ARTICLE
Where To Put The TV? 6 Layout Mistakes To Avoid
April 21, 2023-4 min read
One of the most common conundrums in living room design is where to put the television. The TV is one of the most used electronics in the modern home, but when it’s not being used it can be an eyesore, intruding on the design and aesthetic of your space. We’ve consulted the experts and uncovered six of the most common mistakes people make when placing the television, and how to avoid making them yourself.
Mistake #1: Making The TV The Focal Point
While televisions have come a long way from their big, boxy beginnings to evolve into neat, sleek flat screens, they’re still not always worthy of centre stage. It’s no secret that having your television as the focal point of your living room flies in the face of good design, but hiding a big screen isn’t easy. “Consider purchasing an Art TV,” says Naomi Nimmo, Interior Designer and Co-Founder of Nimmo Nielsen Collective. “Select a frame to suit the space and choose from hundreds of readily available artworks to display on-screen, to ensure nobody knows you have a TV in sight.” Try the Samsung 55" LS03B 4K The Frame QLED Smart TV.
Clever custom cabinetry will also help to disguise your television. “Designing joinery that conceals the TV is a great idea, with the added benefit of extra storage and shelving,” says Naomi. Depending on the colour palette of your interiors, consider a dark charcoal, navy or black accent wall, and mount your TV there. That way it disappears as soon as you turn it off.
Mistake #2: Placing It In Direct Sunlight
An abundance of natural light is a sought-after design feature in any home, but it can wreak havoc with your television placement. “Where possible, keep the TV away from direct natural light to eliminate too much reflection,” says Naomi Nimmo. If your TV is in front of a window or opposite a window, you’ll struggle to see the screen clearly during the day. “If it’s unavoidable, consider window furnishings such as blinds or curtains that can be drawn to eliminate glare,” she says. The Samsung 65" QN900C 8K Neo QLED Smart TV is equipped with Anti Glare Technology, so it’s a good option for well-lit spaces.
“Consider purchasing an Art TV. Select a frame to suit the space and choose from hundreds of readily available artworks to display on-screen.”
Mistake #3: Placing It Too High
Mounting your television on the wall is the perfect option for saving on floor space, but hanging it at the right height is an important – but often forgotten – factor. “The size of the TV, the distance you are viewing it from and the overall proportions of the room will all help to determine how high it should be,” explains Naomi Nimmo. “Generally, installing a TV at eye-level from viewing is ideal, as it avoids strain on your neck. This is around 800mm to 900mm above the floor.”
Mistake #4: Placing It in A Poky Corner
While the television should never be the focal point of your living room, you won’t want it shoved away in a corner that’s hard to see, either. “When placing your TV, you need to consider whether you want the sightline to be viewed from adjacent spaces such as the kitchen and dining room,” says Naomi Nimmo. An adjustable wall bracket can help to make your TV more accessible. “If wall space is limited by windows, a bracket on the wall in a corner can work to avoid the TV blocking the window,” she says.
Mistake #5: Too Far From A Power Source
Take note of power point locations before you get the tools out, as the TV will need to reach the socket. Wherever you decide to put your TV, make sure there’s enough power points for the television, as well as any accessories such as gaming consoles and sound systems. Leaving this too late may end in a trail of dangerous and messy extension cords. If renovating or designing a space from scratch, eliminate the problem altogether by concealing cables in the wall cavity. “Placing the TV above a cabinet is great for concealing all the cables and cords, and placing the TV on the wall above and feeding cables within the wall cavity will look even better,” says Naomi Nimmo.
Mistake #6: Too Big, Too Close
There’s something indulgent about a big-screen television, but if it’s too big for your space or you’re sitting too close, it may contribute to eye strain or fatigue. “Ensure you have the TV a comfortable distance from the sofa,” says Naomi Nimmo. “The ideal distance depends on the size of the screen, but a general rule of thumb is to multiply the screen size by 1.5 to 2.5 to give you the best distance to view,” she adds. For example, a 60-inch TV should be anywhere from 1.9 metres to 3.3 metres away from your viewing point.
For more tips on TVs, the latest technology and how to install them head in store or online to The Good Guys. And don’t forget to check out our tips for getting your new TV home and unpacked safely.
