Pairing a TV unit with bookcases works best when the two read as one composition: matching or complementary finishes, a clear sense of symmetry or deliberate balance, and shelves styled with enough breathing space that the screen does not feel boxed in. Done well, bookcases turn a plain TV wall into a feature that looks good whether the television is on or off. The ten approaches below show different ways to achieve that, depending on the size and character of your room.<\/p>\n
Whether you are starting from scratch or adding to an existing unit, our range of modern bookcases UK<\/a> includes tall, low, open and closed designs to build around the screen, alongside the wider choice in our living room furniture UK sale<\/a>.<\/p>\n A television on its own can dominate a wall, particularly when it is switched off and becomes a large dark rectangle. Bookcases give the eye other things to look at: books, objects, plants and art. They also add a great deal of storage, which is valuable in UK homes where space is often at a premium. And they bring personality. A wall of books says far more about the people who live in a room than a screen ever will.<\/p>\n The classic arrangement is a low TV unit in the centre with a tall bookcase on each side. The symmetry creates a calm, ordered look and frames the screen like a picture. This works well on long walls and in rooms with a traditional or formal feel. Choose bookcases slightly narrower than the gap you have, so there is a little space between them and the unit. That separation stops the wall looking crammed.<\/p>\n You do not need built in joinery to achieve a fitted appearance. Choose a TV unit and bookcases in the same finish and push them together along the wall. Add a bridging shelf above the TV if the design allows, and paint the wall behind in the same colour as the furniture. From across the room, the arrangement reads as a single piece of cabinetry. This approach suits renters and anyone who wants the flexibility to move furniture later.<\/p>\n Many period homes in the UK have alcoves either side of the chimney breast. These spaces are natural homes for bookcases, while the TV unit sits on the chimney breast wall or in front of a fireplace that is no longer used. Measure each alcove carefully, as they are often slightly different widths in older houses. Low bookcases in the alcoves, with shelves or art above, keep the arrangement from feeling too heavy in smaller rooms.<\/p>\n Symmetry is not the only option. A single tall bookcase on one side of the TV unit, balanced by a tall plant, floor lamp or large piece of art on the other, creates a more relaxed look. This suits contemporary and eclectic interiors, and works where one side of the wall is interrupted by a door or window. The trick is to balance visual weight. A dark, full bookcase needs something substantial on the opposite side, not a small ornament.<\/p>\n In rooms with low ceilings or under windows, tall bookcases can feel imposing. An alternative is to run low bookcases along the full length of the wall, with the TV unit in the middle or the TV sitting directly on top of them. This creates a long, horizontal line that makes the room feel wider. The top surface becomes a generous display ledge for lamps, plants and art propped against the wall.<\/p>\n A wall of entirely open shelving can quickly look busy, especially with cables and equipment around the TV. Combining open bookcases with closed cupboards, either in the TV unit or at the base of the bookcases, keeps everyday clutter hidden. Books and favourite objects go on show, while games, chargers and paperwork go behind doors. Baskets on lower open shelves offer a middle ground, softening the look while still concealing odds and ends.<\/p>\n For the TV itself, a unit with drawers or doors pairs well with open bookcases. Browse our modern TV units UK<\/a> for designs that balance display and concealed storage.<\/p>\n If you have collections of glassware, ceramics or special books you want to protect from dust, glass fronted cabinets make a refined alternative to open bookcases. Placed either side of the TV unit, they reflect light and add a sense of occasion. Interior lighting can make them glow softly in the evening. Our display cabinets UK<\/a> include designs in wood, gloss and metal that sit well alongside a TV unit.<\/p>\n How you fill the bookcases matters as much as the furniture. A few principles help the arrangement look considered.<\/p>\n Mix vertical and horizontal books.<\/strong> Rows of upright books with occasional horizontal stacks break up the lines and create natural platforms for objects.<\/p>\n Leave space.<\/strong> Aim to fill around two thirds of each shelf. Gaps give the eye a rest and make the wall feel calmer.<\/p>\n Group objects in odd numbers.<\/strong> Three items of different heights tend to look more natural than two.<\/p>\n Repeat colours.<\/strong> Pick one or two accent colours from the room and repeat them across the shelves in book spines, ceramics or small artworks.<\/p>\n Keep the shelves nearest the screen quieter.<\/strong> Busy styling right beside the TV can be distracting. Place bolder items on the outer and upper shelves.<\/p>\n For more ideas on choosing objects that work around a TV unit, our article on accessories for a taupe TV unit in UK living rooms<\/a> offers plenty of options that apply to other finishes too. If storage is a priority, our guide to choosing a UK TV unit with storage<\/a> helps you work out what you really need.<\/p>\n Lighting transforms a bookcase wall in the evening. A small table lamp on the TV unit or on a low bookcase adds warmth. Picture lights fixed above shelves highlight books and art. Battery powered puck lights inside bookcases are a simple way to add a soft glow without wiring. Avoid bright lights directly behind or beside the screen, as they can cause glare while you watch. A gentle, even level of light on the wall is more comfortable and makes the screen appear less stark.<\/p>\n The wall behind the bookcases and TV unit is part of the composition. A deep colour, such as navy, forest green or charcoal, makes the TV blend in when it is off and gives books and objects a rich backdrop. Painting the backs of open bookcases in a contrasting colour is another way to add interest. For a softer look, a subtle patterned wallpaper visible between shelves can add texture without overwhelming the space.<\/p>\n Before committing, think about a few practical points. Tall bookcases should be secured to the wall with anti tip fixings, particularly in homes with children. Check that the bookcases will not block sockets you need for the TV and lamps. Consider the depth of both pieces. A bookcase much deeper than the TV unit can make the arrangement look uneven, while one that is much shallower may not hold larger books. Leave enough room around the TV for ventilation, as electronics can run warm when enclosed by shelving on three sides.<\/p>\n The finish of the bookcases and TV unit sets the tone for the whole wall. Light oak feels relaxed and Scandinavian. Dark walnut adds warmth and a classic, library feel. White keeps things fresh and bright, while black adds drama. Mixing finishes can work, but keep it to two at most, perhaps a wood TV unit with painted bookcases in a colour that picks up its tone.<\/p>\nWhy Bookcases and TV Units Work Together<\/h3>\n
1. Flank the Unit with Matching Tall Bookcases<\/h3>\n
2. Create a Fitted Look with Freestanding Pieces<\/h3>\n
3. Use Alcoves on Either Side of a Chimney Breast<\/h3>\n
4. Try an Asymmetric Arrangement<\/h3>\n
5. Run Low Bookcases Along the Whole Wall<\/h3>\n
6. Mix Open Shelves with Closed Storage<\/h3>\n
7. Bring in Glass Fronted Display Cabinets<\/h3>\n
8. Style the Shelves with Restraint<\/h3>\n
9. Light the Wall Thoughtfully<\/h3>\n
10. Paint or Paper the Wall Behind<\/h3>\n
Practical Considerations<\/h3>\n
Choosing Finishes<\/h3>\n
Building Your Wall<\/h3>\n