A living room TV can either look like a clean design choice or like a random black rectangle that hijacked your entire wall.

And unfortunately, most living rooms accidentally land in the second category. The good news is it doesn’t take a full renovation to fix it.

Most “modern TV setups” aren’t actually modern; they’re just expensive.

What makes a space look modern is how intentional it feels, how the lines flow, and whether the TV looks like it belongs there instead of just existing.

A few smart design moves can make a basic TV wall look like something straight out of a high-end home tour.

1. Frame the TV with Built-In Shelving

Most living rooms struggle with the same annoying issue: the TV feels like the only thing happening on the wall. It dominates everything, even if the rest of the room is gorgeous.

Built-in shelving fixes that instantly because it gives the TV a “home” and makes the wall look designed instead of accidental.

I’ve done this in one living room where the TV looked painfully lonely on a big blank wall, and the difference was wild.

Suddenly, the whole space looked intentional, even before decorating the shelves. It also gives you storage and styling space without adding clutter to the floor.

Why This Works

Built-ins create structure, and structure reads as modern. When the TV sits inside a framed layout, your eyes stop treating it like a floating rectangle and start seeing the whole wall as one cohesive feature.

The shelving also adds balance, so the TV doesn’t visually overpower the room.

It’s also a great way to blend storage and decor in a way that feels clean. Modern design loves that “everything has a place” vibe, and built-ins naturally do that.

How to Do It

• Measure the full wall width and decide how much space you want on each side of the TV.
• Use IKEA cabinets or base units as the lower portion to keep costs down.
• Build vertical shelving units up each side, keeping the shelves evenly spaced.
• Leave a centered opening for the TV and mount it slightly above the base cabinets.
• Paint everything one color so it looks seamless and built-in.

Every step matters because modern design depends on symmetry and clean lines. Even a small mismatch in spacing can make the whole thing look DIY in the wrong way.

Style & Design Tips

Go for simple shelves, not ornate ones. The goal is straight edges and minimal trim, not decorative curves. If you want it to feel high-end, paint the shelving the same color as the wall or go slightly darker for contrast.

Avoid overcrowding the shelves with tiny decor. Stick to fewer items, larger shapes, and some negative space. Clutter kills modern design faster than anything else.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If you can’t afford true built-ins, fake it with IKEA Billy bookcases and a little trim work. Paint them the same color as the wall and add baseboard across the bottom to unify everything. It looks expensive from a distance, and honestly, most people won’t know the difference.

2. Mount the TV Over a Low, Minimal Console

A lot of people keep their TV sitting on a stand like it’s still 2008. The problem is it automatically makes the whole setup look bulky and heavy. Mounting the TV above a low console instantly cleans up the visual space and gives that sleek modern look everyone wants.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the fastest “modern upgrade” you can do in a weekend. Even if your furniture stays the same, the wall suddenly feels more open and more designed. Plus, you gain surface space for decor without the TV base taking over.

Why This Works

Modern design is all about visual breathing room. When the TV floats on the wall and the console stays low, it creates a horizontal line that feels calm and clean. It also prevents that awkward stacked look where the TV feels like it’s towering over everything.

The console adds grounding, so the TV doesn’t look like it’s randomly hovering. It’s a simple combo, but it’s ridiculously effective.

How to Do It

• Choose a console that’s wider than the TV, ideally by 8–16 inches.
• Mount the TV so the bottom sits 6–10 inches above the console.
• Hide the cords using a cable cover or in-wall cord kit.
• Keep the console surface mostly clear, with only a few styled pieces.
• Store devices inside cabinets instead of leaving them exposed.

The mounting height matters a lot here. If you mount it too high, the room starts looking like a sports bar, and nobody wants that.

Style & Design Tips

Look for consoles with flat fronts, minimal hardware, and simple legs. Low-profile walnut, matte black, or white oak finishes look especially modern without trying too hard. Avoid anything with heavy farmhouse trim unless your whole room matches that vibe.

Also, don’t decorate the console with ten tiny objects. One stack of books, a vase, and maybe a sculptural bowl is enough.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If your current console is ugly but sturdy, you can modernize it with peel-and-stick wood vinyl or paint. Swap the handles for sleek black pulls and suddenly it looks like a new piece. It’s almost unfair how well this works.

3. Create a Modern TV Accent Wall with Slatted Wood Panels

If you want your living room to look expensive without actually spending expensive-money, a slatted wood TV wall is one of the best tricks. It adds texture, depth, and a designer feel while still keeping everything clean and modern. It also makes the TV blend in instead of screaming for attention.

I used this idea once in a smaller living room where the wall felt boring, and it completely changed the vibe. It made the whole space look like it had been professionally designed. The TV almost disappeared into the wall, in a good way.

Why This Works

Slatted panels create vertical lines, which automatically add height and structure. Modern spaces love linear texture because it feels architectural without being busy. The TV becomes part of the design instead of being the main event.

It also adds warmth, which is important because modern living rooms can sometimes feel cold or too sterile. Wood texture fixes that fast.

How to Do It

• Pick your slat style: pre-made panels or DIY wood strips.
• Mark out the full wall section you want to cover, usually centered around the TV.
• Paint the wall behind the slats a dark color (black or charcoal works best).
• Attach the slats evenly using a level and construction adhesive.
• Mount the TV directly over the slatted section.

The dark backing matters because it creates depth and shadow. Without it, the slats can look flat and kind of cheap.

Style & Design Tips

Go with a natural oak tone for a Scandinavian-modern look, or deep walnut for something moodier. Keep the rest of the wall decor minimal because the slats already provide texture. The biggest mistake people make is adding too much on top of the slats.

Also, make sure your spacing is consistent. Uneven gaps ruin the whole clean modern effect.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If you don’t want to build slats, buy fluted wall panels or slat wallpaper that mimics the look. It’s not as dimensional, but it still gives that modern vertical-line effect. It’s a great shortcut for renters or anyone who wants the look without the sawdust situation.

4. Hide the TV Inside a Modern Cabinet Wall

Some people genuinely hate seeing a TV in the living room, and honestly, I get it. Even the prettiest TV is still a big black screen. A modern cabinet wall lets you hide it when it’s off and keeps the room looking clean and calm.

This idea works especially well if your living room is also your “hosting” space. When the TV disappears behind doors, the whole room feels more upscale. It also helps if your room has a more styled or cozy vibe where a TV feels too harsh.

Why This Works

Modern design often focuses on reducing visual clutter. Hiding the TV creates a calmer wall and makes your decor feel like the main focus. It also adds built-in storage, which always makes a room feel more expensive.

Cabinet walls also create symmetry and clean framing. And symmetry is basically modern design’s love language.

How to Do It

• Measure your TV width and height, including mount clearance.
• Choose cabinet units or wardrobes that can fit the TV inside.
• Install a center section for the TV with doors that swing or slide open.
• Add side cabinets for storage and balance.
• Drill ventilation holes in the back so devices don’t overheat.

The ventilation part matters more than people realize. Electronics trapped in a cabinet can get hot fast, and that’s not something you want to discover the hard way.

Style & Design Tips

Stick with flat-panel cabinet doors and minimal hardware. Handleless push-to-open doors look especially sleek and modern. Keep the cabinet color neutral, like soft white, beige, warm gray, or natural wood.

Avoid glass doors unless you want to commit to perfectly styled interiors, because glass basically exposes your mess like a spotlight.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

Use IKEA Pax wardrobes or Bestå cabinets to create a built-in look for a fraction of the cost. Add trim around the edges and paint it to match your wall. It looks custom without the custom price tag.

5. Add a Floating Media Console for a Clean Modern Look

A floating media console is one of those small design changes that makes your living room look instantly more modern. It lifts everything off the floor, makes the space feel bigger, and gives that clean “minimal but intentional” look. It’s also amazing for small living rooms that feel cramped.

I installed one in a narrow living room once and it was like the room suddenly had more square footage. The floor space underneath made the whole area feel lighter. Plus, cleaning under it is easier, which is honestly underrated.

Why This Works

Modern design loves floating furniture because it creates visual openness. When you can see more floor, the room feels larger and less cluttered. Floating consoles also create a strong horizontal line that makes the TV wall feel balanced and sleek.

It’s also a subtle “designer move” that makes people assume you know what you’re doing. Even if you don’t.

How to Do It

• Choose a floating console that’s long enough to anchor the TV.
• Locate studs and install a strong wall mounting bracket.
• Mount the console at a comfortable height, usually 10–14 inches off the floor.
• Mount the TV above it, leaving a small gap.
• Hide cables behind the console or use an in-wall cord kit.

Mounting into studs is non-negotiable. A floating console loaded with decor and electronics gets heavy fast, and drywall anchors won’t save you forever.

Style & Design Tips

Matte finishes look more modern than glossy ones. Natural wood tones also look great, especially if your walls are white or warm beige. Keep the console front simple, no ornate trim or raised panels.

Avoid putting too many decor items on top. A floating console looks best when it stays clean and minimal.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If you can’t afford a floating console, mount a basic IKEA cabinet unit and add a wood top. You’ll get the same floating look for way less money. Add LED strip lighting underneath if you want that extra modern glow, but don’t overdo it.

6. Use a Dark Painted TV Wall to Make the Screen Blend In

This is one of the easiest modern TV tricks, and people still don’t do it enough. Painting the TV wall a dark color makes the screen visually disappear when it’s off. It also adds contrast and depth, which instantly feels more modern than plain white walls.

I used charcoal paint behind a TV once and it looked like a completely different living room. The TV stopped feeling like an awkward black rectangle because the wall matched its tone. It’s such a simple fix that it almost feels like cheating.

Why This Works

Dark walls create depth, and depth makes a room look more designed. Modern interiors often use contrast to create visual focus, and the TV wall is a perfect place for that. Instead of the TV standing out, it blends in and lets the rest of your decor shine.

It also makes your wall art and shelves pop more. Everything looks more intentional against a darker backdrop.

How to Do It

• Choose a dark neutral paint: charcoal, deep green, navy, or warm black.
• Test the color in your lighting before committing.
• Paint the entire wall, including trim if you want a modern seamless look.
• Mount the TV and keep the console low and minimal.
• Add a few decor elements like framed art or shelves for balance.

Painting trim the same color as the wall makes it look more modern. White trim can sometimes break the clean look.

Style & Design Tips

Deep charcoal is the safest option because it works with almost any style. Dark green looks more organic and cozy, while navy feels slightly more classic-modern. Avoid super bright colors because they can feel trendy in a bad way.

Keep your decor warm to balance the dark wall. Add wood tones, beige textiles, or brass accents.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If you’re nervous about painting, start with peel-and-stick wallpaper in a dark solid texture like linen or concrete look. It gives the same “TV blending” effect without the commitment. It’s also renter-friendly, which is a win.

7. Create a Gallery Wall Around the TV (Without Making It Look Messy)

A gallery wall around the TV can look insanely modern and stylish when it’s done right. It can also look like a chaotic mess when it’s done wrong. The key is making the TV feel like it’s part of the gallery instead of the awkward centerpiece.

I’ve seen this look done beautifully in modern apartments where the TV just blends into the art wall. It gives the room personality and makes the TV feel less like a tech object and more like part of the decor. It’s one of my favorite options for people who love art.

Why This Works

Gallery walls break up the harsh rectangle of the TV. Instead of one giant black box on a blank wall, your eyes see a balanced collection of frames. It feels layered and curated, which reads as modern when the layout stays clean.

It also lets you add color and style without needing a full accent wall. Art does the heavy lifting.

How to Do It

• Choose 6–12 frames in a consistent style (black, white, or wood).
• Plan the layout on the floor before hanging anything.
• Keep the TV centered and build the frame arrangement around it.
• Use consistent spacing between frames, about 2–3 inches.
• Mix prints, abstract art, and maybe one or two photos for variety.

Spacing is everything here. If your gaps are inconsistent, it looks messy fast. A modern gallery wall should feel organized, not random.

Style & Design Tips

Stick to a limited color palette so it doesn’t look chaotic. Black frames with neutral art is the easiest modern route. Avoid tiny frames because they can make the wall feel cluttered and busy.

Don’t hang art too far away from the TV. The goal is to make everything feel like one cohesive display.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

Print digital art downloads from Etsy and use inexpensive frames. You can get a high-end look for super cheap if you keep the art style consistent. Also, using oversized frames makes the wall look more expensive even if the prints are budget.

8. Add a Modern Fireplace Under the TV (Even an Electric One)

Putting a fireplace under the TV is one of those controversial design choices that people love to argue about online. But when you do it correctly, it looks insanely modern and polished. And yes, electric fireplaces count, because we’re going for vibes and style, not survival in the wilderness.

I used to think electric fireplaces were kind of cheesy until I saw a sleek linear one installed under a mounted TV. It looked clean, modern, and honestly very high-end. It also made the whole wall feel like a feature instead of just a TV zone.

Why This Works

A fireplace adds architectural structure. It gives the TV wall a built-in focal point and makes the room feel more finished. Modern fireplaces also create a strong horizontal line, which makes the space feel wider and more balanced.

It’s also a great way to add warmth visually, even if you barely use the heat function. The flame effect adds movement and texture without clutter.

How to Do It

• Choose a slim linear electric fireplace insert.
• Install it into a simple drywall or wood frame structure.
• Mount the TV above it with enough clearance for heat and comfort.
• Add a minimal mantel or keep it mantel-free for a modern look.
• Finish the wall with tile, stone, or smooth painted drywall.

Clearance matters here. If you mount the TV too close to the fireplace, it looks cramped and feels uncomfortable to watch.

Style & Design Tips

Keep the fireplace surround simple. Large-format tile, smooth concrete finish, or matte stone looks very modern. Avoid overly rustic stacked stone unless your whole room leans farmhouse.

Also, skip the chunky mantel if you want a sleek look. A thin floating shelf works better if you want something to style.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If installing an insert feels too intense, use a freestanding electric fireplace console with a modern design and mount the TV above it. It’s not as custom-looking, but it still gives that modern layered effect without construction work.

9. Use a TV Frame or Art Mode Setup to Make It Look Intentional

If you want your TV to look modern even when it’s off, a TV frame setup is one of the best options out there. Art mode TVs can display artwork instead of a blank black screen, which makes the whole room feel more styled. It’s especially perfect if your living room has a more curated or minimalist vibe.

I’ve seen people resist this idea because they think it’s “extra,” but honestly, it’s one of the only solutions that truly makes the TV disappear into the decor. And if you’re already spending money on home design, it makes sense to make your biggest wall feature look good.

Why This Works

Modern rooms often focus on clean surfaces and intentional decor. A TV that displays art looks like a design choice instead of a tech necessity. It also eliminates that harsh black rectangle that can ruin a carefully styled space.

It’s a smart way to keep your room looking finished even when nothing is playing. That’s a big deal if you like your living room to feel polished.

How to Do It

• Choose a frame-style TV or add a frame attachment to your existing TV.
• Mount it flush to the wall for a true “art” look.
• Set up art mode or screensaver settings with curated artwork.
• Pick a frame color that matches your decor style.
• Keep the wall around it minimal so it looks like a focal piece.

Flush mounting makes a huge difference. If the TV sticks out too far, it starts looking like a TV again instead of art.

Style & Design Tips

Choose artwork that matches your room’s palette. Abstract art works best because it looks intentional and modern. Avoid overly bright random images that look like a slideshow.

If you add a frame, pick a finish that matches your furniture. Light oak for Scandinavian, black for modern minimalist, walnut for warm modern.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If you don’t have an art-mode TV, you can still fake it. Set your TV screensaver to display high-quality artwork and add a slim DIY frame around it using lightweight trim. It won’t be exactly the same, but it gives a similar effect for way less money.

Final Thoughts

A modern TV setup isn’t about buying the fanciest TV or copying some showroom living room. It’s about making the TV feel like it belongs in your space instead of taking it over. Once you treat the TV wall like a real design feature, everything starts looking more expensive.

If you try even one of these ideas, you’ll be shocked how much cleaner and more “finished” your living room feels. And honestly, that’s the goal, because your living room should look like you meant it to look that way.