How To Decorate A TV With Floating Shelves Like A Design Pro

A TV with floating shelves will transform a plain wall into a stylish and functional focal point. The right choice of shelves and the way they’re decorated will make or break your design.

When strategically installed, floating shelves soften the TV’s harsh edge, making it part of the design, instead of the usual contrasting black box. Layout and styling require careful planning to get a visually pleasing look that’s practical and cohesive.

By playing with decor in different colors, heights, and textures you’ll create balance and harmony. Floating shelves are a stylish solution that provides storage, display, and visual interest.

The installation of your TV floating shelf and making sure they’re securely mounted is just as important as the display. They should complement the room’s design and be able to support the weight of your decor.

Once mounted you’ll be able to get creative and play with the styling of your TV with floating shelves!

Key Takeaways

Floating shelves will soften the harsh look of a wall-mounted TV.
Balancing practicality with aesthetics is important.
Proper installation is required to support your design.

This post is all about How To Decorate a TV with Floating Shelves.

how-to-decorate-floating-shelf-around-tv

Choosing The Floating Shelves Under TV

When choosing the floating shelves under a TV, consider both size and aesthetics. They should complement the TV and add to the overall look of your space.

The material of floating shelves around a TV not only affects its appearance but also its durability and maintenance needs. For a sleek and modern look, choose a metal or glass shelf. If you prefer a warm, rustic vibe, go for a solid wood shelf.

How To Choose The Size and Scale Shelves Around TV

The size of the shelves should be balanced with the dimensions of the TV and the wall space available. They should be proportionate to prevent a cluttered look.

For example, for a 55-inch TV, shelves between 48-50 inches long will create a cohesive look.

Measure your space and visualize how the floating shelf will look. A shelf that is too long may overpower a small wall, while a tiny shelf on a large wall can look lost.

The depth of your shelf should provide space for your home decor without extending into walkways. Design your layout in a program like Canva or Photoshop so you have the plan to follow!

SIZING TIPS:

Consider the size and layout of the room: Will the shelves be symmetrical or asymmetrical? Will they extend beyond the TV or stay contained?
Consider the TV height: Will the shelf sit above, below, or flank it?
Determine the style: Modern minimalist, mid-century modern, bohemian chic, or something else.

white bookcase under tv — Before Floating Shelves Under TV

wood floating shelves under tv — After Floating Shelves Under TV

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What material is used for floating shelves?

Materials such as natural wood, bamboo, stone, glass, metal, and concrete are commonly used in floating shelves. The best material for your living room TV floating shelves is what fits your needs, design style, and budget.

Natural floating shelf materials include:

Wood: A classic choice, offering warmth, beauty, and durability. Available in various species and finishes to match your style. Can be heavy, especially for large shelves.
Bamboo: Eco-friendly option with a unique aesthetic. Lightweight and strong, but not as readily available as wood.
Stone (marble, granite, slate): Luxurious and elegant, creating a statement piece. Heavy and expensive, requires professional installation.
Recycled materials: Consider using reclaimed wood, cork, or bamboo for a sustainable option.

Modern Materials include:

Glass: Creates a sleek and modern look, and allows light to pass through. Can be fragile and show fingerprints easily.
Metal (steel, aluminum, iron): Industrial and minimalist aesthetic, strong and durable. It can be cold and stark in appearance.
Concrete: Unique and modern, perfect for industrial styles. Heavy and requires professional installation.

It’s important to pick a material and finish that complements your design style. Glossy finishes go well in modern settings, while matte textures work well in a traditional environment. Materials like wood lend warmth, and metal or glass can introduce a contemporary edge.

Mix materials like metal, wood, and stone for variety.

MATERIAL TIPS

Weight capacity: Choose a material that can safely support the weight of your desired objects.
Style: Match the material to your overall décor and personal preference.
Budget: Prices will vary depending on the material and finish.
Maintenance: Some materials require more regular cleaning or polishing than others.

Floating Shelf Weight Considerations

Each shelf has a maximum weight capacity, which is especially important if you plan to display heavy items. Be sure to check the weight limit before purchasing so you know your wall can support the shelf plus your decor. Higher-capacity shelves require secure mounting into wall studs.

Design Principles To Follow For Visual Interest

As you decorate a TV with floating shelves, include the design principles that enhance visual harmony. These are balance and symmetry, coordinating colors, and the intentional selection of your decorative objects.

Play With Balance and Symmetry

Aim for balance when arranging home decor, books, and items on floating shelves. This doesn’t necessarily mean that each side has to be symmetrical, but that the visual weight is distributed evenly. For example, placing a larger item on one end can be balanced by several smaller items on the opposite end.

DESIGN TERMS

Symmetrical Balance: Mirror similar objects on each side for a formal look.
Asymmetrical Balance: Place items of varying sizes and heights in a way that still feels balanced.

Building the Composition:

Balance is key: Avoid a cluttered look with too many objects or overwhelming the TV with bulky items.
Play with heights and textures: Mix tall plants with small vases, and combine smooth ceramics with woven baskets.
Symmetry vs. asymmetry: Symmetrical arrangements offer order, while asymmetry can be more dynamic and playful.
Negative space matters: Leave empty areas for visual breathing room. This will allow your decor to stand out and be highlighted.

Choose The Color Palette

The colors you choose will have an impact on the overall look. A cohesive color scheme that complements the room and the TV will create a visually pleasing space.

Choose colors that match or contrast with the wall color and other decor elements to make a statement. Stick to a limited color palette for a seamless flow.

Decorative Items and Placement

Your choice of decor is important for adding personality and depth. Mix different textures and shapes to create interest. For instance, a stack of hardcover books can be positioned with a small plant or a decorative sculpture to add character and visual interest.

Sticking to a consistent theme will make your shelf decor feel intentional and part of the overall design. Pull inspiration and ideas from Pinterest or Instagram to create the look and feel of your design.

Decide on a theme that compliments your design style.
Choose decor that fits within your theme for a cohesive look.

Floating Shelf Over TV

TV With Floating Shelves Decor Ideas

Books and Magazines – Add interest and can be stacked horizontally and vertically for height variation. Choose books with attractive spines or covers that complement your color scheme.
Plants and Greenery – Bring life and a touch of nature to the shelf. Small potted plants or stylish succulents in unique pots add interest and texture. Just make sure there’s enough space for the plant to grow and the required amount of light.
Art and Photos – Show your personality and unique style with art and photos. Lean small artwork against the wall and layer them for depth, or use picture frames with cherished photos to tell a story. Create a cohesive look with frames in the materials and colors that tie back to your theme.
Functional Items – Decorative boxes, sculptural vases, or even a clock will add a practical and aesthetically pleasing touch. Place them near one another for a balanced look. Remember less is often more when designing your floating shelf!

Installing Floating Shelf For TV

When mounting floating shelves under a TV, proper installation is a must! It’ll guarantee your shelves are ready to support your design and hold the weight of your treasured decor.

Follow the instructions that come with your floating shelves. If they are custom consider having them professionally installed.

Time is money and it’ll be worth the investment. It’ll also help you get to the fun part of decorating way faster.

If you decide to DIY the installation take your time and be patient.

Tips To Install Floating Shelves Safely

Locate the studs with a stud finder.
If studs can’t be found use heavy-duty anchors in the proper size to support the shelf’s weight and your decor.
The weight of your shelf determines the bracket and screws you need.

Heavier shelves need more support than lighter shelves.

Installing two shelves of the same size and style will create a symmetrical look. For a more modern contemporary look, asymmetrical shelves are great.

Cable Management Of Floating Shelf Under TV

When placing your shelves under the TV, cable management is important to get a clean look. Think about where the cords and wires will go when planning your shelf placement.

Attaching cord concealers to the bottom of shelves or along the wall will keep your cables out of sight. When designing the layout the shelves should be positioned to help hide and manage the cable wires. Some shelves come with built-in cable management which is a bonus!

How To Style A TV With Floating Shelves

Styling a TV with floating shelves will transform a plain wall into a personalized focal point. The goal is to create a look that complements the TV and makes it blend into the decor so it’s less of an eye soar.

Check out this idea that features a black panel accent wall with contrasting wood shelves. By painting the wall black the TV fades into the background allowing the shelves and decor on either side to be the star of the show.

Shelves Around TV Styling Tips

Layering Items – Placing larger items at the back and smaller, more detailed objects at the front for depth and interest. Overlap items slightly for a curated look. Use bookends for stability and visual interest.
Include Lighting – Soft lighting will enhance the ambiance and draw attention to the displayed items on your shelves. Add small LED lights underneath the shelves or use decorative lamps for a warm glow that’ll offset the TV’s glare.
Show Personality – Family photos, travel souvenirs, or handmade pottery will make your floating shelf design feel unique. They’ll tell your story and open the dialog for connection.
Seasonal Decor – Switch out your decor with the seasons to bring a fresh vibe into your room. For spring, add light pastels and floral arrangements. In the summer use beach décor or brightly colored ceramics. During fall include warm hues, like oranges and reds, with accents like mini pumpkins or an autumn leaf garland. For winter, you can add twinkling lights or pinecones.

Pro Tips

Here are some best practices to follow when designing your shelves around TV. They may be common sense but we always need a reminder of the simple things in life, No?!

Floating Shelf Around TV Best Practices

KEEP IT SIMPLE – Less is more so as you accessorize to take a step back and edit out what you don’t need. Purchase returnable decor you love so you can play with the items in real time.
BE CREATIVE – Play with different sizes, colors, and textures for visual interest.
MAKE IT PERSONAL – Choose unique pieces, books, and decor you LOVE for an original look. For a consistent color palette, wrap the books or flip them inside out to the white side for a neutral look.
HAVE FUN – Design is subjective and there’s more than one way to design your floating shelf around a TV. The beauty of the creative process is you can always change later.

Conclusion

When it comes to decorating floating shelves, creativity is a must. The design should express your personality, be functional, and look good!

Having a clear theme or color scheme will help you choose the right decor and accessories. You’ll create a balanced look by mixing different colors, textures, and heights.

Layering books, plants, and decorative objects will draw the eye in and make a statement. While candle holders or artwork will add a touch of elegance.

Less is often more so avoid cluttering your shelves with too much stuff. Be intentional and leave breathing room to highlight your favorite decor.

Update the look seasonally when you get bored or want a fresh look. A TV with floating shelves is a great way to express your personality and show off your changing style and interests.

This post is all about How To Decorate a TV with Floating Shelves.

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Last Updated on October 1, 2024 by Nicole DelaCruz

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