Best TV Units for Open Plan UK Living Rooms

Open Plan Living and Television Placement

Open plan layouts have become increasingly common in UK homes, whether through new builds designed this way or older properties where walls have been removed to create flowing spaces. These layouts offer a sense of spaciousness and connection between kitchen, dining, and living areas, but they also present specific challenges when it comes to furniture selection.

A TV unit in an open plan room needs to work harder than one in a dedicated living room. It must anchor the seating area, complement furniture visible from multiple vantage points, and potentially serve as a subtle room divider without interrupting the sense of openness that makes these layouts appealing.

Defining the Living Zone

In open plan spaces, furniture helps establish distinct zones without the need for walls. A substantial TV unit can anchor one end of the living area, creating a visual boundary that signals where relaxation happens. This works particularly well when the unit is positioned against a wall that separates the living zone from circulation routes or the kitchen.

The scale of the TV unit matters here. A small, lightweight stand may look lost in a spacious open plan room, while a longer unit with presence helps balance larger sofas and dining tables visible in the same sightline. Consider how the TV unit relates to other major furniture pieces when viewed across the room.

Visibility From Multiple Angles

Unlike a traditional living room where the TV wall faces the seating area and little else, open plan rooms expose furniture to views from various directions. The sides and even the back of a TV unit may be visible from the kitchen or dining table.

This means choosing units with finished backs or positioning them against a wall to avoid exposing unfinished rear panels. Some contemporary TV units feature attractive backs specifically designed for mid room placement, allowing them to serve as partial room dividers while housing the television and media equipment.

Storage That Serves the Whole Space

In open plan living, storage takes on additional importance. With fewer walls and separate rooms, opportunities for built in cupboards or alcove shelving may be limited. A TV unit with ample storage can help compensate, housing not just media devices but also items that might otherwise clutter the shared space.

Consider what you need to store beyond television accessories. Board games for family evenings, books, chargers, and everyday items benefit from having a home. A TV unit with a combination of closed cupboards and open shelving offers flexibility, hiding some items while displaying others. Explore our TV stands and cabinets to find units with varied storage options.

Coordinating With Dining and Kitchen Areas

The beauty and challenge of open plan spaces lies in how different functional zones relate visually. Your TV unit should complement not just the sofa and coffee table but also the dining furniture and kitchen cabinetry visible nearby.

This does not mean everything must match exactly. Rather, aim for a coherent palette and style. If your kitchen features warm wood tones, a wooden TV stand in a similar species or finish creates connection. Contemporary white or grey kitchens pair well with high gloss TV units that echo the sleek aesthetic.

Managing Sound and Sightlines

Television viewing in open plan rooms can be affected by activities elsewhere in the space. While soundproofing is beyond the scope of furniture choices, the position of your TV unit influences how comfortably you can watch while others cook or work at the dining table.

Positioning the TV away from direct sightlines to the kitchen can reduce visual distraction for both viewers and those preparing food. Similarly, angling seating to face primarily toward the television rather than the entire open space helps create a sense of focus within the larger room.

Low Profile vs Statement Pieces

Open plan rooms suit both approaches. A low profile TV unit maintains clear sightlines across the space, preserving the airy feel that makes open layouts attractive. This works particularly well in rooms with limited ceiling height or where maintaining visual flow is the priority.

Alternatively, a taller TV unit or entertainment wall system can serve as a focal point that anchors the room. This approach suits larger open plan areas where the television zone benefits from additional presence. At Furniture in Fashion, we offer TV units in various heights and configurations, all with free UK delivery to help you find the right balance.

Integrating With Shelving and Display

Open plan living often means fewer wall mounted shelves and display cabinets. A TV unit that incorporates shelving provides space for books, plants, photographs, and decorative objects that personalise the space. This combination of media housing and display eliminates the need for additional furniture pieces.

Consider how displayed items will look from different parts of the room. Objects visible from the dining table or kitchen become part of the overall visual experience of the open space, contributing to its character.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large should a TV unit be for an open plan room?

Scale matters more than specific dimensions. The unit should balance with your sofa and other major furniture. In spacious open plans, units of 150cm to 200cm or longer often work well.

Can a TV unit work as a room divider?

Yes, though you need a unit with a finished back or one designed for mid room placement. Low units maintain visual flow while higher ones create more distinct separation.

What colour TV unit works in an open plan space?

Consider your kitchen and dining furniture when choosing. Neutral tones such as white, grey, oak, or walnut tend to coordinate well with varied elements in open plan rooms.

Should I match my TV unit to my dining table?

Matching is not essential, but visual harmony helps. Similar wood tones or complementary finishes create cohesion without requiring identical pieces.

How do I hide cables in an open plan room?

Choose a TV unit with integrated cable management. If mounting the TV, consider cable channels or conduits that blend with wall colours. Keeping devices within the unit reduces visible cable runs.