@albionnord
Looking for art over TV ideas, or wondering how to hide a TV in your living room?
You’re not alone. A television is one of the biggest design challenges in modern homes. You can spend months choosing paint colours, fabrics, lighting, furniture and artwork, only for a large black screen to become the first thing you notice when you walk into a room.
No matter where it lives, the TV is rarely the prettiest thing in the room.
That’s why so many people search for ways to hide a TV, disguise a screen, or find better TV wall ideas that feel more considered.
The good news? You don’t necessarily need to remove your TV completely. Often, the goal is simply to stop it being the dominant focal point. I love my TV, I just don't want it to be the first thing I see in a room.
I spend a lot of time thinking about art and interiors, I’ve become increasingly interested in the different ways designers handle televisions. I love TV and film, and I’m realistic about how people actually live — but I also love rooms that feel layered, warm and beautiful.
A big black rectangle doesn’t exactly help with that.
If you’re looking for elegant ways to hide a TV, here are five of the best art over TV ideas and hidden TV ideas I’ve found.
@mymulberrryhouse
Why TVs Can Feel So Difficult in Interior Design
A TV is practical, but it is rarely beautiful.
The problem is usually contrast.
A large black screen naturally draws the eye, especially when placed against white walls or minimal interiors.
The simpler the room, the more obvious the TV becomes.
That’s why the best TV wall ideas usually do one of three things:
-
hide the TV completely
-
disguise the TV
-
surround the TV with enough visual interest that it stops dominating
The goal isn’t always to hide a TV entirely.
Often, it’s simply about ensuring it isn’t the first thing you see.
@orlaread @marywest
1. Use Art Over Your TV
If you’re searching for art over TV ideas, this is my favourite solution.
Probably unsurprising, given what I do.
A TV is functional. Art is emotional.
So when you place one in front of the other, something interesting happens — the practical object recedes and the room feels more beautiful.
Using art over a TV is one of the most elegant ways to disguise a screen.
Popular options include:
-
sliding paintings
-
hinged artwork
-
framed canvas panels
-
folding screens
-
decorative wall panels
A large painting mounted on a sliding track can glide across the screen when the TV isn’t in use, instantly transforming a media wall into an art wall.
This is one of the smartest ways to cover a TV with art while keeping it easy to access.
The art can be prints, or originals. A lot of people might use this as an opportunity to commission a piece of artwork to get something custom.
And if I had to choose between looking at a black screen or a beautiful painting, you already know my answer.
@Philipparaeinteriors @Dnbtlr @Lrnc
2. Use a Mirror to Hide a TV
A mirror works in much the same way as art.
Rather than staring at a black screen, you see something decorative and reflective.
This is a clever way to hide a TV in a living room, especially if the room is on the smaller side.
Mirror solutions include:
-
hinged mirrors
-
sliding mirrors
-
mirrored cabinetry
-
mirror-fronted panels
Mirrors also bounce light around a room and help a space feel larger.
If you want hidden TV ideas that still feel elegant, this is a strong option.
3. Hide a TV Behind Curtains or Fabric
Fabric is one of the most underrated ways to hide a TV.
Curtains, antique textiles, tapestries and vintage fabrics can all work beautifully in front of a screen.
Why this works so well:
-
it softens the room
-
it adds texture
-
it introduces pattern
-
it creates warmth
-
it feels layered
Sometimes bespoke joinery can feel a little rigid or architectural, whereas fabric introduces softness and movement.
It’s also one of the easiest solutions to retrofit.
A simple ceiling track can allow fabric to glide across the TV when it isn’t in use.
4. Use Vintage Textiles as a Blind
A more tailored version of curtains is a blind.
This gives a cleaner finish while still retaining softness.
Vintage textiles such as:
-
suzanis
-
kanthas
-
tapestries
-
antique quilts
can all be adapted into blinds or screens.
This is a clever way to add colour, texture and personality to a room while also solving the TV problem.
If you love layered interiors, this can feel especially beautiful.
In the below example by Studio Squire they created a blind (remote operated so no chain or strings) from this vintage suzani, which keeps it neatly hidden away but very easy to access. Very clever!
@studio_squire
5. Hide a TV in Built-In Cabinets or Bookshelves
If you’re renovating, this is often the most seamless solution.
Built-in cabinetry and bookshelves are some of the best ways to hide a TV in your living room.
@deorling
You can:
-
recess the TV
-
conceal it behind doors
-
integrate it into shelving
-
hide it within panelling
This is where many of the best TV wall ideas come from.
The examples I’m most drawn to aren’t ultra-minimal or overly sleek.
They tend to feature:
-
books
-
lamps
-
ceramics
-
artwork
-
collected objects
In other words: layers. Once the screen is surrounded by enough visual interest, it stops dominating. Your eye moves around the room instead of landing immediately on the TV.
@pennymorrison
Frequently Asked Questions About Art Over TV
Can you put art over a TV?
Yes. Art over a TV is one of the most popular ways to make a screen feel less dominant. Sliding artwork, hinged panels and decorative screens all work well.
What is the best way to hide a TV?
The best way to hide a TV depends on your budget and room layout. Popular solutions include art, mirrors, curtains, cabinetry and bookshelves.
How do I make my TV less noticeable?
You can make a TV less noticeable by surrounding it with art, shelving, cabinetry, textiles or contrasting paint colours.
Is it safe to put art above a TV?
In most cases, yes — provided heat output and positioning are considered.
Picture lights can also help draw the eye towards art and away from the screen, and they sit especially beautifully alongside joinery. Read my guide to picture lights here.
If you’re considering using art over your TV, browse our latest collection of vintage oil paintings for modern homes.
