16 Clever & Chic Small Living Room Ideas With TV That Make the Most of Every Inch

If you live in a smaller space, you know the design dilemma all too well: how do you make your living room both beautiful and practical when a TV is involved? Whether you’re in a studio flat, a cozy cottage, or an urban apartment, figuring out where and how to place your TV can be surprisingly tricky. Too dominant, and it takes over the room. Too subtle, and you're craning your neck just to watch your favorite series.

Luckily, your TV doesn’t have to be the enemy of good design. With thoughtful planning and the right layout, it can enhance your aesthetic rather than distract from it. Whether you're watching movies on weekends, binging your favorite show on a rainy Tuesday, or just streaming YouTube while tidying up — your TV deserves a stylish place to live.

We've rounded up 16 small living room ideas with TV that will help you make the most of every square inch — without sacrificing comfort or creativity. Let’s dive in.

1. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Build a TV Ledge Wall

Instead of mounting your TV directly to a flat wall, try creating a shallow ledge or bump-out wall behind it. This subtle depth instantly adds visual interest, hides wires, and can house LED backlighting for a cozy evening glow. You can even paint the ledge a contrasting color for extra dimension.

2. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Use a Room Divider With Tech Storage

Got an open-plan space? A slim partition wall that doubles as TV storage is a smart move. One side houses your screen, the other can serve as a workspace, bookshelf, or dressing area if you’re in a studio apartment. It zones the room beautifully and adds functionality.

3. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Place It on a Mobile Media Stand

A wheeled media cart or mobile TV unit is a game-changer in small homes. It allows you to shift your screen depending on where you're lounging — from sofa to bed to even the kitchen. Plus, it can tuck away neatly when guests come over.

4. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Hide It Behind Art Panels

If you’re not a fan of the “black rectangle on the wall” look, consider sliding panels or folding artwork that covers your screen when not in use. You can DIY this with canvas prints or slim shutters. It’s a clever way to blend function and finesse.

5. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Position It on a Side Wall

Not all TVs need to go dead-center. In fact, placing it on a side wall or in a corner can free up prime real estate for a window seat or larger sofa. Just make sure your seating angles are comfy and your wiring is discreet.

6. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Create a Low-Slung Lounge

A low-profile sofa, floor cushions, and a lower media console can make a small room feel much taller. Mount your TV slightly lower than usual to match the relaxed vibe. The result? An ultra-casual, super-cozy mini theater.

7. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Use a Pivoting Wall Mount

A flexible, pivoting TV wall mount lets you angle the screen however you like. This is especially useful in awkward layouts or if your sofa isn’t perfectly centered. Bonus: it allows you to pull the screen out and push it back for better space usage.

8. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Blend With Monochrome Decor

If your TV wall, furniture, and accessories are all within a single color palette—say, greys or taupes—your TV naturally recedes into the background. Monochrome spaces feel calm and cohesive, especially in tight quarters.

9. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Tuck It Into Built-In Niches

Recessing your TV into a built-in niche is a timeless small space strategy. It looks clean, saves space, and allows for styling on surrounding shelves. Make it symmetrical with matching bookshelves or asymmetrical with staggered floating shelves.

10. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Try a Fold-Away Console

Some media consoles open up to reveal a TV, then close to become a sideboard. This works wonders in multipurpose living rooms or guest spaces. It’s like a Murphy bed—only for your television.

11. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Elevate With Vertical Slats

Wooden or metal vertical slats behind your TV can act as a sculptural element, providing texture and breaking up the wall without overwhelming the room. This adds a modern architectural vibe that draws the eye upward—ideal in tight spaces.

12. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Use Negative Space Creatively

Design around your TV using the concept of negative space. For example, leave clean borders on either side and style shelves or artwork at a distance. This keeps the area visually light and airy while subtly framing the screen.

13. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Go Dark on the TV Wall

Paint the wall behind your TV a dark hue—charcoal, navy, or forest green. This disguises the screen when it's off and creates a moody media corner. Pair it with warm lighting and plush textures for depth.

14. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Position It Diagonally

Diagonal TV placement in a corner or between two zones can maximize space without feeling forced. Try angling a freestanding unit or floating shelf across a corner to allow both visibility and flow.

15. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Integrate With Fireplace Benches

If you have a fireplace with built-in benches on either side, consider placing your TV just above the bench level. This keeps the screen accessible while preserving the fireplace’s visual dominance. Style the bench with pillows or logs to soften the look.

16. Small Living Room Ideas With TV: Add Texture, Not Clutter

Instead of overwhelming your TV wall with accessories, focus on texture. Think woven wall hangings, plaster finishes, fluted panels, or even grasscloth wallpaper. These elements add warmth and depth without stealing focus from your screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where should a TV go in a small living room?A: Ideally, your TV should be placed where it can be comfortably viewed without dominating the space. Consider corner placements, floating shelves, or above a low console to maintain a balanced layout.

Q: Can I still have a sectional sofa in a small living room with a TV?A: Yes! Choose a small-scale or bumper-style sectional with low backs and clean lines. Make sure it doesn’t block any pathways or windows.

Q: How do I make my TV wall look stylish?A: Surround your TV with artwork, paneling, or textural wall treatments. You can also opt for a Frame-style TV or digital art screensavers to integrate it into your décor.

Ready to Redesign Your Small Space?

Struggling with layout, lighting, or storage in your living room? Our team at BY Design and Viz specializes in smart, stylish interior and architectural design for spaces big and small. Whether you're planning a refresh or a full renovation, we’ll help you bring your vision to life—with functionality at the forefront.

📞 Book a free consultation today and let’s transform your small living room into a design masterpiece!