That awkward blank space under a wall-mounted TV can make the whole wall feel unfinished fast. I’ve styled a lot of tiny living rooms (including my own 450 sq ft place), and the right under-TV setup can add storage, hide clutter, and make your room feel instantly more put-together.
Slim Console Table With Hidden Bins
One of my favorite client tricks is a slim console table under the TV with a couple of storage bins tucked below. I’ve used this in narrow living rooms where a bulky media unit would’ve stolen precious walking space.
These products might help:
- Industrial Wood & Metal Console Table: Create a sleek foundation for your TV area with this narrow, space-saving table that adds modern charm.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Baskets: Hide cords and clutter instantly by tucking these textured, natural baskets neatly under your new console table.
- Textured Ceramic Vase: Complete the look by styling your console with a neutral, textured vase perfect for dried botanical arrangements.
Floating Console for a Lighter Look
When I switched to a floating console under my TV, my small room instantly felt bigger because I could see more floor. I love how it forces me to keep only the essentials underneath and makes cleaning feel way less annoying.
A few suggestions:
- Wall-Mounted Floating TV Console: Explore these sleek floating media shelves to free up floor space and create a modern, airy aesthetic.
- Macrame Wall Hanging: Add texture and softness to empty wall space beside your TV with a beautiful boho-style woven tapestry.
- Modern Ceramic Vase: Style your new floating console with a minimalist ceramic vase perfect for greenery or dried floral stems.
Built-In Look With Matching Base Cabinets
In rentals, I fake a built-in under-TV look by lining up simple base cabinets and topping them with one long surface. I’ve done this to hide routers, games, and cords while making the TV wall look custom and intentional.
A few relevant products:
- Rattan or Cane Sideboard: Align these sideboards side-by-side to create a seamless, customized storage solution that hides clutter effectively.
- Minimalist Botanical Wall Art: Frame simple botanical prints to balance your TV wall and add a natural, calming aesthetic above your cabinets.
- Indoor Potted Floor Plant: Add a tall indoor plant next to your console to soften edges and bring life to your entertainment area.
Bench Under the TV for Flexible Seating
A storage bench under the TV saved me during movie nights because it doubles as extra seating without adding a whole chair. I like sliding baskets underneath for blankets so the under-TV area stays cozy, not cluttered.
A few choices to try:
- Solid Wood Storage Bench: Choose a sturdy wooden bench to anchor your space while providing a functional surface for seating or decor.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Organize unsightly cables or cozy blankets with natural woven baskets that slide easily underneath your new bench.
- Textured Throw Pillows: Add instant comfort and a layer of softness to the hard bench surface with neutral, textured throw pillows.
Two Baskets That Actually Control the Clutter
I’m a big fan of placing two woven baskets under the TV (either inside a console cubby or right below a shelf) because they swallow messy stuff fast. In my own place, one basket is strictly for remotes and cables, and the other is for “random living room things” I don’t want to see.
Some handy options:
- Oval Woven Seagrass Floor Basket: Store throws or pillows instantly with this sturdy floor option that adds natural texture to your space.
- Set of Rectangular Water Hyacinth Baskets: Organize remotes and cables perfectly inside your console cubbies using these structured, easy-access storage bins.
- Neutral-Toned Cotton Rope Basket: Try a soft, flexible rope basket for a modern look that safely holds toys or electronics.
Open Shelving for Pretty, Practical Stacks
In my first studio, open shelves under the TV kept everything accessible when I didn’t have closet space for extras. I style mine with a mix of books, a small tray for remotes, and one textured piece so it looks curated, not like storage.
You might like:
- Small Leather Catchall Tray: Corral your remotes and small loose items in a stylish tray to keep surfaces looking tidy and organized.
- Ceramic Textured Vase: Add visual interest to your media console by displaying dried florals or branches in a matte ceramic vase.
- Decorative Coffee Table Books: Stack neutral hardcover books horizontally to create height and serve as a sophisticated platform for smaller decor items.
Long, Low Sideboard That Doubles as Storage
A long sideboard under the TV is my go-to when the wall feels wide and empty, because it balances the screen and adds serious storage. I’ve used the drawers for chargers and manuals (the stuff that multiplies overnight) and kept the top mostly clear for a clean look.
Products that could assist:
- Mid-Century Modern Oak TV Stand: Anchor your living space with a wide console that offers ample hidden storage drawers to declutter cables and electronics.
- Ceramic Stone Vase Set: Style your sideboard surface with textured vases that add a calm, organic touch without overwhelming the clean aesthetic.
- Natural Dried Pampas Grass: Fill your vases with fluffy dried stems to introduce height and softness next to the sharp lines of your TV.
Soundbar Shelf for a Clean Audio Zone
I like adding a soundbar shelf under the TV so the audio setup looks intentional instead of awkwardly perched on a pile of decor. In my living room, this also kept the console surface calmer because the tech had its own “lane.”
Try these:
- Compact White Soundbar: Upgrade your TV audio significantly with a sleek, compact soundbar that blends perfectly into minimalist decor.
- Modern White & Wood TV Console: Organize your electronics and hide messy cables with a stylish low-profile media console or cabinet.
- Woven Jute Cable Management Box: Discreetly stash unsightly power strips and excess cords inside a textured box that doubles as decor.
A Pair of Lamps to Soften the Screen Glow
Putting small table lamps under the TV (one on each side of the console) changed my evenings because the room felt warmer and my eyes weren’t stuck with harsh screen light. I’ve found this works best when the lamp bases are simple and the shades add a soft texture.
May just do the trick:
- Ceramic Table Lamp with Linen Shade: Add warmth to your media console with a textured ceramic lamp that diffuses light softly for cozy evenings.
- Green Ceramic Vase: Balance your console styling by placing a simple, small ceramic vase alongside your lamp for added visual interest.
- Modern Wooden Media Console: Upgrade your living room foundation with a light wood TV stand that offers ample surface area for decor.
Leaning Art to Break Up the Rectangle Effect
I love leaning a couple of framed prints under the TV on the console because it distracts from the big black rectangle vibe. In my own setup, I keep the frames slightly off-center and layer one smaller piece in front so it feels relaxed and lived-in.
These products might be useful:
- Set of Minimalist Wood Picture Frames: Choose simple wooden frames that complement your media console to create a layered, artistic look effortlessly.
- Abstract Geometric Art Prints: Select modern, geometric prints with warm tones to add visual interest and soften the TV’s sharp angles.
- Small Ceramic Decorative Vases: Place a small textured vase alongside your leaning frames to add dimension and grounding to the arrangement.
Nested Poufs Tucked Under a Floating Shelf
One of my sneakiest under-TV ideas is sliding small poufs under a floating shelf or console overhang so extra seating is always there but never in the way. I’ve done this in a studio where my “living room” was basically a walkway, and it worked shockingly well.
You might give these a try:
- Round Knitted Pouf Ottoman: Add instant cozy texture and versatile seating that tucks away easily with this charming hand-knitted floor pouf.
- Woven Jute Floor Cushion: Create a natural, earthy vibe while maximizing your floor space with this durable and stylish jute seating option.
- Textured Boho Area Rug: Anchor your seating area and protect your floors with a soft, geometric patterned rug perfect for layering textures.
A Mini Bar Setup Under the TV
Yes, a mini bar under the TV can totally work—especially if you already use the living room for hosting. I set mine up with a couple of bottles and glasses in a closed cabinet so it still reads tidy when I’m not entertaining.
A few helpful options:
- Rattan TV Console Cabinet: Organize your spirits and setup stylishly behind woven doors to keep your living space looking tidy and calm.
- Crystal Whiskey Glass Set: Upgrade your hosting game with durable, classic glassware that fits perfectly inside compact cabinet shelves.
- Woven Storage Basket: Use natural textured baskets to corral loose bar accessories or napkins, adding warmth to your cabinet interior.
A Pet Nook Built Into the Under-TV Zone
I’ve helped clients create a pet bed under the TV inside a lower cubby, and it’s one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” setups. It keeps the pet zone from spreading across the room while making the TV wall feel extra homey.
Items that may come in handy:
- Plush Rectangular Pet Pillow: Create a cozy sleeping spot instantly by sliding a plush, fitting cushion right into your open cubby.
- Woven Storage Basket: Keep pet toys organized and tidy nearby with a natural woven basket that complements your wooden furniture.
- Mid-Century Media Console: Upgrade your living room with a similar stylish, low-profile console featuring open cubbies perfect for pet nooks.
A Fish Tank Under the TV (Yes, Really)
I’ve seen a fish tank under the TV look absolutely stunning, like living art that makes the entertainment wall feel unforgettable. If you try it, I’d personally keep cords elevated and plan for easy tank maintenance so the under-TV area stays safe and stress-free.
Some ideas to consider:
- Rimless Low-Iron Aquarium Tank: Create a sleek, modern look like the photo by choosing a high-clarity rimless glass tank for unobstructed viewing.
- Minimalist Aquarium LED Light Bar: Illuminate your aquascape effectively without cluttering the view by installing a slim, low-profile LED light fixture above.
- cable management sleeve kit: Keep cords hidden and elevated away from water splashes to ensure both safety and a clean aesthetic.
