Designing a living room can be challenging, especially when it comes to incorporating both a television and a fireplace in the same space. Both elements are focal points in their own right, each demanding attention and setting a distinct tone for the room. Achieving a balance between them requires thoughtful design choices.
This guide introduces a few high-end strategies for positioning a TV beside the fireplace in your living or dining room, offering designer tips on making this combination look beautiful without filling up the entire room.
Understanding the Challenge: TV vs. Fireplace
The TV and fireplace usually make up the two most important features and draw the lion’s share of your attention in a living room. Here are some ideas and a few challenges to keep in mind:
Competing Focal Points: TV and fireplaces are both sources of attraction in different ways. If put too close together without proper design balance, one may overshadow the other or set the room out of kilter.
Height Discrepancies: TV sets tend to be placed with optimal viewing—at eye level—firmly in mind, while fireplaces are often designed lower. Moreover, the height difference can cause unwanted visual tension while watching TV between the two if it is not handled carefully.
Design Styles: The TV and fireplace should somehow be made to match each other in materials, colors, and style. A modern, slick TV will look out of place beside a rustic stone fireplace.
Technology Integration: Modern living rooms often feature multiple electronic devices, and hiding wires and cables is crucial for a clean, polished look.
Example 1: The Overbearing TV
Visualizer:Anastasia Dmytriienko
One common pitfall is allowing the TV to overpower the fireplace. This often happens when the TV is significantly larger than the fireplace or when it’s mounted too close to the fireplace. In such cases, the room can feel unbalanced, the TV dominates the space, and the fireplace loses its charm as a cozy focal point.
How To Do It:
Ensure the TV and fireplace are proportionate to one another. If the TV is big, choose a fireplace with a substantial size such as a wide, linear model to hold its own visually. Or maybe move the TV to an adjacent wall instead of having it right next to the fireplace. The method of two peaks, low fireplace where one is located at an isolated place and the other nearby helps a lot in the overall aesthetic focus without creating a visual tug-of-war.
Designer Tip:
To maintain harmony between the TV and fireplace, consider using complementary materials and colors that tie the two elements together. For example, if the fireplace surround is made of sleek, modern tiles, use similar finishes or tones for the TV wall or cabinetry. This approach helps in creating a cohesive design where neither the TV nor the fireplace overshadows the other.
What Not to Do:
Avoid mounting a large TV directly beside a smaller fireplace, especially if the TV is at a different height or angle. This can create a jarring visual imbalance, making the room feel awkward and cluttered.
Example 2: The Balanced Asymmetry Method
Visualizer:Walaa Abdelaziz
One of the best tricks to make a TV & fireplace balance would be asymmetry. This allows for the idea that everything does not have to be completely symmetrical to find balance.
How To Do It:
Place the TV set and fireplace at different heights or slightly off from one another. For example, the television set could be hung on the wall beside the fireplace, with the fireplace positioned an inch lower or off to one side. This juxtaposition gives a striking visual contrast without making the room appear lopsided.
Designer Tip:
To take this layout one step further, use colors and textures brought from the fireplace to the TV that is repeated on all surrounding elements. If the fireplace is clad in natural stone then for example you could use a wood finish frame that matches up with earthy tones. The addition of a rug or soft furnishings in similar shades can further tie the elements together.
What Not to Do:
Avoid placing your TV too close to the fireplace mantel or at an arbitrary height, as this can disrupt the room’s flow and create an imbalance. Ensure that both the TV and fireplace are aligned at the same visual plane, and positioned safely against the same natural flagstone, for a cohesive look.
Example 3:The L-Shaped Layout
Visualizer:Maria Rybak
The L-shaped layout is a practical and beautiful way to place the TV beside the fireplace. This setup is ideal for a larger room with multiple seating areas.
How To Do It:
The L-shaped configuration is a popular and interesting choice for positioning next to the fireplace TV, especially in large rooms with several seating areas. If both are long, place the fireplace on one side wall and mount your TV next to it but in a facing direction. This layout stretches the focal points into distinct locations in one room but still has collaboration. Position the seating so that it is facing both towards the TV and fireplace, making sure to keep everything functional as well as comfortable.
Designer Tip
The trick to pull this off like a designer is to maintain consistency with materials and colors that you use across both windows and your floor-to-ceiling walls. If you have a modern, sleek tile fireplace surround then try using the same type of materials or colors on your TV wall. Placing a sectional sofa at the corner of the L will also anchor the space, making it feel more cozy and free from drafts.
What Not to Do :
Avoid disconnecting the two walls with different styles of furniture placement or materials from one another. This will lead to a room that feels disconnected and not as fluid. Instead, however, you should carefully manage how the two (related) zones will merge for a coherent overall design.
Example 4: Adopt a Compassionate Design Integration
Visualizer:hasan yıldız
A combination of a TV and a gas fireplace is the most secretive, in this case, it makes sense to establish them within one design concept. In this case, all decisions were oriented towards establishing a cohesive expression allowing both parties to be themselves without getting in the way of each other.
How to Do It:
Sympathetic design is also key to ensuring a cohesive look where both the TV and fireplace play nicely together. Pick something that works with the style of them both essentially. As an example, if you have a contemporary design and your fireplace has clean lines with a stone surround then choose to hold your TV above the fireplace or use a cabinet that has similar materials or finishes so it will make everything look together. Try creating custom cabinetry that incorporates both your TV and fireplace, which should be designed with cohesive elements such as color, texture, and material. This method results in a neatly proportioned and cohesive focal point of the room.
Designer Tip:
For a well-rounded appearance, pick materials and colors that match the decorations in the room. For a natural stone fireplace surround, try using the same material in a TV frame. Or, choose a TV with less surrounding bulk that won’t visually compete with the textural and colored fireplace. Using common materials like routed wood or integral stone will also add to the feeling that everything is present for a reason.
What to Avoid :
Do not set the TV and fireplace in a way that makes the visual balance wrong. For example, a traditional fireplace will be needlessly obstructed if you fix the TV panel too high above it. Keeping both items at the same level maintains cleanliness throughout.
Example 5: Utilize Artful Disguise
Visualizer:Minnur Memmedov
To prevent the television from becoming a black hole in your pretty room, custom cabinetry or sliding panels are other graceful solutions. This way, the fireplace gets to be a focal point while the TV is off making sure that balance remains in your room.
How to do it
Mounting the TV within a gallery wall, nestled among other pieces of art and photographs is another creative way that you can almost disguise it. Sliding panels or canvas with artwork in custom cabinetry, for example, can be open to view your TV and become concealed when the TV is off. To effectively hide your television, you may be interested in something such as a framed mirror TV.
Designer Tip
Make sliding hall doors finger light to open and close, and an integral part of home design. Upgrading the panels with high-quality materials and finishes elevates the style of your space Also, you should use soft-close mechanisms for easy movement and to avoid friction from heavy work.
What to Avoid:
Avoid choosing panels that conflict with the room’s existing decoration. For example, contrasting colors or materials could create a disruptive feel in a small space and draw attention to the screen away from the fireplace. Instead, make sure your panels fit in with the appearance of both your TV and fireplace; this way there will be no disjointed look.
Example 6: Explore Multi-Functional Design Solutions
Visualizer:Alexander Chubarkov
We love the idea of combining your TV and fireplace into a built-in nook in smaller spaces or multi-function rooms. A media wall that combines the TV and fireplace with a few other features including built-in storage or workspace can be practical yet stylish. A custom media wall, for example, can include a room with a fireplace at the base and a television mounted above on one end of it making room while incorporating other features such as storage or workspace elements.
How to Do It:
When designing a media wall that will function in multiple capacities, make sure you begin by arranging the layout and how all intended features are going to be incorporated into the space without everything feeling cramped. Make the fireplace the focal point, with the TV positioned above it or off to one side, depending on the room’s orientation and viewing angles. For added functionality, get built-in storage or shelving done around the TV and fireplace. Select materials and finishes that work well with the fireplace and TV, plus the type of fireplace you have so they all tie in together.
Designer Tip:
When considering a media wall with multiple functions, the placement should be based on the room’s layout and the intended use of each component. Be sure that the layout serves to improve how you use the room while creating an elegant and stateful design. The use of flexible storage systems and adjustable shelving can easily make your design versatile as well as practical.
What to Avoid:
Do not create a media wall that looks overcrowded or takes up space. For instance, trying to fit too much onto one wall can result in a cluttered look and detract from the overall room design.
Example 7: Minimalist Approach
Visualizer:Manal Adnan
A minimalist design approach focuses on simplicity and clean lines in a beautiful family room, and it is the perfect way to incorporate a TV by any fireplace. The design is trendy and gives the space a well-organized, clutter-free look.
How to Do It:
If you’re adopting less is more ability in expressionism, then clean lines and a muted color scheme should be your visual priorities. Opt for a minimalist fireplace that does not take away from the aesthetics of your other living space or room. A floating media console or low-profile TV stand can remain unobstructed while naturally complementing the fireplace, providing a seamless solution. We can create a showpiece environment that allows either the TV or fireplace to be shown prominently, but still maintains the comfortable coexistence of both in the same room, as embellishment rather than focus.
Designer Tip:
Opt for finishes that easily merge with the overall room style, think matte or subtler textures. Hidden cable management systems and designated spaces to conceal wires contribute to a clean, uncluttered look in a room. Simplicity in form and functionality make this room feel open, while a modern palette of colors keeps the space looking fresh and sophisticated.
What To Avoid:
Do not overdecorate or create intricate mantels with patterns and designs that could take away from the minimalistic character. Instead, skip on fancy fireplace mantels or sophisticated TV stands that can overcrowd the space. In addition, avoid mixtures and combinations of mantels of different materials or styles as those can disturb visual connections.
Wrap Up
Designing a living room that balances both a TV and a fireplace can be a tricky task, but with thoughtful planning and a cohesive design approach, it’s entirely achievable.
By applying these tips, you can transform your living room into a stylish and functional haven, where the warmth of the fireplace and the entertainment of the TV coexist beautifully. At Home Designing, we aim to inspire practical solutions that make your living space both comfortable and visually appealing.
This Japandi-inspired living room board is perfect for those seeking a harmonious blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. This combination creates a serene, cozy space with a touch of refined style.
Style: Serene Japandi
Color Combination: light gray, medium brown, lush green, beige
Who is it for: This design is ideal for individuals who appreciate clean lines, natural materials, and a clutter-free environment. Whether you’re a minimalist at heart or simply looking to create a calming oasis in your home, this Japandi-inspired living room offers a perfect balance of form and function.
Budget: $$
Japandi living room shopping list
Below we present a curated list of products presented on the board:
Hashira Wall Light
Faux Areca Palm Decor
Black Rattan Accent Chair
Solid Wood Coffee Table
Faux Bonsai Tree Decor
Woven Floor Cushion
Abstract Rug
Reddicks Upholstered Sofa
Set of Two Floor Metal Vases
Nordic Media Console
Abstract Wall Decor
Natural Drum Pendant
While our curated selection offers a solid foundation, remember that the essence of a serene Japandi living space lies in personalizing it to reflect your individual taste and lifestyle. Below are some suggestions to make this space uniquely yours.
Tips and suggestions
Textiles : Consider elevating the sofa with a few carefully chosen throw pillows in raw silk or hand-loomed wool. Look for subtle patterns or ombré effects in earthy tones – they’ll add depth and interest while maintaining the Japandi aesthetic.
Curated Display : For the media console, we could recommend a thoughtful display of select pieces. Wabi-sabi inspired ceramics or handcrafted wooden objects work well here. It is about creating a personal narrative within the space – the one which would support the mind and the soul.
Botanical Artistry : A statement plant can really anchor the room. A well-shaped bonsai or a sleek fiddle leaf fig could serve as a living focal point. It will bring that sense of nature and tranquility that is key to Japandi style.
Lighting Finesse : Let’s not overlook the role a well-designed lighting could play. A paper lantern or a minimalist brass floor lamp could add both function and ambiance. The right lighting has a chance to completely transform the mood of the space.
Textile Art : When the space allows, it is good to consider a minimalist textile piece in natural fibers. It would add warmth and texture, balancing the clean lines of the furniture. There is an excuse to shop local artisans!
Mindful Accents : For the coffee table, think about adding something that catches the eye, yet calms the mind. Maybe a cool vintage bowl filled with pinecones, or that ceramic piece you got from that local art fair. These little touches are what make the room feel like it’s really yours. Do not constrain your creative here.
Remember, Japandi style thrives on harmony – balancing minimalism with warmth, purpose with comfort. As you personalize your space, let each element contribute to this delicate balance.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
