Decorating and Home Staging Tricks to Hide the Television

Is a large black box creating an eyesore in your home? While televisions are a common accessory to most homes, they are among the most bulky and hard to hide electronics, which can negatively affect the aesthetic of a room. No one wants the center of attention in a room to be the television instead of the beauty of the room and potential of the home. No matter what size the television is, there are clever, unique ways of making the television blend into the room, rather than standing out.

1. Cabinets. Cabinets are an excellent way to mask the presence of a television when needed, while also being a functional element to your space. Custom built-in cabinets create storage, function, and space for the television, accessories, and cords. Freestanding armoires are a less expensive option to hiding the television and ugly cables. The right armoire can add a unique design element to any room.
2. Cover. If an armoire is too bulky and built-ins are out of the question, then consider covering the television. There are many ways to do this, such as hanging a large painting over a wall-mounted television. If the television is mounted above a fireplace mantle, consider adding a sliding frame that allows paintings or photographs to slide across it. This allows the television to be hidden if needed, or be the centerpiece between the two pieces of art.
3. Backdrop. Another trick to making the television an accessory is actually making it something of a focal point. Paint a rectangle on the wall behind wall-mounted televisions in a bright, contrasting color. Another idea is using wallpaper to create a backdrop. The television then becomes a piece of the room.
4. Camouflage. A dark gray or black frame generally borders televisions. One way to ensure that a television blends into a room is by surrounding it in a dark color. Deep wood tones, such as mahogany may offer a nice balance for cabinets. If the space offers built-in cabinets, painting them black is a great way to disguise the television while offering a dark, rich tone to the room.
5. Make it Art. For spaces without cabinets or an armoire, choose a television stand that allows for artful decorating ideas. Tasteful vases, photos, or artwork on either side helps the television become part of the room. Also, hang smaller pieces of art around the television in order to create a mini gallery.
6. Virtual Staging. Another option for disguising an out of place television is to have the room virtually staged. In doing so, the room can be arranged digitally, allowing a television to be added to photos of an empty room in a way that will highlight the space complementary to furnishings and decorations.

Use any of these decorating ideas to maximize the aesthetic appeal of any room.