Living Room Built Ins with TV: 15+ Genius Ideas
Let’s be honest—TVs aren’t exactly pretty. They’re basically big black rectangles that dominate your living room wall and clash with all your cute decor. So what’s the fix? Say hello to living room built ins with TV. These bad boys can transform your entertainment area from blah to beautiful without sacrificing functionality.
I went down this rabbit hole while trying to make my TV wall less of an eyesore and more of a design moment. Built-ins? Total game-changer. Whether you’re into minimalism, farmhouse vibes, or full-blown glam, there’s a built-in setup that’ll suit your style and stash your clutter.
So grab a coffee (or a cocktail—I’m not judging), and let’s scroll through 15+ ideas that will make your living room feel polished, personalized, and ridiculously functional.
1. Classic White Built-Ins with Centered TV
This one’s a crowd-pleaser. White built-ins with a centered TV look clean, timeless, and classy AF.
Flank your TV with symmetrical shelving and closed cabinets below. Style the shelves with books, vases, and a few plants. This setup blends the TV into the wall so it doesn’t scream “binge-watcher lives here.”
2. Modern Minimalist Magic
If you’re the type who thinks “less is more,” this sleek setup is your vibe. Think flat-front cabinets, clean lines, and a floating media console.
Mount your TV above or flush inside a smooth niche. Add LED strip lights behind shelves for a little drama (the good kind).
3. Rustic Farmhouse Charm
Wood beams, shiplap, and cozy vibes—yes please. Frame your TV with warm wood built-ins and distressed finishes.
Add X-style cabinet doors and vintage-style hardware to bring out the farmhouse feels. Pair with a chunky wooden mantel for that Fixer Upper finish.
4. Dark and Moody Built-Ins
Want drama? Paint your built-ins a deep navy, charcoal, or forest green. These tones make your screen blend in beautifully while giving the room serious style.
Add brass hardware or gold accents to break up the darkness. Pro tip: This look is great for rooms with lots of natural light.
5. Floating Shelf Setup
If full built-ins feel like overkill, try a combo of floating shelves and a slim base unit. It keeps things light, open, and modern.
Mount your TV, float two or three shelves around it, and anchor it all with a streamlined console or cabinet. Easy, chic, and renter-friendly.
6. Built-In Fireplace + TV Combo
Double the drama, double the function. A fireplace below the TV, flanked by custom shelves and cabinets, gives off cozy luxury.
Just make sure your TV sits high enough to avoid neck strain. Bonus: fake fireplaces totally work if you’re in an apartment.
7. Book Lover’s Paradise
Wrap your TV in a wall of bookshelves. It’s like your TV is hiding in a library, which instantly makes watching reality TV feel smarter.
Add a ladder if you’re feeling extra. Fill the shelves with a mix of books and decorative goodies so it doesn’t look like a bookstore exploded.
8. Symmetry FTW
Balance just makes things feel right. Frame your TV with matching shelves or towers on both sides, and use identical decor to keep it zen.
Even spacing = instant calm. If you love order and hate chaos, this is your jam.
9. Statement Wood Paneling
Skip the shelves and go for a bold, full-wood back panel behind your TV. It draws the eye, adds texture, and makes the screen feel intentional.
Choose walnut for a mid-century vibe, or white oak for something breezy and modern. Add recessed lighting above for extra mood.
10. Hidden TV Magic (Yes, It’s Real)
Not into having your screen on display 24/7? Conceal it behind sliding doors, artwork, or a rolling panel.
It’s like your TV is playing hide-and-seek. IMO, this is ideal for formal living rooms where the screen isn’t the star of the show.
11. Built-In Bar with TV Combo
Why not mix business and pleasure? Install built-ins that include glass shelves for bottles and barware—then pop the TV right in the middle.
Your living room becomes your cocktail lounge. Bonus: game day just got way more fun. 🍸
12. Monochrome Madness
Create a clean, tonal look by painting your built-ins the same color as your walls. This makes everything feel seamless.
The TV blends in without distraction, especially if it’s black on a dark background. Pro tip: black built-ins + black screen = stealth mode.
13. Vintage Cabinet Conversion
Got an old armoire or media cabinet lying around? Give it a glow-up and convert it into a TV built-in.
Cut out the back, install shelves, and maybe add some paint or wallpaper to the interior. Boom—unique and budget-friendly.
14. Scandi Simplicity
Light wood tones, clean lines, and soft neutrals define this look. Scandinavian-style built-ins feel cozy yet modern.
Mix open shelves with closed storage, and keep your styling minimal. Think: one vase, two books, and a candle. That’s it. 🕯️
15. Gallery Wall Surround
Instead of built-ins on both sides, create a gallery wall around the TV. It takes attention off the screen and adds major personality.
Mix frame sizes, styles, and art types. And yes, you can totally include a few cheesy quotes. I do, and I sleep just fine.
16. Mirrored Built-Ins for Light Play
Want to make your space feel bigger and brighter? Add mirror panels to the backs of your built-ins. It reflects light and adds a glam touch.
Mirrored built-ins also make the TV wall less heavy. Trust me, it’s a simple upgrade with a big payoff.
17. Color-Blocked Perfection
Go bold with color-blocked shelves and cabinets around your TV. Paint the upper shelves one color and the base a contrasting hue.
This look is playful, artsy, and very on-trend. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce color without fully committing.
18. Ceiling-Height Built-Ins
Tall built-ins make your room feel taller—go figure. They also give you way more storage and styling space.
Run the shelves all the way to the ceiling and add crown molding at the top for a custom look. Add baskets on top shelves to stash seasonal stuff.
Final Thoughts: Built-In Bliss, Baby
So there you have it—18 stylish and smart living room built ins with TV that can totally elevate your space. Whether you’re going classic, minimalist, rustic, or full glam, there’s an idea here that fits your vibe and your living room.
Remember: the goal isn’t to hide your TV—it’s to make it belong. A well-designed built-in setup lets your screen feel like part of the furniture, not the bossy centerpiece of the room.
Now go forth and build it in. And hey, if you accidentally binge-watch five episodes of your favorite show while admiring your new setup, I won’t judge. 😉
With over 15 years of experience in residential design, [Author Name] specializes in creating stylish, functional spaces that feel like home. Her work has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens and Architectural Digest, and through HouzGem, she shares practical tips and inspiration to help readers transform their living spaces with confidence and creativity.
