By Kelly Perkins
Where Do I Place/Hide The TV?
In the real world, most people watch TV—a lot of it. On average, Americans spend over three hours per day in front of the television. Unlike those perfectly staged homes awaiting an Architectural Digest photographer, most homes have televisions in multiple locations. Many find TVs to be rather unsightly, but these days, it’s quite easy to conceal them while keeping them easily accessible. Here are some examples of clever ways to hide a TV:
- Samsung ‘FRAME’ TV
One of the more affordable ‘invisible’ TVs is the Samsung ‘FRAME.’ This TV features a contemporary frame available in multiple colors. When not in use, it displays digital art to blend seamlessly with your decor, making it look like a framed piece of artwork. You can customize the displayed art from various collections or even upload your own photos. Interspersed with a gallery wall, many may not even notice its existence, providing an elegant solution for integrating technology into your living space without compromising on style.
- Pop-up TVs
Many modern cabinets come with hydraulic lifts that allow a concealed TV to raise and lower at the touch of a button. These cabinets can be placed at the foot of a bed, behind a sofa, or even within a built-in shelving unit. When the TV is not in use, it is completely hidden, preserving the room’s aesthetics. This solution is ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or any space where you want to maintain a clean look without the TV being a focal point.
- Sliding Wall
Sliding walls or pieces of artwork that move to reveal a TV behind them offer a seamless way to integrate a television into your home decor. These can be custom-designed to match your interior style, whether it’s a piece of modern art, a wooden panel, or a decorative partition. This method not only hides the TV but also adds an element of surprise and sophistication to the room. When the TV is not in use, simply slide the panel back into place, and the room returns to its elegant state.
- Retractable Ceiling Mounts
Retractable ceiling mounts allow the TV to be hidden in the ceiling, pivoting down only when in use. This is perfect for maintaining clean lines and uncluttered ceilings. These systems can be motorized for ease of use, controlled by remote or integrated into your home automation system. Ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any room with a high ceiling, this option keeps your TV out of sight when not needed, freeing up wall space for art or other decor.
- Under-the-Bed Hydraulic Systems
Ingeniously concealing a TV underneath a bed, this system allows the TV to emerge from beneath the bed and rise up at the foot with just the touch of a button. This is particularly useful in bedrooms with limited wall space or in minimalist designs where clutter-free aesthetics are crucial. The hydraulic system ensures smooth and quiet operation, making it an impressive and practical solution for integrating a TV into a bedroom setting.
- Drop Down Projection Screens
TV projectors are now extremely powerful and easily visible even in bright daylight. Concealing a projector in a wall or ceiling and projecting onto a retractable screen or an open white wall provides a cinematic experience without the bulk of a traditional TV. This setup is ideal for multi-purpose rooms, home theaters, or living rooms where maintaining an open and spacious feel is important. The retractable screen can be hidden in a ceiling recess, a cabinet, or a wall unit, only revealing itself when it’s time for movie night or catching up on your favorite shows.
- Low-Lying Cabinets with Pop-Up Screens
More recently, low-lying cabinets have been designed to pop open, with a screen rising up out of the cabinet. In the front, a little drawer opens with a projector that projects the image upwards onto the screen. This innovative system maintains a view through large glass walls while accommodating a TV. Perfect for modern homes with floor-to-ceiling windows or open-concept designs, this solution ensures that the TV does not obstruct your beautiful views or detract from the room’s airy atmosphere.
- Behind a Mirror
Technology now allows you to hide a TV behind a mirror, whether in the bathroom or as a decorative mirror above a mantle. This offers a dual-purpose solution that is both functional and stylish. When the TV is off, it functions as a regular mirror, but when turned on, the TV display appears through the mirror. This is a popular choice for bathrooms, bedrooms, or living rooms where space is at a premium, and maintaining a sophisticated look is important. Mirrors with built-in TVs are available in various styles and sizes to match your decor.
These are just a few ways to hide a TV, but most interior designers agree that concealing a TV is an important consideration when decorating a home beautifully. The key is to find a solution that works for your space and aesthetic preferences, ensuring your home remains both functional and visually appealing.
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