Are Media Walls Outdated?

Are Media Walls Still Popular?

Media walls are built to hold your TV and other media devices. They often include shelves and storage spaces. But you might be wondering, are media walls outdated? The answer is, not really. Many people still like them because they make their living rooms look tidy.

In the UK, media walls became popular about ten years ago. They are still in many homes today. People like them because they can hide all the cables and wires. This makes the room look neat and modern.

Some say that media walls are starting to look old-fashioned. This is because new types of TVs and speakers are being made. These new devices do not need big units to hold them.

Even so, lots of people still choose media walls when they redecorate their homes. So, while some think media walls are outdated, many still find them useful and stylish for their living rooms.

Ideas For Media Walls

Media walls can be designed to suit your style and needs, offering both functionality and a touch of modern elegance. Whether you’re building a new media wall or updating an existing one, here are some creative ideas to inspire your design:

Add Built-In Shelves

Incorporating shelves into your media wall can enhance its functionality and style. Built-in shelves offer extra storage and display space for books, photo frames, or decorative items. You can place the shelves around or below the TV to create a balanced, symmetrical look. Floating shelves, in particular, add a modern touch and help keep the design sleek and tidy.

Include a Fireplace

Combining a fireplace with your media wall is a popular idea for creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Electric fireplaces work particularly well, as they can be seamlessly integrated beneath the TV. This not only saves space but also makes the media wall a focal point in the room. The warmth and glow of the fireplace add comfort and style to your living space.

Use Contrasting Colours and Materials

Make your media wall stand out by experimenting with contrasting colours and materials. You could paint the wall a bold shade that complements your room’s décor or use textured materials like wood panels, stone veneers, or even wallpaper for added depth. Contrasts help to highlight the media wall as a unique feature in the room, giving it a more dynamic and personalised look.

Incorporate LED Lighting

Adding LED lights to your media wall can elevate its design and create a dramatic effect. You can place LED strips behind the TV or along the edges of shelves for an ambient glow. Many LED lights are colour-changing, allowing you to adjust the mood of the room with ease. Whether you prefer a soft, warm light or a vibrant colour palette, LED lighting enhances the overall aesthetics of your media wall.

How High Should a Media Room TV Be?

When you set up a media wall, it's important to know how high your TV should be. If the TV is too high or too low, it can be uncomfortable to watch.

A good rule is to have the centre of the TV at eye level when you are sitting down. For most people in the UK, this means placing the TV about 107 cm (42 inches) from the floor to the centre of the screen.

If your sofa is higher or lower than usual, you might need to adjust this height a bit. The goal is to make sure you don't have to strain your neck when watching TV.

If you have kids or pets, it's also good to mount the TV securely on the wall. This keeps it safe from being knocked over.

By putting your TV at the right height, you'll enjoy watching shows and movies much more comfortably.

What Lights Do You Put in a Media Wall?

Adding lights to your media wall can make it look very cool. One popular choice is LED strip lights. These are thin strips with small lights on them that can change colour.

You can stick LED strip lights behind your TV or along the edges of your shelves. This creates a nice glow that adds atmosphere to your room.

Another option is spotlights. These are small lights that shine directly on certain parts of your media wall. You can use spotlights to highlight decorations or photos on your shelves.

If you want something simpler, you could use fairy lights. These are tiny lights on a string that give a magical feel to your room.

No matter which type of lights you choose, adding lighting to your media wall will make it look even better in the evenings.

Alternatives to Media Walls

If you feel that a media wall might not be the best choice for your home, there are plenty of alternatives that can offer both style and functionality. These options allow you to create a setup that fits your needs while keeping your living space modern and clutter-free.

Use a TV Stand or Cabinet

A classic alternative to a media wall is a TV stand or cabinet. These come in various styles, sizes, and materials, allowing you to match them to your existing décor. TV stands are easy to move and provide storage for devices, remotes, and other accessories. They are also budget-friendly and ideal for renters who cannot make permanent changes to their homes.

Mount Your TV on the Wall

For a minimalist and modern look, consider mounting your TV directly onto the wall. This eliminates the need for large furniture and keeps the space open and uncluttered. You can pair the mounted TV with a floating shelf or small console underneath for added storage if needed. This option is especially practical in small living rooms or bedrooms where floor space is limited.

Opt for an Entertainment Centre

An entertainment centre is a versatile alternative to a media wall. These large furniture pieces typically include space for a TV, shelves for books and decorations, and compartments for media devices. They can act as a focal point in your room and provide plenty of storage for your belongings. Entertainment centres are ideal for those who prefer an all-in-one solution.

Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves offer a stylish and flexible way to organise your TV area. You can mount shelves above, below, or around your TV to create a visually appealing and functional setup. Use the shelves to display decorative items, plants, or photos, while keeping cables and devices neatly tucked away. Floating shelves are perfect for creating a sleek, modern look.