While design trends come and go, there’s one item we can be sure won’t be making an appearance in our living rooms again: the tube TV. While the big and bulky televisions of our childhoods have been replaced with more minimal options, that flatscreen TV can still be an eyesore in your home. That’s why we’re sharing six creative ways to stylishly hide your TV. 

Hide it behind a map or picture

Would you guess there’s a flatscreen hiding behind that stylish map and console setup? To achieve this look, Karen Rollman sourced a pull down map (try searching for pull down art) to transform her TV room into a stylish living space. The result is clean, stylish and functional. 

If your TV is above a fireplace mantle, another option is to lean a mirror, framed picture (or both) on the wall in front of your TV for a layered look that hides your TV. The fireplace mantle is a focal point in your room, and its visual esthetic is lessened by having the television front and centre; hiding it behind a stylish mirror or piece of art is a great way to improve the look of your space.  

Splurge on the ultimate flatscreen 

While this option isn’t cheap, it’s worth considering if a new flat screen is in the budget. Doubling as a TV and a piece of art, televisions like Samsung’s The Frame and LG’s OLED models can display digital artwork when not being used for watching news or Netflix. Similar to a framed picture, these television models mount completely flat against the wall, hiding eyesores like brackets and other hardware. Depending on size, the cost ranges from about $1,400 to $4,000.

Make your TV part of a gallery wall 

Instead of drawing attention away from your TV, this option embraces your flatscreen as part of the main focal point in a room. To build a gallery wall around your TV, The Crafted Life recommends using tape to outline your TV and console before moving it out of the way. Next, lay out your artwork on the floor (use a piece of paper, cardboard or tape outline to represent the TV) and play around with how different colours and frame sizes fit together. When you’re happy with the layout, use tape to outline where each picture will go on the wall before hanging your pieces. 

Paint the TV wall a darker colour 

Clean and neutral walls are in style, but hanging a big, black TV in the centre of your white wall is sure to be an eyesore. To help draw attention away from your TV, consider painting an accent wall in a darker colour that won’t contrast as much with your television. Without the need for any hardware or holes in the wall, this is a budget-friendly option for renters looking for a quick fix.  

Opt for no TV with a screen and projector

If your TV is mainly reserved for movie nights or sporting events, consider opting for a screen and projector instead of a traditional television. With this option, you can quickly set up a big screen TV experience that can be packed away when it’s not being used. Screens and projectors are available in a range of options depending on your budget and the size of your room. Whether you install a retractable screen or opt for a freestanding screen, this option offers an easy way to turn any room into a multifunctional entertainment space.

Hide it behind barn doors 

Hide your TV and transform the look of your room by installing sliding barn doors. Big box retailers like Home Depot or Lowes offer sliding barn doors complete with hardware and hanging instructions in a range of colours and costs. For a true rustic or vintage look, try searching your local online marketplaces (Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace) for used barn doors that will fit your space.

Although a must-have item in most homes, your television doesn’t have to be an eyesore. With a little bit of creativity and a DIY attitude you can hide away your TV and transform your room into a multifunctional space that doesn’t compromise on style.

Source - CREA News2m2 Oct 2020