it's just one object among many.
Blending or Hiding the TV
Another approach is to actively make the TV less visible when not in use.
- Integrate into a Gallery Wall: Frame the TV within a collection of framed pictures and art.
- Place Inside Furniture: Use cabinets, armoires, or media consoles with doors that can be closed to hide the screen.
- Frame the TV: Use trim or decorative panels to give the TV a more "framed art" look, integrating it into the wall decor.
Here's a quick summary of techniques:
| Technique | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Placement | Side wall or corner placement | TV usable but not the main visual focus |
| Diverting Elements | Bold artwork, statement furniture, unique lighting | Draws eye away from the TV |
| Blending/Hiding | Gallery wall integration, cabinets with doors, framing the TV | Makes TV less visually dominant when off |
By implementing these strategies, you can design a living space that is comfortable for watching television but where the room's overall design and other elements shine.
