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RSS FeedInterior decorating tips: Should your TV be hidden in a console or visible?
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Add to FavoritesThe argument over whether or not a TV should be hidden is really a matter of personal preference. It's your life, your home, your room and your TV. It isn't a question of pretending you don't have a TV or don't watch TV, it totally has to do with personal style (or lack thereof). There is no right or wrong. It's just individual style.
If you don't have a particular style or it's sort of a hodgepodge, then it probably doesn't matter much either way. Also, very contemporary homes lend themselves more to the display of electronic doodads than more traditional abodes.When I was starting out, I couldn't have cared less. Some people, especially guys, like to show off their electronic equipment. If that's the case then why hide the TV? Others actually want the world to see how big the screen is. To some, it's actually become a status symbol. Putting a set over a fireplace mantle is the latest fad. I've actually seen people sit in a room with a large set and sit staring at the set even though it isn't on.
I've spent considerable time, effort and money making our family room just the way we envisioned it when we moved into our restored home. The fireplace is stone, the floors are wide plank pine, the rugs are orientals and all of the furniture is antique mostly from family but some purchased. The room finally has the cozy, welcoming feel that we love. No way do I want the focal point to be a 50" TV.
I totally understand, that if a room is designated as a media room or is loaded with sports memorabilia or game tables it only makes sense to have the TV visible. It would be ridiculous to hide the electronics if they are the whole purpose of the room.
It took ages but I finally found an old armoire at an estate sale and had it modified to fit the TV and all of the related equipment. The only downside was the price but I figure it's forever and when we replace the set we probably won't replace it with a smaller one. It fits neatly in a corner. All of the wires have been bundled behind and it just looks like the beautiful antique that it is. I have noticed , in the last year or so, that a number of companies make armoires for large sets. Hooker has a number of them. Believe it or not, Ballard designs has one that looks pretty good on the catalog page and it fits into a corner. I think it will hold a 46" set. The internet is loaded with ideas, too, although it is still kind of hard to fine one for a larger set.
Learn more about this author, Lucy Honeychurch.
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While we may not like the fact that our lives are centered around the TV, hiding it from view does not actually solve that problem. It may be a nice idea to think that TVs should be concealed behind a nice piece of furniture; in theory, maybe we'd be more motivated to read a book or have a conversation. But part of designing and decorating a space should be functionality. How you decorate your living room will not dictate a change in your lifestyle. So if you come home from work and flip on the tube, concealing the TV simply imposes one more hurdle to overcome before you can wind down and relax. It's just not realistic for all of us.
Now I am not trying to say that everyone should have a TV in every room of their home. Certainly, having a separate living room without a TV can be enjoyable as well, and if this is not possible, having a method of concealing the TV is beneficial. Also, there are definitely people or families that do participate in other activities more often than watching the TV, in which case they may choose to conceal their TV.
I would also point out that watching TV isn't necessarily a bad thing, so we shouldn't feel guilty about designing a TV into a room. It is a primary source of news, as well as a wealth of information about cooking, politics, history, art, trivia, and do-it-yourself home repairs, renovation and design.
Additionally, there are ways to decorate around TVs, instead of over them. At times, the furniture used to conceal TVs can be bulkier and more distracting than the TV itself. Placement of furniture and decorations can draw attention away from the TV without hiding it or making it difficult to view. The TV does not have to be the focal point of a room. For example, if there is a fireplace in the room, the TV could be placed above the fireplace or on the same wall as the fireplace, and furniture can be oriented to view both equally. Another idea would be to orient two similarly sized seating pieces facing each other, perpendicular to the wall with the TV.
There is certainly a time and place for a TV, just as much as any other activity. However nice it may appear to conceal a TV with furniture, I think you really have to consider how you are going to use it. I think whoever came up with the rule that TVs should be hidden when not in use was either old-fashioned (which is okay, it just doesn't fit everyone) or unrealistic and idealistic. As a rule, instead, you should consider functionality and use first and foremost. If it doesn't work for you, then it's not a good idea to conceal it.
Learn more about this author, Laura Lee Winger.
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