The television tends to dominate the wall it sits on, and the space on either side of the unit is often left bare or filled at random. Treated with a little thought, those flanking areas can soften the screen, balance the room and make the whole arrangement feel like a designed composition rather than an afterthought. Here is how to style them well.<\/p>\n
A common instinct is to mirror both sides exactly, but a looser balance usually feels more relaxed and lived in. Think in terms of visual weight rather than matching items. A tall plant on one side can be balanced by a lamp and a stack of books on the other, so the two sides feel equal without being identical.<\/p>\n
This approach lets the area breathe and stops it looking staged. It also works whether your unit sits against a flat wall or within an alcove, and pairs naturally with the rest of your living room furniture<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tall elements on either side draw the eye upward and frame the television, which reduces its visual dominance. Floor plants, slim shelving or a floor lamp all do this job. The aim is to create a gentle sense of enclosure so the screen feels part of a wider scene rather than a lone black rectangle.<\/p>\n If you have the space, a pair of bookcases<\/a> flanking the unit creates a built in look that feels considered and offers useful storage at the same time.<\/p>\n Plants are one of the simplest ways to soften the hard edges of a media wall. A tall leafy plant in a textured pot adds life and movement, while a trailing plant on a shelf breaks up straight lines. Natural textures such as woven baskets, ceramics and timber objects warm the area and stop it feeling cold or screen heavy.<\/p>\n Vary the heights and materials so the eye has something to travel across, rather than a flat row of similar items.<\/p>\n Lighting transforms the mood around a television. A floor lamp or a table lamp beside the unit reduces the contrast between a bright screen and a dark room, which is easier on the eyes during an evening of viewing. Layered lighting at different heights also adds depth and warmth to the corner.<\/p>\nUse Height to Frame the Screen<\/h3>\n
Bring in Greenery and Texture<\/h3>\n
Add Light at Different Levels<\/h3>\n